THE
RESORT
A 5-star luxury beachfront resort in Bali where tradition meets luxury
Stretched on a magnificent white sand beach overlooking the Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Bali Resort is truly a paradise of its own in the heart of Bali. This luxury property embraces a 14-hectare tropical landscape where nature, elegance and Balinese tradition gracefully meet. With its prime location, excellent service, and ultra luxurious amenities, not to mention its 6 pools, 5 restaurants and Spa Uluwatu, it comes to no surprise that it bagged numerous international awards in the travel and hospitality industry. And we couldn’t agree more after staying here on our grand Bali getaway.
Upon arrival at the resort, we immediately got a taste of the Balinese culture – we were greeted with warm smiles and a gong as we were heading towards the front desk for check-in. And while waiting for our turn, we were amazed at how different it was from all the other hotels that we have stayed at in our travels. Check-in happens in an open office where guests could sit down instead of having to stand like in other regular check-in desks. While seated comfortably in posh chairs, we were given wet towels, tasty hibiscus welcome drinks, a souvenir fan, and a bookmark. From that moment, we knew we were in for something great while in Bali.
Newly Renovated
Singaraja Room
Redesigned in 2016, the Singaraja Room has been enhanced to further showcase the richness of the Balinese art and cultural heritage. Even when we were too lazy and just wanted to stay inside the room, it seemed like we were already immersed in the whole Balinese culture. This room would be real deal sealers for techy or business travellers like us who find universal power points and USB charging ports necessary features in a room. Eco-champion patrons would definitely love this room as it has occupancy sensors that automatically turn off lights and air-conditioning units when no one is in. We liked how this room has its own lounge with a dedicated reception, an area to enjoy board games or chill with a stack of reading materials.
Classic
Duplex Suite
The Classic Duplex Suite is spacious and split into a duplex, composed of two levels. The lower level is where the living and dining areas are, where a guest powder room and a sofa bed are adjacent. A stylish yet sturdy curvy staircase leads to the mezzanine level where guests will find themselves in a chic attic style second floor that showcases an open-plan master bedroom. Its marble bathroom reveals a posh bathtub with a separate walk-in shower that connects to a dressing room and walk-in closet. Stepping into the Classic Duplex Suite feels like entering a museum as hand-selected Balinese artwork, intricate hand-woven textiles and artefacts such as a carved statue of Ganesha, the Hindu elephant God decorate the space.
Newly Renovated
Duplex Suite
This elegantly designed and newly refurbished suite is identical to the Classic Duplex Suite except that it has a blue-themed interior and a second bathroom with an overhead shower. The shower room is also decorated with narrow, vertical, glass tiles in muted shades of blue, creating a waterfall effect. This suite could serve as a posh private residence fit for a small travelling family. Added to its room features is the message interface that guests can use for room dining and concierge services. What struck us most here are the amazing hand-painted wall murals showcasing an abstract flower motif derived from an ornamentation discovered on a Balinese temple wall relief carving.
Club InterContinental
Room
The Club InterContinental Room kicks your Balinese stay up a notch! On top of the spacious bedrooms, ensuite spa-styled marble bathroom, private balcony and all the luxurious room amenities, what we especially liked here is the array of Club InterContinental special privileges including exclusive access to the elegant 24-hour Club Lounge and Inspiration Space, 24-hour personalised Butler Service, use of the Club InterContinental Pool and a choice of four different breakfast venues, among others. Anyone would certainly be spoilt for choice here!
Club Duplex
Suite
The Club Duplex Suite is more or less similar to the Classic and the Newly Refurbished Duplex Suite except that guests have exclusive access to the perks offered for Club InterContinental and its spa-style ensuite marble bathroom is stocked with no less than the HARNN bath essentials. The lower level of this tropical residence has an integrated living and dining area equipped with relaxing fixtures and latest appliances for optimum comfort and entertainment. Like the other duplex suites, a wooden staircase leads you to the upper mezzanine level, revealing an open-plan master bedroom with an adjoining dressing room and walk-in closet. Our favourite part here is of course the private balcony with outdoor furniture perfect an afternoon quiet time.
Balinese Suite
This extremely spacious Balinese Suite is ideal for travellers who are looking for a perfect convergence of the rich Balinese culture with modern technological conveniences. This suite has a separate dining and living area spaces especially dedicated for entertainment and relaxation. One of its technological features are two 37” flat screen televisions and international satellite channels, among others. We especially liked the private sun terrace with soft day beds where we could bask in the sun and laze the day away. Oh, guests here are also entitled to Club InterContinental special privileges.
Uluwatu Suite
Named after one of Bali’s revered temple complexes, Pura Uluwatu, this suite truly emphasizes style, comfort and space. What we found most fascinating here is the private sun terrace located on the ground floor where the InterContinental Pool can be beautifully viewed. Business or leisure travellers would love this suite too as it boasts spacious integrated living and dining room with a neat work space and a residential bar. Guests here are also entitled to Club InterContinental special privileges.
Jimbaran Suite
Situated away from the main resort area, the Jimbaran Suite would be a great choice for travellers who are looking for a tropical stay with modern conveniences. It has an integrated living and dining area with a spacious work space and a butler’s kitchenette equipped with the latest appliances. We loved the spa-styled marble ensuite bathroom with all the luxurious amenities as well as the private sun terrace which offers stunning views of the beautiful Jimbaran Bay and its enthralling sunsets. Guests here enjoy Club InterContinental special privileges, too!
Bukit Suite
The highest-suite grade category of InterContinental and named after the southernmost point of the island, Bukit Suite is truly the epitome of personal indulgence. Its interior is adorned with carefully selected Indonesian art pieces and antiques. Within its huge living and dining area, there’s a big teak wood dining table, a butler’s kitchenette, and a work space. Its Jacuzzi bathtub has an overhead plasma screen television for that ultimate bath time relaxation. Elegant, spacious suite, well-functioning modern amenities and exclusive Club InterContinental benefits – what more can we ask for?
Imperial Villa
True to its name, the two-storey Imperial Villa will make every guest feel like this is their own majestic palace. In fact, it is regularly patronized by royalty and Heads of State. Extravagance and sophistication are written all over this place – it has a private elevator, direct driveway access, living and dining area with work space, and butler’s kitchen. And don’t get us started on its luxurious spa-styled ensuite marble bathroom complete with walk-in shower and Jacuzzi bathtub with plasma screen television and all-natural bathroom amenities by HARNN. But what made us truly in love with this villa is its extensive private terrace, with outdoor furniture, freeform swimming pool and indulgent outdoor Jacuzzi, and direct access to Jimbaran Beach. With all these and more, who wouldn’t feel like a true royalty here?
Jivana Villa
The highest room category of all, the two-storey Jivana Villa is named after the Sanskrit word Jivana which means life or existence. It pays homage to Bali’s ancient Hindu heritage with hand-selected and customised art works, antiquities and artefacts. This villa certainly embodies the true meaning of tropical sophistication and modern Balinese hospitality with all the indulgent amenities and personalised services you can’t find anywhere else. Although similar to the Imperial Villa in some aspects, what makes it stand out which we truly admire are the elegant details and touches including the grand piano by the living area, a wine cellar and the elevated garden bale (traditional Balinese pavilion). This is truly a DREAM accommodation for us, if not for all!
Indulge in Delectable European, Asian, or Local Balinese Cuisines
InterContinental Bali Resort features a world-class collection of five specialty restaurants namely, Bella Cucina, Jimbaran Gardens, KO restaurant, Teppanyaki and Cocktail Lounge, and the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill.
For breakfast, our best pick is the Jimbaran Gardens, where you could enjoy an al fresco seaside dining experience. Choose to be seated in the main semi-open air section, open terrace on a timbered deck or in a traditional Bale Bengong (elevated thatched pavilions) for more privacy. The menu includes a wide selection of Balinese cuisines, international buffets, delectable pastries, fresh fruits and desserts. Here, even the pickiest of gourmands can have more than enough of their fill before setting out to start with the varied adventures.
For lunch, enjoy a memorable lunch-by-the-beach at the Sunset Beach Bar & Grill. Have your culinary feast while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea right in front of you. Take your pick from its appetising menu including freshly-made salads, sandwiches, contemporary seafood bites, and Mediterranean favourites. Oh, don’t miss out on the Gelato Counter to keep cool after getting soaked in the sun all morning.
And for dinner, we recommend the Bella Cucina. This lavish restaurant has an array of wines and champagnes that diners will certainly want to pair their tasty Italian steaks and pasta with. When we dined here, the staff were so kind to grant us our request to be seated at a table by the al fresco dining section where we got to enjoy the beautiful twinkling stars in the night sky as well as the lanterns that give the whole place a dainty glow in the dark.
Expose your kids to the Balinese local art and culture through Planet Trekkers
If you are travelling with children, Planet Trekkers is definitely one of the resort amenities that you must not miss during your stay. It has a dedicated, professional staff who will teach your kids in speaking Bahasa and doing the Balinese dance. They can also have fun with T-shirt or egg painting, and learn how to create Balinese art and crafts. In the afternoon, experience packing a bucket of bread to feed the ducks at the pond of the resort’s Alun-Alun Garden, or visit the cow farm that is located just within the hotel premises. Yes, it is that big and wide!
And you can leave the kids with peace of mind if you want to enjoy swimming in one of the hotel’s lovely selection of pools. Planet Trekkers has professional on-call nannies available by the hourly rate.
Get pampered at the resort’s Spa and Beauty Salon
If you want to have a total relaxation service, go to Spa Uluwatu. This is the resort’s facility especially dedicated to the overall wellness of its guests. It is comprised of state-of-the-art treatment technologies designed to cater to the health and beauty needs of the world-class hotel’s international travellers.
As the spa is surrounded by the calming, serene, and therapeutic ambience of the sea, its interior design resembles the ocean, too. To complement the “health by water” oceanic theme, its menu and treatments make use of sea salt, seaweed, marine algae, alongside indigenous herbs, spices, and flower extracts. Among the numerous services are facial treatments, body massage, and reflexology. Also, you can go to the resort’s beauty salon to take care of your facial and hair care needs. Its services include hair styling, cutting and braiding. Of course, we didn’t miss out on all these spa and salon services, and this is by far the most soothing and memorable spa experience we ever had.
#1
Environment-friendly advocacies
Along with its hefty recreational activities within and around the resort premises are environment-friendly events such as tree replanting, coastal cleanup, and scheduled turtle release in the Jimbaran public beach. They also do active environmental awareness campaigns in each of the guest rooms as well as water and energy efficiency practices in the resort.
#2
Panti Salam orphanage program
InterContinental Bali Resort has partnered with Panti Salam Children’s Home Foundation to help underprivileged children in Bali get proper education, shelter and basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries and nutritious food. Salam is one of the Bali’s orphanages that InterContinental Bali has been continuously supporting over the last few years. Isn’t it heart-warming to know that the price you pay for luxury in this 5-star resort goes back to humanity?
#3
Working with Rip Curl, a private surfing entity
This partnership seeks not only to offer water sports to its valued patrons but also to help guests learn while doing the fun activity. They have professional educators who offer surfing lessons from beginner to experienced levels at a rate. And upon request, the instructors can organise local fishing boats to bring experienced surfers to the outer reefs in the bay to catch bigger surf breaks and swells.
NECESSARY
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Bali is a famous holiday destination in the Indonesian group of Islands and many travellers frequent here to experience its charming culture and stunning natural landscapes. There are many ways to reach Bali:
Via Air
Flights from major international cities regularly fly in and out of the Denpasar Airport. Plus, it is well connected to most parts of Indonesia where convenient regular domestic flights connect to the big cities within the country. From the airport, travellers can easily charter a taxi to bring them to their desired destinations. It must be noted, however, that public bus transportations are not always available at the airport. If you have a prior hotel booking, then the hotel shuttle is your best option for convenience.
Via Bus
If you are on land transportation, you can take a bus from Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia) to reach Bali. But this will take you about 23 hours of travel.
Via Ship
Since Bali is popular to most cruise liners in the Southeast Asia, it would not be hard to reach it by ship. Just take a flight to Singapore, Java or Sumatra, and take a ship to reach Bali.
When you finally reach the Bali soil, it is best to experience its rich culture on foot. So you might want to walk around and talk to the locals for you to get a firsthand taste of the locals’ way of life.
Flights from major international cities regularly fly in and out of the Denpasar Airport. Plus, it is well connected to most parts of Indonesia where convenient regular domestic flights connect to the big cities within the country. From the airport, travellers can easily charter a taxi to bring them to their desired destinations. It must be noted, however, that public bus transportations are not always available at the airport. If you have a prior hotel booking, then the hotel shuttle is your best option for convenience.
If you want to go out of the hotel premises to get firsthand, genuine feels of the Balinese local life, head over to the famous Uluwatu Temple on Bukit Badung, South Bali. Just a 30-minute drive from InterContinental Bali, the temple is dedicated to the spirits of the sea and renowned for its spectacular sunsets. While you’re at it, wait until 6pm to witness the Kecak Fire Dance, a revered ancient Balinese performance originating from the Sanghyang dance choirs, who chant a distinctive kechak-kechak accompaniment.
We also highly suggest that you drop by the internationally renowned Jenggala Ceramic, a ceramic factory that is just a short five-minute drive from the resort. It has a wide selection of ceramics, glasses, and tabletop accessories, and you can try to paint or make your own pot, too!