A tranquil Balinese retreat with nature at its core

There is no shortage of luxurious resorts peppering the island of Bali, but AYANA Segara Bali offers a place to not only rest, but to also admire beauty – both natural and manmade

Nestled in the serene cliffside landscapes of Jimbaran in Bali, AYANA Segara Bali is the latest luxurious addition to the expansive, 90-hectare grounds that make up AYANA Estate. Following in the footsteps of AYANA Villas Bali, AYANA Resort Bali and RIMBA by AYANA Bali, the resort, which opened in November 2022, offers a more laidback style of luxury than its counterparts – something the brand calls ‘California cool’, while still showcasing the traditional Balinese heritage the AYANA brand has become known for. ‘Ayana’ means ‘place of refuge’ in Sanskrit, and this is exactly what my partner and I hope to experience during the next few days.

With its position above a tree line on a beautiful cliffside and lush tropical gardens surrounding us wherever we are in the resort, we get the instant feeling AYANA Segara will be a place where we can comfortably unwind. The entrance and the warm reception from staff dressed in traditional Balinese attire set a welcoming tone, and I am immediately struck by the resort’s architecture.

Design

The grand foyer welcomes guests with plenty of traditional Balinese motifs. There are intricate wood carvings all around, and the ceiling is adorned with a striking kamasan painting – a traditional painting from the village of Klungkung in Bali, which is also on display at AYANA Resort Bali, creating a connection to its sister resorts at AYANA Estate. At the same time, there is an overarching simplicity and modernity to the lobby’s design.

Designed by award-winning design practice WATG – who also designed AYANA Bali and AYANA Komodo, AYANA Segara Bali’s indoor-outdoor concept reflects the brand’s guiding principle of balance from the Balinese philosophy, Tri Hita Karana. The resort’s buildings complement and are in harmony with the environment, rather than imposing themselves on it, and as a guest I feel a sense of flow as I move through the grounds and internal spaces.

Rooms & Suites

The residence, where we are staying, boasts the same level of attention to detail you can see carried throughout the resort. 205 rooms and suites are on offer at AYANA Segara Bali, each ranging size from 58 to 93 square metres. We are staying in an Ocean View Room, which, as the name suggests, boasts views of the Indian Ocean, as well as lush garden vistas, best enjoyed from the cushion-topped bale on the balcony. The materials and furnishings are undeniably luxurious, with marble floors contrasted with traditional Balinese furniture in glossy dark woods, replete with intricate hand-carvings that add a palpable warmth to the space. The bathroom features a deep, oversized oval bathtubs and marble rain showers, and there is a hanging wooden sign inviting guests to consider the environment and opt for the replacement of towels and linens only when necessary.

Other room categories at AYANA Segara offer a similar indoor-outdoor flow, with floor-to-ceiling framed windows and private balconies or terraces. It seems there is no such thing as a standard room at AYANA Segara Bali, thanks to Yasuhiro Koichi, the founder of SPIN Design Studio and designer of the famed Rock Bar, who led the interior design process of the resort’s rooms and restaurants.

Dining

Being a guest of AYANA Segara Bali means you have the benefit of choosing from the no less than 21 dining options available throughout AYANA Estate – Rock Bar included. If you prefer to stay within AYANA Segara Bali itself, three restaurants are available: the striking Luna Rooftop Bar, whose panoramic ocean views are hard to beat, all-day dining at Karang, and Mediterranean tastes at Scusa. Luna becomes our go-to of an evening during our stay, and we indulge in signature cocktails and a modern menu of both local and international bites. As for breakfast, it’s complimentary for guests and is available at Karang. The menu caters to diverse palates, featuring an array of options from flaky pastries paired with rich Balinese coffee to savoury favorites like Nasi Goreng and noodle soup.

Spa

We opt for two hours of pampering during out stay, booking into the AYANA Spa. The spa spans 22,000 square and has an impressive 53 treatment rooms, with treatments inspired by traditional Balinese wellness practices. The design nods to Bali’s natural beauty with lush greenery and soothing water features. We partake in the Seven Chakra Dhara experience, a ceremony that draws upon the traditions of Ayurveda, weaving together Abhyanga massage, aromatherapy, gemstones and chakra sound healing to deeply nourish and soothe mind, body, and spirit. It’s an interesting experience, if not my favourite spa session to date.

We spend many hours doing what people love to do most at Balinese resorts ­– relaxing by the pool. AYANA Segara Bali is home to the largest indoor-outdoor pool in Bali, but if you’re keen to pool-hop, there are 13 other pools to choose from throughout AYANA Estate, which you can access via a quick tram ride.

On design, facilities and opportunities to relax and unwind, AYANA Segara Bali delivers. For those wanting plenty of variety in both dining and amenities during their time in Bali, this laid-back resort is an obvious choice. From its serene views to its meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of the residence reflects a commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled and comfortable experience.

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