Stay here: Raffles Bali review

Discover the epitome of luxury and tranquillity at Raffles Bali . Opened without fanfare in 2020, this resort was designed as a sanctuary of space, serenity and cultural reverence. Raffles Bali excels at crafting a seamless luxury experience from arrival to departure, with the brand’s signature attention to detail evident in every aspect of your stay. 

What’s the deal?

Where the jungle meets the sea, Raffles Bali is located next to the pristine shores of Jimbaran Beach on the Bukit Peninsula at Bali’s southern edge. This resort’s prime location is renowned for its stunning beaches and legendary seafood, while also being just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport – a rare convenience in Bali, where traffic congestion can easily turn short journeys into hours-long transfers.

Why stay?

The resort strikes an elegant balance between contemporary sophistication and traditional Balinese design. Its 32 private villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, are conceived as secluded sanctuaries that prioritise space, privacy and tranquillity. Guests enter through traditional angkul-angkul gateways, which open into thoughtfully designed interiors with warm wood and rattan accents, complemented by the contrasting textures of locally sourced Paras and Palimanan stone.

Reflecting Raffles’s longstanding commitment to the arts, the resort showcases a carefully curated collection of works by internationally acclaimed artists. Inspired by Bali's rich culture and natural beauty and architecture, these pieces enrich the sense of place throughout the property.

We stayed in an ocean one-bedroom pool villa, which includes an expansive private swimming pool, a cushioned gazebo and an open-air terrace, all positioned to capture sweeping views of the lush valley and Jimbaran’s picturesque coastline.

When it comes to dining, Raffles Bali offers several distinctive experiences. Perched on a hilltop, Rumari pairs panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay with chef Gaetan Biesuz’s menu inspired by the diverse flavours of Bali. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy relaxed beachfront dining, private in-villa meals, or celebrate special occasions in unique venues such as The Secret Cave or the Purnama Honeymoon Bale, occupying an outcrop with a dramatic ocean view.    

Renowned worldwide for its legendary butler service, Raffles places personalised care at the heart of every stay. While the role has evolved to meet the expectations of modern travellers, the hotel’s commitment to intuitive service and attention to detail remains unchanged. Your dedicated butler is on hand to curate a tailored itinerary of cultural discoveries, wellness experiences and leisure activities, ensuring a stay that feels both seamless and deeply personal.

Among the resort’s most rewarding experiences are its wellness and cultural programmes, which draw on ancient Balinese traditions to restore balance to the body, mind and spirit. Guests can choose from meditation, yoga, energy healing and spiritual purification rituals, all set against the resort’s serene natural backdrop.

For a deeper connection to Bali’s rich heritage, we participated in Melukat, a sacred water purification and soul-cleansing ceremony, before visiting a local Balinese home to learn the art of crafting canang sari, the daily offerings presented to the gods. These experiences offered valuable insight into the island’s spiritual traditions, leaving us feeling refreshed, grounded and reconnected. 

Relaxation comes naturally at the Spa at Raffles Bali , a tranquil sanctuary rooted in traditional Balinese and Southeast Asian healing practices. Designed to restore equilibrium and encourage deep relaxation, the spa blends time-honoured therapies with locally sourced botanicals. We experienced the Raffles Bali Signature Massage, a deeply soothing treatment that combines long, flowing Balinese massage movements and warm oils infused with clove, coriander and native herbs. By the end, any trace of tension had melted away, leaving us feeling lighter, calmer and completely immersed in the resort’s unhurried pace. 

What ties it all together isn’t the picture-postcard backdrop, it’s the architectural vision – perfectly planned in collaboration with James Hyatt Studio. The whole resort is thoughtfully shaped around the land’s natural contours, with approximately 60 per cent of the property dedicated to greenery, including an untouched river, valley and cliffside. A strong sense of Balinese identity is preserved throughout. Every material choice and spatial detail tells a story, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create a far more lasting impression than any marketing campaign. 

Cathay editors say…  

"For a perfect evening, catch the sunset at the writers’ bar with a Bali Sling, a local twist on the iconic Singapore Sling, and toast the literary icons who’ve long been part of the Raffles story – you may even be inspired to write your own novel. For dinner, take a seat at Rumari Counter , where chefs create a nightly surprise tasting menu featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients.”