Some destinations leave you mesmerised by their beauty; others leave you transformed by their spirit. My recent stay at AYANA Bali managed to do both. Spread across an expansive cliffside overlooking the Indian Ocean, this iconic resort is an extraordinary blend of refined luxury, thoughtfully curated experiences, and deep‑rooted cultural consciousness that sets it in a league of its own.
More than a retreat
From the moment you arrive at AYANA Bali, you feel a sense of calm. The architecture uses natural materials, open spaces, and wide ocean views to create a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere. Spread across 90 hectares, AYANA Bali is home to four award‑winning hotels: Ayana Resort, AYANA Segara, AYANA Villas, and Rimba by AYANA Bali.
Despite its size, the resort never feels overwhelming. Its thoughtfully designed spaces feel both grand and welcoming.
Location
Perched on the cliff of Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Bali commands one of the most beautiful coastal positions. Overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, the resort spreads across expansive tropical gardens, offering a rare sense of privacy and scale. Though AYANA is just a 20‑minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it feels a world away from Bali’s busier enclaves of Seminyak and Kuta.
Amenities
Guests have access to 14 public swimming pools, several world‑class spas, a private museum, and more than 30 restaurants and bars, along with a chic boutique shopping area. For recreation, the resort offers tennis courts and an 18‑hole putting course. Wellness is equally prioritised, with outdoor sunrise yoga sessions and a state‑of‑the‑art fitness centre staffed by personal trainers. There is also a Rimba Kids Club for younger guests, offering fun rides and activities to keep them entertained.
Accomodation
AYANA’s accommodation portfolio is as diverse as it is luxurious, featuring elegant rooms and suites, private villas with infinity pools, and multiple resort experiences within one destination.
The rooms feature marble floors, artisan‑crafted wood accents, and spa‑inspired bathrooms, with serene views of tropical gardens or the Indian Ocean.
The design incorporates contemporary Balinese aesthetics and eco‑conscious features, such as locally sourced materials and repurposed wood in the interiors, ensuring the property stays connected to its cultural roots while offering guests a modern and comfortable environment.
For those seeking even more luxury and comfort, the ocean and resort view suites range from 104 to 162 square meters, each offering expansive living areas, canopy beds, and private balconies or terraces.
A world of culinary journeys
With more than 30 restaurants and bars at AYANA Bali, it is nearly impossible to experience them all. From refined Indonesian cuisine and freshly caught seafood to Mediterranean and international fine dining, the sheer variety makes choosing a challenge for any guest.
During our three‑day stay at AYANA Bali, several dining experiences stood out. Kisik, the resort’s oceanfront seafood restaurant, was a clear favourite, offering a Balinese-style seafood barbecue with freshly grilled catch set against sweeping ocean views. Scusa at AYANA Segara was another favourite, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine in a sea‑inspired setting.
The iconic Rock Bar, dramatically perched on the cliffs above the ocean, remains a defining highlight of the AYANA experience. A stay feels incomplete if you haven’t watched the sunset from this architectural marvel. Guests can enjoy sunset cocktails and music with stunning ocean views as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a beautiful backdrop.
Spa
When at AYANA, a spa experience is a must. AYANA Spa draws inspiration from ancient Balinese healing traditions. Signature treatments incorporate indigenous ingredients and rituals designed to restore both body and spirit.
Spanning 2.2 hectares, the spa offers three rejuvenation spaces, including a thalassotherapy pool with Indian Ocean minerals. Each treatment is expertly customised by the wellness team.
With 40 treatments to choose from, I followed the therapist’s advice and opted for a two‑hour traditional Balinese massage. The experience was so relaxing that I soon dozed off and woke up feeling completely rejuvenated.
Saka Museum: A cultural heartbeat
Amid the luxury of AYANA Bali, the Saka Museum reveals the resort’s deeper soul. A contemporary cultural hub dedicated to preserving Bali’s heritage and its connection to the Sanatan civilization.
This is not your typical resort museum. It is a living cultural space where thoughtfully curated artefacts, traditional art, and stories of rituals come together to show the island’s history. The museum doesn’t just provide information — it creates an experience that connects the past with the present.
What the Saka Museum has done for preserving culture is truly remarkable. It shows a deep respect for Bali’s history, culture, and traditions that still influence life on the island today.
AYANA Bali is a sanctuary in every sense — thoughtfully designed for couples, families, and children alike. Balancing natural beauty, culture, and luxury, it offers more than just a stay; it creates moments of connection, calm, and lasting memories that linger long after departure.
Prices start from Rs 32,000 a night for two people for an Ocean View Room at AYANA Resort Bali, excluding taxes.
