Honeymoon Review: Raffles, Bali

Why go?

There is something deeply magical about the ‘Island of the Gods’. In Bali, the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana promotes harmonious relationships by balancing spirituality, nature, and community, and this resonates tangibly throughout Raffles Bali, a resort that nurtures wellbeing holistically through laid-back design, serene rituals, nourishing food and drink, and nonpareil wellness experiences.

Honeymoon style

Raffles Bali is all about filling up your cup again in the most exquisitely tropical setting. An emotional wellbeing-focussed spa programme promises to restore and rejuvenate frazzled newly-weds, all with that lofty level of luxury and right-on service that Raffles is known for.

Set the scene

Bali’s rich pageant passes you by on the 20-minute drive from Nguah Rai International Airport; trucks full of livestock, taxis, buses, and dozens of scooters and motorbikes jostle, the air is warm and there’s a sense that you’ve touched down in a far away land. Couples will soon break free of this alluring chaos, taking the hill road up to Raffles Bali. Perched 70 metres above sea level, the journey is an experience in itself, as the bustling streets give way to a serene enclave of tropical green and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The sense of space within the resort comes courtesy of Made Wijaya, the late (and celebrated) Bali-based architect and tropical landscape designer. Native rosewood trees mingle with subtle bougainvillea and scented jasmine, and the Wellbeing River, created from a once dormant river that ran through the land that the resort now stands on, flows throughout the property. This gentle flow of water, the coolness of the limestone, and a soft, salty breeze are, together, medicine for body and soul.

Food and drink

The rebalancing mission that underpins Raffles Bali is evident on the menus at Rumari, the resort’s signature restaurant where Executive Chef, Gaetan Biezus creates authentic bold flavours, using an 80/20 philosophy; 80% of produce is sourced from the archipelago, while 20% is imported out of necessity. A highlight is the Five Step Journey menu, which takes the tastebuds on a jaunt around Indonesia. A map guides guests through a menu featuring ingredients like bamboo lobster, beef rendang, heritage pig, and clove honey, whilst highlighting Rumari’s goal to use local, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

Lunch is served at Loloan, an al fresco restaurant overlooking the ocean. Enjoy the freshest salads, grilled fish, and wellbeing elixir juices, and afterwards watch the waves from Loloan’s infinity pool.

Private dining at the Farm Terrace offers an open air swishy dining experience, presenting sumptuous dishes created from freshly picked ingredients under a candlelit passion-flowered pergola. In between courses, guests can trace the constellations across an unpolluted night sky with the help of the terrace telescope.

A Bali Sling at the Writer’s Bar is a must – a nod to the classic Singapore Sling, created at the original Raffles in 1915. The Bali Sling makes good use of Balinese arak, a fermented spirit that gives the drink a kick, as well as jackfruit and butterfly pea flower.

Rooms

Less is more at Raffles Bali; just 32 private villas sit within over 56 acres of land, each one luxuriously pared down, with lush gardens and private pools. Each guest is assigned a butler for their stay, with whom they can communicate anything they need – from a buggy to reception, to avoid the midday sun, to an extra phone charger to ensure enough battery to snap the mega Balinese sunsets – and all via Whatsapp for ease. Inside each rustic rattan furniture and hardwood floors complement the natural surroundings, while a reference to the Indonesian craft of batik can be seen in the artisanal tapestries on the walls. In all suites, comfort, quality and attention to detail reign supreme; at turndown, Balinese sweet treats and herbal tea are delivered to the room, for a bedtime ritual that includes dimmed lighting, a warm bath with essential oils and bedtime stories incorporating island myths and legends. The bathroom features an outdoor shower and thought-through goodies, including eye contour cream and SPF. The mini-bar is well stocked for mixing DIY sundowners, whilst outside, it’s all about lounging around the private pool on umbrella-shaded recliners or the cushioned gazebo.

The story

Raffles Bali has been many years in the making, with the owners buying the land nearly 40 years ago, and the property finally opening at the end of 2021. The Raffles reputation for top-drawer experiences and immaculate service spills effortlessly into this property, with the group’s heritage woven into the contemporary cuisine, accommodation and facilities, and cleverly working in step with the spiritual and community elements that Bali is well known for.

Spa

It’s not simply about checking into the spa of a hot stone massage here. At Raffles Spa, treatments are meticulously designed for emotional wellbeing, drawing inspiration from traditional Balinese healing practices to touch the senses in a truly spiritual experience. Morning meditation in The Secret Cave – a natural cave nestled in the limestone hillside, discovered during the resort’s construction – is a heavenly way to slowly wake up, or yogis will enjoy a private sunrise practice on the lawns overlooking the shoreline. For couples, a Signature Massage in the spa is a must; promising deep relaxation, improved circulation and helping to relieve aches and decompress nerves. These take place at The Sanctuary, a remote hillside treatment suite that feels lost in the jungle, with all its birdsong a soothing soundtrack.

We also recommend the Tibetan Singing Bowl Therapy – a holistic treatment, beginning with the balancing of the seven chakras, or energy centres, that run down the meridian line of the body. To really lean into the Bali spirit, a numerology reading provides further fascinating insight, followed by the sounds of the Tibetan Singing Bowls, with the sound vibration creating the perfect state for deep relaxation.

Family friendly

Raffles Bali offers an array of fun and educational children’s activities, from arts and crafts, to bracelet making, and a customisable kid’s programme to suit families’ needs. Those honeymooning with sprogs in tow can also try exploring little ones’ culinary creativity in a chef-led pizza making class at Loloan.

Eco-friendly

Raffles Bali is all about offering guests an experience that is simultaneously luxurious, authentic and responsible. The importance of celebrating and preserving Balinese cultural and natural heritage is palpable, and the resort embraces many diverse initiatives when it comes to ensuring its eco-friendly credentials. From growing their own produce and using local artisanal ceramics, to innovative carbon reduction methods and experiences that connect guests with the local community, Raffles Bali are on a constant quest to reduce their footprint and work in harmony with the beautiful surroundings.

Location

Jimbaran Bay is on the western side of South Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, known for its limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and world-class surf. The resort sits on a hillside at the southern end of the bay looking across the sheltered boat-flecked waters to Mount Agung rising behind. It’s a 25-minute drive to the big name tourist spots of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, and 75 minutes to Ubud.