Sustainable luxury and wellness travel have been two of the biggest travel trends of 2024. At Raffles Bali, the two are effortlessly combined – as we discovered when we checked in for some authentic rest and relaxation.
Not so long ago, Bali was synonymous with two types of distinct – and contrasting – types of travellers. Spiritual seekers sought solace in the steep foothills of Ubud, as partygoers pounded the streets of Seminyak.
While neither offering has waned in popularity (and over-tourism remains an issue in those areas), over the last decade, the Indonesian isle has cemented a new dimension to its reputation: it’s also become a leading destination for high-end wellness, thoughtful travel and world-class food.
This evolution is epitomised by the recently-opened, award-winning Raffles Bali. With a focus on preserving local culture, cuisine and the natural beauty of its home in Jimbaran Bay, it exudes respectful luxury while enveloping guests in traditional Balinese wellness at every opportunity.
THE LOWDOWN
Tucked into a private pocket of Jimbaran Bay, Raffles Bali is less than a one-hour drive (traffic pending) from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort provides a private limo transfer to and from the airport, but my partner and I make our own way from Ubud, and, after battling the busy roads for two hours, the seclusion of the 23 hectare-sanctuary is a welcome change. As soon as we enter the gates, I exhale. The tone is set for what’s to follow.
THE ROOMS
On arrival at Raffles, we’re greeted by our private Wellbeing Butler (each of the 32 private villas has one) who takes us in a buggy to our Ocean Pool Villa. The resort has a selection of villas to accommodate groups of all sizes, and the one we were given had more than enough room for two. The private infinity pool – flanked by sun beds and a generous gazebo – spills onto a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, and the expansive room has a private bar, walk-in wardrobe and an above-ground bath.
Put simply: the rooms are enough to make you not want to leave the villa, at all. And we probably wouldn’t have, if it weren’t for the temptation outside our door. Raffles has two spas, three restaurants, three private dining destinations – including a secret cave, farm terrace and candle-lit gazebo – as well as its own botanical garden.
THE DINING
The food alone is worth visiting for – and if you aren’t staying in the hotel, the restaurants are open to the public for lunch and dinner.
Locally sourced ingredients are at the heart of all three of the restaurants at Raffles Bali. For lunch, head to Loloan Beach Bar & Grill for beautiful dishes including ceviche and freshly caught lobster from Jimbaran Bay while you enjoy unrivalled views across the ocean. Later, soak up golden hour from The Writers Bar, while indulging in sundowners, such as gin-based Bali Slings.
Dinner is an immersive experience at award-winning Rumari. The restaurant’s name translates to ‘house of the moon and sun’ and it overlooks both the Indian Ocean and the lush Indonesian hillside under an uninterrupted sky. After a welcome cocktail and a few starters here, the restaurant’s ‘five-step journey’ begins. And what a journey it is.
Dishes are rooted in two key Balinese beliefs: Palemahan – the human-to-nature connection, and Pawongan – the human-to-human connection. There’s also a strict 80/20 policy when it comes to sourcing ingredients: 80 per cent of ingredients at Rumari are either grown in Raffles’ botanical garden or purchased from local farmers. Our menus were even presented on the back of a map of the local region, outlining where each ingredient had come from.
Head chef and director of culinary, Gaetan Biesuz, presents every dish to every table personally, as he explains the concept and local significance of the ingredients. We were treated to smoked ahi tuna; crayfish with site-grown heirloom tomato and chilli; catch of the day with pumpkin and turmeric; and lamb with cassava; followed by dark chocolate with cashew and spices for dessert.
THE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
The experiential wellness offering at Raffles Bali stands out. Where many luxury stays have wellness as one component of their offering, Raffles has wellness and spirituality embedded into every part of the stay – from the dedicated Wellness Butler, to the mindfully made, locally grown food; the traditional Indonesian rituals held onsite; and their extensive suite of wellness activities.
On our first day, after we settle into our villa, we’re collected by our butler who helps us dress in traditional attire for a Balinese Soul Blessing Ceremony. Delivered by a Balinese healer, the hour-long ritual involves guided meditation, sound healing, plus chanting and cleansing to open each chakra (energy centre of the body). It’s an idyllic antidote to the chaos of Bali’s more densely populated areas, and a beautiful way to connect and ground ourselves in the experience of our stay.
The next morning after breakfast, we’re taken through a private singing bowl meditation and light yoga session in the uniquely atmospheric Secret Cave. The intimate session is guided by a local practitioner and tailored to our experience and comfort levels, helping sustain the serious feeling of zen that was established by the Soul Blessing Ceremony the day before.
Guests can also enjoy a host of other experiences, including private beach meditations, sunset walks, personalised holistic wellness retreats, and tours with the onsite Botanical Guru to learn more about the sustainably grown produce on site.
Then there’s the Raffles Spa where we indulged in a couples massage as the sun set, taking full advantage of the semi-outdoor treatment suite. Each treatment starts with a traditional foot bath using your choice of oils, and continues as a bespoke journey to help you find your way to deep relaxation.
THE SUSTAINABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Despite its expansive offering, much of the Raffles property remains undeveloped – by design. Half of the land is still lush with wild, native-growing flora and fauna. Guests can take guided or self-guided walks to explore it during their stay, or just enjoy the view and serenity of it. We’re told Jimbaran Bay is one of the few places in Bali where you can enjoy views of both the ocean and the natural hillside – and Raffles intends to keep it that way.
The hotel has a strong focus on preserving local culture and providing ‘respectful luxury’. You can feel it in every aspect of the guest experience; from the traditional welcome performance on arrival to the very end, as an electric vehicle collects you for your departure transfer.
There are several sustainability initiatives in place too: no single-use plastic on site; a reduction of water consumption; the use of eco-friendly products in each villa; committed support of local farmers and artisans; and collaboration with local environmental groups for animal conservation and waste reduction.
THE FINAL WORD
Raffles Bali is a masterclass in blending sustainability with a luxury that honours the land it’s offered on. The resort’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, and to the preservation of traditional culture, creates a sense of connection to the region that’s sometimes rare for high-end stays. As Bali’s reputation for wellness, thoughtful travel and world-class food continues to grow, one thing is certain – Raffles sets the bar high. Balinese culture is steeped in a sacred connection with nature and during your stay at Raffles Bali you will feel totally immersed in it.
Lead image credit: Raffles Bali
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