Raffles Bali

Raffles Bali, a Michelin Key Two-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, serene privacy, and elegant design, solidifying its reputation as a premier luxury destination in Bali. While generally lauded, some minor points regarding villa upkeep and a nearby construction site have been noted.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Raffles Bali garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, frequently described as an "unrivaled sanctuary" and an "island idyll". Guests consistently rate it highly for staff, comfort, and cleanliness, often exceeding expectations. It is particularly recommended for those seeking quiet luxury, intimacy, and a slower pace, making it ideal for romantic getaways and special celebrations. The resort effectively blends colonial elegance with a Balinese villa ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore the personalized service, especially the dedicated Raffles Wellbeing Butlers who anticipate needs and arrange experiences. The resort's commitment to privacy is a major draw, with all 32 villas featuring private pools and expansive outdoor spaces. The elegant Balinese design, featuring high vaulted ceilings, dark wood floors, teak furniture, and batik fabrics, creates a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Wellness is also a highlight, with offerings like yoga, meditation, sound healing, and bespoke spa treatments available at the Raffles Spa and the unique open-air Sanctuary suite. Cultural immersion activities, such as jamu-making workshops and Balinese house tours, are also popular.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations consist of expansive private villas, each generously sized at around 470 sqm (approx. 5,059 sq ft) for a one-bedroom pool villa. These villas boast traditional Balinese interiors with modern luxury, featuring hardwood floors, rattan furniture, batik tapestries, and contemporary amenities. Each villa includes a private infinity plunge pool, a walk-through dressing area, a thoughtfully appointed work desk, and a spacious bathroom with both indoor and outdoor rain showers and a soaker tub. Many villas offer panoramic ocean views, and the beds are described as exceptionally comfortable. However, some guests have noted that while the villas are only a few years old (opened in late 2021), their style can feel "a little outdated" and some construction gaps might allow small wildlife, such as cockroaches, indoors.

4. Dining Experience

Raffles Bali offers diverse and highly-rated culinary experiences. Rumari, the signature restaurant located at the highest point of the resort, serves contemporary Indonesian and Southeast Asian cuisine, often showcasing local produce. Breakfast at Rumari is particularly praised, with an à la carte menu allowing guests to try a variety of dishes, including a notable lobster omelette. Loloan Beach Bar & Grill, situated by the beachfront infinity pool, offers a more casual setting with grilled seafood and international classics. The Writers Bar provides a glamorous setting for classic cocktails, including the arak-based Bali Sling. Unique "destination dining" experiences are also available, such as meals in The Secret Cave, a natural limestone cave, or the romantic Purnama Honeymoon Balé.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Raffles Bali is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, often described as "amazing," "exceptional," and "above and beyond". The dedicated Raffles Wellbeing Butlers are a core part of the experience, offering personalized assistance via WhatsApp for everything from buggy requests to dining reservations, and even arranging cultural activities or a drawn bath. Staff members are frequently commended for their warmth, professionalism, attentiveness, and ability to anticipate guest needs. This intuitive and unobtrusive service creates a feeling of effortless luxury.

6. Location & Accessibility

Raffles Bali is nestled on the Bukit Peninsula overlooking Jimbaran Bay, approximately 20-30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). While offering a sense of seclusion and privacy across its 57 acres of lush tropical landscape, it remains conveniently close to local attractions. Jimbaran Beach, known for its seafood restaurants, is minutes away, and cultural sites like Uluwatu Temple are within easy reach. The resort itself is set on a hillside, with villas cascading down to a secluded private beach area, providing breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Jimbaran Bay. Transportation within the large property is managed by buggies driven by the butlers. However, a significant criticism is a nearby construction site, which has impacted privacy and noise levels for some villas.

7. Value & Pricing

Raffles Bali is positioned as an ultra-luxury escape, and its pricing reflects this exclusivity. Rates for villas can start from approximately US$770 per night. Special packages, such as a two-night stay in a Hilltop Panoramic Pool Villa, have been offered for around USD 6,288++. While a significant investment, many guests consider the unparalleled villa experience, comprehensive amenities, and exceptional service to be worth the cost, especially for special occasions. The high level of privacy and personalized attention contributes to the perception of good value within the luxury segment.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequently cited concern is the presence of a construction site next door to the resort, which can lead to noise and impact the privacy of some villas. One guest noted that this construction was "just metres away from some of the villas," leading to a loss of privacy. Another recurring comment, though less severe, is that some villas can feel "a little outdated" in style despite the resort being relatively new. There have also been isolated reports of "gaps in the construction inviting small wildlife indoors," such as cockroaches, prompting room changes for some guests. While dining is generally praised, some reviews suggest that the overall food options might be somewhat limited for a resort of this caliber, although the quality is high.

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