RIMBA by AYANA Bali

RIMBA by AYANA Bali: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

RIMBA by AYANA Bali, nestled within the expansive AYANA Estate in Jimbaran Bay, stands as a highly regarded destination, offering a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and extensive amenities. Recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, it promises a "high quality stay". Guests consistently praise its impressive facilities, exceptional service, and diverse offerings, making it a popular choice for both families and couples seeking a memorable Balinese escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for RIMBA by AYANA Bali is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "amazing," "exceptional," and "one of the best [they've] seen globally". It's particularly lauded as a "fantastic choice for families" due to its spaciousness and entertainment options. While considered the "more affordable" option within the AYANA Estate, guests often find its pools and amenities to be on par with, or even superior to, the other resorts within the complex.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and variety of the AYANA Estate's offerings, to which RIMBA provides full access.

• Extensive Facilities: The resort boasts five distinctive pools at RIMBA alone, including family-friendly options like the Three Monkeys Pool with whimsical fountains and the Cabana Pool, alongside adults-only areas. Across the entire estate, guests can access 14 pools, lush gardens, and a dedicated Kids Club and jungle-themed playground.
• World-Class Amenities: Beyond the pools, highlights include access to the secluded private Kubu Beach via a complimentary shuttle, over 19 diverse dining options, and priority access to the iconic Rock Bar for breathtaking sunsets. A free resort tram makes navigating the vast 90-hectare estate effortless, connecting RIMBA to AYANA Resort and Spa, AYANA Villas, and AYANA Segara.
• Design & Ambiance: The resort capitalizes on its clifftop location, offering spectacular views, especially around sunset. Public spaces blend modern design with a touch of Balinese authenticity, surrounded by botanical wonders.

3. Room Quality

RIMBA's rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, with a focus on modern aesthetics.

• Spacious & Modern: Rooms are described as spacious, spotlessly clean, and featuring modern decor. Even the most affordable "Resort view room" is considered "very nice" and comfortable, though views may vary.
• Premium Options: Higher-tier rooms, such as the "Wana Pool Access room," are highlighted as particularly luxurious, featuring a king-size bed, a lounge couch, a work desk, a 47-inch TV, and a well-appointed bathroom with both a shower and a bath, plus a Japanese toilet. Direct pool access from some rooms is a significant draw.
• Earthy Palette: The clean geometry of the rooms is softened by an earthy palette of greens and umbers, ensuring the design complements the natural surroundings.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at RIMBA and the wider AYANA Estate is a major draw, offering an impressive array of culinary delights.

• Diverse Options: With over 19 dining options across the estate, guests can enjoy a "mind-boggling variety" of cuisines, including excellent Asian and Western choices. Restaurants like To'ge are praised for their food selection and phenomenal service. Damar Terrace offers set menus, quality food, and stunning views.
• Unique Experiences: The UNIQUE Rooftop Bar is a popular spot for Mexican cuisine, cocktails, and incredible views, often accompanied by live music. Floating breakfasts, with Western, Japanese, or Balinese options, are a highly recommended and beautifully presented experience.
• Exceptional Quality: The quality of food across the resort's restaurants is consistently described as "exceptional".

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at RIMBA by AYANA Bali receives near-universal acclaim, standing out as a key highlight for many guests.

• Warm & Attentive: Staff are frequently described as "amazing," "highly engaging, warm and friendly," and providing "phenomenal" levels of service.
• Personalized Touches: Guests report feeling like VIPs, with staff remembering names and offering thoughtful gestures, such as thank you cards from restaurant staff or complimentary items for children.

6. Location & Accessibility

RIMBA is strategically located within the prestigious AYANA Estate in Jimbaran Bay, often referred to as the "South Bali version of Beverly Hills".

• Integrated Resort: Being part of the expansive AYANA Estate provides guests with seamless access to a multitude of facilities across the different resorts (AYANA, RIMBA, AYANA Segara, The Villas).
• Easy Transportation: The complimentary shuttle tram service within the 90-hectare estate makes getting around incredibly easy, whether to different pools, restaurants, the spa, or down to Kubu Beach. Well-kept walking paths also offer a pleasant alternative.
• Cliffside Views: The resort's clifftop location offers picturesque views and is ideal for experiencing Bali's renowned sunsets.

7. Value & Pricing

RIMBA is generally perceived as offering strong value, especially considering its "high quality stay" Michelin Key Selected status and access to the extensive AYANA Estate facilities.

• Affordable Luxury: It's often positioned as the "more affordable" entry point into the AYANA experience, without compromising on quality or access to amenities.
• Expensive F&B: A recurring point of feedback is the high cost of food and beverages within the resort, particularly at venues like the Rock Bar, where prices for even basic items like bottled water or a can of Coke are noted as very expensive.
• Cashless Operation: Starting June 2025, the entire AYANA Bali will operate fully cashless, requiring payments via credit/debit cards or QR payments.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted areas for improvement:

• Renovation Noise: During certain periods (e.g., January), noise from renovations has been a concern for some guests.
• Crowded Breakfast & Trams: Breakfast at RIMBA can become "extremely busy" and "way too full" as guests from all parts of the estate are permitted to dine there. Similarly, the resort trams can be "overbooked several times" and lack sufficient space during peak times, and some guests feel they should run more frequently.
• Housekeeping Timing: Occasionally, housekeeping services were not performed until later in the afternoon (after 2:00 PM).
• Waterslide Maintenance: At one point, the children's waterslide at RIMBA was under maintenance, disappointing some younger guests.
• Pricing Transparency: Some guests have expressed a desire for more transparent pricing in restaurants, including local taxes and clearer indications of service fees.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. rollingalongwithkids.com
4. girleatworld.net
5. traveldrinkdine.com
6. michelin.com
7. stylishtravlr.com