AYANA Segara Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Canggu, Bali | April 2024
There is something inordinately palatial and regal about the AYANA Bali in that it occupies its own kingdom filled with four distinct hotels, 30 restaurants and bars, and 14 pools and beaches. It sits on 90 hectares of prime Jimbaran space and my mission was to stay at one of those four properties and experience everything I could, in two short days.
Basically, a total impossibility!
The hotel I chose was the AYANA Segara.
The name AYANA embodies the ancient wisdom of Bali and the Balinese Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. I don’t profess to have any inciteful wisdom that would compel people to read what I write, but the concept of Tri Hita Karana is truly beautiful, even to my cloth ears and aging eyes. It is powerful, focusing on the harmony between three key elements: Parhyangan (spiritual realm), Palemahan (environment), and Pangayoman (society and humanity). It's a philosophy that seeks balance and sustainability in life. Much like I do. Between work and pleasure. Red wine and white wine.
You barely have time to clear the front security gates of the AYANA before you realise you are in a very special realm that connects you to nature, culture and well-being. Sure, I was in Bali, but the sense of harmony was pervasive and soothing. It was sacrosanct. Too important to be interfered with.
The main arterial roads that lead up to the AYANA resort are misleading in that you meander and weave past the normal destitute buildings, intermixed with villas on the rise and unkempt blocks of land stuffed with rubbish and overgrown plants. It all feels very “Third World” and emerging. Yet the dichotomy of Bali tourism is ever present.
Around every corner and through any gate, paradise lurks.
Such was the case with my trip, when my trusty driver Putu turned off the rugged road and through the white marbled entrance to the AYANA Segara.
I suddenly felt a waft of self-importance come over me, as the roads snagged, wiggled and widened before ultimately culminating at the foot of the AYANA Segara. In the vastness of this immense resort, I was about to assume a whole new mantle of exclusivity.
When you are perched atop a high clifftop, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean below, you know you are in for a treat. Such as was the case with my One Bedroom Ocean View Room 6447 offering an ample 62 square metres of living space.
As soon as you enter the room, you are greeted with panels of rattan weaves and carved wooden swirls, that ooze Balinese artistry with their neutral, nutty, honey-brown colours. Yet in the same breath, you are gripped by a sense of contemporary luxury as you venture deeper into the space, where white walls and polished marble floors prevail in all sorts of textures and natural patterns.
A king-size bed with white chequered linen dominates the middle of the bedroom (in my case adorned with towel swan sculptures in the shape of a heart). On the other side is a smaller lounge seating area and a balcony beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors flood the room with light.
Interiors That Reflect Bali's Spirit
Every detail within the room is a testament to Bali's rich cultural heritage. Handcrafted by local artisans, the furnishings seamlessly merge rustic wooden elements with sleek modern lines, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting accentuates the natural textures, highlighting the room's Balinese charm within a modern design framework.
Outdoor Bliss with Ocean Views
Step onto the private terrace to find a plush daybed that beckons relaxation. Here, guests can lounge while soaking in sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, allowing the gentle sea breeze to enhance the experience. The terrace serves as an ideal spot for morning reflections or evening unwinding.
Storage aplenty
I love any hotel room that provides extras storage space for suitcases and the AYANA Segara was no exception. It had its own closet space and sliding door, in which there was an in-room safe and multiple shelves. An L-shaped clothing rail offered a vast space for hanging clothes including a complimentary kimono and slippers.
The main living area is not exactly huge, but this compensates for the vast bathroom to the left. This space is segmented into three seamless sections: sink, shower, free-standing bath. Thanks to the full-length glass shower walls in the middle, it feels like an uninterrupted corridor. The bathroom offers a sanctuary of its own, featuring a deep soaking tub that invites guests to relax and rejuvenate. Complemented by marble rain showers and premium bath amenities, it provides a spa-like experience within the comfort of your room.
Whilst most people flock to the mass-market, lower-level swimming pool at the AYANA Segara, there is a much quieter secret atop. This is the famed adult-only infinity Luna Rooftop Pool.
The Luna Rooftop Pool is the place to be when the run rises and falls. Sadly, there are not many sun lounge chairs or umbrellas on offer, which I guess it the best form of crowd control. Besides, there is a fairly decent bar to hog that never really appears full either.
The setting is unquestionably stunning with panoramic views to die for, especially as sunset. And if you need an Instagram moment, try the little bridge that straddles the pool at its thinnest point. A great photo opportunity for all.
If you’re ever going to do something lavish at the AYANA Segara, then this is it: eat at the Scusa.
Scusa is the Mediterranean restaurant at the Segara that is outright fantastic, but also culinary brilliance at a price. Your wallet will have a slight hole in it when you down your napkin and may be the pocket in your shorts too! Worse than this, you could go hungry. There is nothing wrong with any of the flavours or taste. It’s just that the dishes are too petite and definitely scant.
The restaurant décor is outstanding. You genuinely feel like you are in the bowels of a modern castle, cut with giant stone blocks and clean-cut archways. Tables are simple. Cream coloured tub chairs. White linen tablecloths. Hanging overhead basket ceiling lights. Off-white, brown and grey patterned marble floor tiles. The whole restaurant resonates with neutral colours everywhere.
Like all the AYANA personnel, the Scusa staff are incredibly attentive, professional, helpful and knowledgeable.
Phone: +62 361 702222
AYANA Bali is a sprawling 90-hectare resort perched above Jimbaran Bay, offering a harmonious blend of luxury, culture, and nature. As Bali’s largest integrated resort, it encompasses four distinct properties, each catering to different preferences:
AYANA Resort Bali: The flagship property featuring 294 rooms and suites that combine traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern comforts.
Guests enjoy access to over 15 pools, including the iconic River Pool and the renowned Rock Bar. The resort also features the award-winning AYANA Spa, offering a range of treatments, and a variety of dining options across its properties. With a complimentary resort shuttle, guests can easily explore the extensive facilities and enjoy a comprehensive luxury experience.
Tucked away in a lush, cliffside setting overlooking the sparkling waters of Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Villas Bali offers an extraordinary escape into luxury and tranquility. These private villas provide an intimate retreat with exclusive amenities and world-class service, making them ideal for honeymooners, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful sanctuary with a touch of indulgence.
Each villa is beautifully appointed with traditional Balinese architecture and elegant interiors, featuring spacious living areas, marble bathrooms, and private plunge pools. The panoramic ocean views and lush tropical gardens create a seamless blend between nature and luxury. Thoughtful details, like 24-hour butler service and in-villa dining, elevate the experience, allowing guests to relax in total privacy and comfort.
Staying at AYANA Villas also means full access to the resort’s extensive facilities, including 12 swimming pools, a world-class spa, 19 restaurants and bars, and private beach access. Guests can enjoy romantic dinners by the sea, rejuvenate with a treatment at the renowned Thermes Marins Spa, or sip sunset cocktails at the iconic Rock Bar.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to the best of Bali, AYANA Villas deliver a perfect blend of seclusion, sophistication, and unforgettable island charm.
vibes, surf culture, and creativity—it's where the magic happens!
RIMBA by AYANA Bali is a vibrant and modern resort nestled within the expansive 90-hectare AYANA Bali estate in Jimbaran. Designed to harmonize with its lush surroundings, RIMBA offers a unique blend of contemporary luxury and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups seeking a dynamic yet tranquil escape.
🌿 Nature-Inspired Design
The resort's architecture integrates seamlessly with its environment, featuring rooms adorned with natural elements like driftwood and reclaimed timber. This thoughtful design creates a serene atmosphere that connects guests to the surrounding tropical gardens and forested landscapes. Each of the 403 rooms is designed to accommodate families, offering options for adjoining rooms and child-friendly amenities .
🏊♂️ Pools and Recreation
RIMBA boasts multiple swimming pools, including the tranquil Forest Pool and the lively Three Monkey Pool, catering to both relaxation and family fun. The recent addition of the RIMBA Jungle Adventure, a playground designed for young explorers, enhances the resort's family-friendly offerings, allowing parents to unwind while children engage in imaginative play.
🍽️ Dining and Experiences
Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, from local Balinese cuisine to international dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. The resort also offers cultural activities, wellness programs, and easy access to the private beach, providing a comprehensive and enriching stay.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, RIMBA by AYANA Bali offers a multifaceted retreat that caters to diverse interests and promises a memorable stay.
