InterContinental Bali

With an enviable location on the golden sands of Bali’s Jimbaran Bay, the Intercontinental Bali blends traditional Balinese design with all the luxuries of a modern resort hotel. Low-rise buildings with thatched roofs are dotted throughout tropical grounds, linked by walkways that criss-cross the lawns and ornamental ponds, offering glimpses of the gentle waves through the palm trees.

The hotel’s 417 rooms and suites are designed with local works of art, private balconies and luxurious bathrooms, ranging in size from the generous Deluxe and Premium Rooms through to the expansive Suites that come complete with their own 24-hour butler service. For the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, the resort also has several large villas available, that are hidden away from the main resort. Across the acres of manicured gardens, there are six swimming pools, some surrounded by palm trees, some overlooking the ocean and some reserved just for adults in need of some quiet relaxation. The fully equipped gymnasium will please the most avid of fitness fanatics, whilst Spa Uluwatu is a tranquil sanctuary designed for utter relaxation. Steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis complement the private treatment rooms where indulgent treatments draw on traditional Asian practices. For an al-fresco spa experience, there are open-air spa pavilions down by the shoreline.

Dining at the Intercontinental Bali is a highlight, with five unique restaurants on offer that feature an array of cuisines, ranging from local Balinese delicacies to freshly caught and grilled seafood. Buffet breakfasts are served at Taman Gita Terrace and seafood grills and light bites make up the menu at Jimbaran Gardens. As the sun sinks low over the bay, Sunset Beach Bar & Grill offers delicious salads, grills and expertly mixed cocktails, whilst Bella Cucina showcases the very best of fine dining Italian fare and KO Restaurant creates and serves the freshest Sushi and Teppanyaki. Much of the cuisine is created using locally sourced, seasonal produce, some from the hotel’s own organic garden. Seafood is delivered daily by the local fishermen on Jimbaran Bay, who haul in their catch in the early hours under the watchful eye of the hotel’s executive chefs.

The InterContinental’s prestigious position on the sands of Jimbaran Bay makes it the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts. The hotel’s own water sports centre can arrange surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking trips on the calm waters of the bay, protected from the legendary pumping surf of nearby Uluwatu by the nearby headland. The kids club offers a dazzling array of activities for younger guests, whilst yoga classes, Balinese music lessons, tennis and the Balinese art of Bayu Suci (combining Balinese dance with Pencak Silat, a traditional form of self-defense) are all on offer within the grounds of the hotel.

When to go

Bali enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, with a distinct wet and a dry season. Bali’s dry season spans from April to September, with the wet season starting in October and generally lasting until March. Characterised by hot temperatures and clear skies, the dry season is considered to be the best time to visit Bali. In particular, months at the start or the end of the dry season benefit from fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures than often present during July and August. Bali’s wet season is characterised by bursts of tropical downpours interspersed with sunny spells, as opposed to constant torrential rain. Those visiting Bali during the wet season can benefit from reduced crowds at major sites, as well as cooler temperatures and less humidity in the central highlands.