A gorgeous crescent shaped bay fringed by white sandy beaches with calm clear waters. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Well say hello to Jimbaran Bali!
It’s about 15 minutes south of the airport (depending on the traffic!) and while this gorgeous pocket of Bali used to be a sleepy little fishing village, it’s now home to some damn fine five-star hotels and delicious seafood joints.
Eat
Seafood is definitely the name of the game in Jimbaran – the beachfront is lined with warungs selling it super fresh; catch of the day, anybody? Just point your finger at the sea creature you want and hey presto! you’ll have it perfectly grilled and on your table in a matter of minutes.
Sunset is definitely the time to go. There’s nothing better than an icy cold beer watching the sun sink under the horizon in a technicolor blaze while dining right on the sand. The prices are pretty standard so take a stroll along the beach and take your pick! Personally, we like the cluster of warungs on the south side, near the Four Seasons Hotel.
If you’re looking for something to eat without the sand between your toes, head to Balique, a café/restaurant offering a winning combo of European and Indonesian style and cuisine. Work up an appetite in their very lovely homewares shop next door!
For a coffee fix then don’t look any further than Grocer & Grind, where you can also grab a tasty bite to eat or stock up on gourmet goodies for the villa.
Drink
If Bintang on the beach isn’t your speed then you need to make a direct beeline to the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa. This bar is worth the trip to Jimbaran alone. The atmosphere is super luxe and the clifftop views are quite simply, to die for.
Shop
Jenggala create some of the most beautiful ceramics on the island so visit their showroom and stock up on some gorgeous crockery or if you’re feeling creative, they’ll help you paint your own masterpiece. There’s also a cute café where you can fuel up before your launch into your artistic endeavors.
Pamper
Verbena Bamboo therapy, anyone? It’s the signature treatment at the Bamboo Spa by L’OCCITANE and it’s an absolute treat! A little slice of the south of France, in the south of Bali! Trés nice!
Top image: Balique