Sunset cocktails, slow feasts, and garden celebrations. This beachfront resort in Jimbaran is celebrating the festive season in style.
There’s something magical about being in Bali at the end of the year. The sunsets seem extra golden, the island’s alive with events, and there’s that unmistakable festive buzz in the air. But between the parties, you’ll want a resort that lets you join in on the fun, but also escape the bustle when you need to breathe.
This year, that escape is InterContinental Bali Resort. Set on the sands of Jimbaran Bay, this iconic beachfront hotel is celebrating the festive season in the best way possible – with incredible food, lush gardens, and the beauty of Bali by the sea at Le Jardin de Jimbaran.
All About Le Jardin de Jimbaran
Running throughout November and December, Le Jardin de Jimbaran is the resort’s creative heartbeat this festive season. Translating to “The Garden of Jimbaran,” it’s transforming the resort’s tropical grounds into a living celebration of immersive dining, cultural rituals, and decorations that nod to Bali’s natural beauty.
Inspired by the idea of connection and gratitude, the programme unfolds in two parts: a gentle lead-up called Journey to Le Jardin (from 1 November to 15 December) and the main event through Christmas and New Year. Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or a full family getaway, there’ll be something blooming here.
The festive warm-up: Journey to Le Jardin
At InterContinental Bali Resort, the festivities won’t just explode all at once – they’re easing in gently and beautifully. From 1 November to 15 December, the resort offers what they call Journey to Le Jardin, and honestly, it’s such a vibe if you like the idea of a slow, soulful build-up before the full-on Christmas sparkle.
Bella Cucina is where you want to go if you love good wine and cozy dinners with a bit of flair. During their Vino in Fiore series, they’re hosting intimate wine dinners that bring a bit of Tuscany to Bali. Keep an eye on Whispers of the Vineyard on November 14th: four courses, fresh herbs, Tuscan wine and live music! And if you’re here in December, there’s also The Final Bloom on the 12th.
Then there’s the iconic KO Restaurant, hosting a Zen Garden Omakase every Sunday. It’s a five-course Japanese dinner that’s all about clean flavours and thoughtful presentation. Personally, I can’t wait for this.
If your idea of unwinding is with a drink in hand while the sun sets over the ocean (like me!), then don’t miss Golden Hour in the Garden at Sunset Beach Bar & Grill. It’s set to be laid-back and lovely, with botanical cocktails, tapas, and live music right by the beach.
Finally, don’t miss out on the Immersive Fes-TEA-vities with Dilmah. It’s a sweet little pop-up you’ll find around the resort, with tea-infused patisserie.
Christmas in full bloom: Le Jardin de Jimbaran
Come December, Le Jardin de Jimbaran hits full bloom, and InterContinental Bali Resort will be a garden of light, music, flavour and joy.
Things kick off with the The Christmas Tree Lighting Soirée on 1 December, where Bali designer Paul Ropp is reimagining the resort’s iconic tree in bold colours and textures (you won’t miss it!). Carols, treats and coastal charm will mark the official start of the celebrations.
Then on Christmas Eve, you can choose your festive flavour. Go for a Mediterranean-style dinner at Bella Cucina, surrounded by tropical gardens and candlelight. Or a quietly elegant Japanese feast at KO Restaurant. You can also go big and buffet-style at Taman Gita, with live music, cocktails and a golden-hour glow.
The next morning, wake up to a Christmas Day Brunch. At Bella Cucina, the Buon Natale Brunch will be a decadent Italian buffet filled with timeless favourites, à la minute selections, and a side of smooth live music. It’s elegant, intimate, and ideal for a long, leisurely gathering. Prefer something more relaxed? Head poolside to Jimbaran Gardens for tropical vibes, live cooking stations, family-friendly fun, and just enough holiday sparkle. Both run from 12pm to 4pm, giving you plenty of time to savour it all.
Psst! If you’re travelling with little ones, the team at Planet Trekkers has a whole day of fun lined up for kids on Boxing Day, including crafts, games, and festive surprises, giving grown-ups a chance to sneak off for a massage.
Welcoming in the new year with glamour and golden light
If there’s one night to go all in, it’s New Year’s Eve, and InterContinental Bali knows how to do it! The resort’s Flavours of Farewell line-up offers three ways to ring in 2026:
La Notte Elegante at Bella Cucina is a refined, romantic, candlelit buffet curated by Chef Boris Linton, with exquisite Italian flavours, fine wine, and soft acoustic melodies.
Feast of Sayōnara at KO Restaurant is your go-to for a more intimate celebration. It’s a Japanese feast of teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi and sake pairings, served in a cosy, atmospheric setting.
Then there’s the Dazzling Countdown: A Night at Le Jardin in the Imperial Grand Ballroom. This is the big one (and my personal favourite!), with sparkling lights, live performances, a DJ set, and a midnight countdown. There’s even a kids’ zone so parents can let loose while little ones enjoy their own party with crafts, shows, and a special mini countdown.
Pro tip: don’t let the celebration stop at midnight!
On 1 January, it’s all about fresh starts and slow mornings. The Renewal Brunch at Bella Cucina will be the perfect way to ease into the new year. With ocean breezes, live jazz, and beautifully prepared Italian dishes, it’s just what you need after a night of revelry (with a mimosa in hand, of course!).
Best time to stay to catch the festivities
With nearly two months of festivities, it can be tricky to pick the perfect time to visit, so I’ve narrowed it down with five ideal date ranges that capture the best of the season:
- 1st – 5th December 2025
Arrive just in time for the Christmas Tree Lighting Soirée on 1 December – the perfect start to the festive season. - 11th – 15th December 2025
Catch The Final Bloom wine dinner at Bella Cucina (12 Dec) and the weekend Flourish & Flow and Zen Garden Omakase events. This is ideal if you love great food and holiday bliss. - 24th – 28th December 2025
The heart of the holidays – Christmas Eve (24 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec) family programmes are a great choice for a festive family stay. - 30th Dec – 4 Jan 2026
You’ll experience the New Year’s Eve Gala (31 Dec) and the New Year’s Day Brunch (1 Jan), plus a quiet reset before heading home.
And psst – right now, you can save up to 25% off on your festive getaway by the sea!
InterContinental Bali Resort by IHG
Address: Jl Raya Uluwatu No.45, Jimbaran, Bali.
Phone: +62 361 701 888