Just a 15-minute drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and the hustle and bustle of Denpasar, sits the paradisiacal world of the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran. And it really is a whole world – home to a huge swimming lagoon, restaurants, children’s play areas, and an attached shopping complex. You literally have everything you need here – plus the beach is just a five-minute walk away. My first impression of the Mövenpick Resort was walking into the vast lobby, decorated with Balinese-inspired designs and huge open side, perfectly framing the palm-fringed beach and blue sea below. In true Balinese style, my partner and I were offered an ice cold tropical juice and a cool flannel.
Our room was situated in the brand-new wing of the resort and we were the very first person to stay in in it. Everything was shiny and squeaky clean, with that pleasing brand-new smell. The room was modern and stylish with small splashes of colour and touches of Indonesian design. The highlight however, was our private balcony, which looked out onto the vast lagoon below.
Before trying out the pool and nearby beach, we stopped for lunch at the resort’s Anarasa Restaurant, crammed full with seafaring paraphernalia. There was even a special kids’ eating area with fun décor and cartoons playing on a large screen. My partner chose the classic chicken satay, which came served on its own mini grill and with a side of spicy peanut dipping sauce, while I opted for the ricotta-filled ravioli. After spending six-months in Asia, I was craving Western food, particularly cheese, and this classic Italian dish definitely lived up to expectations.
After lunch, it was time to visit the heart of the resort – the huge swimming lagoon. The biggest pool I have ever swum in – it was filled with narrow rivers, big circular pools, bubbling islands and massive floating bean bags. In the centre stood a bar selling tropical cocktails and to either side kid’s water play areas with fountains, slides and rope bridges. Some parts of the lagoon even had sand underfoot, imitating the sea itself.
As the sun began to set, we headed towards the beach – a long crescent of sand flanked by big rocks and crashing waves. It was lined with an array of seafood restaurants and local bars for snacks and drinks, offering the perfect spot from which to watch Bali’s famous orange and pink streaky sunsets.
Ideal for both couples and families, the Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran, Bali offers the perfect base from which to explore the southern part of the island or simply just escape into your own little world.
The Details:
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali, Jl. Wanagiri No. 1, 80362 Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4725 777
Web: www.movenpick.com
Email: hotel.bali@movenpick.com
The hotel is only a 15-minute drive south of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Resort
Number Rooms: 297 rooms and suites including complimentary Wi-Fi
Insider Tip:
Use the small side entrance behind the pool for direct access to the beach.
Price Band: High
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Esme Fox is a freelance travel writer based in the UK and Spain
Photographs courtesy of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
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