Raffles Bali offers a slice of the high life

If you want to do Bali in style, then Raffles Bali is worth considering. 

The exclusive resort this week announced the introduction of its private heliport, a facility designed to offer in-house guests a new way to explore the Indonesian island from above. 

Situated within the resort's 23-hectare estate, the heliport began operations recently.

The heliport provides for a curated selection of aerial journeys, allowing travellers to discover Bali's varied landscapes from up on high. 

Scenic routes transport guests over Uluwatu's dramatic cliffs, the turquoise bays of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, the volcanic contours of the Kintamani highlands, and the lush rice paddies of Ubud. 

Raffles Bali says personalised day trips may be arranged. Perhaps an underwater excursion in Nusa Penida, or a private picnic set amid the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. 

Charter flights may also be tailored for guests wishing to design their own itinerary, offering the freedom to move across Bali and neighbouring islands.

The experiences are organised by Raffles butlers, who oversee all arrangements, co-ordinating flight schedules, managing personalised requests. 

Situated in the Jimbaran Bay, Raffles Bali offers 32 villas featuring private pools and tropical gardens. 

Culinary opportunities include "Krug Ambassade" signature restaurant Rumari, The Writers Bar and beachfront Loloan Beach Bar and Grill. 

Guests can enjoy relaxation and wellness at Raffles Spa and partake in authentic cultural activities hosted by community experts.

I've added this one to my "to do" list. 

See raffles.com and accor.com 

Swiss hospitality skills shine at Bali family resort

I am a big fan of the Movenpick hotel brand - as regular readers will probably be aware.

I have stayed in Movenpick properties in Melbourne, Hobart, Bangkok and in Europe, and always been impressed by the adult-but-fun vibe and the polished Swiss-inspired service.

My most recent Movenpick stay was at the Movenpick Resort and Spa Jimbaran Bay in Bali. 

There is a different feel here as this is first and foremost a family-friendly resort - but there is the same attention to detail with food and drink.

There is a wellness vibe, too, with the resort fewer than five minutes walk from Jimbaran Beach. and the choice of relaxing poolside in one of the swim-up hammocks, or perhaps unwinding with a massage at the Arkipela Spa.

When it comes to food think excellent buffet breakfasts, the same chocolate hour sweet treats you find each afternoon at every Movenpick, and a dinner menu with something for everyone whether your tastes extend to western dishes or Asian flavours. 

The casual Anarasa restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and guests can choose between eating indoors or al fresco.

Anarasa overlooks a tropical garden and pool and offers Asian dishes, artisanal Balinese specialities and international favourites.

Guests can choose between visiting live cooking stations, a la carte service or buffets depending on the time of day.

There is a dedicated children's dining zone - as well as a kid's club - which means parents can enjoy some "me time" while wining and dining.

Anarasa offers vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free menu options so there is something for everyone. So if you want wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas or a range of deserts you are well catered for. 

I stayed Asian with a tasty wonton soup, kung pao chicken (above) and a non-alcoholic cocktail (below).

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There is an Indonesian buffet every Wednesday evening for guests to get a taste of local flavours like sizzling satay selections and tasty nasi goreng. A taste of the Indonesian street food scene without leaving the resort.

Each Monday, the Jejala Pool Bar and Anarasa Restaurant feature a "buy one get one free deal" on a range of cocktails made from the local arak rice spirit.



The reception-level bar also showcases cocktails that feature drinks made by the local East Indies distillery.

There is also a Movenpick Café in the adjacent shopping centre, providing tasty treats throughout the day, as well as tasty western breakfast options (below).

 

The shopping area also contains several other dining options; from ice cream to Korean fried chicken or Balinese spare ribs.

Open just five years ago and with a "new" feel, the hotel offers a range of different room and suite options, depending on how many there are in your party and what your priority is.

All rooms feature air conditioning, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, alarm clock, coffee/tea-making facilities, bottled water and hair dryer, as well as a fridge. The alarm clock is important as you don't want to sleep through the afternoon and miss your free chocolate treats (below).

Close to the airport, but unaffected by noise, the Movenpick overlooks local beaches (a shuttle buggy is a convenient option), with local fish markets and seafood beach eateries, Uluwatu temple and several surf beaches nearby.

The only glitch during my stay was when my room was not available for my on-time arrival. But the staff reacted with immediate concern - a tribute to their training. I spent a short time working at the complimentary computer kiosk in the lobby and I was soon installed.

I was also impressed by the efficiency of my post-stay transfer to the airport.

For full details see https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/indonesia/bali/jimbaran-bali.html

Book Accor Hotels via All.com

# The writer was a guest of Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bay and flew to Bali as a guest of airasia Superapp.