AYANA Segara Bali Review – AYANA Estate Jimbaran
Monica Tindall
AYANA Segara Bali is the newest addition to AYANA Bali, a stunning integrated resort with 90 hectares of beautiful tropical gardens that drop down to the Jimbaran cliffs and sea.
AYANA Bali
It’s a short 30-minute drive from the airport, allowing guests to avoid some of the notorious traffic the island has become associated with. And, because it shares grounds with four distinct hotels, of which restaurants and facilities are shared, guests have the convenience of a wealth of options on-site, never needing to leave if they so choose.
AYANA Hospitality, the visionary force behind the project, allows guests to experience freedom of choice. No matter which of the hotels you choose—from the lively Rimba, geared towards families, to the iconic AYANA Resort, the original gangster, to AYANA Villas with personalised butler service and unmatched privacy—the entirety of the estate is your playground.
With fourteen pools, 30 restaurants and bars, three fitness rooms, a museum, and an endless itinerary of complimentary and chargeable activities, we could stay for a month and still not discover all the property offers. However, we do give it a good go!
AYANA Segara Bali
During our three-day stay at AYANA Segara Bali, we made the most of our time exploring the resort. Among the four hotels, AYANA Segara Bali is the newest and favourite among couples. Its 197 rooms blend Balinese elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere.
Our choice was the spacious 93 sqm Resort View Suite—the largest room category in the hotel—well suited to couples. While the Two-bedroom Ocean View Rooms (130 sqm) offer a connecting hallway for families, other rooms range from a generous 58 sqm with garden views to 65 sqm with ocean vistas. Despite lacking a direct sea view, we found solace in our suite’s ample space.
One of the suite’s highlights is the thoughtful design, which allows complete privacy. Solid wooden doors separate the bathing, sleeping, living, and dressing areas, accommodating different sleep schedules. My night-owl husband could watch soccer matches in the South American time zone while I enjoyed peaceful slumber. Similarly, I could rise early for exercise without disturbing his rest.
The suite’s versatility extends to the bathroom, which can be fully privatised or opened up. Multiple access doors ensure minimal disruption. Additionally, there are two balconies—one off the living room with a day bed and clothes horse, and another off the bathroom with a table and two chairs.
The bathroom experience is just as premium. Sensiata Botanicals, locally produced and wonderfully scented, are in refillable pumps – luxury and eco-friendly. I generously used the body cream, smiling every time I caught the scent throughout the day. The bathroom features double sinks, clearly labelled dual shower heads, an automated toilet, and a freestanding bathtub with a loofah, salts, and a bath bomb. Upon arrival, a bath is drawn with frangipanis from the resort’s own frangipani forest covering it. Wow!
Practical amenities abound: international and USB power points, sensibly placed lights, and an easily operated air conditioner with separate bedroom and living room units. These basics, often overlooked elsewhere, caught our attention. Not to be missed are the drip bag coffee, an espresso machine stocked with illy pods, and a selection of local artisan teas.
When it’s time for rest, we find adorable purple kimonos and matching slippers. But what truly seals the deal is the dreamy bed. The perfect balance between softness and support, combined with fresh air, tasty food, and a touch of sun, ensures an excellent night’s sleep.
While the room is comfortable, with 30 restaurants to explore, 90 hectares of gardens, a beach club, 14 pools, a museum, a spa, three gyms, and a full itinerary of complimentary and paid activities, we don’t waste a moment getting outside.
Restaurants & Bars
Access to Three Breakfast Buffets
Guests staying at AYANA Estate have access to breakfast buffets at Padi (AYANA), Karang (Segara) and To’Ge (Rimba). While it’s still a busy buffet in the mornings, our pick, Karang at Segara, is the quieter of the three, primarily due to fewer children and rooms. Tables are spread around the open-walled restaurant, on the pool deck and in the garden.
The buffet offers all the usual suspects: eggs made to order, Western and local hot dishes, noodles, pastries, cereals, fruit, cold cuts, and yoghurt. Staff are generous with their smiles, and although it feels as though time stands still in their presence, we never wait for anything. Oat milk lattes, scrambled eggs, and tidbits on culture and family life in Bali—our servers are all too gracious.
Karang – Indonesian Restaurant, AYANA Segara Bali
We also dine at Karang for lunch on our arrival, wanting a taste of its Indonesian specialties. The open-walled restaurant by the pool, has air-conditioned seating, patio dining and garden tables with umbrellas, making for a pretty and relaxed setting.
Indonesian food is the name of the game here, but there are several international dishes and healthy choices, like my Tuna Poke Salad (IDR 175), to suit varying palates. My lunch is a vibrant combo of Japanese rice, local raw tuna, sesame soyu dressing, avocado, beetroot, cucumber, radish, red onion, mushroom, edamame, corn, red cabbage, and sesame seed. It’s packed full of nutrients and very tasty—I’d happily enjoy this repeatedly as a healthy lunch.
For a taste of local, the Soup Buntut (IDR 240) is an excellent pick. Hearty beef oxtail soup seasoned with Indonesian spices and vegetables is warm and comforting. Spicy red chilli sauce is served on the side, allowing us to add heat as desired. Crackers and steamed rice bulk up the meal. Nasi Goreng Cumi (IDR 280) resembles a squid ink paella with its black fried rice. It’s mixed with small pieces of octopus and seasoned with kaffir lime. Squid satay finishes it off, partnered with sambal matah and rice crackers. Alternatively, you can get a taste of Lombok with Ayam Taliwant (IDR 210). The grilled spicy chicken is served with sayur urap (a leaf parcel of veggies and coconut), salad, and the standard side of crackers, sambal and steamed rice.
Sami Sami – AYANA Resort
On another day, we dine at Sami Sami for lunch on the AYANA Resort grounds, an Italian restaurant by the sea. The main pool is directly behind us, and the uninterrupted horizon is in front. For lunch, there’s an a la carte selection or set menus. The set menus appeal to our mood of not wanting to make too many decisions.
Menu A includes a salad, fish or pizza, and panna cotta. Set B consists of arancini, pasta or chicken, and lemon cake. To begin, my Insalata di Verdue is a nutritious bowl of radicchio, wild rocket, baby romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini asparagus, grilled pumpkin, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts in a balsamic dressing. Caning’s Arancini are perfect renditions of the classic recipe with saffron rice, minced beef sauce and mozzarella in a thin, crisp sphere. A light orange and fennel salad freshens the palate.
My local barramundi filet is seasoned with black olives, capers, garlic, oregano, and tomato sauce and served with green beans—a real taste of the Mediterranean. Caning’s sous-vide free-range chicken breast is vibrant with citrus, herbs, pumpkin puree, grilled asparagus, and confit carrots.
We end with wild berry panna cotta with strawberry gelato and raspberry coulis, and the Sami Sami team is happy to swap out the tiramisu in Set B for a fruit platter for a guilt-free finish.
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – TexMex at RIMBA by AYANA Bali
For our third lunch, we head over to UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant on the third floor of RIMBA by AYANA Bali. It’s where you go for relaxed vibes with forest and sea views, a chill soundtrack during the day and a more upbeat Latin vibe in the evenings. The setting is colourful, with upcycled wood panelling, splashes of colour in lampshades, upholstery, floating pool cushions, and a fabulous collection of Mexican hats lining the walls. It’s the only pool (of 14 on the AYANA Estate) that outside guests can dip in. Breezy, even in the middle of the day, it’s a pleasant environment no matter what time you visit.
The Tex-Mex menu is full of crowd favourites such as guacamole, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos and churros. The Ceviche of Tuna & Tropical Fruit (IDR 145), cured in citrus and spices and served with corn and banana chips, is a light and tasty beginning. As is the classic Guacamole Bowl (IDR 135) with smashed avocado, jalapeños, pico de gallo (fresh salsa) and corn chips.
Crowd-pleasers from the main courses are fajitas and burritos. Arriving on a sizzling plate, Carne Asada Fajitas (IDR 245) hold strips of beef, mixed bell pepper, onion, Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream and refried beans. A vegetarian option, the Rajas Burrito (IDR 195) is a similar mix to the fajitas with black beans, Mexican rice, guacamole and sour cream, but with veggies rolled in a soft flour tortilla and salsa tatemada (a roasted red sauce) on the side.
Another classic, Churros con Cajeta (IDR 125), is easily shared (or not). The deep-fried pastry sticks are quite doughy with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. They come with chocolate sauce and a caramel resembling more lightly cooked condensed milk than cajeta (usually made from goat’s milk). Still, it’s a sweet and milky dipping.
Scusa – Italian Restaurant AYANA Segara Bali
In the evenings, the courtyard at Scusa is a beautiful dining location. The tables are spread apart, firey torches add a little drama to the night and a water feature provides a natural soundtrack alongside upbeat Italian tunes. The Mediterranean is the theme for the menu, with plentiful seafood options and recipes simply prepared, to allow quality ingredients to shine.
Both of our starters are refreshing and nutritious. The Tuna Tartare with Strawberry Gazpacho (IDR 175) is a small pink tower of tuna cubes on a pond of strawberry gazpacho seasoned with capers, pink radish, and balsamic-aged basil oil. The Cretan Salad (IDR 165) is clean-eating with a garden-fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, oregano, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It’s lightly dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, just enough to add flavour without overwhelming the crisp veggies.
Our mains feature the land and the sea. Black Sea Bass with Peperonata (IDR 365) is a mouthful of moist, flaky fish with a rich bell pepper stew and tomato confit. Kalamata olive cream adds depth and a faint saltiness, while the tomato-crusted skin contributes a pleasant crunch. Angus Surf & Turf (IDR 415) is a delicious play between seafood and land. Medium-done, pan-seared Angus sirloin is gently seasoned with salt and balances flavour and texture well. It’s topped with tiger prawn pieces and pickled wild mushrooms. The pieces of beef are alternated with prisms of layered potato millefoglie. Red wine adds a boost of flavour to the beef jus. Both the fish and the meat are solid options.
To end, Mango Lava (IDR 185) has a little theatrics in the presentation. A large glass contains mango compote, salted caramel, coconut ice cream, and pistachios. It’s covered with a disc of chocolate that quickly dissolves when a pot of hot chocolate sauce is poured over the top.
Rock Bar
On our last night, we dine at Rock Bar. Many guests discover AYANA Estate first through Rock Bar. Running for the past 15 years, Rock Bar has maintained a reputation as one of the most famous sunset bars on the island. Guests arrive via a hill tram, making an exciting entry. The bar sprawls around the cliff, offering a variety of seating, all with fantastic sea views. Light and fresh food and a signature cocktail list keep us satiated through sundown. Following dinner and drinks, those looking to continue the party head to the newly opened After Rock.
After Rock
The magic doesn’t end at sunset. Recently opened, After Rock provides a sophisticated space to extend your evening in style. Sway to live music, mingle with fellow globetrotters, or indulge in a private karaoke session. The entertainment is just as versatile as the two-storey venue, from DJs to live bands to cabaret shows.
Seven food and beverage outlets in three days is not too bad of an effort, right? Although we did make a tiny dent, it only made us want to return for more. Hopefully, we can afford a longer stay on our next trip and experience all 30 restaurants and bars. Now, that would be a passport I’d like to collect stamps for.
Things To Do – Activities & Facilities
While hitting all the dining outlets sounds like a worthy goal, an equally notable mission would be trying all the available facilities and activities. Fourteen pools! I’m sure someone has set themselves the target of dipping in each one. We don’t get that wet, but we do an admirable job of testing out the grounds and facilities.
Choice of Three Gyms
Firstly, to balance all of that consumption, guests staying at AYANA Segara have a choice of three fitness rooms. Fast and furious with my workouts, I use the one closest to us with a handful of cardio and strength machines supported by an extensive range of free weights. Walled by glass, it overlooks the treetops, alive with squirrels scurrying through the branches in the mornings. Despite having fans and air-conditioning, it can be quite warm. I recommend walking or running outside. The paths around the resort are extensive and shaded by lush greenery. Reserve your strength and stretch training for the gym if you’re sensitive to the heat.
Kubu Beach Club
Up on a cliff, AYANA benefits from sea views, breezes, and an almost private beach. Although the beach is officially open to the public, the only way to access it from outside is from the sea, so guests staying at the integrated resort basically have the shore to themselves. A hill elevator takes beach-goers up and down the cliff face, though there are also stairs for the more energetic.
In the late afternoon, guests can witness spectacular sunsets from Kubu Beach Club. It can get quite hot at this time, so make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and ready to dip in the sea to cool off. The angle of the sun doesn’t allow much protection from shade, even with the club’s umbrellas fully open. Mornings are much more pleasant in terms of temperature, with the cliff providing shade to the beach.
Besides sun chairs, umbrellas and several non-motorised water sports, Kubu Beach Club also provides food and drinks service. They’re known for their 1960s-inspired cocktails – another reason to return.
Jamu Workshop
The integrated AYANA resort has a wealth of activities catering to various preferences. Perfectly suited to my garden and nutrition-loving nature is the jamu workshop. Taking place in the beautiful AYANA garden, we can pick our ingredients directly from the organic farm and learn from local expert Somya.
Our “classroom” is a table under a tree on the deck of AYANA’s organic farm with rows of plant beds, trees and tweeting birds as a backdrop. We learn the ancient Balinese art of making jamu with an introduction to the history and heritage before getting our hands dirty. Meaning “prayer for health,” jamu can be customised for many purposes. We make our base and then pick the add-ons directly from the garden. It’s not only jamu we get to make but also massage oil and a therapeutic paste for the skin. Without giving away too many secrets. It’s well worth signing up for if natural remedies interest you.
AYANA Spa
Of course, the spa is another interest that is high on my agenda. AYANA Spa is a large, freestanding facility that caters to over 1000 rooms. As we step into this well-oiled machine, we’re greeted with lemongrass tea at reception while completing a preference questionnaire. From there, we’re escorted to the changing room, where we slip into cute purple robes, puffy disposable undies, and slippers. The amenities include lockers, showers, and toilets.
Once ready, we’re led to a private room overlooking frangipani trees. Inside, a bathtub, sofa, and shower await for body treatments like scrubs. There’s no toilet in the room, so be sure to go in the changing rooms before starting your session. I start with a frangipani and rose petal foot bath, then a dry massage before transitioning to an oil massage. We’re offered a choice of two oils: jasmine, rose, and sage, or cinnamon and magnolia. The skilled therapist, Wira, combines a clear routine with intuitive adjustments to address my body’s needs, working out my knots.
To wrap up the experience, we enjoy ginger tea and a biscuit in the gazebo, sharing the tranquil space with fellow guests.
SAKA Museum
We enjoy a lot of food, movement, learning, outdoor time, and even art and culture at AYANA Segara. The newly opened SAKA Museum celebrates Bali’s rich traditions, a journey through the Balinese Day of Silence and the island’s core philosophical concept of Tri Hita Karana, all housed within a state-of-the-art venue that promises to be a future cultural hub. SAKA was just named to TIME’s Greatest Places 2024 list and is open to the public at a discounted rate while more exhibits go up. AYANA Bali guests enjoy the perk of always having free access to this gem.
AYANA Segara Bali Review
With its spacious suites, friendly service, and unrivalled access to the entire AYANA Estate’s offerings, AYANA Segara Bali caters to couples seeking a luxurious and indulgent escape. From world-class restaurants serving diverse cuisines to unique cultural experiences like the jamu workshop, AYANA Segara offers something for every guest. Whether you crave poolside relaxation, invigorating workouts, or a deep dive into Balinese culture, this haven promises an unforgettable experience.
Reasons to stay at AYANA Segara Bali: a one-stop location where all of your vacation needs are met on-site; there’s no need to leave once you arrive so you can avoid that notorious Balinese traffic; 30 restaurants and bars; 14 pools; a secluded beach; friendly Balinese service; beautiful green grounds; only 30 minutes from the airport.
AYANA Segara Bali – Jimbaran
Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera Jimbaran
Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80364
@ayanaresort @rimbajimbaran @ayanavillasbali
www.ayana.com/bali/ayana-resort-and-spa/
Link to AYANA Segara Bali on Google Maps
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