Jamahal Private Resort and Spa, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

Jamahal is a play on the Indonesian word, “jam” meaning hour and the Sanskrit word, “mahal” signifying love or precious. The final interpretation is “precious time” – a phrase most of us can relate to. At Jamahal Private Resort and Spa, every moment is considered a blessing and, the team here does their best to help guests take pleasure in each one.

Service with a Smile

With over 60 staff members and a maximum capacity of 30 guests, the ratio of carers to the cared for is two to one! This is taken to the extreme in the kitchen where fifteen full time staff is employed even though the resort has no restaurant. Breakfast is included in the accommodation package and can either be taken in the lobby or delivered to the villa. With a private deck overlooking the pool, most guests usually opt for it to be taken on their garden table. Other meals throughout the day are cooked to order. I suppose all of this dispatch of in-room dining warrants all of those staff. Specials change daily but there is a good menu of staples too. We tried the gnocchi and the ahi tuna salad. Both were superb.

The kitchen’s not the only place where you’ll find a bountifulness of personnel. The guardhouse team keep the small compound highly securely but also perform other duties too such as helping you cross the road and giving directions to taxi drivers. It might sound a little extreme getting help to move from one side of the road to the other, but anyone who has experienced the ever increasing onslaught of motorcycles, bicycles and cars that has found Bali, you’ll know that a little assistance with navigation is much appreciated.

And then there’s the beach club crew. The shoreline is a short walk (400m) away and don’t dare dream of traipsing it by your self. A Jamahal mini-van driver will insist on taking you down there. In fact, guests need to be quite reassuring that walking is actually a pleasant pastime (to which they’ll receive a look of doubtfulness) to be allowed to stroll the path alone. Once on the sand, an attendant will set you up you with a sun chair, cool moist towels, cold water (or another beverage as you request) and a bowl of fresh tropical fruit (served in a coconut bowl and refilled as many times as your stomach permits).  Manned until the sun falls, Jamahal’s private beach club is one place you’re guaranteed first-rate attention on Jimbaran Bay.

Upon return to the resort, guests are again welcomed by the friendly reception team. Tea? Coffee? Cold water? Hand towel? Whatever they can do to help, they will. Help with calling a taxi, making a dinner reservation or arranging a tour – it’s all offered by the graceful lobby team.

Consideration of the Finer Points

The attempt to value every minute continues with subtle touches of individuality and thoughtful attention to detail, making Jamahal true to its name.

Stunning Cascade Pool

Ten luxurious one-bedroom garden and pool villas plus three master and spa pool villas were designed with traditional Indonesian architecture in mind. Originally established as an enormous holiday home with individual Balinese bales for each sleeping quarters and common areas, the owners made enough space for family and visitors to each have their own living space while in residence. This holiday home has since been turned into a small private resort and spa. The early blueprint, though now changed slightly, still ensures intimacy and privacy that is unlikely to be rivaled by many other accommodations on the island.

Our villa sat on the end of a meandering lagoon pool with a cascading waterfall splashing over rocks about half way up. From our deck we had direct access to the water and a quick dip became habit to transition from one event to the next (waking up to breakfast, breakfast to reading the paper, reading the paper to spa treatment – any excuse really). While we saw no other guests during our stay (even though the resort had 100% occupancy) we supposedly shared the plush pond with a couple of other villas too.

Besides our own private deck, our room was surrounded by a walled garden of lush tropical green. Natural light was easily harnessed with three glass walls and a transparent section of the roof above the bathroom. Drawing heavy curtains brought darkness and seclusion.

High thatched ceilings and select antique furniture kept true to the indigenous intent, while stereo system, LCD Flat screen TV, DVD player, I-pod dock, Wi-Fi, mini bar and safety box saw it outfitted with contemporary conveniences. A selection of music CDs – Chill, Groove and Classic – gave choice over desired ambience.

Rich merbau floors contrasted cement washed walls and were softened with maroon curtains and low lighting. A canopy over a comfortable king size bed fostered a sense of coziness and local art pieces gave each room a unique splash of individuality.

The bathroom, while enclosed and air-conditioned was tiled with pebbles and covered with a sheer roof giving outdoor appeal, with indoor comforts. The oversized bathtub was filled with a blanket of red bougainvillea petals and frangipani blossoms. Nene-q toiletries, made locally using all natural ingredients invited much more washing than necessary. After using them, we’d catch whiffs of their fragrance on our skin and hair throughout the day reminding us of Jamahal and inducing a desire to return if we were on the street at the time.

Frangipani blooms dotted the premises – as welcome necklaces, on the towels, in the bath, spread around the tops of furniture – and a bowl of fresh tropical fruit was replenished every day with local pickings. Sturdy his and hers slippers and light stylish kimonos proved additional details delivering a sense of care for each guest.

Going the Extra Mile

Although rarely used, a well-equipped gym is available 24 hours for guest use. An in-house spa uses Nene-q products and provides a mix of Javanese, Balinese and Ayurvedic treatments as well as, the now famous, Polynesian hot stone massage. Set in its own villa, bookings are a necessity as the location caters for one booking (couples no problem) at a time.

Jamahal Private Resort and Spa is only ten minutes from the airport and 15 minutes to an hour to other Bali hot spots such as Nusa Dua and Ubud. Located on the same strip as other prestigious properties such as the Four Seasons Resort and Spa, Jamahal offers comparable blue-ribbon luxury in an intimate discreet hideaway.

Reason to visit: ideal for honeymooners and couples wanting a luxurious yet peaceful and private getaway, gorgeous rooms, wonderful hosts, minutes walk to the beach

Jamahal Private Resort and Spa

Jalan Uluwatu 1

Jimbaran

Bali 80364

Indonesia

+62 361 704 394

[email protected]

www.jamahal.net