hotel of the month Karma Jimbaran
Bali
If Bali is Indonesia’s most mystical spice island, then the Karma Jimbaran Resort is the jewel in the crown for Bali. For those seeking luxury and privacy in lush, tropical surroundings then should meet all requirements. Situated under an azure blue sky on a sloping hillside that leads to white sandy bays and glistening crystal seas, the Karma Jimbaran is an idyllic paradise.

It is situated just 12 km south of the international airport and transfers are complimentary courtesy of the hotel. The Jimbaran village borders two coasts – to the west is the Indian Ocean and to the east is the sheltered and shallow waters of the Benoa harbour.

Consisting of 38 luxury 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom pool villas - including one grand residence villa -each offers a tranquil refuge from the outside world. Each is cocooned in its own individual tropical garden with fertile plant walls for privacy. Within this secluded sanctuary is an outdoor shower and a beautifully decked swimming pool furnished with a pagoda and teak sun loungers for ultimate comfort. The fragrant aromas of the frangipani, bougainvillea and jasmine plants that line the gardens, together with the gentle sound of flowing water enhance the languid sense of relaxation in paradise.

The villas are designed in a sleek, contemporary style, twinned with traditional Bali design that brings the enchanting spirit of Bali inside. A combination of warm sensual woods, a neutral colour palette and textured fabrics creates an environment many seldom wish to leave. The interiors pay homage to Balinese culture with individually chosen antiques and ‘alang alang’ thatched roofs. The muslin draped four-poster beds, create a spatial and spiritual quality, while the verandas that lead off all the rooms provide comfort and aesthetic views with a colonial feel. Each bedroom has its own luxury en-suite, gilded in opulent marble.

A spacious indoor living area that is furnished with local plantation teak furniture, leads onto a modern open plan designer fitted kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals or request the services of a chef to recreate one of the many authentic dishes available on the hotel’s international menu. A BBQ can be enjoyed in your own garden under the romantic starlit sky with a waiter and chef service for ultimate luxury.
The Di Mare Restaurant Lounge within the hotel complements the resort’s philosophy of ‘choice’ and ‘variety’ in deluxe surroundings. The chef’s promise of purity and freshness is evident in all the dishes that combine flavours from around the world using local and daily imported ingredients. Freshly caught fish such as red snapper with an escabeche sauce made from preserved lemons and cured tomatoes, to cumin braised grouper and roasted egg plant are testimony to the restaurant’s reputation of serving the best dishes in Jimbaran and Bali. Guests can also choose from the 3000 bottle wine cellar to complete their meal.

Families can take advantage of the Kids Club that welcomes children of all ages between 8.00am and 11.00pm and is complimentary to guests of the resort.

The Chakra Spa offers treatments in the comfort of the guests’ villa or at the Spa. Only the purest and most natural of oils that rejuvenate and stimulate the senses are used, working on the seven points or ‘chakras’. Treatments available include a Soma which moves energy from the feet to the crown; a Tri-Dosha which is a deep tissue massage and an Ashsi which involves reflexology.

Other activities to totally absorb guests include a Bali Sunset experience; a picnic and tour of the cliffs of Uluwatu where cocktails and canapés are served; elephant riding; whitewater rafting; surfing; bungy jumping; private yacht; a cruise to sail and snorkel; deep sea fishing; horse riding; trekking; river walks; swimming with the dolphins and a helicopter ride that enables guests to take in the breathtaking scenery of the cliffs of Uluwatu and the temples of Jimbaran.