The sheer opulence I encountered left me utterly speechless; receiving a personal text from my own butler was an experience unlike any other. Until very recently, I believed I was the sole Australian who hadn’t yet ventured to Bali. To be honest, this incredibly popular island hadn’t exactly topped my travel aspirations, perhaps because of the intense fanfare surrounding it. However, from the moment I set foot on the island, particularly while staying at the exceptionally luxurious resorts of The Mulia Nusa Dua, Double Six Seminyak, and AYANA, I swiftly grasped the reason behind all the excitement.
These three establishments, which happen to be the most frequently booked by Australians through Luxury Escapes, served as a fantastic introduction to this vibrant island—a destination renowned for its rich culture, outstanding hospitality, and exemplary service. Speaking of which, I’m going to recount my experiences in reverse chronological order because my time at AYANA simply cannot be understated. This five-star resort, nestled in Jimbaran, embodies the pinnacle of luxury, genuinely unlike any place I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
It quickly made perfect sense why I repeatedly saw trams gliding by. The resort sprawls across an expansive 90-hectare property, encompassing four interconnected hotels, an abundance of swimming pools, 30 distinct restaurants, cafes, and bars—including the Instagram-famous Rock Bar—a secluded private beach, a tranquil spa, and even a cultural museum. These trams were integral to transporting guests effortlessly to the various sections of the sprawling complex.
I was fortunate enough to reside in one of the 73 individual villas on the premises, dramatically positioned at the cliff’s edge, offering breathtaking vistas of the Jimbaran sea. My villa boasted its own private pool, an enormous bathroom, and a living area and bedroom that exuded grandeur and lavishness. Yet, perhaps the most striking perk was that villa occupants received access to a dedicated 24-hour butler, a concept so foreign to me that I had to inquire extensively about its precise meaning and operational details.
“So, I simply text him whenever I need a ride to any part of the resort?”
“Yes, Ms. Shireen—just download the AYANA app and you can communicate with him for anything you require. He can also arrange for your room to be serviced.”
Truly remarkable. This was a tier of luxury I had never encountered. As evidenced by our messages, Edi was always on top of things. He would respond almost instantaneously whenever I needed to be escorted to lunch, dinner, or anywhere else within the resort. When his initial message appeared, my reaction was, “Wow, this is actually real.”
During one of our trips to the stunning on-site museum, SAKA, which Time Magazine recognized as one of the “World’s Greatest Places,” he shared some fascinating details about himself. He has been employed at Ayana, an Indonesian-owned resort, since 2012, conveying his deep satisfaction with his work.
“For seven years, I worked as a receptionist for the villas—then I pursued higher education, studying hospitality management.”
He subsequently returned, taking on the role of a butler, a position he fulfills for approximately nine hours daily, concluding his shift at 3 PM before passing the baton to the next butler, who then works until midnight. Edi, like every member of the resort’s staff, exhibits immense pride in his responsibilities. He was incredibly knowledgeable and always prompt—taking no more than 10 minutes from the moment I would text him to take me to a lunch or dinner reservation, or even to the gym or spa. Given the immense size of the resort, this level of efficiency profoundly impressed me.
“Ms. Shireen, please inform me if you would like me to arrange for housekeeping to tidy your villa while you’re out?” he inquired, as he dropped me off for breakfast. Seconds later, a text appeared in our chat, confirming the exact time the villa would be cleaned.
Alright—let’s move on. The cuisine. Another truly astonishing aspect. The resort offers three distinct restaurants for breakfast, but I must confess, I consistently gravitated back to one particular spot because it was simply exceptional—DAVA. I quickly befriended Fingky, the delightful waitress who, astonishingly, began to recall most of my order even before I had taken my seat—a flat white, soto Ayam (a dish a friend had introduced me to), and the acai berry yogurt smoothie bowl. I was taken aback to discover that as part of the Luxury Escapes package, I had the freedom to order as many dishes as I desired. This generous policy extended to both lunch and dinner. Regardless of where you choose to dine, a captivating view awaits you, whether it’s the sweeping ocean or a serene corner of the immaculate and verdant resort.
Lunch presented a similar delightful dilemma—I chose Damar Terrace, overlooking one of the many exquisite pools. My immediate choice was the Rendang daging—a traditional West Sumatran dish featuring spiced braised beef. It was so incredibly delicious that I seriously considered ordering it again.
I also had the opportunity to experience dinner at the immensely popular Rock Bar. It’s ubiquitous across Instagram and TikTok, and for good reason. It provides a truly spectacular cliffside setting for sunset viewing, where you can unwind with a couple of Bintangs and savor delectable food. “As day transitions into night, the views continually evolve, unveiling new layers of beauty,” proclaims the AYANA website. And it’s absolutely spot on. It’s a genuinely special experience, particularly when the golden sunset casts its magical glow while a violinist performs live.
Another notable feature of the resort is its renowned pool. While there are numerous pools, one in particular attracts a multitude of influencers seeking to capture striking photographs. And to be fair, it is undeniably beautiful. However, it has grown so popular that the resort has posted a sign indicating that “photo taking at the river pool is only permitted from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM”—so you can imagine how bustling it becomes during those hours. The resort also boasts a thalassotherapy pool—a therapeutic heated seawater pool. However, I opted for a one-hour massage at their spa instead, and I harbored absolutely no regrets.
Double Six Seminyak
My second accommodation was the Double Six resort. It presented a distinctly different atmosphere and experience compared to AYANA. It was situated amidst the vibrant energy of Seminyak, featuring a pool that offered views of both the beach and the bustling streets. It felt lively, contemporary, and full of vitality. I truly enjoyed my spacious room, which also included its own private pool, although I must admit I didn’t actually use it. Not because I didn’t appreciate it, but simply because I found myself exploring the area for most of my two-day stay. The hotel enjoys an excellent location, providing easy access to shops, bars, and beach clubs—but most importantly (at least for me), to massage parlors. Yes, I was averaging three massages a day, at a cost of just $8 for a half-hour session. Pure bliss.
Be sure to dine at Suzie Q, located within the hotel. The food is simply extraordinary, as is the service. It’s a rooftop bar that overlooks the beach, serving up some of the most delicious local cuisine. For a more sophisticated experience, head to their exceedingly glamorous Plantation Bar & Grill. This restaurant specializes in dry-aged, exclusively sourced, and imported meats, along with sustainably line-caught seafood, all cooked over custom-made coal and wood grills and in wood-fired ovens. Oh, and prepare to be entertained by a live soprano. Unexpected, but incredibly charming. You also can’t miss their buffet and à la carte breakfast at the Rooftop Sunset Bar. Secure a prime spot with a view of the ocean.
The Mulia
This particular place will also remain etched in my memory. After all, it marked my inaugural taste of Bali. I arrived at the resort quite late, nearing 11 PM. However, when I awoke the following day, it’s safe to say I found myself in Bali heaven. My day commenced with a yoga session (I’ve only ever participated in three throughout my life) in the Eden Garden, which truly lived up to its name. I reveled in the warmth of the sun on my skin as I truly immersed myself in the beauty of my surroundings. This experience effectively set a tranquil and peaceful tone for the entire day.
I proceeded directly to breakfast at The Cafe. Of all the places I stayed, this was, without a doubt, the finest breakfast experience. There were nine distinct stations featuring various cuisines. And you guessed it, I absolutely embarked on a global culinary journey. A helpful hint: wear comfortable, stretchy pants. The same expansive selection was available for dinner. They offered a wide array of stations, including Korean, Thai, and Indian cuisines, and even featured live cooking stations. They also opened up the dessert room. Picture Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. I was overwhelmed by the choices, but rest assured, I sampled as much as my heart desired.
Be sure to also check out Table 8—a restaurant showcasing Chinese specialties. It served some of the most flavorful food I encountered during the entire trip. As I savored the diverse dishes, a young man approached and began pouring tea in a manner I had never witnessed before. It was my first introduction to a kung-fu tea master. Dressed in authentic attire and equipped with a long-funneled teapot, he delivered an astonishing martial arts-based tea pouring demonstration, rooted in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony derived from iconic Chinese folk culture. He moved with such incredible speed that I could barely keep up, pouring the tea with remarkable precision.
Packages
All three resorts can be found on Luxury Escapes, often featuring special flash deals for each property. AYANA currently has a promotional offer for three nights in its one-bedroom ocean view villa, starting from $3879. This package includes daily à la carte breakfast, a daily two-course lunch or dinner, unlimited rounds of golf, 24-hour butler service, and one 50-minute massage.
The Double Six sale is also currently active, offering five nights for A$1,999. This includes daily unlimited breakfast, packages providing guests with daily lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, one hour of daily free-flow cocktails, a one-time set menu dinner at The Plantation Grill, and a one-hour massage.
The Mulia’s flash sale is also live and features similar attractive offers such as daily breakfast, daily lunch or dinner, two hours of daily afternoon tea, cocktails and canapés, and entry to Canna Bali Beach Club with complimentary return transfers.
Flights
Virgin Australia presently operates five daily flights to Bali from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. The airline is currently celebrating its 18th year of flying to this beloved island destination.
This article’s author was a guest of Luxury Escapes and Virgin Australia.
The article explores my luxurious journey through Bali, focusing on three top-tier resorts: AYANA, Double Six Seminyak, and The Mulia Nusa Dua. It details the unparalleled service, particularly the 24-hour butler experience at AYANA, and highlights the resort’s extensive amenities, including its vast dining options, famous Rock Bar, and unique cultural museum. The piece also delves into the distinct vibes of Double Six Seminyak, known for its vibrant location and excellent spa services, and The Mulia, praised for its exceptional breakfast and the mesmerizing kung-fu tea master performance. It emphasizes the cultural richness and outstanding hospitality found across the island, while also providing practical information on current Luxury Escapes packages and Virgin Australia flight options.
