The sheer opulence I encountered left me utterly speechless; receiving a message from my personal butler was an experience unlike any other. Until very recently, I believed I was one of the last Australians yet to visit Bali. I admit, this famed island wasn’t at the top of my travel wish list, perhaps due to the pervasive hype surrounding it. However, the instant I set foot there, particularly during my stays at the exceptionally luxurious resorts of The Mulia Nusa Dua, Double Six Seminyak, and AYANA, I swiftly grasped the reason behind its immense popularity.
These three establishments, consistently among the most frequently booked by Australians through Luxury Escapes, offered a magnificent introduction to the vibrant island—a destination celebrated for its rich culture, outstanding hospitality, and exemplary service. On that note, I’m going to recount my experiences in reverse chronological order because my time at AYANA simply has to be highlighted first. This five-star resort, nestled in Jimbaran, epitomizes luxury and stands apart from any other place I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
It quickly became apparent why trams were constantly zipping by. The resort spans an impressive 90 hectares, integrating four distinct properties, countless swimming pools, and no less than 30 dining and drinking establishments, including the Instagram-famous Rock Bar. It also boasts a secluded beach, a rejuvenating spa, and a comprehensive cultural museum. These trams were instrumental in transporting guests efficiently across the sprawling grounds. I was fortunate enough to reside in one of the 73 villas on offer, perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge, offering breathtaking vistas of the Jimbaran sea. Each villa featured its own private pool, a generously sized bathroom, and a lavish lounge and bedroom area. What truly distinguished the villa experience, however, was the provision of a dedicated 24-hour butler for villa guests—a concept so novel to me that I had to inquire extensively about its function and implementation.
“So, I just send him a message when I need to be taken anywhere within the resort?” I asked.
“Yes, Ms. Shireen,” came the reply. “Simply download the AYANA app, and you can message him with absolutely anything you require. He can even arrange for your room to be serviced.”
This was absolutely extraordinary, a degree of luxury I had genuinely never encountered. As evidenced by our message exchange, Edi, my butler, was incredibly attentive. He’d respond almost instantly whenever I needed to go for lunch, dinner, or any other location within the resort. When his initial message appeared, I remember thinking, “Wow, this is actually legitimate.” During one of our journeys to the magnificent on-site museum, SAKA, which Time Magazine recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Places, he shared a bit about his background.
He has been a valued team member at Ayana, an Indonesian-owned resort, since 2012, conveying his profound enjoyment of his role. “I worked as a receptionist for the villas for seven years,” he explained, “then I attended university and pursued a degree in hospitality management.” He subsequently returned to the resort, this time as a butler, a position he holds for approximately nine hours daily, concluding his shift at 3 PM before handing over to the subsequent butler who continues until midnight. Edi, much like all the personnel at the resort, demonstrates immense pride in his work. He was remarkably insightful and consistently prompt—typically taking no more than ten minutes from the moment I messaged him to transport me to my lunch or dinner reservations, or even to the gym or spa. Considering the resort’s expansive size, his efficiency was truly impressive.
“Ms. Shireen, please inform me if you would like me to schedule housekeeping to tidy your villa while you are out?” he inquired, as he dropped me off for breakfast. Moments later, I would receive a text confirming the precise time my villa would be attended to.
Alright, let’s talk about the food. Another truly outstanding aspect. The resort offers three distinct venues for breakfast, but I must confess, I found myself repeatedly drawn to just one because it was exceptionally good—DAVA. I quickly struck up a friendship with Fingky, the wonderfully kind waitress who, after a short time, would preemptively remember most of my order before I even sat down: a flat white, soto Ayam (a dish introduced to me by a friend), and the acai berry yogurt smoothie bowl. I was astonished to discover that, as part of the Luxury Escapes package, I was at liberty to order as many dishes as I wished. The same generous policy applied to lunch and dinner. Regardless of where you choose to dine, you’re guaranteed a spectacular view, whether it’s the mesmerizing ocean or a serene corner of the immaculate and lush resort grounds.
Lunch was equally delightful, enjoyed at Damar Terrace overlooking one of the many exquisite swimming pools. I immediately opted for the Rendang daging—a traditional West Sumatran dish featuring spiced braised beef. It was so incredibly delicious that I found myself wanting to order it again. I also had the pleasure of experiencing dinner at the perpetually popular Rock Bar. It’s ubiquitous across Instagram and TikTok, and for very good reason. It provides a truly spectacular cliffside setting for watching the sunset while enjoying a few Bintang beers and delectable food. “As day transitions into night, the views continually evolve, unveiling new layers of beauty,” the AYANA website rightly states. And it’s absolutely spot on. It’s a particularly special experience, especially when the golden sunset casts its glow while a violinist performs live.
Another notable feature of the resort is its renowned pool. While it boasts numerous aquatic facilities, one specific pool attracts a multitude of influencers seeking the perfect photo opportunity. And to be fair, it is undeniably beautiful. However, its popularity has grown to such an extent that the resort has installed signage indicating that “photo taking at the river pool is only permitted from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM”—giving you an idea of how busy it can get during those prime hours. The resort also features a thalassotherapy pool, which is a heated seawater therapy pool. Instead, I chose to indulge in a one-hour massage at their spa and had absolutely no regrets.
Double Six Seminyak
My second accommodation was the Double Six. This resort presented a dramatically different atmosphere and guest experience compared to AYANA. It was nestled within the lively hustle and bustle of Seminyak, featuring a pool that offered views of both the beach and the energetic streets. The ambiance was vibrant, fresh, and brimming with life. I particularly appreciated my generously sized room, which also came with its own private pool, though I must admit, I didn’t actually use it. Not for lack of liking it, but rather because I spent the majority of my two-day stay exploring the surroundings. The hotel enjoys an excellent location, providing easy access to shops, bars, and beach clubs—and, crucially for me, to numerous massage establishments. Indeed, I was averaging three massages daily, each costing merely $8 for half an hour. Pure bliss.
Be sure to dine at Suzie Q, located within the hotel. The cuisine is extraordinary, as is the level of service. This rooftop bar overlooks the beach and serves some of the most flavorful local dishes. For a more sophisticated dining 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 cooked over custom-designed coal and wood grills and in wood-fired ovens. Oh, and prepare to be serenaded by a soprano. Unexpected, but thoroughly captivating. You also absolutely cannot miss their buffet and à la carte breakfast at the Rooftop Sunset Bar. Secure a prime spot that offers views of the ocean.
The Mulia
This establishment, too, will forever remain etched in my memory. After all, it provided my very first introduction to Bali. I arrived at the resort quite late, nearing 11 PM. But upon waking the following morning, it’s safe to say I awoke in Balinese paradise. My day commenced with a yoga session (I’ve only ever participated in three in my entire life) within the truly aptly named Eden Garden. The warmth of the sun on my skin as I truly absorbed the beauty of my surroundings helped establish a mood of calm and tranquility for the day ahead.
I then proceeded directly to breakfast at The Cafe. Out of all the places I stayed, this was, without a doubt, the finest breakfast experience. There were nine distinct stations featuring various cuisines. And yes, you guessed it, I thoroughly savored my way through a culinary tour around the world. A helpful hint: wear comfortable, stretchy trousers. The same exceptional culinary variety applied to dinner. They offer an array of different stations, including Korean, Thai, and Indian cuisines, and even boast live cooking stations. They also unveil the dessert room, evoking images of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. I was overwhelmed by the choices but rest assured, I sampled as much as possible, as you’re free to select whatever your heart desires.
Be sure to also visit Table 8—a restaurant acclaimed for its Chinese specialties. It offered some of the most delectable food I experienced during the entire trip. As I was savoring the diverse array of dishes, a young man approached and began to pour tea in a manner I had never witnessed before. It was my first encounter with a kung-fu tea master. Dressed in traditional attire and equipped with a long-spouted teapot, he delivered an astounding martial arts-based tea pouring performance, rooted in an iconic Chinese folk cultural ceremony. He moved with such incredible speed that I could barely follow, pouring the tea with remarkable precision.
Packages
All three of these remarkable resorts can be found on Luxury Escapes, often featuring flash deals on each property. AYANA currently has a special offer: 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 active, providing five nights for A$1,999, which encompasses daily unlimited breakfast, packages offering guests a daily lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, one hour of daily complimentary cocktails, a one-time set menu dinner at The Plantation Grill, and a one-hour massage. The Mulia’s flash sale is also live, including similar offers such as daily breakfast, daily lunch or dinner, two hours of daily afternoon tea, cocktails, and canapés, as well as entry to Canna Bali Beach Club with return transfers.
Flights
Virgin Australia presently operates five daily flights to Bali from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. The airline is currently commemorating 18 years of service to this beloved island destination.
This writer’s travel was generously hosted by Luxury Escapes and Virgin Australia.
Article summary: The author, initially hesitant about Bali, discovers its allure through stays at three luxury resorts: AYANA, Double Six Seminyak, and The Mulia. AYANA, a 90-hectare resort in Jimbaran, offers unparalleled luxury with private villas, 24-hour butler service, 30 restaurants, and an award-winning museum. The author highlights their butler, Edi, and the exquisite dining at DAVA and Rock Bar. Double Six Seminyak provides a vibrant, central experience with a beachfront pool, proximity to shops and spas, and fantastic dining at Suzie Q and Plantation Bar & Grill. The Mulia, the author’s first Bali experience, is praised for its Eden Garden yoga, exceptional nine-station breakfast buffet at The Cafe, diverse dining, and a captivating kung-fu tea master performance at Table 8. All three resorts feature flash deals on Luxury Escapes, detailing package inclusions. Virgin Australia currently offers five daily flights to Bali from major Australian cities, celebrating 18 years of service to the island.
