Words & Photographs by Angela Terrell
Lying in The Sanctuary (an open-walled, private treatment suite cantilevered over an oasis of green), aware only of my therapist’s soothing movements and the orchestra of birdsong echoing from the valley below, I felt remarkably ‘well’. But this came as little surprise, given that wellness is at the heart of Raffles Bali, with everything - from the architecture and cuisine, to the curated spa treatments - designed to nurture the spirit, encourage emotional reconnection and restore balance.
Mere minutes from Jimbaran’s markets and beach, Raffles Bali is a tree and butterfly-filled haven – a tour with the on-site Botanical Guru revealing gardens where almost everything blooming has some health benefit. Spread over 23 hectares, the resort flows down the hillside towards Jimbaran Bay, and its restaurants, Writer’s Bar and 32 private villas enjoy panoramic views of azure water and majestic Mount Agung. Basking in such a vista, I understood why the Balinese believe that places where both the mountains and sea are visible carry a unique energy.
The beauty continues inside the nature-encased villas. Centre stage is a cloud-like bed and sitting area ideal for sipping and reading, while glass doors open to an infinity pool and shady cabana you’ll have no desire to leave. And if that isn’t enough, a butler is on hand to deliver wellness juices, nutrient-packed rosella pandan tea and calming pillow mists – although it’s difficult to imagine sleep eluding you in such tranquil surroundings.
Dining here is equally spectacular. Everything is remarkably fresh (fishermen send the chefs photos of their daily catch), and dishes arrive looking like art on a plate. The degustation dinner at Rumari takes you across the Indonesian archipelago (ingredients hail from Java to West Sumatra), while the Secret Cave experience transports you to a candlelit, ivy-draped world.
We often forget we need nurturing, but a sojourn at Raffles Bali ensures that mind, body and spirit are equally cared for – which proved true, once again, during a chakra treatment on my final day. Amazed by the healer’s knowing assessment and ability to read my body, I was cleared of ‘bad energy’ in a Reiki healing, and left the session feeling profoundly serene and understood – the ultimate parting gift.
This story originally appeared in our Islands Magazine.
