4 fabulous new Bali resorts for your dream island vacay
Remember all those holidays you had to put on hold for the past two years, no thanks to Covid-19? There is no bigger sign to make up for lost time than Bali fully reopening to all vaccinated individuals.
With the absence of the usual tourist traffic on the Island of Gods, the beaches, rice paddies, temples, cafes, and even monkeys have had some downtime. But things have not slowed down to a stop. New resorts have opened in 2020 and 2021 albeit to little fanfare.
As Bali bounces back to welcome greatly missed travellers, we spotlight the brand new additions across the island. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or up for catching some waves, you will find a new Bali resort perfect for your type of vacation.
If you are looking for a quick nearby trip, scroll down for resort suggestions in Bintan and Batam.
Eco-conscious hipsters, check out Potato Head Studios in Seminyak
Potato Head has long been associated with everything cool in Seminyak. One of the must-visit Bali spots amongst hipsters is the often Instagrammed beach club. In 2020, Potato Head expanded to become Bali’s first creative village, Desa Potato Head.
At the heart of the creative village is Potato Head Studio, a 168 guest room resort with a progressive zero waste motto “Good Times, Do Good” - a climate-conscious hipster’s dream vacation. Sustainability is incorporated everywhere, from the furniture made out of recycled plastic bottles to fully degradable slippers. Guests are encouraged to participate in sustainable living. At check in, guests pick a complimentary stainless steel tumbler and reusable tote bag and will find a Zero-Waste Kit in their room that includes bamboo cutlery and straws, ointment pots and a lunchbox.
Young guests can take part in workshops led by Potato Head’s Sustainism team and learn more about climate change through activities like making bracelets out of waste. 5,000 Lost Soles is a large-scale installation on the premises created from 5,000 plastic flip-flops picked up along Bali’s west coast. Potato Head’s cool cred runs strong in the resort that houses an amphitheatre where performances take place and a gallery-like studio with vinyl records and books, Studio Eksotika.
Click here to book.
Nature lovers will be at home at Nirjhara in Tabanan
Nirjhara is the Sanskrit word for waterfall and also the apt name of one of Tabanan’s newest additions - a splashing waterfall stands as a key feature of the resort. Surrounded by jungle and populated by coconut trees, Nirjhara is just the place for city-worn travellers to relax in mother nature.
The nature theme extends to the architecture and interior design that incorporates wood, stone and bamboo all locally sourced. The Canopy Suite, a one-bedroom grown up tree house, showcases the blend of modern clean lines and natural materials. Guests will delight in living amongst the canopy of coconut palms whilst being blessed with an unobstructed view of the rice fields that extend towards Mount Batukaru from the suite’s rooftop deck.
One perk of being a guest at Nirjhara is you have unlimited use of bikes and surfboards during your stay. Make sure to include a spot of surfing at the super near Kedungu beach and cycle through the surrounding villages, countryside and rice paddies - the famous Tanah Lot temple is only 3km away.
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Fitness enthusiasts can hang ten at Mamaka in Kuta
Standing tall along Kuta Beach is Mamaka by Ovolo, opened in 2021. The resort has the highest rooftop pool in the area and naturally one of the best places to get a bird’s eye view of Bali. This cool beach-front resort is great for a fuss-free vacation, thanks to its prime location close to stores and buzzing nightlife.
Aspiring surfers will be in good hands staying here as Mamaka’s in-house surf school is a collaboration between the resort and Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy - start learning under the care of International Surfing Association accredited coaches. And if you are one of those who cannot skip a day without working out, guests can take full advantage of the 24-hour wellness zone that features a horizontal climbing wall and circuit training mechanical surfboard amongst the standard gym equipment.
Click here to book.
Raffles Bali in Jimbaran is made for romantic couples
Photo Credit: http://www.rafflesbali.com
Lovebirds who have been missing quality alone time would do well to splurge on a holiday at Raffles Bali. The luxury resort opened its doors in 2020 and has quickly established itself to be one of the most prestigious in Bali.
Jimbaran may be popular with travellers for its seafood restaurants but a winding drive uphill quickly transports you away from the seaside bustle to the tranquil oasis that is Raffles Bali. 32 villas are spread across the huge 23 hectares of the estate. For ultimate privacy and space, each villa has its own private garden and full-sized swimming pool and unparalleled ocean views - ideal for honeymooners who would not want to leave this secluded beachfront paradise.
Raffles Wellbeing Butlers work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every single detail of your stay is taken care of, from making sure aloe vera is on hand after your afternoon suntan session to organising the limousine transfer to the airport.
A natural cave was discovered in the hillside during the resort’s construction and has been kept in its original state for an unique experience exclusive to guests at Raffles Bali. Start the Secret Cave private dining experience with sunset cocktails at the top of the cave before moving into the cave for a one-of-a-kind intimate course meal that will definitely be the highlight of your holiday.
Click here to book.
Strapped for time? Batam and Bintan are perfect for a short getaway
In October 2020, the first 5-star hotel in Batam opened - the Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay. Travellers can kick start their holiday straight off the ferry as the hotel is conveniently connected to the Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal and has all the trappings for a luxurious self-contained stay including an infinity pool, gym, spa, two world-class restaurants and a rooftop bar lounge. You do not have to venture far for some sightseeing, a 15-minute car ride will bring you to the Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall and nearby attractions.
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If you are itching to fill your social media account with fun vacay posts, look no further than the desert glamping Anmon Resort in Bintan. The 100 deluxe teepees each have a skylight, en-suite bathroom and enclosed patio, elevating the camping experience. Besides your own teepee, the earth-toned resort has Insta-worthy desert-themed social spots like the Lobby and Lawn and is a stone’s throw away from the Crystal Lagoon, the largest man-made seawater lagoon in Asia.
Click here to book.
Off to your Indonesian holiday? Make sure you have everything ticked off this list.
Markets, vintage stores and hiking trails are top on Tianyun’s list to visit in every city. The sometimes writer has the unpopular opinion that the Grand Canyon is just a “big hole”.