My arrival at RIMBA by AYANA wasn’t just a check-in; it was an immediate immersion into a carefully crafted world of modern Balinese tranquillity. The journey from the bustling streets of Jimbaran faded away as I stepped into the resort’s breathtaking lobby, an architectural masterpiece that perfectly set the tone for my entire stay in Bali, Indonesia.
The first thing that struck me was the vast, reflective pool of water beyond the lobby’s floor. It was more than a feature; it was the heart of the space. The still, dark surface acted as a perfect mirror, flawlessly doubling the world above. The soaring, angular lines of the roof, the lush green fronds of tropical plants, and the vast, open sky were all captured in its glassy expanse. It created a sense of boundless space, blurring the line between structure and nature and water.
Floating serenely within this feature were the iconic sunken seating areas. Sinking into the deep, comfortable cushions of one of these circular couches felt like being gently lowered into a private oasis.
As the day softened into evening, the lobby transformed. The reflective water, once a mirror for the sun, now began to capture the warm, golden glow of strategic lighting. And then, the magic truly began. On several evenings, the space was animated by the soft, melodic strains of a gamelan orchestra or the graceful, hypnotic movements of Balinese dancers, creating a scene that felt both intimate and profoundly spiritual. It was a performance not just on a stage, but within the very soul of the lobby itself.
That first impression at the RIMBA lobby was a promise—a promise of beauty, tranquillity, and cultural immersion that the entire AYANA estate faithfully delivered. But no matter how many stunning sunsets I witnessed at Rock Bar or how many serene hours I spent in the aquatonic pool, the memory of those first moments, suspended in a sunken seat over reflective waters, remained the defining image of my Balinese escape.
Of course. Let’s continue the journey from that breathtaking lobby into the rest of your stay at Rimba Jimbaran.
We followed the path, not down a sterile corridor, but through lush, landscaped gardens that whispered of the adventure to come. The resort is masterfully built into a hillside, and this sense of discovery was a constant delight.
The heart of Rimba’s social life, and our daily playground, was undoubtedly the pool. This was not a single pool, but a spectacular terraced aquatic complex that felt like a futuristic jungle river.
We would spend hours exploring its different levels, floating from one basin to the next, discovering hidden nooks, chilling at the pool swings and submerged sun beds flanked by beautiful flowers. The water was a mesmerising turquoise, contrasting dramatically with the white concrete and the surrounding jungle.
It was a vibrant pool where the energy was infectious, yet there was always a quiet corner to find for oneself.
The rooms are connected by a pool just beyond the stretches of the dense forest, allowing you to feel connected to the outdoors right from the room.
We booked a floating breakfast and were all ready to enjoy it at the tranquil waters while floating down the oasis in the forest.
Upon the tray, a vibrant mosaic of colours awaits. Plump red strawberries and sunny yellow mango slices nestle beside emerald kiwi and deep purple dragonfruit. A delicate flute of chilled champagne or fresh orange juice stands tall, beading with condensation. There are flaky, golden pastries that promise a buttery crunch, a miniature tower of delicate pancakes drizzled with local honey, and a perfectly runny egg benedict, all presented on elegant white porcelain.
You slip into the water, the cool embrace a welcome contrast to the warm Balinese sun. The world narrows to the edges of your pool. There is no rush, no itinerary. With the tray bobbing gently before you, you pluck a strawberry, take a sip of champagne, and feel a profound sense of liberation. There are no chairs, no tables—just you, suspended in liquid luxury.
This is more than a meal; it’s a memory forged in sunlight and turquoise. It’s the feeling of being entirely present, yet wonderfully detached from the world.
Our room was a sanctuary of modern design. Stepping inside, it was a lesson in sleek, contemporary comfort. The aesthetic was clean and crisp, with warm neutral tones balancing the cool polished floors. The beautiful plush round lounger in the middle of the room is perfect for enjoying the view.
The bathroom in a RIMBA by Ayana room is designed to be a serene, modern sanctuary that perfectly complements the resort’s overall aesthetic of playful sophistication. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and incredibly functional.
The immediate impression is one of clean, contemporary elegance. Its bathtub area is bright and airy, masterfully blending high-gloss surfaces with natural, textured elements with a barely-there glass partition.
The design avoids any sense of cold minimalism by incorporating warm tones and thoughtful lighting, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
Two framed mirrors with a countertop basin are perfect for couples who like their individual space. The sleekness is maintained by integrating amenities thoughtfully. The hairdryer is stored in a dedicated drawer, and outlets are discreetly placed.
The room felt spacious, expansive and uncluttered, a perfect refuge. But the true masterpiece was waiting just outside the glass doors: a private balcony that framed a stunning, layered view of the resort’s iconic pools and the emerald-green tropical canopy tumbling down towards the Indian Ocean in the distance.
That balcony became our private box seat to the beauty of the resort; mornings were for coffee accompanied by the chorus of exotic birds, and evenings were for watching the sky paint itself in hues of orange and purple.
Forest Bar
Just steps from the water’s edge was the Forest Bar, a concept as cool as its cocktails. Nestled amongst the trees, it felt like a sophisticated, adults-only treehouse.
We loved swinging by in the late afternoon to sip on a passionfruit mojito or a locally-inspired concoction, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The vibe was chic, relaxed, and perfectly complemented the poolside atmosphere.
Orchid Lounge
For a complete change of pace, we indulged in the exquisite tradition of afternoon tea at the Orchid Lounge.
Located at the padi fields of RIMBA, this experience was pure elegance.
Sitting in a quaint glass house surrounded by cascading orchids, we were presented with a towering stand of delicate treats: intricate pastries, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and dainty finger sandwiches. Paired with a selection of fine teas, it was a moment of refined, tranquil bliss—a world away from the playful energy of the pools.
Every element of RIMBA felt thoughtfully connected. Whether we were walking from our modern room down to the vibrant, layered pools, stopping for a cocktail at the trendy Luna Rooftop Bar, or ascending for a sophisticated high tea, the experience was seamless.
As the day comes to an end, head to Luna rooftop bar serves as both a chic pool club by day and a stylish cocktail lounge and restaurant by night, offering panoramic views of the Uluwatu Hills and the Indian Ocean. An inviting and modern ambience paired with lively music.
It was a resort that masterfully blended playful energy with serene luxury, offering a uniquely modern and dynamic heart within the vast, romantic paradise of the AYANA estate.
