Intercontinental Bali Jimbaran Bay: How to stay in style in Bali

THE words ‘executive’ and ‘Bali’ are not often seen together but you can enjoy the blue skies and water of the tropical paradise in style.

Main entrance to the InterContinental Bali Resort, Indonesia.

THE words ‘executive’ and ‘Bali’ are not often seen together as most people imagine that travelling to the tourist Mecca involves Bucks parties, Bintang singlets and rubber thongs. But in true Balinese style the sandy island has something for everyone.

A recent trip to the Intercontinental Bali at Jimbaran Bay showed this writer that you could enjoy the blue skies and water of Bali in style.

About a 40-minute car ride away from the motorbikes and madness of the hugely popular Seminyak is the market and fishing village of Jimbaran which plays host to the sprawling InterContinental resort.

The Club pool is for Club guests only.

Decked out with all the facilities you expect of a Balinese resort such as manicured gardens and Asian-inspired decor, this hotel has one very notable difference – an executive club.

Set in its own private wing, Club InterContinental is a resort within a resort. Boasting an array of suites, 24-hour butler service, exclusive pool and lounge that serves light refreshments all day and complimentary canapés and drinks of an afternoon it’s like being in a VIP room at a Hollywood event.

As single travellers and couples will appreciate, having a private pool and breakfast area away from boisterous children provides for a relaxing stay and it is difficult to tear yourself away from the sun lounges when extremely courteous staff keeping bringing you cocktails.

The Club rooms are spacious and decked our Balinese style.

There is an array of dining options at the Intercontinental from Japanese to BBQ but a short stroll out of the resort finds you at Jimbaran Bay beach which is bursting with seafood restaurants that spill out on the sand. This writer spent a particularly fun (and long) night singing karaoke with a Balinese guitar man against a sunset and surf backdrop.

If it’s shopping and bars you’re after, you’ll have to take a quick taxi ride into Seminyak where you’ll find the likes of hot spots such as Potato Head, Sarong, Metis and La Lucciola all of which come highly recommended for a bite to eat. But you’ll be glad to get back to the sanctuary of your suite when you’re done.

The Lounge and adjoining Terrace are also for Club guests only.

As far as venturing out in the day goes, a bike ride around the bustling Jimbaran markets is a must to see how the locals sell and shop for food and if you have time, check out the surf beaches at Nusa Dua.

If you can make it up to the hills to visit the spiritual town of Ubud, you won’t regret it, just make sure you get an air-conditioned ride!

Of course, the aim of the game in Bali is really just to unwind and relax which is easily done ‘executive style’ by just lapping up the hospitality and amenities of Club InterContinental.

For more informqation on the resort visit Intercontinental Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

This writer was a guest of the InterContinental.

Just try to tear yourself away from the free afternoon canapes and cocktails.