“Being one of the first resorts on the island, we were able to secure the best location with the combination of both cliff and beachfront land, and views across Jimbaran Bay’s fishing village. It also means that we have had years of guest feedback to learn from, to perfect our offering,” said General Manager Uday Rao. “Our guests told us they love the location and authentic Balinese concept, and they love the people. Those elements haven’t changed and remain part of our DNA, while we have upgraded facilities and created the Imperial and Royal Villas to elevate the guest experience. We’re grateful to our owners for their support and excited to share this evolution with our loyal guests and staff.”

The resort also added a new ocean-front venue for spa treatments and yoga; an artists-in-residence program for guests to learn woodcarving, weaving, painting and dance; heli-surfing, sunset cruise and water biking adventures; and unique Customized Dining concept at Sundara, the southern peninsula’s hottest dining destination and beach-club. These activities enhance existing programs including half-day courses at the state-of-the-art Jimbaran Bay Cooking Academy, transformative rituals at Healing Village Spa, and temple tours and offerings with the Balinese Hindu priest.

What hasn’t changed: the legendary service. Roughly 60% of staff have been with the property for over 20 years, and management kept the entire team employed full-time throughout the two-year renovation. Nyoman Karsila was 22 years old when he joined as a busboy in September 1992, before the hotel’s opening. Now a butler at the Residences, Karsila has made deep connections with guests – some of whom have even invited him to their homes to return the hospitality.

“I’ve seen guests grow up from children to adults, and come back with their own children so there are three or four generations staying together,” said Karsila. “I’m proud we have finished the renovation so we can take even better care of our guests – they are like our extended family.”

Even with all that going on the resort also got a few new awards. Four Seasons Resorts Bali at Jimbaran Bay and the mountain retreat of Sayan were two of just three hotels in Bali to receive the highest possible Five-Star rating in the 2017 Forbes Travel Guide, recognizing “virtually flawless service and amazing facilities”. In addition, Healing Village Spa at Jimbaran Bay and Sacred River Spa at Sayan received Four-Star ratings, the highest possible for spas. Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay was also recognized among the Best Resorts in Asia in the 2017 Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards. Meanwhile, Bali was voted the World’s Best Destination in the 2017 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards recognizing its diverse culture, landscapes, dining scene and wellness rituals.

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay