Raffles Bali Draws On Balinese Tradition For Immersive Wellness Stays

17.11.2023 - 13:33 / forbes.com

The recently opened Raffles Bali debuted the hotel brand’s new Retreat by Raffles concept this year with a wellness program that draws inspiration from this enchanting Indonesian island.

Earlier this year, Raffles Hotels & Resorts launched its brand-new Retreat by Raffles wellness concept. The wellness programs were first debuted at the brand’s original location and flagship property, Raffles Singapore, and the 2021-opened Raffles Bali. At Raffles Bali, the spa program revolves around Raffles’ Emotional Wellbeing focus and the resort’s own commitment to Balinese traditions and the island’s deeply rooted affinity for spirituality, nature and their connection to living well.

A property that was many years in the making–with the owners first buying this land as far back as the ‘70s and ‘80s–Raffles Bali officially opened as travelers were able to return to the island towards the end of 2021. Drawing inspiration from a Balinese village, the resort’s 32 villas are dotted across hillside running down to a private stretch of beach from where the coastline continues around to Jimbaran Bay.

Separated by ornamental walls, each villa lies amid lush tropical flora and is positioned to look out over the ocean beyond the slope’s frangipani trees, bougainvillea and steps traversing the hillside through gardens. Just like the exterior architecture, the interiors of these villas are informed by Balinese artisanship and style, with batik tapestries and rattan furniture among each room’s design details.

The hotel’s open-sided, ocean-view Rumari restaurant and Writers Bar are at the top of this hillside, with Loloan Beach Bar and Grill and the resort’s main pool then positioned right above the quiet beach. The spa is a part of the main building you first enter at the highest point of the resort and other tranquil enclaves lie hidden around the resort’s expansive hillside estate.

A separate spa sanctuary has been built into the hillside for therapies amid the lush landscape and a cave has been transformed into a meditation space that’s also available for private candlelit dinners. A farm terrace, cut into the cliffside, provides the space for the cultivation of fresh ingredients and is also the setting for atmospheric dining experiences making the most of the local produce. Tennis courts, jogging paths, a meditation terrace and the 25m infinity pool all add to the resort’s appeal for anyone seeking rejuvenation.

Each corner of this luxury hillside retreat comes together to provide the serene, nature-enshrouded setting for a series of immersive wellness experiences. Of particular note, the new Retreat by Raffles program promises a five senses restorative wellness journey incorporating spa treatments and wellbeing rituals