Balinese Adventure Part 34
Michael Taylor’s Balinese adventure has ended in real time, but it continues in Cyberspace. Today he reminisces about what should have been his final 2 days in the Land of the Gods.
The Ayana and the Rimba are sister properties. A shuttle bus ferries hotel guests between the 2 hotels, which together offer the “most extensive on site-facilities of any resort in Bali”.
Together the 2 hotels have numerous food and beverage outlets serving all manner of cuisine, 11 swimming pools, 2 fitness centres, a spa – the list goes on.
After a yummy Chinese lunch at the Ah Yat Abalone Restaurant at the Rimba, I’m taken by shuttle to the Ayana, which is set amid 77 hectares of tropically landscaped gardens, which are located atop a cliff that is 35 metre above Jimbaran Bay.
Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool
First on the agenda is a 2 hour hydro-massage at the Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool.
The pool has 23 hydro-massage stations, which are said “to help combat the effects of jet lag and improve circulation and lymphatic draining”.
Because a considerable amount of effort is needed to stay in place and make your way through the water, the treatment is also said to burn quite a few calories.
Kisik Bar and Grill
Following my spa treatment, I enjoy a romantic dinner at Kisik Bar and Grill, a seafood restaurant located on the beach at the foot of the cliff on which the hotel grounds are located.
The open air restaurant is reached by inclinator. The tables are situated on the beach. My dining companion and I select our dishes from the seafood that is displayed on ice. It is then cooked on an open fire.
After a spectacular sunset, candles and tiki torches provide the light.
Following dinner, we head to the world famous Rock Bar Bali, which is located on a platform 14 metres above the Indian Ocean. Then it’s back to the Rimba for a nightcap.
To’ge Restaurant
Following another yummy breakfast at the To’ge Restaurant at the Rimba, I’m taken back by shuttle bus to the Ayana Resort and Spa, where I learn how to make my own men’s cologne.
Best of all, I come away with a bottle, which is more than a mere souvenir of my 4 weeks in Bali. I genuinely like the scent!
The recipe for my personal fragrance is kept on record, and I can order refills after I return home – which I have every intention of doing.
Thermes Marins Bali
After my lesson in perfume making, a signature spa treatment at the Thermes Marins Bali awaits.
Set amid beautifully landscaped grounds, the facility comprises several spa villas and treatment rooms, a beauty salon, a reflexology and relaxation lounge, steam and sauna rooms, and the Aquatonic Seawater Jet Pool, which I experienced the day before.
There are also 3 floodlit tennis courts, an 18-hole golf putting course, Jacuzzi grotto, a cold plunge pool, a gym, a spa boutique, a cafe, and a Japanese restaurant.
I have already checked out of the Rimba, and – following my spa treatment – I should be heading for the airport. Instead I am headed to the L Hotel, where I spent 2 nights 3 weeks earlier.
Management at the property have graciously extended an invitation for me to spend 4 more days in Bali so that I can experience the Balinese Day of Silence first hand.
Where
Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali Indoneisa. Telephone: (62-361) 361 702 222.