Intercontinental Bali Resort, a dazzling blend of timeless Balinese elegance and modern luxury.
The Intercontinental Bali resort could just be the best place to stay to avoid Bali’s traffic issues, but still indulge in five star Balinese luxury.
Originally opened in 1993, the InterContinental Bali Resort was among the first luxury hotels to claim a coveted stretch of Jimbaran Bay’s pristine coastline.
After an extensive, multi-year refurbishment completed in stages over recent years, the resort today offers a dazzling blend of timeless Balinese elegance and modern luxury.
With its stunning beachfront location, direct access to a long stretch of soft white sand, and immaculately manicured tropical gardens, the resort feels like a self-contained paradise — a place you never need (or want) to leave.
Ideal for honeymooners, families, and even conference groups, the InterContinental offers a complete experience: world-class dining, holistic wellness, a range of different but beautiful rooms and authentic cultural immersion, all just 15 minutes from Bali’s international airport.
Its unbeatable beachfront setting, incredible spa and wellness experiences, standout dining, and authentic cultural touchpoints create a complete destination.
Whether for a romantic honeymoon, a memorable family holiday, or an inspirational business retreat, InterContinental Bali promises a stay filled with beauty, spirit, and exceptional service — all without ever needing to leave the resort.
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: 10/10
The Intercontinental Bali is one of the best located resorts to the airport, as the taxi to the airport is just 15 minutes. And with Bali’s ever increasing traffic issue, this is a huge win.
Perfectly positioned on Jimbaran Bay, the InterContinental Bali offers immediate access to one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches with clean swimmable water.
Guests can walk directly from the resort’s gardens onto the soft white sand and enjoy morning and evening strolls to local coffee shops and seafood restaurants lining the shore.
The resort is also close to bustling streets filled with markets, shops, and temples, offering a glimpse into authentic local life, while remaining a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Rooms: 9.5/10
The 425 guestrooms, suites, and villas cater to every type of traveler, featuring updated interiors after a major refurbishment. From Classic Rooms to extravagant private villas with private elevators and pools, accommodations feel fresh, luxurious, and spacious.
The Premium Mezzanine Club Lounge Access Duplex Suites are popular with split-level layouts, teak floors, stylish marble bathrooms, large living and dining areas, and a private balcony overlooking lush grounds. Rooms are filled with thoughtful touches blending modern technology and timeless Balinese craftsmanship.
My suite was stunning and featured a huge comfortable bed, separate lounge room, indulgent Byredo products,
Club InterContinental benefits, including a private pool, dedicated concierge, daily afternoon tea, and evening cocktails elevate the guest experience to another level.
Wellness: 9/10
Spa Uluwatu is a haven of tranquility, offering treatments inspired by the ocean and Balinese healing traditions. Signature experiences like the Uluwatu Healing Journey (a combination of foot rituals, singing bowls, massage, and herbal bathing) leave guests deeply relaxed and restored.
An absolute highlight is the traditional purification ritual at the resort’s own Balinese Hindu temple, where guests can participate in ancient ceremonies to cleanse the mind and spirit in a deeply moving experience.
I spent an hour with a local priest who conducted a healing session which involved a fire and writing down hopes and dreams as well as past indiscretions and burning them in the name of peace, love and happiness.
In addition to the spa, the resort boasts a small state-of-the-art gym with offering cardio machines, and weights making it easy to stay active in a beautiful setting. Sauna, steam rooms, and plunge pools round out the wellness offerings.
Food and Beverage: 9/10
Dining at the InterContinental Bali is excellent and there is plenty on offer within the resort from fabulous cocktails to snacks, and high teas to high end dining.
Bella Cucina delivers an upscale Mediterranean experience with dishes like truffle asparagus and handmade cacio e pepe ravioli in a setting that feels like an elegant European villa.
KO Japanese Restaurant was the first Japanese restaurant ever on Bali ands till impresses with authentic teppanyaki, sushi, plenty of theatre as the food is cooked, and stylish Japanese gardens.
Jimbaran Gardens offers authentic Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng and babi guling poolside in a relaxed setting.
Sunset Beach Bar & Grill is perfect for oceanfront cocktails at sunset, with a fabulous western menu which includes Australian rib eye steaks and healthy, clean food. While Taman Gita offers abundant international and Indonesian choices for breakfast and all-day dining.
Service across all venues is consistently warm, attentive, and genuinely caring.
Sustainability: 8.5/10
While not as aggressively eco-focused as newer properties, InterContinental Bali makes genuine efforts in preserving its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.
Mature tropical gardens, water lily ponds, and a sacred temple have been lovingly protected throughout renovations, showing deep respect for the environment and Balinese spirituality.
The high end Byredo products in multi use containers in all rooms are a highlight.
Style: 10/10
InterContinental Bali Resort remains a true icon of Balinese luxury. The Balinese soul runs through every inch of the property, from the breathtaking Dedari sculpture in the lobby to the intricate stone carvings scattered across the grounds. Even after 31 years, the resort feels vibrant and fresh thanks to sensitive, luxurious updates.
The fusion of traditional architecture, manicured gardens, flowing water features, and timeless interiors creates an atmosphere of effortless grace — offering guests a real sense of place while indulging in world-class luxury.
Intercontinental Bali in Brief:
Who Is Behind It: The Intercontinental Hotel Group, and the Jimbaran Bay property is locally owned by an Indonesian.
Insider Knowledge: The cocktails at the Intercontinental Club Lounge are outstanding – and there are magicians at the main restaurant some nights who are brilliant, especially with families.
Renae says: This is a luxury five star resort I can truly relax in as I don’t want or need to leave. The location is a highlight with the beautiful beach and manicured grounds, as is the Intercontinental Club Lounge where the staff are wonderful.
Who should Stay at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Review: Couples, singles, groups. I would love to stay with my teenage twins.
Who shouldn’t stay here: Anyone would have a great stay here.
Location: Around 15 minutes from the airport in Bali.
Best culinary delight: The Japanese teppinyaki set menu was sensational during my stay, and I loved the chocolate cake I added which was made on site.
The Highlight: A full body massage in the open air overlooking the resort and the ocean – beautiful.
The lowlight: The gym needs to be larger given how many five star hotel guests focus on fitness.
Most Instagrammable location: The entire property is full of instagrammable locations from the beach front to the landscaped gardens and each of the restaurants.
