Island Paradise: InterContinental Bali Resort Review

The world is a beautiful place... a very big, beautiful place and it can be difficult figuring out which destinations should top your "must-visit soon" list. I had always wanted to visit Indonesia, but I was more focused on Komodo Island (to catch a glimpse of a real-life dragon) than on Bali. But, when I sat down to plan a special birthday trip for my husband, a game plan to visit Bali and Hong Kong fell perfectly into place. I will admit that it's quite a trek from New York City to Jimbaran Bay, Bali, but it was worth every single mile!

Bali is blessed with many options when it comes to luxury villas, resorts, and guest houses. For this particular trip, we selected the InterContinental Bali Resort in Jimbaran Bay. We'd had an excellent experience with the InterContinental chain in French Polynesia in May. I also had my heart set on staying at the InterContinental Hong Kong on the way home from Bali so we thought, "Why not make it a trifecta!"

The resort is ideal for first-time visitors to the island as it's just a 10-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and is nestled between Nusa Dua and Kuta. While some travelers feel that Jimbaran Bay is too close to the airport, we liked being within walking distance of the various fish restaurants lining the beach.

See below for some photos and additional trip details. You can also read my comprehensive InterContinental Bali Resort review at LuxuryCruiseBible.com

The Balinese Pool at the InterContinental Bali
There are six swimming pools here, including the Main Pool, private Club InterContinental Pool, and the Balinese Bath Pool (pictured above).

Spa Uluwatu—Treatments Overlooking the Beach at Jimbaran Bay
The lovely on-property Spa Uluwatu also offers massages in bales at the beach's edge.

Mermaids Hold Court at the Main Pool
Several mermaid fountains hold court at the main pool at the InterContinental Bali.

The InterContinental Bali Resort Complex
Spread over nearly 35 acres, the InterContinental Bali offers three levels of accommodation: Resort Classic, Singaraja, and Club International (which also encompasses suites). With 418 rooms and suites, it's one of the larger resorts in Bali.

Unique Flora and Fauna
There's a huge lily pond that attracts birds throughout the day who are hoping to catch a meal.

Dragon Statues Adorn the Property

Beautiful Fountains and Wading Pools are a Highlight of the InterContinental Bali

Club InterContinental Pool
This pool, with a bar and several bales, is for the exclusive use of Club guests. The resort suggests that families with small children use the Main Pool or Balinese Pool instead.

Complimentary Breakfast for Club Guests
Club guests are entitled to complimentary breakfast at five different venues throughout the resort: the Club InterContinental Pool (pictured above), Club InterContinental Lounge, Taman Gita Terrace, Bella Singaraja restaurant, and in-room dining.

The Entrance to the Club InterContinental Pool
A private oasis for Club guests.

The Club Lounge
Club guests check in to the resort right here in the Club Lounge. It's also one of the venues available to them for complimentary breakfast. Drinks and snacks are available throughout the day: 6:30am–noon = breakfast; 11am–3pm = selection of juices, soft drinks, tea/coffee, and a snack menu; 3–5pm = English afternoon tea; 5–8pm = evening cocktails, wines, sparkling wines, and canapes; 8pm and onwards = late-night snacks.

Club Duplex Suite Vanity and Bathtub

Club Duplex Suite Upstairs Bedroom

Club Duplex Suite—Downstairs Living Room and Dining Room

The Club Duplex Suite with Balcony

Club Duplex Suite with a Daybed in the Downstairs Living Room

The Balinese Bath Pool is a Favorite Spot to Cool Off

The Bales at the Balinese Pool

Perfect Spot to Enjoy the Pool

We highly recommend the InterContinental Bali. The staff is friendly and accommodating, the grounds are well-kept, and the restaurants serve consistently delicious meals. This would be a perfect pre- or post-cruise home away from home and we hope to visit Bali and this resort again soon.

For more information about the InterContinental Bali Resort, talk with your travel agent or contact the resort directly at +62 361 701888.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor