BALQUISSE Heritage Hotel

The Balquisse Heritage Hotel is located on an old coconut plantation, set slightly back from the Jimbaran boardwalk. It's surrounded by gardens and palm trees that give the resort a hidden-in-the-jungle feel. Once guests enter the stone temple doors at the front, it's like entering another world. The hotel’s owner is an interior designer, and has handpicked the furnishings in the common areas and guest rooms. There are gorgeous wood antiques and Balinese carvings everywhere, complemented by rich brocades in luxe but subdued colors that allow the landscaping to be the star. There are Balinese daybeds with plenty of pillows that tempt guests to stretch out under a ceiling fan. Most areas are open-air; if not, there are large picture windows that make the gardens part of the decor. An intimate restaurant specializes in Indonesian rijstaffel, and also serves a full breakfast and lunch in an open-air pavilion, unless guests prefer to eat on their private terraces. Families are welcome, but the vibe is quiet and romantic. The Balquisse has created a simple but luxe romantic hideaway, and given the level of decor and privacy, prices are competitive. 

The Balquisse Heritage Hotel is located on the boardwalk in the traditional fishing village of Jimbaran, which has become a popular tourist attraction due to its lovely beaches. Because the Balquisse is set slightly back from the road, surrounded by gardens, it feels very private. There is little nightlife in the area. Clubs and bars can be found in nearby Kuta, 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Jimbaran Beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Balquisse runs a free beach shuttle, or guests may borrow bicycles to get there. At the beach, there are a variety of fresh seafood restaurants that grill the day’s catch. The famed Jenggala ceramics factory and cafe are within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 15 minutes’ drive from the Balquisse.

Each room at the Balquisse Heritage Hotel is individually decorated with handpicked antiques, including romantic canopy beds, carved armoires, and comfy Bali daybeds. The colors are subdued and relaxing, with splashes of rich brocade and striking drapes. There are touches of Morocco here and there, including exotic lanterns and low-hanging chandeliers. Each room in the hotel is different, but all are spectacular, with equally special bathrooms. Some guest bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, while some have both shower and freestanding soaking tubs. There are plenty of thoughtful extras, including beach bags and sun hats in the rooms for guests to borrow. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, in-room safes, well-stocked minibars, free bottled water, and toiletries. All rooms have tile floors and ceiling fans, as well as central air-conditioning. There are private terraces with comfortable deck furniture; these spaced open into beautifully landscaped garden areas. 

Rooms come in five different configurations: Superior, Deluxe, Family (with a sleeping loft that has a canopy bed), Junior Suite, and Master Suite. Master Suites are located in a separate building that can be rented in its entirety for special functions, and includes a private pool and dining room. 

The Balquisse Heritage Hotel features an intimate restaurant, Asam Garam. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an outdoor pavilion. The restaurant serves a full hot breakfast, which isn't included in all room rates. For dinner, Indonesian rijstaffel is on the menu, as well as other international dishes. There are two quiet pools surrounded by comfortable lounges and sofas, plus the ubiquitous Bali daybeds. Henna Spa specializes in Javanese and Balinese bodywork, with a full menu of body treatments, scrubs, and soaks, including treatment combinations incorporating local products. There is a computer station for guest use, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel runs a free shuttle to area beaches, and will pick guests up from the airport for a surcharge.