Kupu Kupu Jimbaran & Bamboo Spa by L’Occitane

The Kupu Kupu Jimbaran is a spacious place to relax, with several dining options and a private beach, though without the remote paradise feeling of many nearby resorts. It sits on a busy Jimbaran street, above a small shopping mall with shops, restaurants, and a pharmacy. Neither the setting nor the hotel are chic or glamorous, but there is a strikingly Balinese feel to the decor, particularly in the local sculptures in the lobby and hallways. Some of the furniture is a bit dated and the common areas tend to be dark, but the location is central, with the beach easily accessible on foot or via a free shuttle. The hotel bar is part of the downstairs mall, which lacks atmosphere. Thanks to a its elegant spa and romantic rooms, the property is popular with couples, and although kids are welcome, there are no programmed activities for children. Plus, kids under 14 years old are not allowed in the pool, which makes this a less-than-stellar option for families. 

The Kupu Kupu Jimbaran is located on a busy street in Jimbaran Village, just a few minutes' walk from the Jenggala Factory and the Italian Consulate. There are shops, a pharmacy, and a variety of restaurants right downstairs, below the hotel in a small shopping mall. Benoa Square and Jimbaran Beach, with its fishing shack restaurants, are less than a 10-minute drive away. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the beach and to local attractions. The shopping and golf at Kuta, temple and surfing beaches at Uluwatu, and the Water Park at Dreamland Beach are all 20 minutes away by car. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property. Free valet and self-parking is available.

Each of the 31 air-conditioned suites at the Kupu Kupu Jimbaran & Bamboo Spa by L'Occitane is individually decorated with Balinese touches such as straw roofs and patterned textiles. Rooms are big and spotless, with separate living areas, wooden floors, sofa beds, high ceilings, and romantic extras such as wispy mosquito nets around beds and stone soaking tubs in the center of the rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, minibars, and in-room safes. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with pretty mosaic-tile walk-in rainfall showers, stone basic sinks, and toiletries.

Some of the single-level and two-story suites have direct swimming pool access, but these rooms are less private, as guests pass by their windows throughout the day. Traffic noise can be heard from the guest rooms, so second-floor rooms may be a better option for light sleepers. Some duplex rooms are designed with the bedrooms and bathrooms on different floors, which may be a problem for guests with mobility issues. Connecting rooms are available upon request. There's also a romantic Honeymoon Suite with a round bed and a jetted tub for two.  

The Kupu Kupu Jimbaran has plenty of amenities for a property of its size. The rooftop pool is long and narrow, surrounded by a deck with cushioned loungers and umbrellas. The fitness center is sparse in terms of equipment, but it does have a pair of exercise bikes, a treadmill, and a rack of free weights for guest use, as well as ample empty space to roll out a yoga mat. L’Occitane Spa is strikingly built to resemble a bamboo forest, with dark moody lighting, orchids, Buddha statues, and inviting freestanding soaking tubs. Each treatment room is decorated with a unique theme, including shea, mint, lavender, and cherry blossom. There is a spa cafe, a reflexology lounge, and a steam room. Wi-Fi and parking (both valet and self-park) are free, and wedding services are available.

The hotel’s private Jimbaran Beach Club, a short walk or free buggy ride from the lobby, has around 20 sunbeds available. It also includes a Mediterranean restaurant with fresh-caught fish on the menu and both indoor and alfresco seating. For guests eating on-site, Topeng is a fine-dining restaurant with pool and garden views, serving three meals and a children's menu. Private romantic dinners for two can be arranged beachside with a menu of French and Indonesian dishes. There's also a sushi bar, Oishi Tei, with outdoor seating. The Chocolate Cafe has a well-stocked pastry case and offers afternoon tea, as well as wine, cocktails, and a hot and cold bistro menu.