Karma Royal Jimbaran

The Royal Jimbaran: Royal Bali Beach Resort is not on a beach, but feels secluded among the beautifully landscaped lawns, fountains, and flower gardens that make it feel far from the busy road just outside the gates. The hotel has the feel of an older Balinese boutique resort, with a relaxed vibe, plenty of stone and wood carvings throughout the common areas, and low sunbeds. There is a lovely gazebo in the garden that acts as a library with books and cushioned benches. It's a laid-back retreat with local character but an upscale level of service, far removed from the island party scene, but close enough to the beach and other hotels that guests can vary their days without expending a lot of effort. Guests are primarily older couples and many are repeat visitors.

The Royal Jimbaran: Royal Bali Beach Club is located in Jimbaran, along the main road that leads to the town of Uluwatu. It's surrounded by hotels and restaurants, but the area is calm and not a party destination. The Intercontinental is across the street and the Four Seasons is just down the beach. There are mini-marts and a pharmacy in the immediate area. Jimbaran Bay Beach is within a 12-minute walk, and New Kuta Green Park and New Kuta Beach are 15 minutes away on foot. Along the beach, guests can find plenty of popular fresh seafood shacks. A 15-minute taxi ride takes guests to Kuta shops, the boat harbor, golf, or Waterbom Park. Denpasar Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

The 16 one-bedroom apartments at the Royal Jimbaran have modern neutral-tone decor with Balinese touches in the carved wooden doors and island art on the walls. Featuring lots of wood and marble, the rooms are outfitted with small kitchenettes --that are equipped with a few dishes and utensils, mini-fridges, and microwaves, but no stoves -- and separate living rooms furnished with sofa beds. Each apartment has a private balcony or terrace; upstairs units have larger spaces, each with a pair of sunbeds plus table and chairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and in-room safes. Large marble bathrooms are attractive, featuring vessel sinks, large mirrors, soaking tubs, and walk-in glass showers. 

The apartments have several windows in the living spaces, but not in the bedrooms, which can make them feel a little dark. Also note that rooms at the front of the resort may get noise from the busy road outside, and there are no elevators, so guests with mobility issues may want to request ground-floor apartments. Connecting rooms are available upon request.

The Royal Jimbaran: Royal Bali Beach Club features a small outdoor pool surrounded by a spacious sundeck and pretty greenery. There are a variety of lounge chairs and beach umbrellas by the pool, as well as tables and chairs for outdoor dining. The Hidden Garden Restaurant -- in an open-air pavilion with wispy curtains, linen tablecloths, and carved Balinese statuary -- is a simple, convenient spot for a meal, with a limited menu including local and international dishes. The Karma Spa is simply designed with white-and-black decor, and it has an exceptional treatment menu that consists of Balinese and Eastern massage modalities, Reiki and energy work, hot stone massage, body wraps, hair braiding, facials, and mani/pedis. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, but it can be spotty.