Beyond the Rock Bar: My Escape at AYANA Resort Bali

I first heard about AYANA Resort Bali more than a decade ago. Back then, it was spoken of with a certain reverence — a clifftop sanctuary in Jimbaran synonymous with luxury, sunsets, and the ever-famous Rock Bar. Over the years, its name would surface in travel conversations, glossy magazine spreads, and social media feeds, each time rekindling my curiosity.

When the opportunity for a stay at the resort finally arose, I arrived with a sense of anticipation. I thought I knew what to expect — dramatic views, polished service, and of course, that sunset drink at Rock Bar. But, AYANA turned out to be far more layered than I imagined: a resort not just of scale, but of thoughtful detail, cultural richness and a few unexpected highlights.

Day One: A Taste of Warmth and Waves

I arrived in the soft heat of the Balinese afternoon and made my way immediately to Damar, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. It was a casual yet elegant space, open and airy, and the kind of place where time gently slowed down. I ordered the Nasi Goreng — a quintessential Indonesian fried rice dish. Fragrant and just the right balance of savoury and spicy, it came topped with a crispy fried egg, succulent chicken and a side of pickled vegetables. After a delayed flight that made my journey to Bali longer than it should, the Nasi Goreng provided the comfort that I needed badly to unwind.

My stay began at my Ocean View Room. Spacious and elegantly appointed, the room opened out to a private balcony that framed the Indian Ocean like a painting. The interiors featured traditional Balinese charm, with hand-carved wooden panels and soft neutral tones. It was the kind of room that invited you to slow down, draw the curtains wide and let the island breeze do the rest.

Later that evening, I made my pilgrimage to Rock Bar. The breeze was crisp and the waves below were thunderous, providing nature’s own soundtrack. As the sun began its descent, the clifftop terraces filled with guests. I was honestly surprised at the crowd; I had expected the loud, boisterous tourists or pretentious people that I typically saw at beach clubs in Bali.

After having I ordered the Lobster Orzo, which arrived as a feast for both eyes and palate: a glistening pan-seared lobster perched atop a bed of orzo pasta, flavoured with tomato, ouzo, a touch of chilli, and scattered with bell peppers and bacon. The dish was generous, the flavours layered and comforting, and the pasta beautifully infused with the sauce. It felt indulgent without being overwrought — much like Rock Bar itself.

Day Two: A Morning of Stillness and a Lesson in Balinese Culture

The next morning began before the sun had fully risen, with a 7am sound healing session at the AYANA Spa. The spa is nothing short of a sanctuary: expansive, thoughtfully designed, and home to a huge Thalassotherapy pool. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to indulge in a full spa treatment, but even the brief session I experienced — focused on balancing vibrations and breath — brought a stillness that lingered long after.

Breakfast, however, was a different story. I went to the main AYANA Resort breakfast buffet, expecting the same thoughtful curation I’d experienced the day before. Instead, I was greeted by what felt like a festival of guests — bustling, crowded and chaotic. The resort operates a system that allows guests from sister properties like RIMBA to dine at AYANA, and it seemed everyone had taken up the offer that morning. The overall experience felt far removed from the tranquillity I had embraced thus far. It was, frankly, the only part of my stay I found underwhelming.

But the day was soon redeemed by what turned out to be the unexpected highlight of my trip: the Saka Museum.

I confess I walked into Saka Museum with low expectations. How good could a hotel-based museum really be? But just moments into the visit, I understood why TIME Magazine named it one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2024. The accolade was no hyperbole.

Saka isn’t just a museum; it’s a sensory journey through Balinese culture and craftsmanship. Every exhibit was thoughtfully curated — from ancient Balinese calendars to palace doors from the 1700s to the world’s largest ogoh-ogoh (Balinese statue used during Nyepi), each object told a story of tradition, resilience, and ritual.

What struck me most was how immersive the experience was. This wasn’t a sterile showcase behind glass. One could almost feel the pulse of centuries-old practices. I left humbled and deeply impressed. Saka is not merely a cultural attraction; it is a tribute to the soul of Bali, quietly but powerfully rooted in AYANA’s grounds.

Day Three: A Glimpse into the Green Heart

On my final morning, seeking a quieter end to my stay, I decided to skip the bustling breakfast crowd at AYANA Resort and instead made my way to AYANA Segara. It was a wise move. The atmosphere there was calm and unhurried, with serene views and a more curated spread. I could sip my tea in peace there.

After breakfast, I squeezed in one last experience: a short but eye-opening tour of AYANA Farm. The farm was beautifully maintained and teeming with life — herbs, vegetables, flowers and local produce all thriving under the Balinese sun. More than just a showpiece, AYANA Farm is part of the resort’s larger vision to integrate conscious living into luxury travel.

I found myself wishing I had more time to explore its programmes and activities. There were soap-making workshops, cooking classes, and garden-to-table experiences I barely scratched the surface of.

But alas, time was not on my side. By 10am, I was reluctantly ushered into a car heading to the airport.

AYANA, Reconsidered

When I first stepped into AYANA Resort Bali, I’ll admit I had a one-track mind. Like many others, I associated the property almost exclusively with Rock Bar — that iconic clifftop bar set against the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. What I didn’t anticipate was discovering that AYANA was a far more expansive, thoughtful and enriching destination than I had ever expected. Rock Bar might have been the hook, but the resort reeled me in with its breadth, beauty, and a few surprises I won’t soon forget.

For more details on Ayana Resort Bali, visit the website.