The grand opening of RIMBA in November 2013 was a magical event. Mermaids, Fire Dancers, Hoola Girls, Models, a Bride and Groom plus, to top it off, a spectacular Firework display launched this prime development that is managed by the Capella Hotel Group and is the sister hotel of AYANA Resort and Spa.
RIMBA, named after the Indonesian word for ‘forest’, brings luxury and sustainable ‘blue’- or rather ‘greenprint’, together for the ultimate family getaway in Bali.
STORY BY Dewald Haynes PHOTO BY RIMBA & Bagus Tri Laksono
The unique design alludes to its exotic eight hectare forest location in Jimbaran on the south-west peninsula of the island of the gods. It’s not just the interiors that charm perspicacious travellers with its stylish outline featuring Western and South-East Asian elements. At the heart of the grounds is a huge, partially covered one hectare pool and lotus pond area, bordered on one side by forest and on the other by the modern hotel buildings, which reflect present-day Balinese inspired architectural influences.
Eclectic rustic elements and bright colours blend in seamlessly with the modern design ideas. Linear and curvy shapes unite in harmonious flow while organic and fluid shapes, that are reminiscent of waterfalls, compliment the tropical surroundings. The public spaces are open and airy. Outdoor wooden ‘birdcage’ cabana seating areas and provided indoor or semi covered lounging spaces merge seamlessly and often extend over several levels, so that the overall atmosphere creates a lofty relaxed setting.
In all 282 rooms of the hotel, divided into four generously sized room types, you will experience five star modern luxury and comfort. The 70sqm Jimbaran Bay Suites, 38sqm Jimbaran Bay Rooms and 38sqm Hillside Rooms offer views of the surrounding forest, tropical gardens and multi-tiered pools from a private, furnished balcony. While the ground floor’s 38sqm Pool Access Rooms feature direct access to a semi-private swimming pool area. Décor is contemporary and vibrant, with an emphasis on sustainable design. The ensuite bathrooms have marble finishings with deluxe mosaic tiled showers and large round soaking tubs. Amenities include complimentary high-speed internet, 47-inch flat-screen TV, DVD, writing table, aromatherapy set, mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Being family oriented the hotel offers a Kids Club and children’s pool with waterslides, plus a Swim-up Pool Bar where adults can enjoy their leisure time. The Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant at the hotel is Indonesia’s biggest Chinese Restaurant famous for live seafood preparations, while the stylish all-day dining and gourmet bakery, To’ge Restaurant, serves a variety of cuisines from around the world. Cooking classes can even be scheduled for patrons who would like to improve their culinary skills. RIMBA is also an ideal wedding and function venue with various on site conference facilities with break-away rooms and a sizable Ballroom for joyous occasions.
While at RIMBA guests may even make use of a complimentary shuttle service to AYANA to enjoy the spa, seven restaurants and private Kubu Beach. If wanting to embark on a scenic jogging trail that also leads to AYANA, visitors will be pleased to know that charges at the AYANA facilities can be billed back to their room at RIMBA.
Conveniently located just 12 kilometers from the Ngurah Rai Airport, RIMBA presents visitors with dramatic views across the Uluwatu Hills to the south-east and the Indian Ocean to the west from their rooftop bar suitably named UNIQUE. This is perhaps the only Bali bar that will bring you both sunset and sunrise views – if you lounge long enough! Designed around a central swimming pool with oversized lounges, sofa beds and a mezzanine for guests seeking a more intimate experience, this breathtaking roof-top Bali bar exudes an ultra-glam yet relaxed club atmosphere. Soak up the sun and watch the sky change colors as you enjoy innovative cocktails and a grazing menu from morning to midnight. Definitely an experience that no other forest could trump!