We spent two nights at FS Jimbaran Bay, about a half hour drive from DPS. The drive is not the most attractive, but once you have reached the Four Seasons, you will know that you have arrived at an exclusive enclave. The resort consists of 147 hillside villas overlooking Jimbaran Bay. We stayed in an Ocean Front Villa, # 104 (which likely is the villa pictured above from the FS website). All villas have the same configuration, differing only in the view afforded. Each is 200 square meters, that area including private outdoor space.

I was impressed with the architectural design of the resort; villas are built out of blocks of the same black volcanic rock — and with similar design motifs — used to construct the countless temples you will see everywhere in Bali, so you definitely get a sense of "place" at FS Jimbaran Bay. Painted wooden doors lead through a stone gateway into your extensive private courtyard. To one side is a large open air living room under a thatched roof with a ceiling fan, sitting area, minibar, and a round table around which guests can enjoy breakfast or another meal through in-villa dining. Straightaway is a private plunge pool which provided the foreground for our beautiful view of Jimbaran Bay. To the other side is the entrance into the master bedroom suite. Space is very generous. A separate dressing area provides two closets, and the bathroom has a large soaking tub, dual vanities, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Villas are beautifully furnished with marble floors throughout, thatched roofs, and Balinese motifs in the furnishings.

Service

FS Jimbaran Bay is a large resort, and a complimentary "buggy service" is available at any time to take you wherever you might wish to go in the resort. Kid-friendly, there is a complimentary "Kids for All Seasons" programs as well as complimentary baby sitting for parents who want to enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the resort's three restaurants. The spa provides a full menu of treatments, and there is a fully equipped exercise room with views of the lush landscaping around the spa facility.

Beach

Being a hillside resort, none of the villas are "on" the beach. However, you can walk to the beach (or take a "buggy"). Four Seasons has several shaded areas alongside the beach with lounge chairs which attendants will set up for you. We spent our final morning swimming in the bay (the water was calm and the temperature perfect), then spent an hour relaxing in lounge chairs under the trees, just looking out onto the water. Wonderful! If you are a fan of Four Seasons beach resorts, you will be satisfied with your stay at Jimbaran Bay.