RIMBA by AYANA in Jimbaran is one of the most luxurious hotels in Bali. It is situated on the sunset coast of the island, elevated above the white sands of the Bukit Peninsula and surrounded by 90 hectares of meticulously manicured tropical gardens.
But can a resort of this scale truly maintain a soul? Or is RIMBA just a high-capacity waiting room for the famous Rock Bar? Our team went to find out, and this is what they discovered.
Our In-Depth Assessment Of RIMBA by AYANA Hotel
We apply the same rigorous method and judging criteria to every review we undertake. Doing so ensures fairness to all properties inspected and makes comparing them much more straightforward for you.
Hotel Type: Luxury
Area of Bali: Jimbaran
Star Rating: 5-Star
Typical Minimum Price per Night: 3,100,000 IDR (Approximately $180 USD)
RIMBA by AYANA Hotel Address: Sejahtera, Jl. Karang Mas, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364
RIMBA by AYANA Hotel Website: Ayana
Room Types: Resort View Room, Jimbaran Bay View Room, Pool Access Room, Wana Resort View Room, Wana Ocean View Room, Wana Pool Access Room, Resort View Suite, Jimbaran Bay View Suite, Pool Access Suite
Facilities: 14 Swimming Pools (Estate-wide), RIMBA Jungle Adventure Kids Club, 19 Restaurants and Bars including Rock Bar, Thermes Marins Bali Spa, Private Kubu Beach access via incline elevator, 18-hole putting course, Fitness Centre, Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Tennis Court, Complimentary Estate Shuttle, SAKA Museum, Yoga Deck, Cooking Classes
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Managing a property with over 400 rooms and a literal forest as a backyard is a Herculean task. However, the housekeeping team here operates with a level of precision that would put many boutique operations to shame.
The public areas are polished to a high sheen, and the transition from the humid outdoors to the crisp, clean interiors of the lobby is always refreshing.
Sleep Quality
RIMBA is set back from the ocean cliff, which actually works in its favour regarding noise. You won’t hear the crashing of waves or the thumping bass from the beach clubs in the distance. Instead, you get a deep, forest-induced silence that is rare for a resort this size.
The beds are expansive and dressed in high-thread-count linens that feel cool against the skin after a day in the Balinese sun. The blackout curtains are heavy enough to turn midday into midnight, ensuring that if you want to sleep until noon, the sun won’t have a say in the matter.
Staff Attitude And Service Culture
While the AYANA flagship is known for traditional grandeur, the staff at RIMBA are trained with a slightly more contemporary, energetic edge.
They are incredibly efficient at managing the sheer volume of guests, yet they never make you feel like a number in a system. They have mastered the art of being attentive without being intrusive.
Check-in/Check-out Experience
Given the popularity of the resort, the lobby can occasionally feel like a busy international terminal. However, the “boat-shaped” lobby design is so breathtaking that you won’t mind the short wait.
The staff utilize mobile check-in technology to speed things up, and you are offered a signature welcome drink that is actually worth drinking.
Bathroom Quality & Functionality
The bathrooms are a highlight of the RIMBA room design. They feature large circular soaking tubs that are deep enough to submerge a small family, and separate showers with excellent water pressure.
The use of marble and natural stone creates a spa-like atmosphere, and the toiletries provided are of high quality.
Value For Money
This is where RIMBA truly shines. By staying here, you get full access to the entire AYANA Estate, including the world-class facilities at the more expensive AYANA Resort and the Segara wing.
You are essentially paying a mid-range luxury price for a top-tier luxury experience. While food and beverage prices on-site are certainly on the high side for Bali, the quality of the facilities you are permitted to use makes the nightly rate feel like a genuine bargain.
Food And Beverage Execution
With 19 restaurants to choose from, you could stay for two weeks and never eat the same thing twice. To’Ge serves one of the best breakfast buffets on the island, featuring everything from traditional Indonesian congee to delicate French pastries.
Then there is the Rock Bar. Even if you aren’t staying for the sunset cocktails, the food execution across the board is remarkably consistent. Whether it is a quick pizza by the pool or a multi-course seafood feast at Kisik, the kitchen teams clearly take pride in their work.
Location & Immediate Surroundings
Jimbaran is a fantastic area for those who want to be close to the airport but far from the chaos of Kuta. However, the AYANA Estate is essentially a gated kingdom. Once you are inside, you are quite far from the “real” Bali.
If you want to pop out for a cheap local meal or a quick shop, you will need to summon a car or use the hotel transport. It is a beautiful, safe, and secluded location, but it lacks the walkability of areas like Seminyak or Sanur.
Facilities & Amenities Vs Promise
The “promise” of RIMBA is a forest sanctuary with the best pools in Bali, and it delivers on that in spades. The 14 pools available to guests are varied enough to cater to every mood, from the quiet adults-only zones to the kid-centric zones with waterslides.
The inclusion of the SAKA Museum and the incline elevator to Kubu Beach adds layers of value that most other resorts simply cannot match. They don’t just provide a room; they provide an entire ecosystem of entertainment and relaxation.
Overall “Personality”
RIMBA is the “cool younger brother” of the AYANA family. It is chic, modern, and unpretentious, yet it retains a deep respect for Balinese aesthetics. It feels like a boutique hotel that accidentally grew to a massive scale without losing its sense of style.
It is a place where nature and architecture have reached a very happy compromise. We find it to be one of the most refreshing places to stay on the Bukit.
Summary: Our Overview Of RIMBA by AYANA Hotel
RIMBA is a masterclass in how to run a large-scale luxury resort. It manages to balance the needs of families, couples, and solo travellers without any group feeling like they are compromising on their experience.
The access to the wider estate is the “secret weapon” that makes this property a top-tier choice. You get the forest, the ocean, the world-class spa, and the iconic bars all wrapped into one booking. It is a destination in its own right, and one that we would return to without hesitation.
Grading: Excellent
FAQs
Is RIMBA by AYANA Hotel Family Friendly?
Yes, RIMBA is arguably the best choice for families within the entire AYANA Estate. The RIMBA Jungle Adventure Kids Club is a massive 1,600 square meter playground that offers everything from Balinese dance lessons to fish feeding.
The multi-level pools include specific areas for children with slides and shallow zones, and the staff are also incredibly accommodating with children in the restaurants, offering tailored menus and high chairs with a smile.
Final Thoughts On RIMBA by AYANA Hotel
There is a reason why RIMBA remains one of the most booked and best-reviewed properties in Bali. It offers a level of versatility that is hard to find elsewhere. You can spend your morning in a quiet forest yoga session and your evening watching the sunset at the most famous bar in the world.
It is a resort that understands that luxury isn’t just about gold-plated taps; it is about having the freedom to choose your own adventure. If you want a holiday where every detail is taken care of and the facilities are truly endless, this is the place to be.
