A stay at AYANA Bali feels less like a hotel visit and more like stepping into an elegant, tropical world of its own. Spread across a vast cliff-top estate overlooking the Indian Ocean, this luxurious resort consists of five distinct areas: Ayana Resort, Ayana Villas, Ayana Segara, Ayana Rimba, and the Kubu Beach Club. Each part has its own charm and character, and together they form what we can only describe as a private paradise for families who love beauty, adventure, and a touch of magic.

View from the Rock Bar

We stay in two spacious, connecting One-Bedroom Ocean View Suites in the Ayana Resort – an ideal setup for our family with two teenage daughters (14 and 16). The rooms feel large and airy, with elegant Balinese design touches, indulgent bathrooms, and dreamy balconies where we sip our morning tea with the ocean breeze on our faces. When we arrive, we’re welcomed with a beautifully curated selection of local treats, fruits, and cakes. That thoughtful (and delicious!) touch sets the tone for the days ahead.

What truly makes Ayana exceptional is that it’s almost impossible to get bored here. With 30 restaurants and bars, each offering a completely different atmosphere, cuisine, and setting, every meal becomes a mini adventure. We love that we can choose a different breakfast spot each day – a small luxury that really adds to the feeling of freedom. It’s good to know that most guests are Asian, and while every breakfast is beautifully presented, not all restaurants serve a wide selection of Western breakfast options – something to keep in mind if you prefer muesli over noodles in the morning.

One thing to be aware of – and something echoed in a few guest reviews – is that some areas can get busy, especially during peak breakfast or pool times. Our advice: book restaurant and spa reservations early, and plan breakfast slightly earlier or later to enjoy more peace.

One of the absolute highlights is dinner at the Rock Bar, perched dramatically on the cliff edge with waves crashing below. The live DJ, the golden sunset, and the surprise burst of fireworks mid-dinner create one of those magical travel moments that you know you’ll never forget.

Another favorite moment is the private Balinese cooking workshop with one of Ayana’s chefs. In a beautiful open-air kitchen surrounded by lush gardens, we chop, stir, and laugh our way through a full menu of local dishes – it’s hands-on, educational, and delicious. We all love it.

But it’s not just about the food (although we could easily write a full review just on that). Ayana is full of energy and activity. With 14 swimming pools and beaches (!) each with its own theme and vibe, there’s always a new favorite to discover. Some are peaceful and relaxing, others more playful and perfect for teens. Getting around the massive estate is easy and fun thanks to the fleet of open-sided safari-style shuttles that run continuously between all parts of the resort. We love hopping on and off, sometimes catching sight of monkeys lounging by the road. A quick note: ofcourse, keep your sunglasses and phones tucked away, as the monkeys are clever – we see one run off with a phone and another grab someone’s sunglasses straight from their head.

The beach at Ayana deserves a special mention. Kubu Beach is tucked at the bottom of the cliff and reached by a private funicular. It feels like a secret cove, with dramatic rock formations and turquoise water. Menno and the girls head straight into the waves – not too far, of course, because the red flag is up that day – but just enough to feel the refreshing crash of the ocean. Within minutes, other guests follow, and suddenly the beach transforms into a joyful, spontaneous moment of shared fun. It’s one of those little travel scenes that stick with you.

Then there’s the Thermes Marins Spa, a wellness haven with ocean views. We book the hydrotherapy circuit, a two-hour journey through jets of seawater that massage every part of the body, from shoulders to feet. It’s deeply relaxing and incredibly revitalizing. Tip: bring proper swimwear (tight-fitting for men, a well-fitting swimsuit or bikini for women), or you won’t be allowed in.

For sporty families, Ayana has plenty to offer: a tennis court, multiple fitness centers, morning yoga, a jogging trail, a putting green, and even cultural classes like Balinese dance and batik painting. The resort manages to strike the perfect balance between luxury, activities (more than 40), and cultural immersion – something we truly appreciate when traveling with teens.

Kecak Dance Kampoeng

On a quieter afternoon, we visit the Ayana Museum – a beautifully designed, air-conditioned space that feels like a peaceful escape from the heat. It’s elegant and well-curated, and our daughters even linger longer than expected. A great cultural touchpoint right inside the resort.

If you do decide to leave the property, we recommend a day trip to Uluwatu Temple, followed by lunch at Sundays Beach Club or Karma Kandara. Both offer sweeping views and beach access via funicular – perfect for teens, and ideal for a casual swim or surf lesson.

Because the Ayana estate is so vast, it’s worth understanding the different areas before you book:

  • Ayana Resort (where we stay) is classic and central – great for families.

  • Ayana Villas offer total seclusion, private pools, and absolute luxury.

  • Ayana Rimba feels more jungle-like and contemporary – a bit more playful.

  • Ayana Segara is sleek, new, and calm – more suited to couples or older families.

  • Kubu Beach Club is the resort’s exclusive beach area, perfect for lunch, lounging, and sunsets.

This isn’t just a resort – it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re after cultural depth, adventure, total relaxation, or a bit of everything, Ayana delivers it all with polish, warmth, and just the right amount of wow.

WOW
# Cooking with a Balinese chef: hands-on, authentic, and deliciously fun.
# Dinner at the Rock Bar: sunset, DJ beats, and fireworks above the ocean.
# The ocean-view hydrotherapy pool: wellness, luxury, and sea breeze in one.