Why everyone's talking about this luxe new hotel in Bali right now

The sense of place shines at this Balinese iteration of a Singapore classic.

While the lush beachside parcel of land was purchased more than two decades ago, the world's 15th Raffles, which took 10 years from foundation to completion, only opened softly to locals in July 2020, mid-pandemic. At the end of December 2021, it welcomed the rest of the world, with what was essentially a re-launch, and has been introducing international guests to its own inimitable style of discreet luxury ever since.

It's a gratifyingly speedy transfer from Denpasar Airport to Jimbaran Bay in Bali's south, where Raffles' gates open to a kilometre-long driveway that bisects manicured tree-shaded lawns. A ravine draped in luxuriant tropical vegetation separates the property from its neighbours and a small golden-sand beach at the base of the hill, accessible only by guests or by boat, adds to the sense of privacy. The well-spaced villas, immersed in cascading greenery, are positioned along the hillside facing the water - but don't worry, you'll be delivered (and picked up) by a staff-driven buggy.

Low-rise, open-sided architecture reaches out rather than up, framing picturesque panoramas of intense blue and green, or - at sunset - a morphing palette of gold, amber and blush pink.

The hallmark Raffles elegance is imbued with a deep-rooted sense of place through the use of local materials; from limestone quarried from the site itself to hardwood, bamboo and rattan, while walls and pedestals showcase Balinese batik tapestries and wood carvings, along with international art.

Public areas, including the main building with reception, Rumari restaurant, library and Iconic Writers Bar are dark and cool, while well-furnished outdoor spaces invite guests to enjoy sunlight and water views.

The woven ceilings, hardwood floors and rattan furniture of the one- or two-bedroom villas overlooking the bay evoke traditional Indonesian interiors, but the intrinsic luxury is utterly contemporary. A king-sized bed lies beneath a fixed wooden canopy facing glass doors that frame a flower-filled garden, private infinity pool and, in the Ocean Pool villas, a thatched pavilion with day bed. The large bathroom shares the vista and has a deep, freestanding tub, indoor and outdoor shower, and separate toilet with a Japanese-style bidet. It's the thoughtful touches (and prescient staff), however, that offer reminders that this is luxury of another level - a book beside the bed, fresh fruit and flowers, a yoga mat, sunhat and beach bag.

Perch up at the bar for a "Bali Sling", a riff on the Singaporean original, then head to Rumari for dinner. French chef Gaetan Biesuz offers a refined contemporary menu that's a veritable voyage through Indonesia's archipelago. Poolside, Loloan has more casual Indonesian fare, but also polished versions of international dishes such as "Jimbaran bouillabaisse" - a gently spiced iteration of the classic, using Jimbaran Bay prawns, red snapper and octopus, as well as a selection of premium steaks.

The Five Senses of Wellness program introduced in April this year includes an extensive menu of wellness treatments and cultural activities, from chakra realignment to cooking classes, Tai chi, to a water purification ceremony. Highly recommended is a visit to a local home to learn something of Balinese customs.

Where: Raffles Bali, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera 1A, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency

How much: From $US1200 ($1800) per night

Explore more: rafflesbali.com

The writer was a guest of Raffles Bali.