RIMBA by AYANA Bali

RIMBA by AYANA Bali is a tropical princess with a suitably mellifluous name. Not much unexplored territory remains here in Jimbaran, the South Bali version of Beverly Hills, where impossibly luxurious villas crowd one another for that coveted sunset perch. So they looked inward, capitalizing on over 220 clifftop acres to set aside this portion — just as lofty, just as replete with botanical wonders, and just as spectacular, especially around sunset.

If this was once a fishing village in the traditional model, you won’t be able to tell by the rooms; they’re resolutely forward-looking, and they come by the hundreds, differentiated less by eclectic design decisions than by elevation — the quicker to reach the pools, say, or the better to take in the views. Their clean geometry with recessed lighting stands aside, careful not to try to outdo the sheer natural magnificence, softening the sleekness with an earthy palette of greens and umbers.

Public spaces, on the other hand, cling a bit more authentically to the past. The mind-boggling variety of dining options to be had in the resort at large include the Kecak dancers and rice paddy at Kampoeng Bali and the 25-meter infinity pool and poolside Mexican plates at Unique. Speaking of which, RIMBA enjoys seven of its own pools, some of them multi-level, as well as a rooftop spa; a shuttle takes you to the beautiful and secluded white-sand Kubu Beach.