Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali is located in secluded and unspoiled East Bali, in the heart of the Klungkung province. Set amongst rice paddies and pastures on the beachfront, with nothing between you and the ocean except the beautiful black sands of Pantai Lepang Beach, it feels as if you have stepped back in time to the Bali of old. If you want to party the night away, this may not be the hotel for you (although there is another Wyndham in the heart of Kuta if that’s what you’re after).

Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali has a tranquil rather than party vibe and is an ideal base for exploring the cultural side of Bali. Iconic Ubud with its terraced rice fields and many art galleries and boutiques is less than 30 minutes’ drive away and the resort’s untouched surrounds make it easy to connect with Bali’s natural and spiritual beauty.

While the rice paddies and pastures surrounding resort are traditional, Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali is ultra modern. Rooms are furnished with all the mod cons such as a mini bar, flat screen TV and strong air-con plus a powerful rain shower and deep bath tub (you can even watch the waves while you soak). Wi-fi is also free and easy to connect to throughout the resort. On arrival, the reception staff were very efficient and had us checked into our ocean view pool suite in just a few minutes.

There is a dazzling array of accommodation categories to choose from, from basic garden view rooms (at a bargain price) to romantic 120 sqm private pool villas that include a plunge pool, deep bathtub and exquisite rice paddy views. These rooms are in a separate section of the resort and ideal for honeymooners as they only sleep two (so there is no need to worry about someone else’s kids spoiling the romantic mood). For ultimate romance, the hotel can set up a private dinner for two inside the villa or on the outside terrace.

Ocean view rooms and suites come with a choice of either a plunge pool, balcony with seating or a jacuzzi. We loved our ocean view pool suite but this room category is probably best for spring, summer and autumn and/or when the weather is sunny. While the view from our private pool was stunning, the water was quite chilly during our uncharacteristically rainy mid-winter visit although this did not stop us getting in and giving it a try. Fortunately, the two resort pools – a beach pool and secluded garden pool – were warmer.

While the accommodation blocks are modern, the resort also has a number of Balinese features such as the traditional thatched spa bures, yoga area and beach club which are reminiscent of a Bali village. These areas and most of the resort have views over the sea to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida and the sunrise and sunsets are magic.

The best spot for a relaxing sunset cocktail is the Jivva Beach Club with its 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour on weekends (and all day during the week!). Try to time your visit for Friday to Sunday, when a DJ spins a cool selection of chill-out tunes that will have you relaxing with a ginger mojito in minutes. If the weather is good, the bean bags and shaded lounges overlooking the beach are comfortable and have great ocean views.

There are two main dining options at the resort: Bumbu Restaurant which is the main restaurant or the Jivva Beach Club, both of which have their own kitchens for quick service and slightly different meues. Senja Poolside Bar also serves food but there isn’t really anywhere to eat it except on a poolside lounger. Bumbu is the place to go for breakfast with a buffet offering a large selection of Asian and western choices and egg and pancake stations for individual orders.

For lunch and dinner, it has the widest selection of food with everything from traditional Indonesian to western favourites such as pasta and pizza and dishes like steak or fish with the usual vegetables and sauces. Jivva Beach Club is more laid back with casual beach-style food such as chicken skewers, spring rolls, pizza and burgers. This was our favourite spot for dinner as we would wander down for the DJ and happy hour then order a meal to enjoy on the lounges or beanbags.

There are lots of things to love about Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali but the jewel in the crown of this resort is the Tirta Spa & Wellness Centre. This is where you truly feel the spirituality of Bali as you are pampered with a choice of Balinese-inspired treatments, surrounded by the sound of the waves and birdsong from the gardens. We loved the individual thatched spa bures as you don’t hear other guests coming and going during your treatment. The spa also has lots of specials for in-house guests so be sure to ask before you book. We got a ‘pay for 60 minutes and get 30 minutes free’ deal for our massages. Given the treatments are already well priced, this was an absolute bargain (which is my excuse for having two spas in three days).

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali. She couldn’t resist purchasing many 2-for-1 ginger mojitos and extra spa treatments while she was there. 

We’ve got plenty of hints and tips for travelling in Bali and also some great hotel and resort suggestions. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we’ve reviewed the Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort, Peppers Seminyak Resort, Apurva Kempinski Bali, Bulgari Resort Bali, Aria Villas Ubud, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, The Mulia Bali, Merusaka Nusa Dua, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Anantara Seminyak Bali, the InterContinental Bali for couples and those travelling with kids. We’ve compared the Singaraja and Club rooms at the InterContinental Bali and found the best luxury family hotels in Bali and the best honeymoon hotels in Bali.