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Note: We were hosted by RIMBA by AYANA for our stays, but as always, all thoughts and experiences shared in this review are our own.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly resort in Bali with plenty to keep both kids and adults happy, RIMBA by AYANA Bali is one of our favourites. Set within the huge AYANA Estate in Jimbaran, RIMBA combines the feel of a luxury Bali resort with everything families need for an easy, fun holiday.
Guests at RIMBA have access to the incredible facilities across the AYANA Estate, including multiple swimming pools, kids clubs, restaurants, beautiful gardens, Kubu Beach and plenty of activities to fill your days. You can spend one day pool hopping, the next exploring the estate or heading down to the beach, without ever really needing to leave the resort.
We returned to RIMBA by AYANA in June 2026, and with even more family facilities and experiences now available across the estate, there was plenty for us to rediscover. In this review, I’ll share what the AYANA Estate is really like for families, the rooms at RIMBA by AYANA, pools, dining, kids’ activities and our tips for getting the most out of your stay.
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Why should your family stay at RIMBA by AYANA?
There’s a lot to love about RIMBA by AYANA for families, but one of the biggest advantages is that you’re not just staying at one resort. RIMBA is part of the huge AYANA Estate in Jimbaran, giving guests access to facilities across RIMBA, AYANA Resort, AYANA Villas and AYANA Segara.
- Access to the entire AYANA Estate: Stay at RIMBA and enjoy shared facilities across the estate, including 14 signature pools, private Kubu Beach, 30 restaurants and bars, two fantastic kids clubs and loads of activities. It really does feel like several resorts rolled into one.
- Family-friendly rooms and suites: RIMBA’s rooms and suites are modern and spacious, offering a range of options that suit families.
- Amazing pools for all ages: Pool hopping is one of the best things about staying at RIMBA. There are shallow areas for younger kids, waterslides and fun family pools, as well as quieter spots where parents can relax.
- Two fantastic kids clubs: RIMBA Jungle Adventure is huge, with extensive indoor and outdoor play areas and loads to keep kids busy. Families can also use AYANA Ocean Adventure at AYANA Resort, giving kids two very different spaces to explore during their stay.
- Easy transport around the estate: The AYANA Estate is huge, but complimentary resort shuttles regularly run between RIMBA, AYANA Resort, Segara, the villas, restaurants, Saka Museum, spa areas and Kubu Beach, making it surprisingly easy to get around without walking everywhere.
- Beautiful tropical surroundings: Despite being such a large resort, RIMBA still feels lush and peaceful. Surrounded by tropical gardens, trees and greenery, there are plenty of places to slow down and enjoy that Bali resort feeling.
For us, one of RIMBA’s biggest selling points is simply how much there is to do without leaving the AYANA Estate. You could easily spend several days here exploring different pools, restaurants and activities and still not experience everything.
RIMBA by AYANA Overview
RIMBA by AYANA Bali is set within the sprawling 90-hectare AYANA Estate in Jimbaran, alongside AYANA Resort, AYANA Villas and AYANA Segara.
RIMBA itself has a lush, relaxed feel, with tropical gardens, spacious, family-friendly rooms, an incredible kids’ club, and plenty of pools to explore. For us, it offers a great balance. You have everything you need for an easy family holiday at RIMBA while still having the entire AYANA Estate at your fingertips.
The complimentary resort tram makes it easy to explore beyond RIMBA, so you can head out for a different pool, restaurant, activity or beach experience whenever you feel like it.
RIMBA Rooms for Families
RIMBA by AYANA has a wide range of rooms and suites to suit different family sizes, budgets and travel styles. Rooms have a modern Balinese feel, with natural finishes, spacious marble bathrooms, and private balconies overlooking the gardens, pools, or the surrounding forest.
Families can choose between rooms in the main RIMBA Wing or the quieter Wana Wing, with options ranging from standard rooms through to pool-access rooms and spacious two-bedroom suites.
If you want to be close to RIMBA’s main pools, restaurants and kids club, the main wing is a convenient choice. For something a little quieter and more tucked away, the Wana Wing offers larger rooms and beautiful Wana Pool Access Rooms with direct access to the Forest Pool.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at RIMBA is that, whichever room category you choose, you still have access to the facilities throughout the AYANA Estate. This makes RIMBA a great option for families wanting the full AYANA experience without necessarily booking one of the more expensive accommodation options elsewhere on the estate.
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RIMBA Two Bedroom Resort View Suite
We have now stayed in the Two Bedroom Resort View Suite at RIMBA by AYANA twice, in 2025 and again in 2026, and it’s such a great setup for families, particularly if you are travelling with older kids or teens.
During our 2026 stay, our connecting rooms were 4325 and 4329, while in 2025 we stayed in 4335 and 4339.
At 124 sqm, there is loads of space to spread out. Our suite consisted of two connecting rooms, giving us two proper bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of separation between the kids and adults. Both bedrooms can be configured with King or Twin beds, and each has its own balcony.
With two full bathrooms, the kids effectively have their own bedroom and bathroom while the parents have their own space.
The main bathroom is beautifully spacious, with a large soaking tub and separate shower, while having a second bathroom makes getting everyone ready in the morning so much easier. The suite can accommodate up to six guests, making it a great option for larger families too.
One of our favourite features is the balcony overlooking RIMBA’s tropical gardens and multi-level pools, with glimpses towards the ocean beyond. The floor-to-ceiling windows also bring in plenty of natural light, making the whole room feel even more spacious.
For us, having two proper bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of space to spread out makes a huge difference on a family holiday, especially when holidaying with teens!
RIMBA Rooms vs Wana Rooms: What’s the Difference?
When you start looking at rooms at RIMBA by AYANA, the number of room categories can get a little confusing, especially when you see both RIMBA and Wana rooms listed.
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Wana is not a separate resort. RIMBA Wana is a separate wing of RIMBA, surrounded by even more greenery and connected to the main RIMBA building by a sky bridge. AYANA advises allowing around a five-minute walk between the Wana Wing and RIMBA’s main facilities.
The biggest difference is space. Standard rooms in the main RIMBA Wing are generally 42 sqm, while the equivalent one-bedroom Wana rooms are larger at 53 sqm. However, families need to check occupancy limits; standard RIMBA rooms accommodate up to three guests, while the one-bedroom Wana rooms are listed for a maximum of two guests.
| Room Type | Size | Max. guests | Views/pool access |
| Rimba One Bedroom | 42 sqm | 3 | Resort View, Jimbaran Bay View, Forest View or Pool Access |
| Wana One Bedroom | 53 sqm | 2 | Garden View, Resort View, Ocean View or Pool Access |
| RIMBA One Bedroom Suite | 82 sqm | 3 | Resort View, Jimbaran Bay View or Pool Access |
| RIMBA Two Bedroom Resort View | 84 sqm | 6 | Resort View |
| Wana Two Bedroom | 108 spm | 4 | Resort View or Ocean View |
| RIMBA Two Bedroom Resort View Suite | 124 sqm | 6 | Jimbaran Bay View |
Which is better for families?
Choose the main RIMBA Wing if you want to be closer to RIMBA’s main pools, restaurants and kids club, or if you need a room that can accommodate three or more people. There are also more suite options here, including the spacious Two-Bedroom Resort View Suite, which we have stayed in twice.
Choose RIMBA Wana if you prefer a quieter, more secluded feel surrounded by greenery. The standard Wana rooms are noticeably larger, and you can choose from Garden, Resort or Ocean Views.
For families of four, the Two Bedroom Wana Rooms are another great option. At 108 sqm they consist of two adjoining rooms with a common entrance. Just be aware that AYANA currently lists the maximum occupancy as four guests, compared with up to six in some of RIMBA’s main-wing two-bedroom options.
There really isn’t a bad choice. It comes down to whether you value being closer to RIMBA’s main facilities or having a little more space and a quieter location in the Wana Wing.
RIMBA Jungle Adventure Kids Club
One of the biggest additions since our previous stay is RIMBA Jungle Adventure, which opened in March 2025. And this isn’t your average little hotel kids club; it’s huge!
Spanning 1,600 sqm of indoor and outdoor space, RIMBA Jungle Adventure is actually Bali’s largest resort kids’ playground. There are climbing areas, tunnels, sensory play, puzzles, a flying fox, crafts and plenty of spaces designed for different ages.
The kids club is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with free play complimentary for in-house guests. There are also plenty of organised activities throughout the day, including arts and crafts, cooking activities such as pizza-making and cookie-decorating, storytelling, dress-ups, and games.
The staff are fantastic, and there is so much for kids to do that it’s somewhere they will actually want to spend time. Kids can even have food delivered to the club from selected resort restaurants, making it easy for them to stay and play while parents enjoy some downtime.
Evening kids’ activities are also offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, which can be a great option if parents want to enjoy dinner or a drink elsewhere around the AYANA Estate.
For families, RIMBA Jungle Adventure is one of RIMBA’s biggest selling points and easily one of the most impressive resort kids clubs we’ve seen in Bali.
Swimming Pools at RIMBA
The pools are definitely one of the highlights of staying at RIMBA by AYANA, especially with kids. RIMBA has six very different pool areas. We loved being able to pool-hop depending on what we felt like doing, from the kids’ waterslide at the Lower Pool to a peaceful swim at the Upper Pool or sunset drinks beside the UNIQUE Rooftop Pool.
Most of RIMBA’s pools are open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, while UNIQUE Rooftop Pool is open from 11 am to 11 pm.
RIMBA Lower Pool
This is the main family pool at RIMBA and probably where families will spend the most time. It’s the largest pool at the resort, with plenty of space to swim, a whirlpool and a swim-up bar.
Right beside it is the kids’ pool and waterslide. One important thing to know before promising the kids a turn: children must be at least 5 years old and no taller than 1.5 metres to use the slide. They do enforce the height restriction, as we experienced with our son during our stay. I’m not sure they check the kids’ ages; if you have a smaller-for-age child, they may check.
The kids’ waterslide generally operates from around 9 am.
RIMBA Cabana Pool
The Cabana Pool is one of my favourite spots for a more relaxed family pool day. Surrounded by bougainvillea and tropical gardens, there are shaded poolside cabanas and fun birdcage-style seating areas where you can settle in for a few hours.
During our June 2026 stay, cabanas had a minimum food and beverage spend of IDR 500,000 and were first-come, first-served rather than reservable. There were still free cabanas and birdcages available when we visited, so we never had trouble finding somewhere comfortable to sit.
Three Monkeys Pool
The Three Monkeys Pool gets its name from the three monkey fountains overlooking the water. It’s another family-friendly option but feels a little quieter than the Lower Pool, with loungers, umbrellas and plenty of tropical greenery.
RIMBA Upper Pool
If you are looking for some peace and quiet, head upstairs to the Upper Pool. Children under 12 are not permitted, so it has a much calmer atmosphere than the main family pools. From the Upper Pool, you can also look down over the Lower Pool and the kids’ waterslide below.
Perched above the surrounding forest, it’s a beautiful spot for a swim, a quiet drink or simply some kid-free downtime. I definitely made the most of this one!
RIMBA Forest Pool
Hidden amongst the greenery of the RIMBA Wana Wing, the Forest Pool feels like a little tropical oasis away from the busier parts of the resort.
The semi-private lagoon pool can also be accessed directly from selected Wana Pool Access Rooms, making these rooms a great option if you prefer a quieter pool right outside your terrace.
Nearby Forest Bar makes it easy to order food and drinks without leaving your poolside spot.
UNIQUE Rooftop Pool
The UNIQUE Rooftop Pool is completely different again, with more of a relaxed pool-club vibe. Located beside UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, it overlooks the forest towards the ocean and is a beautiful spot for a swim, lunch or sunset drinks.
UNIQUE serves Mexican food and cocktails poolside, so it’s easy to settle in here for a few hours. Unlike most pools across the AYANA Estate, outside guests can also access the UNIQUE Rooftop Pool by purchasing food and drinks, subject to availability. If you’re not staying at the resort, I’d recommend checking with AYANA before visiting, as access conditions can change.
Dining at RIMBA by AYANA
Dining at Rimba by AYANA is easy and enjoyable for families, with plenty of options to suit kids and parents alike. Many of the restaurants offer relaxed, family-friendly menus with a mix of international dishes, pizzas, and comfort food alongside healthier choices. The casual settings make it simple to bring children along, whether you’re after a quick poolside lunch or a relaxed dinner. Plus, staying at Rimba gives families access to all the dining options across the Ayana Estate, so you can enjoy everything from simple bites to special dinners out, without ever needing to leave the resort.
DINING OPTIONS AT RIMBA BY AYANA
To’Ge Restaurant
Open 6:30 am to 11 pm
To’Ge Restaurant is one of the easiest dining options at RIMBA, especially for families. Open from breakfast through to dinner, it serves a mix of Indonesian and international dishes, with plenty of familiar choices for kids, including pasta, pizza and fresh fruit.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a good option whether you’re starting the day with the buffet breakfast or just want an easy dinner after a full day at the pool.
For families, To’Ge is one of those reliable places where everyone can usually find something they enjoy eating.
Kampoeng Bali
Dinner & Show: 6 pm to 10 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Dinner at Kampoeng Bali is much more than just a meal. It is a full cultural experience and a really fun evening for families.
Set up like a traditional Balinese night market, you can wander between food stalls, watch local artisans at work and enjoy live music and colourful dance performances throughout the evening. The buffet offers a wide range of Indonesian dishes, with plenty of milder options for kids, alongside more traditional flavours for adults looking to try something different.
It’s a lovely way to experience a little more Balinese culture without leaving the AYANA Estate, and there is always something happening to keep the kids interested.
Outside guests are welcome too, so you don’t need to be staying at AYANA to enjoy the experience. It’s a beautiful evening and one we think is well worth adding to a Bali family holiday.
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Open 11 am to 11 pm
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is a fun, easy spot for families, with great views, a colourful rooftop setting and a relaxed poolside vibe.
The menu is Mexican-inspired, with plenty of family-friendly options like tacos, quesadillas and churros, plus cocktails for the adults. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or settle in for a few hours while the kids have a swim.
As the sun starts to go down, the rooftop really comes into its own, with beautiful views across the estate and towards the ocean.
Outside guests are welcome too and can book a table and enjoy the rooftop pool, subject to current access conditions and availability.
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Menu
Fitness Centre at RIMBA by AYANA
The fitness centre at RIMBA by AYANA is a modern space overlooking the RIMBA Upper Pool and is open 24 hours. Equipped with Technogym machines, Kinesis stations, and a steam and sauna area, it’s well-equipped for both cardio and strength training. Personal trainers are available if you’d like extra guidance, making it easy to keep up your fitness routine while still enjoying the relaxed, tropical resort vibe.
Explore the Rest of the AYANA Estate
Staying at RIMBA means there is so much more to explore beyond the resort itself. During our stays, we spent plenty of time exploring the various pools, activities, restaurants, and experiences across the wider AYANA Estate.
Some became family favourites, while others were perfect for slowing down, enjoying a great meal or escaping for a little adults-only time. Here are the places and experiences we think are most worth knowing about when staying at RIMBA.
AYANA Ocean Adventure Kids Club
RIMBA guests can also use AYANA Ocean Adventure, located beside the main pool at AYANA Resort. It’s quite different from RIMBA Jungle Adventure, with more of an ocean and water-play theme, so it’s definitely worth checking out both during your stay.
Spanning 1,320 sqm, Ocean Adventure has indoor, semi-outdoor, and water-play zones for different age groups. Kids can climb, play in the ball pit, get creative with arts and crafts or head outside to the shallow kids’ pools and waterslides. There are also scheduled activities including painting, crafts and Balinese cultural experiences.
Ocean Adventure is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with a sanitation break from 1 pm to 2 pm. Free play is complimentary for in-house guests, while some scheduled activities incur an additional charge and must be booked through the AYANA App. Children aged four and over can stay at the club independently, while younger children need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or nanny. Pool and waterslide areas still require adult supervision.
The adjacent AYANA Kids Pool has two waterslides. Children must be at least five years old and no taller than 1.6 metres to use them, and swimwear with back zippers is not permitted.
Our tip: One thing to know about both AYANA Ocean Adventure and RIMBA Jungle Adventure is that they are tech-free spaces. You won’t find TVs, PlayStations or video games. Instead, the focus is very much on active play, creativity, crafts and hands-on activities.
AYANA Estate Pools
The pool hopping doesn’t have to stop at RIMBA! Guests can explore the pools throughout the wider AYANA Estate, each with a distinct feel. Some are perfect for families, while others are better suited to older kids and adults looking for a quieter place.
AYANA Main Pool
Located in the heart of AYANA Resort, the AYANA Main Pool is a large two-tiered freshwater pool with an infinity edge overlooking the gardens and Indian Ocean. There are many loungers and umbrellas around the pool, but they can fill up quickly during peak times.
Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
AYANA Lower Pool
Just below the Main Pool is the AYANA Lower Pool, which feels a little more tucked away. Water cascades down from the pool above, creating a waterfall between the two areas, and the lower pool is right next to the Sunset Bar for easy access.
Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
AYANA Kids Pool & Waterslides
Beside AYANA Ocean Adventure is the shallow AYANA Kids Pool with two waterslides. It’s a great combination, with a visit to the kids’ club and another fun pool area for families to discover, away from RIMBA.
Children using the waterslides must be at least 5 years old and no taller than 1.5 metres, and swimwear with back zippers isn’t permitted.
Open from 7 am to 7 pm.
Segara Indoor Outdoor Pool
Over at AYANA Segara, this unique multi-level pool flows between indoor and outdoor areas, making it a great option when you want a swim with some escape from the Bali sun. Segara’s Pool Bar is next to the pool, perfect for delicious cocktails.
Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
Luna Rooftop Pool
On the rooftop of AYANA Segara, Luna Rooftop Pool is an infinity pool with beautiful views across the estate and towards the Indian Ocean. Children under 12 are not permitted, making it another good option for families with teens or parents wanting some quieter pool time.
Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
Ocean Beach Pool
This is one of my favourite pools across the whole AYANA Estate. Set on the cliff edge near the Rock Bar, the Ocean Beach Pool is an infinity pool with incredible uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean.
The pool is available to guests aged 12 years and over, so it’s particularly good if you are travelling with older kids or teens. It is also open later than many of the other pools, making it a beautiful spot towards the end of the day to watch the stunning Bali sunsets.
Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm
River Pool at AYANA Villas
The iconic River Pool is hidden within the AYANA Villas area and is one of the most beautiful pools on the estate. Its two-level design winds through lush tropical gardens, giving it a completely different feel from the other resort pools.
Access is a little different here. In-house guests staying at any of the AYANA Estate properties can swim and take photos at the River Pool from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. From 10 am to 7 pm, the pool is reserved exclusively for AYANA Villas guests.
Our tip: If you’re staying at RIMBA and want to experience the River Pool, plan an early-morning visit. After 10 am, you won’t be able to pool hop here unless you are staying at AYANA Villas.
Kubu Beach
Kubu Beach feels like a hidden little paradise within the AYANA Estate. Tucked beneath the cliffs, this private beach is reached via the resort tram and then a glass elevator, which is part of the experience. Keep an eye out on the tram ride too; you may even spot some of AYANA’s resident monkeys along the way!
At the bottom you will find soft white sand, clear water and a much quieter feel than Bali’s busier beaches. Families can spend time playing on the sand, exploring the shallow tide pools and enjoying the views.
The ocean here can be strong, so swimming conditions really depend on the tide. AYANA advises that swimming is not recommended at high tide, so with younger children we would treat Kubu Beach more as a place for sand, shoreline play and exploring the tide pools unless conditions are calm. Close supervision is essential.
There are loungers and beach facilities, plus you can enjoy food and drinks delivered from Kubu Beach Club without heading back up the cliff. The beach is open from 9 am to 6 pm, while Kubu Beach Club stays open until 7 pm.
Our family tips: Bring hats, sunscreen and water shoes if the kids want to explore the rocky tide pools. Allow at least a couple of hours rather than treating Kubu Beach as a quick photo stop, and check the tide and beach conditions before planning on swimming.
SAKA Museum
SAKA Museum was one of our favourite discoveries at the AYANA Estate. The museum explores Balinese culture and traditions in a really engaging way, with multimedia displays, interactive exhibits and plenty for kids to actually do rather than simply walk around and look at.
We particularly enjoyed the short film about Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, which is shown regularly and gives a wonderful insight into what makes this day so special. One of the highlights is upstairs in the KASANGA exhibition, where you come face-to-face with the enormous Ogoh-Ogoh. They are absolutely huge and so much fun for the kids to explore up close.
Another favourite was the SAKA Dome: Twilight Journey, where you can lay back inside the dome and watch the immersive Bali-inspired visuals above you.
Don’t rush through the quieter spaces either. The Knowledge Centre/library is a beautiful place to sit, browse and enjoy some downtime, and we loved that SAKA gave us somewhere cool and air-conditioned to escape the Bali heat for a while.
There is also a SAKA Cafe on the ground floor. We stopped for coffee during our visit and it was great. An easy excuse to slow down before jumping back on the tram to explore more of the estate.
SAKA Museum Practical Information
SAKA Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. Entry is complimentary for RIMBA and other AYANA Estate in-house guests. Outside visitors are also welcome, with current general admission priced at IDR 300,000 for adults, IDR 150,000 for children and students aged 6–17, and free for children under six.
Children under 12 need to be supervised by an adult, and it can actually get quite cool inside, so bringing a light layer for kids who feel the cold isn’t a bad idea.
Our tip: Don’t dismiss SAKA Museum because you’re travelling with kids. The interactive displays, huge Ogoh-Ogoh, films and immersive experiences make it much more engaging than a traditional museum. It’s also a brilliant activity for the hottest part of the day or when you’ve had enough pool time.
AYANA Farm
Another lovely change of pace from the pools is AYANA Farm, a two-hectare sustainable organic farm tucked away within the estate. It’s a beautiful space to wander through with the kids and learn a little about how food is grown in Bali, with herbs, vegetables, edible flowers and traditional medicinal plants growing throughout the gardens. AYANA currently grows more than 130 different plant varieties, with produce harvested for use across the resort’s restaurants and bars.
You can simply explore the farm or book one of the organised experiences. The AYANA Farm Walk is a guided morning tour where you learn about traditional Indonesian farming methods, taste edible plants along the way and can even pick ingredients that can be turned into juice at Spa Cafe.
There are also other activities held at the farm, including the Root Ball Farm Experience, where families learn about the farm and plant their own root ball in the Guest Garden, as well as workshops such as traditional herbal remedy-making, afternoon tea, and a Farm-to-Bar cocktail and mocktail experience.
AYANA Farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and it can be reached by the resort tram. Get off at the GARDEN stop, and it’s only around a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, you could ask at reception for a buggy to take you to explore the farm.
Our tip: Combine AYANA Farm with a visit to SAKA Museum while you are in this part of the estate. It makes a great break from swimming and gives the kids something completely different to do.
Dining Across the AYANA Estate
There are so many places to eat across the AYANA Estate that there was no way we were going to get through them all in one stay! We did manage to explore quite a few though, from breakfast at different resorts to casual lunches, sunset drinks and some lovely dinners.
One of the things we really enjoyed was how different each dining spot felt. You can eat overlooking the pools, by the beach, high above the ocean or tucked away in the gardens, so dining becomes part of the AYANA experience rather than just somewhere to grab a meal.
I’ve already covered the dining options at RIMBA earlier in this post, so below are the restaurants, bars and cafes we tried across the other parts of the AYANA Estate during our stays.
Breakfast at Padi Restaurant – AYANA Resort
I had a peaceful breakfast at Padi Restaurant at AYANA Resort and absolutely loved the setting. It’s an open-air restaurant surrounded by beautiful lotus ponds, with a really peaceful Balinese feel that makes breakfast here feel a little bit special.
The buffet is huge, with an excellent selection of international and Asian breakfast dishes, so there is plenty to choose from even if everyone in the family wants something different.
My only small negative was the coffee; I wasn’t a huge fan. But with such a beautiful setting and so much choice at the buffet, Padi was still one of our favourite places for breakfast across the AYANA Estate.
Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am to 11 am, and Padi is only around a two-minute walk from the AYANA Resort tram stop.
Breakfast at Karang Restaurant – AYANA Segara
We didn’t actually eat breakfast at Karang Restaurant at AYANA Segara, but I did have a good look through the buffet and filmed the selection while we were there.
Compared with Padi, the breakfast spread looked a little smaller, but there was still a really good variety of international dishes and plenty of choice for families. What I did like was that everything felt a little more compact and easier to navigate, rather than being spread across such a large area. AYANA describes the breakfast as an international buffet, and Karang is the designated breakfast restaurant for guests staying at Segara.
The restaurant itself is modern, bright and open, with an open-concept kitchen, breezy courtyard and views across the Segara pool. It felt like a really relaxed place to start the day.
Sami Sami Restaurant – AYANA Resort
We had lunch at Sami Sami at AYANA Resort and it was one of our favourite meals on the estate. The Italian food was delicious, but the real standout was the incredible ocean view from the cliffside setting.
There were plenty of options that worked well for the whole family, and it was an easy place to stop for lunch while exploring this side of AYANA.
Our tip: Take your swim gear with you. We went straight from lunch to the AYANA pools, which made for a really easy afternoon without having to head back to RIMBA first.
Scusa Restaurant – AYANA Segara
Scusa at AYANA Segara was such a beautiful spot for dinner. When we visited, musicians were playing in the courtyard, which created a lovely atmosphere before we even sat down.
The restaurant itself is stunning, with its Mediterranean-inspired design; honestly, even the bathrooms are epic! The food featured beautifully presented Mediterranean dishes and a fantastic wine list, so this is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly more special dinner during your stay.
Scusa is open daily from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Kisik Lounge
We stopped at Kisik Lounge for a sunset cocktail and loved how peaceful it felt down by the ocean. It’s an easy coastal walk from the Ocean Beach Pool, so it worked perfectly after an afternoon swim.
The lounge sits right beside Kisik Seafood & Grill, where dinner is served right on the beachfront. As we walked past, we saw fresh seafood being prepared for their Balinese-style barbecue, with tables set on the sand and softly lit by torches as the sun went down. We didn’t eat there this time, but it looked like such a beautiful spot for dinner.
Kisik Lounge was the perfect place to slow down with a drink, listen to the waves and enjoy the sunset away from the busier parts of the estate.
Kisik Lounge is open daily from 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
Something special: You can also arrange dinner out on the KISIK Pier, which stretches over the ocean beside the restaurant. AYANA offers the pier as a special dining experience, with dinner served surrounded by the ocean and soft lighting. It’s one to book ahead, especially around sunset or during busy periods. Ask AYANA about current availability and pricing during your stay.
Rock Bar – AYANA Resort
You really can’t stay at the AYANA Estate without checking out the famous Rock Bar at least once. Built into the cliffs above the Indian Ocean, it’s a fun spot for dinner and drinks as the sun goes down but sunset is also when it gets busiest.
We checked in at the Rock Bar reception at AYANA Resort, then wandered down to the inclinator that takes you down the cliff to the bar. You can also reach the Rock Bar from the Ocean Beach pool, enjoy a swim, then have dinner and drinks at Rock Bar.
One of the perks of staying at RIMBA is that in-house guests receive priority access around sunset and can access the guest-only Top Bar area. AYANA also currently states that the minimum spend requirements for outside visitors do not apply to hotel guests.
Rock Bar stretches along 270 metres of cliffside with several different seating areas, so there are plenty of spots to enjoy the views, order some food and settle in with a cocktail as the sun disappears over the ocean.
Our tip: Sunset is the most popular time, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself! If sunset is important to you, make a reservation rather than just turning up. Rock Bar is open daily from 4 pm to midnight.
AYANA Spa & Fitness Centre
If you are looking for a little downtime away from the pools and kids’ activities, AYANA Spa is definitely worth knowing about. The spa is huge, set amongst beautiful tropical gardens, with an extensive treatment menu as well as the famous Thalassotherapy Pool and Spa on the Rocks, perched right above the ocean.
Spa treatments are available from 10 am to 8 pm, while the Thalassotherapy Pool is open from 10 am to 7 pm. Spa on the Rocks is also worth checking out if you’re looking for something extra special; the location overlooking the Indian Ocean is incredible, but don’t expect low prices.
There are also fitness centres at AYANA Resort and AYANA Segara, which RIMBA guests can use while exploring the estate. Both are open 24 hours, which makes it easy to fit in a workout whenever it suits.
Our tip: Even if you’re not booking a spa treatment, this part of the estate is lovely to explore. We also grabbed coffee from Spa Cafe, which became a handy stop when we were over this side of AYANA.
Getting Around the AYANA Estate
Considering the AYANA Estate covers around 90 hectares, getting around is surprisingly easy. The complimentary resort trams circulate around the estate, connecting RIMBA with AYANA Resort, Segara, the Villas, restaurants, pools, SAKA Museum, AYANA Farm, the Spa and Kubu Beach.
We used the tram all the time during our stay. You simply hop on and off at the different stops, and the ride itself is quite fun, especially for kids. It also saves a lot of walking when you’re heading from one side of the estate to the other.
There are plenty of beautiful walking paths too, and RIMBA in particular is very easy to explore on foot or with a stroller. For longer distances, buggies are also used around the estate, which can be handy when you don’t want to wait for the tram or have tired kids in tow. AYANA also offers on-demand buggy transport, with Villa guests having their own private buggy service.
Our tip: Don’t feel like you need to stay around RIMBA because the estate looks huge on the map. Once you get used to the tram stops, it’s really easy to spend the morning at RIMBA, head to AYANA Resort for lunch and a swim, then finish the day somewhere completely different for sunset or dinner.
What’s Within Walking Distance of AYANA Estate?
Even though there is enough inside the AYANA Estate to keep you busy for days, we also spent some time exploring the local area on foot and found quite a few handy places close by.
We found a money exchanger and laundry just outside the Estate gates, which are always useful to know about on a longer Bali holiday, as well as Jimbaran Hub further along the road.
Jimbaran Hub is definitely worth knowing about if you’re staying at RIMBA with kids. It’s a large community space with Colabo Cafe, Padel Club Indonesia, SAIA Pilates, a skate park and plenty of arts, sport and creative activities. Depending on what is running during your stay, there are also activities such as art classes, baking, dance, yoga, karate and other kids and family programs.
There is also a go-kart track nearby, which is completely separate from Jimbaran Hub. We have visited before and had such a fun time. Definitely one to add to the list if you have motorsport-loving kids (or adults!) in the family.
Our tip: Don’t automatically assume you need a taxi every time you leave AYANA. Have a walk around the local area first; there are some really handy services and fun family activities surprisingly close to the estate.
Our Tips for Staying at RIMBA by AYANA with Kids
AYANA is huge, with so much to see and do, so a little planning before you arrive definitely helps. These are our tips for making the most of your stay without feeling like you need to fit everything in.
- Download the AYANA App before you arrive. We found it really handy for resort information, maps, restaurant bookings, activity schedules and working out what was happening around the estate.
- Check out AYANA’s suggested itineraries. The itineraries on the AYANA website are really useful for getting your head around everything available. You don’t need to follow them exactly, but they are a great starting point when the sheer size of the estate feels a little overwhelming.
- Join AYANA Rewards. It’s free to join; you can earn points on eligible stays and purchases and access member-only room rates and other benefits. If you are booking directly with AYANA, also check the current direct-booking inclusions, as these can include discounts on dining and spa treatments.
- Book the things you really want to do in advance. Popular restaurants, sunset at Rock Bar, special dining experiences and spa treatments can book out, particularly during busy periods. We would rather lock in the must-dos and then keep the rest of our days flexible.
- Check the kids club and pool rules before promising the kids anything! Both kids’ clubs have set opening hours and some activities need to be booked. The waterslides also have age and height restrictions, which staff do enforce.
- Explore beyond RIMBA. Don’t look at the size of the estate and assume everything is too far away. The complimentary trams make it really easy to head to another resort for breakfast, swim in a different pool, visit Kubu Beach or stay out for dinner.
- Keep the swim gear handy. We often took our bathers with us when exploring the estate so we could have lunch somewhere like Sami Sami and then jump into one of the AYANA pools afterwards without returning to RIMBA.
- Visit the River Pool early. If you want to swim in the famous River Pool while staying at RIMBA, plan it for the morning when guests from across the AYANA Estate are permitted to use it.
- Pack a few snacks for the kids. There are loads of places to eat across AYANA, but resort dining can add up quickly. Having some easy snacks in the room or your day bag is handy, particularly with hungry kids between meals.
Most importantly, don’t try to do everything. There is far too much across the AYANA Estate to squeeze into one stay. Pick the experiences that appeal most to your family and leave some time for simply enjoying RIMBA, or you might just need to come back again as we did!
Is RIMBA by AYANA Worth It for Families?
For us, RIMBA by AYANA is absolutely worth it for families, especially if you want a resort with plenty to do without having to leave every day.
What makes RIMBA stand out is that you are not just booking one hotel. You have the pools, huge kids club, restaurants and facilities at RIMBA, plus access to everything across the wider AYANA Estate.
It also works really well as your kids get older. We felt comfortable giving our teens a little more independence around the estate, rather than Mum and Dad constantly tagging along! They can sleep in, head down for a late breakfast and then jump on the tram to meet us at one of the AYANA pools for a swim. Everyone gets a little more freedom while still being within the one resort estate.
For families with younger children, you can also arrange nanny services through AYANA. We personally prefer to use our trusted Bali nanny, especially when extra one-on-one support is helpful. Having a nanny can make such a difference for younger kids or neurodivergent children who may need additional support, help navigating busy environments or simply some downtime away from the rest of the family.
Need a nanny recommendation? Feel free to message me on Instagram or Facebook, and I’m happy to share the details of the nanny we use.
The main downside is that dining and activities can get expensive, particularly if you eat every meal within the resort. The estate is also huge and can feel a little overwhelming when you first arrive, but once you work out the tram stops and where everything is, it becomes really easy to explore.
For our family, the combination of space, incredible facilities, freedom for older kids and so many different things to do makes RIMBA by AYANA one of our favourite family resorts in Bali for a resort-style holiday. If it fits your family’s budget, we definitely recommend staying here.
Final Thoughts
We have now stayed at RIMBA by AYANA twice, and the fact that we came back for another stay probably says it all.
What we love most is that everyone can holiday a little differently. The kids can swim and explore, teens can have some independence, and Mum and Dad can actually find some downtime too.
You can spend your days exploring everything across the AYANA Estate or simply stay around RIMBA and relax by the pool. For us, that flexibility is what makes it such a great choice for a Bali family holiday and I have a feeling our second stay won’t be our last.
Feel free to join our Facebook Group if you have any questions about staying at RIMBA by AYANA Resort.
Kate xx
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