I spotted a small unassuming wooden sign and on the spur of the moment decided to take the tiny dirt track to Jasri Bay Hidden Hideaway. The sign was on the main road, just past the busy little seaside town of Candi Dasa. The track passed a river, wound through a small forest and then popped out at a cluster of small cottages.
It turned out that Jasri Bay Hideaway was right on the ocean. What a delight! The fresh ocean breeze washed over me, bringing with it the scent of frangipani. I felt instantly relaxed. I knew I had found a unique gem and promptly booked a cottage stay for the night.
I checked out all three cottages before making my selection. They were all huge, spacious romantic pads, decorated with stunning art pieces. I finally settled on the Neptune Suite, which had a huge wooden Javanese door leading through a foyer to three spacious lounge room areas with two bedrooms, the master opening to panoramic views of the ocean.
Being an eco friendly individual, I was happy to discover this place was 100% green, with, for example, filtered water in a dispenser, papaya stem straws,
for drinks and a commitment to not using plastic. The fridge was stocked with Sorga www.sorgachocolate.com artisan handcrafted chocolate from the factory next door. This wonderful little business engages in every stage of chocolate making on the premises, from growing cacao trees to fermentation to the end product. I felt like I was really in heaven now.
After deciding which lounge I was going to sprawl out on, I perused the healthy fresh organic menu and chose from the vegetarian/vegan selection. The team of chefs at the cottage stay offer a full range of choices including chicken, fish and meat dishes all served with the garden vegetables and herbs sourced from the on-site organic garden.
When the crashing ocean calls you and you are ready for romance and your holiday bliss, then wind your way along the East Coast of Bali, located only 90 minutes from Denpasar and enjoy nature, art, chocolate and fine dining all from your private cottage stay at Jasri Bay Hideaway. It’s an ocean delight.
Story by Stephanie Brookes
Photos by Michael Nicolson Photography
Stephanie Brookes is a travel writer and blogger with tales from Indonesia and beyond.
http://www.facebook.com/stephtravelwriter
www.instagram.com/stephtravelwriter
Author –“Indonesia’s Hidden Heritage; Cultural Journeys of Discovery”
Michael Nicholson Photography: www.micnic.com.au
Fact File
Jasri Bay Hideaway – 10 mins North of Candi Dasa, East Bali
Accommodation: 3 (2 bed) private cottages
Resort sleeps a maximum of 12 people
Total of 10 beds: 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms
2 swimming pools
Massage: Qualified masseurs offer natural relief from aches and pains and each is trained in their own specialised form of massage.
Exploring the Area: Jasri Bay is situated in Karangasem. Visit the beautiful Ujung and Tirtagangga Water Palaces. The local Pasir Putih (white sand beach) has pure white sand, bed loungers, snorkeling equipment and a string of local seafood/other restaurants along the beach. Explore the traditional village of Tenganan – a Bali Aga (original Bali) crafts village. For excellent diving and snorkeling, take a boat from Candi Dasa and visit the snorkeling islands located 20 mins away or take a drive (1 hour) and visit the snorkeling and dive launch sites located at Amed.
Dining: Several fine restaurants can be found in the surrounding hills. In Candi Dasa seaside village, just 10 minutes away, a selection of bars, live music venues and cafes can be found.
Drivers and guides can be arranged by reception.
Sorga Artisan Bali Chocolate Factory: Daily tours including free tasting. Fine artisan chocolate. Make your own chocolate creations. Social enterprise supporting local cacao farmers.
