For those seeking more affordable chilling, with a laid-back clifftop playground bordering on the horizontal, hotfoot it over to French-owned La Joya II Biu-Biu, just off Balangan Beach and suspended on clifftops above Biu-Biu cove and crashing waves. Although this Eco-Village Resort gem has loitered under the radar for years with a dozen or so cute accommodations, its pool club scene is the “new kid on the cliff” amongst Balangan’s revved-up developments.
Aptly named, The View presents a rustic-inclined, semi-open restaurant and bar with a Mexican ranch, Wild West feel. But sensational views are the star ingredient, best enjoyed out on the expansive white stone terrace hugging the cliff edge where you’ll find shaded dining terrace and eclectic seating facing the sea, sunken stone Jacuzzi and “half-moon” infinity pool set amid lawns. Take root here for good value, Indonesian and Mediterranean home cooking; house-baked breads and pastries for breakfast, sunshine-filled lunches like Quinoa roasted pumpkin and halloumi cheese salads and sunset finger foods washed down with fine imported wines.
Just off here, La Joya’s stunning three-tier infinity edge pool, shaped like a honeycomb, blurs ad infinitum into the ocean, surrounded by a cliff-edge sun deck and Jacuzzi a deux, and “Ship Wreck Bar,” disgorging a steady supply of poolside cocktails. Outside guests can join the bliss for a mere IDR200,000 F&B consumption. Coincide your sojourns with La Joya’s Wednesday Pool Chillin’ (3pm to 7pm) and Sunday Sunset and BBQ night (from 3pm), showcasing live musicians like Jimmy Rougerie on sax. Both sessions feature Happy Hours and resident Brazilian DJ. Rafael Lambert, whose smooth Balearic and house beats add a distinctively cool vibe.
