Balquisse Heritage Hotel
Tucked down a quiet Jimbaran lane, Balquisse Heritage Hotel is a 22-room gem born from Blaise and Zohra’s three-decade love affair with Bali – arriving in 1995 and turning a Balinese house into a guesthouse by 1998, then weaving Khaima restaurant, Haveli linens, Hishem furniture, Asam Garam, and Balique into a family tapestry of craft and flavour.
A vintage VW ride from the beach, Balquisse swaps noise for frangipani and coconut clinks. Sustainability is standard – recycled teak, zero plastic (you’ll see water jugs everywhere, no brands or labels), lemongrass scents. Little surprises, like house-made jam, an open-air cinema, a welcome bracelet (we will let you discover the story here), make the whole experience considered personal and quietly stylish.
Need to Knows
- Rooms: 22 individually designed rooms (Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Family Room, Plantation Junior Suite, Master Suite, Vintage Teak House)
- Check-in / Check-out Times: Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
- Parking: Complimentary on-site
- Room Features and Amenities: Handcrafted kimono robes, hats, soft shawls, organic toiletries, in-room safe, high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury linens, mini-bar with local selections, concierge service, daily filtered water, lemongrass shower gel (divine), yoga mat on request, private balcony or garden area (select rooms).
(If you’re eyeing a stay, see if one of the two recently renovated rooms – the Plantation Junior Suite or Master Suite – are available; they’re beautifully designed, with heirloom details and Moroccan-tinged textiles that make it a struggle to check out)
What’s There
Three pools shimmer – one for laps, one for lounging and one kid-friendly. The Shaba Shala, built from reclaimed teak and ringed by lemongrass, triples as a yoga pavilion, mindful gym, and 30-seat meeting space. Henna Spa channels Balinese rituals into massages that melt city stress. Asam Garam scatters tables across courtyards and verandas (no formal dining room, just the best light), plating Indonesian classics from 11 AM to 11 PM. The boutique sells the exact linens you slept on – take the duvet cover home (100% cotton perfection). Outdoor cinema is a cool touch – we watched The Royal Tenenbaums under the stars, part of a sharp programme mixing cult classics and indie gems. Each room is uniquely decorated, with its own personality.
What’s Around
Jimbaran Beach is a short walk away – sunset, smoke curling from beachfront grills, satay over coconut charcoal. Muaya Temple offers incense and calm; the fish market supplies the day’s catch. Nearby: Balique for slow-simmered rendang, L’Osteria for blistered pizzas, Cuca for local produce turned art. Sidewalk Mall for retail, Muaya Beach for quieter sand. Insider tip: snag a warung table at golden hour – cold Bintang, sambal in the air.
What’s Super Special
Blaise and Zohra began with Balquisse Heritage Hotel. Every detail reflects their vision: Shahinaz Collection for linens, curtains and home textiles, Hishem teak, and Balquisse Living gold showcased in the boutique. Breakfast unfolds as a quiet ritual with house-made sourdough, jams, and juices pressed fresh before your eyes. The Shaba Shala, built from recycled walls and surrounded by a lemongrass garden, creates a serene sanctuary. Staff recall your child’s favorite mango-passionfruit blend and have it ready before you ask. Even the pool loungers stand out with thick cushions and extra headrests, a thoughtful touch that many grand resorts overlook. Small gestures, big impact.
Children
Families fit without the resort turning into a playground. One pool is kid-friendly, the Family Room sleeps four in style, the VW makes beach runs retro fun. Morning yoga welcomes wobbly downward dogs.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Asam Garam is a choose-your-spot affair – pool edge, courtyard, balcony. House-baked sourdough, pineapple-cinnamon jam, tropical fruit in colour, eggs any way, nasi goreng with sunrise views. Juices pressed fresh; turmeric-ginger shot gentler than coffee. Gluten-free, vegan – sorted. Espresso coffee is excellent and strong.
Eating and Drinking
Asam Garam multitasks – restaurant, bar, social hub – open 11 AM to 11 PM. Menu roams Indonesia: rendang, sambal four ways, seafood from the morning market. Cocktails lean local, the wine list nods to Europe. In-villa dining arrives camera-ready; high tea 4 PM to 5 PM with scones, sandwiches and baked goods sweet and savoury, right from the oven.
Things to Book
The Henna Spa (a 90-minute Balinese massage is non-negotiable), morning yoga, Plating Indonesian class, the beach shuttle, an outdoor cinema screening with bean bags – the film programme changes weekly, reserve early. Dinner at Asam Garam, especially on weekends. Bike hire via concierge. Drivers linger outside in the lane, ready to take you wherever you need to go.
Notes
A small on-site temple, an in-house priest, and the option of a melukat purification ceremony for an additional fee. Muaya Temple is just five minutes away. The gym is compact and peaceful, with birdsong replacing the clang of weights and water stations to keep your bottle filled. Boutique linens and Balquisse Living jewelry make thoughtful souvenirs. House-made jams are available to take home; simply ask.