If there’s one thing I love, it’s stumbling upon a hidden gem—a place that isn’t overhyped, overpriced, or overcrowded, yet still delivers everything you could possibly want from a stay. Enter The Open House Jimbaran, a boutique eco-hotel that instantly became my home away from home in Bali.

Nestled in the laid-back beach town of Jimbaran, this little oasis ticked all my boxes: thoughtful details, eco-friendly initiatives, incredible food, ridiculously good massages, and a staff that treats you like family (shoutout to Cening for being an absolute legend). Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach escape, a base to explore South Bali, or just a place where your sunhat, beach towel, and drying rack needs are all magically met—this is it.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Open House Jimbaran.

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First Impressions: Where Have You Been All My Life?

You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and within seconds, you already know you made the right choice? That was The Open House for me.

After navigating the usual Bali airport taxi gauntlet (where I may or may not have gotten mildly scammed—more on that later), I arrived at this charming little sanctuary just a two-minute walk from Jimbaran Beach.

Check-in was smooth and refreshingly relaxed. No giant hotel lobbies or impersonal front desks—just friendly staff, a cool towel, and a welcome drink that instantly made me forget about the humidity-induced hair disaster I was currently sporting.

The place itself? A tropical dream. Think open-air spaces, lush greenery, and a gorgeous little pool framed by white-washed walls. Small enough to feel intimate but spacious enough that you don’t feel like you’re sharing your vacation with strangers.

The Rooms: Where Comfort Meets Thoughtful Details

I’m not usually one to rave about hotel rooms—because let’s be real, I’m here to explore, not spend all day in bed (tempting as it may be). But The Open House nailed it when it comes to thoughtful design.

• Beach bags, sun hats, and beach towels provided. This may sound minor, but as someone who perpetually forgets these things, I was thrilled.

• Filtered water instead of plastic bottles. A win for sustainability and for those of us who refuse to pay for bottled water every five minutes.

• Ample space to hang clothes. Sounds basic, but if you’ve ever struggled with drying a damp swimsuit in a cramped bathroom, you’ll appreciate this.

• A comfy bed and a rain shower that actually has decent water pressure. Luxury.

Each room also has a small terrace or balcony, perfect for morning coffee and writing blogs! 

The Pool & Common Areas: A Slice of Tranquillity

The swimming pool is small but dreamy, surrounded by tropical plants and shaded loungers that invite you to nap, read, or sip a fresh coconut while contemplating whether moving to Bali permanently is a good idea.

The vibe is laid-back and intimate, with just 17 rooms in total. Unlike bigger resorts where you have to fight for a sunbed at 7 AM, this place never felt crowded.

The restaurant and bar area are equally inviting, whether you’re fuelling up for a day of adventure or unwinding with a post-beach cocktail.

The Spa: A Massage That Ruined All Future Massages for Me

Look, I’ve had my fair share of massages around the world—some incredible, some borderline painful, and one where I’m fairly certain the therapist was trying to exorcise a demon from my shoulder.

But the massage at The Open House? Hands down, it was one of the best I’ve ever had.

The therapist had some sort of magic hands-meets-physio-expert combo, and by the end of it, I felt like a brand-new human with significantly improved posture. If you stay here and don’t book a massage, you’re doing Bali wrong.

The Food: When You Don’t Want to Leave for Dinner

One of the biggest surprises? How good the food was.

I fully intended to eat out most nights, but after one meal at The Open House, I quickly changed my plans.

• Breakfast: Fresh tropical fruit, smoothie bowls, eggs made to order, and the kind of coffee that actually wakes you up (I am told, since I don’t drink coffee!).

• Lunch & Dinner: A mix of Indonesian and international dishes, all fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented.

• Must-try dish: Their nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and the Prawn Tacos. I enjoyed the tacos so much I had it twice! No regrets.

Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth stopping by for a meal—especially if you want something fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced.

The Staff: The Real MVPs

I can’t write about The Open House without giving a massive shoutout to the staff.

They weren’t just polite; they were genuinely warm, helpful, and full of local recommendations. Special thanks to Cening, who basically became my personal Jimbaran guide, helping me organise activities, transport, and last-minute plans with zero fuss.

I also want to mention Ayu, the hotel manager, whose warmth and professionalism made it clear why she had earned her leadership role. It was refreshing to see a woman in a managerial position. She made sure everything ran smoothly while making guests feel genuinely at home.

And then there was Eka, a rather hilarious character. There was great banter amongst the staff, which they switched on and off depending on the customers they were serving.

From restaurant suggestions to secret beaches and which market to visit at sunrise for the best local vibe, the staff truly go the extra mile.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainability Initiatives

One thing I really appreciated was The Open House’s commitment to sustainability.

• Filtered water instead of plastic bottles (because Bali has a plastic problem).

• Locally sourced ingredients in their food.

• Minimal single-use plastics throughout the hotel.

It’s great to see hotels making an effort without it feeling like an afterthought.

What to Do Nearby: Jimbaran & Beyond

Jimbaran isn’t as wild as Canggu or as touristy as Ubud, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Here’s what you can’t miss:

• Jimbaran Beach: Perfect for sunsets and fresh seafood at the beachfront warungs. You get to choose what fish you want to eat. Please note that during the rainy season the beaches are not very clean due to the tides.

• Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance: A stunning clifftop temple and an epic fire dance performance, although it was a little too touristy, in my opinion. You can see Kecak Dance performances in small villages for a much more authentic and less crowded experience. Seek Sophie has some brilliant tours!

• Balangan & Bingin Beach: Hidden gems for a quieter beach day. Personally I would avoid Padang Padang Beach which is one of the “must do” beaches on most itineraries. Personally I found it overcrowded and underwhelming.  

• Jimbaran Fish Market and Cooking Class: This was one of the most memorable activities of my stay: a trip to the local fish market with the hotel’s chef. We wandered through the lively market, picking out freshly caught fish, before heading back to the hotel for an immersive cooking class, where we learned how to prepare nine traditional Balinese dishes (including sambal matah, peanut sauce, and mix satay). Cooking with fresh, local ingredients and getting hands-on with Balinese flavours was an experience I won’t forget. And best of all, we got to eat it all at the end!

Final Thoughts: Should You Stay at The Open House Jimbaran?

Absolutely.

This place is perfect if you want a relaxed, beautifully designed, eco-conscious hotel with top-notch service, incredible food, and all the little details that make a stay unforgettable.

It’s not a massive resort with over-the-top luxury—but that’s the best part. It feels personal, welcoming, and effortlessly cool.

Would I stay here again? In a heartbeat! In fact, I did! I changed my plans so that I could stay there for my final two nights.

Book Your Stay

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want a boutique stay that nails the balance between comfort, style, and authenticity, check out The Open House Jimbaran. You can book here for the best rates.

And if you’ve already stayed—tell me, did you also fall in love with the massages?