Bali's La Joya Biu Biu: Paradise Found? (You Won't Believe This!)
La Joya Biu Biu: Bali's Hottest Instagram Spot… or Paradise Found? (My Honest Take!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from La Joya Biu Biu in Bali, and my brain is still trying to process the sheer… vibes. (And trust me, my brain is usually pretty good at processing vibes, especially after a few Bintangs). Is it paradise? Is it just ridiculously photogenic? Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a review that’s less polished travel brochure and more… well, me.
Metadata & SEO (Because, you know, I do what I gotta do):
- Keywords: La Joya Biu Biu, Bali, Uluwatu, Hotel Review, Spa, Pool with a view, Instagrammable, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Beachfront, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly, Health and Wellness, Safety Protocols, Cleanliness, Indonesian hotel
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of La Joya Biu Biu in Bali! Is this cliffside hotel paradise? Find out about the stunning views, the food, the service, and the real experience, warts and all. Read my honest review, including accessibility insights, safety measures, and whether it's worth the hype (and the Instagram photos!)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… and My Own Stupidity.
Let's be real, Bali isn’t known for its unwavering commitment to accessibility. La Joya Biu Biu is no exception, sadly. While there are Facilities for disabled guests, that's pretty vague. I saw an Elevator, which is HUGE, but the terrain is… hilly. Very, very hilly. Imagine dramatic cliffside views – now imagine navigating those views in a wheelchair. It's probably going to be a workout. Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are available, the concierge is usually helpful.
- My Dumb Moment: I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to walk up a steep gravel path to the "secret" swimming pool. Let's just say my calves screamed. Definitely not ideal for anyone with mobility issues. (Access)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges – Didn't see a specific call out, but the main restaurant area seemed relatively accessible. I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly for specific details.
Rooms: Dreamy… But Not Always Practical.
Okay, the rooms… Air conditioning in all rooms. Thank. God. Bali heat is no joke. We splurged (because #treatyourself) and got a room with a view… Wow. Jaw-dropping. Seriously. Blackout curtains? Essential for beating jet lag. Free Wi-Fi (Internet access – wireless and Internet [LAN]) – which worked surprisingly well, unlike some places. I could, y'know, work (shudders). Laptop workspace was available.
- The Little Annoyances: The bathroom phone felt completely unnecessary, like something from the 90s. And while the slippers were a nice touch, I did miss a proper room service menu. They could have done better to inform you what to order.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe…ish.
They are trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. They had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Felt relatively safe, though I’m always slightly skeptical of how “thorough” these things really are. (I'm paranoid, okay?) Cashless payment service. I got my dose of Hand sanitizer!
- The "Almost Too Much" Moment: I overheard someone ask the staff how often the pool was cleaned, and the answer was… A LOT. Like, the pool was probably cleaner than my kitchen floor at home. I appreciated it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious, Photogenic Food.
Okay, listen up foodies. This is where La Joya mostly shines. There are several Restaurants and a Poolside bar. They have A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. Breakfast [buffet] was included (mostly). They had Coffee/tea in restaurant (Complimentary tea in all rooms) and the Coffee shop - was my go-to.
My Biggest Win: The Poolside bar and Happy hour were pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail while staring at the ocean… pure Instagram gold. The food was (mostly) delicious. The presentation? Like, chef's kiss. Even the Salad in restaurant was art. But the Breakfast [buffet]? Can be very crowded. Some of the hot food was a little… lukewarm.
Annoying Incident: I was trying to order some food, and the wifi wasn't working. I had to go up to the reception to place an order or two.
My Biggest Downside: Limited vegetarian options, which wasn't great being a vegetarian!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pamper Yourself (and Your Feed).
This is where La Joya REALLY leans into the "Instagram paradise" vibe. They have a Pool with view, which is the absolute centerpiece. I did a Body scrub and Massage, and it was divine. Spa/sauna is also available. There are ways to relax.
The Over-The-Top Moment: The pool? Spectacular. You’re basically swimming in an infinity pool overlooking a jungle. Seriously, it's worth the price of admission alone. You'll definitely take a photo… no matter how hard you resist.
Annoying Incident: There were so many people trying to take photos in the pool, I felt a little bit like I was on a reality show. Privacy is a rare luxury.
My Biggest Downside: The Fitness center was tiny and slightly depressing. I skipped a workout and went to the bar instead. No regrets.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes).
Air conditioning in public area (yay!). Concierge was generally helpful, and they provide Daily housekeeping. Laundry service was available. Cash withdrawal on site, which is useful. Luggage storage etcetera.
- The "Huh?" Moment: The Gift/souvenir shop was… underwhelming. I think they could have put more effort into this.
- My Biggest Downside: No convenient convenience store nearby. Stock up on snacks before you arrive.
For the Kids: A Mix of Potential.
I didn't travel with kids, but the Family/child friendly angle is definitely a thing. They have Kids facilities, and at least on paper, a Babysitting service.
- The "Maybe" Moment: I saw a few families, and the kids seemed to be having fun in the pool.
- My Biggest Downside: The cliffside location makes me a little nervous with small children. The lack of a true beachfront is not ideal for little ones.
Getting Around: Scooter Life (Bali Style).
Airport transfer is available. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] is available. You'll need to navigate the roads. Taxis are fine, but getting around on a scooter is the way. Taxi service is easy to find.
- The "Almost Died" Moment: I almost crashed a scooter. Twice. Traffic is Bali is an experience. Consider the taxi. You're on holiday (but the taxi can get pricey).
Overall Verdict: Worth the Hype… With Caveats.
La Joya Biu Biu is undeniably beautiful. The views are breathtaking, the food is (mostly) delicious, and the vibe is undeniably chill. But it’s not perfect. It can feel a bit like a photo shoot, accessibility isn't amazing, and the price tag is a bit steep. It's perfect for those who are into the aesthetic and are willing to overlook those caveats.
- Would I go back? Maybe. The pool alone is enough to tempt me. It really is stunning. But next time, I'd probably plan for a scooter and pack layers. (The breeze can be chilly!) And definitely book that massage… you deserve it after navigating the Bali roads and the constant need to take photos of everything.
La Joya Biu Biu: My Bali Breakdown (In the Best Way Possible)
Okay, so Bali. People talk about Bali like it's a freaking Zen garden – all peace and quiet and "find yourself" vibes. Let me tell you, after spending a week at La Joya Biu Biu, I'm more "lost in the jungle, slightly sunburnt, and craving a Bintang" than "enlightened." But in the best possible way. Here’s the glorious mess that was my "itinerary" (if you can call it that):
Day 1: Arrival – Hallelujah, We're Alive (And Hungry)
- Morning: Arrived at Denpasar Airport. The chaos was immediate. Like, immediately. Luggage carousels spewing forth half-empty suitcases and the air thick with the smell of frangipani and desperation. Found my transfer to La Joya – a driver named Wayan who looked like he hadn't slept in a week. He navigated the traffic like a caffeinated ballet dancer dodging scooters.
- Afternoon: HOLY MOLY, La Joya. I mean, photos lie. They don't capture the cliffside views, the infinity pools that seem to melt into the Indian Ocean, or the sheer, breathtaking drop next to my villa. My jaw hit the floor. Then my stomach growled. Lunch at the Cliffside Bar: Nasi Goreng. Okay, so here's the thing about Nasi Goreng in Bali. It's basically crack cocaine, but in rice form. I ate three plates. Judgment? Nonexistent.
- Evening: Sunsets. Okay, the sunsets are worth the hype. Truly. They're the kind of sunsets that make you re-evaluate everything you thought you knew about the world. I watched the sun bleed into the ocean, cocktail in hand, and briefly considered becoming a yoga instructor. (That lasted about five minutes.) Then I ate more Nasi Goreng. See? I am a creature of habit. I was totally jet-lagged, took a dip in the infinity pool and almost drowned. (Not really. But it seemed like it).
Day 2: The Cliffside Craze (And My Almost-Lost Sandals)
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a sun-kissed sloth. Attempted yoga on my villa's balcony. Failed miserably. My balance is nonexistent, and I spent more time trying not to fall off the edge than actually stretching. Gave up and had breakfast: pancakes. Pretty good, but nothing like my grandma's. Actually, it was pretty ordinary, but the view of the ocean made me think it was the best pancakes this side of the Pacific.
- Afternoon: Decided to tackle the cliffside walk. "Easy," they said. "Just a leisurely stroll," they said. LIARS! It was a mini-hike in sandals. I nearly lost a sandal AND my dignity (the sandal won) and realized just how unfit I am. But the views? Unbelievable. The waves crashing below, the wind whipping through my hair… It was pure, unadulterated beauty. I also saw a monkey. It stole a banana. I felt a kinship. Clearly, it was a sign.
- Evening: Dinner at the restaurant. Ordered the seafood platter. My expectations were sky-high (sunsets, remember?). The lobster was dry. The prawns were…well, prawns. Disappointment momentarily threatened to ruin everything. But then I had a Bintang, and all was right with the world again. I met another guest, a woman from New Zealand who used to be a supermodel. I was intimidated, but she was lovely and we talked about traveling the world and how the secret to life is just to travel more and eat more food.
Day 3: Surf's Up (Sort Of) and Monkey Business
- Morning: Hired a surf instructor – a local dude named Made who looked like he'd been born on a surfboard. My coordination, however, was not up to the task. I spent most of the lesson face-planting into the waves, swallowing seawater, and generally looking like a drowned rat. Eventually, I managed to stand up for about three seconds. Victory! Then I fell again. But it was fun. Exhausting, but fun.
- Afternoon: Uluwatu Temple. The temple itself was stunning, perched on the edge of a cliff. But the monkeys…those sneaky little devils! They're basically pickpockets with fur. I saw one snatch a pair of sunglasses right off a tourist's face. I guarded my bag like it was Fort Knox and I even gave a banana to one of them.
- Evening: A massage. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated, oil-slicked bliss. I melted into the table and let all my tension dissolve. I am pretty sure I even snored. Worth it.
Day 4: The Waterfall Whimsy (And My Questionable Sense of Direction)
- Morning: I decided to venture off the resort to explore local waterfalls. The drive was supposed to be an hour; ended up being closer to two because I got utterly, hopelessly lost. My sense of direction is legendary, and not in a good way. I got pretty angry with myself.
- Afternoon: Tegenungan Waterfall. Finally found it! The waterfall was breathtaking. The water cascaded down massive rocks to a tranquil pool, and I swam and felt alive. Even took a good selfie and then felt guilty after seeing a bunch of Instagram influencers doing way better ones. Then I realized. Who cares?
- Evening: Dinner. I tried the grilled fish. It was delicious. No Nasi Goreng today!
- Evening: I bought some of the local coffee beans. I almost bought the cat poop coffee, but decided not to.
Day 5: Pool Day and Philosophical musings
- Morning: Pool. Lounge. Read a book. Ignore the emails that are slowly piling up in my inbox. Feel the heat soak in. Feel happy. I almost forgot I still had work to do, but it's too beautiful not to enjoy it. After a while, took a refreshing dip. I needed a break from the beauty and the heat.
- Afternoon: The spa again. They gave me a body scrub. Then more chill time. I'm pretty sure I just drifted in and out of consciousness.
- Evening: Dinner. More fish. More bintang. I can get used to this. I even had a conversation with myself, pondering what the meaning of life is and if my life even has value. But that was a fun thing to consider.
Day 6: The Last Sunset (Sob!)
- Morning: Wandered around, took some photos, reminisced the trip.
- Afternoon: Packing. The dreaded chore. The realization that this blissful bubble will, inevitably, burst. I stuffed my suitcase and then went swimming for one last time. One last look at the ocean, the cliffs, the incredible place. One last Nasi Goreng, and one last Bintang.
- Evening: The last sunset. I watched it from the cliffside bar, feeling a mix of joy and sadness. Joy because of the incredible week. Sadness because… well, you know. It was perfect. I almost cried. But then I had another cocktail.
- I spent my last night walking the shoreline, taking photos, and reflecting on my experience. I even attempted to surf again, but I was too tired.
Day 7: Departure - Back to Reality (With a Tan and a Full Heart)
- Morning: Checked out. Wayan was waiting, looking slightly less sleep-deprived. Maybe he’d actually slept. On the ride to the airport, I was lost in thought.
- Afternoon: Goodbye to paradise, Bali. It was a mess, a joy, a sunburnt, sandy-sandaled, Nasi Goreng-fueled adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
My La Joya Biu Biu Breakdown:
- Best Thing: The views. Seriously, they'll haunt my dreams.
- Worst Thing: Trying to surf.
- Most Surprising Thing: How much I loved the monkeys.
- Would I Go Back?: In a heartbeat. Just…maybe I'll pack more sandals this time. And a better sense of direction. And maybe some Dramamine for those cliffside walks.
Okay, I'm done. Now to start planning my return…and my Nasi Goreng recipe.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream B&Sun Pension Awaits in Jeju!
La Joya Biu Biu: Paradise? Hold My Bintang (and My Patience!)
Okay, spill it! Is La Joya Biu Biu *actually* as dreamy as the Instagram pics suggest, or is it just cleverly Photoshopped sand and rainbows?
I mean, those 'gram photos? Yeah, they’re probably taken by someone specifically hired to make the place look flawless. (I'm joking…probably.) The first thing you have to understand is this place is built into the side of a bloody cliff. That means stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. My legs felt like they’d run a marathon after just carrying my luggage down to our villa. And then back up. And then down again because I forgot my sunglasses. Exercise is good, though, right? ...Right?
The infinity pool! Tell me about THE POOL. Was it as life-changing as I imagine?
And you know what else? At some point (and I'm not sure how this happened, but it was probably after a particularly strong Bintang), I accidentally dropped my phone in the pool. Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. Luckily, someone was kind enough (and sober enough) to fish it out. It survived. My dignity? Not so much.
What's the food like? Is it Bali-licious or Bali-disappointing?
Service can be a bit hit-or-miss too. The staff are lovely, genuinely! But sometimes, things take a while. And "a while" can feel like an eternity when you're starving and staring wistfully at the ocean. Just… breathe. You're on vacation. Embrace the slow pace. Or pack some snacks. Just in case. (I recommend Pringles.)
The villas! Are they worth the price tag? Give me the honest scoop!
Look, the villas are great. Spacious, well-designed. I spent hours just staring at the ocean from the balcony. But the price? Yeah, it's a chunk of change. Honestly, if you're on a budget, this might not be the place for you. You’re paying for the view, the exclusivity, and the bragging rights. And let's be honest, you *will* brag. Everyone does. I did. Several times. (Sorry.) I’d say if you can swing it, go for it. It's a splurge, but hey, you're only possibly having this trip once, right? If not, maybe look for somewhere nearby that still gives you the views, but with a more budget-friendly price tag.
Is it a good place for *romance*? I'm thinking honeymoon vibes...
And I, well, I witnessed some… let's call it “tense” moments. Arguments over sunbeds, disagreements about the ideal Instagram pose, that kind of thing. So, yes, it *can* be romantic. But you might have to work at it. Pack some earplugs (for the crowds and *maybe* your partner). And definitely book a table at the restaurant for the sunset; that is breathtaking.
The beach! I heard there's a beach...is it any good?
I found it okay, and it's nice to be able to take a dip down there. Don't expect to spend the whole day lounging on it. Though, I did see one brave soul attempt to sunbathe… surrounded by crashing waves. Kudos to them, honestly.
What was your single *most* memorable experience at La Joya? Spill the tea!
We’d had a bit of a challenging day: a delayed breakfast, my aforementioned phone incident, and a minor disagreement with my travel buddy about the optimal angle for a photo of a banana pancake (don't ask). We were both a bit grumpy.
So, we slumped onto the clifftop at the end of the day, grabbed a couple of cold beers (thank God for cold beers), and just… watched. The sky blazed with oranges, pinks, purples, and reds. It was intense, beautiful, and totally, utterly mesmerizing. We didn't talk. We just sat there, side-by-side, and soaked it all in.
It was at that moment, surrounded by the beauty and the magic, that I finally understood why people rave about La Joya. Because, despite the crowds, the stairs, and the occasional grumpy seaPersonalized Stays
