NOWN more for its sedate style, seafood, and siestas, Jimbaran has unveiled a lively second act in the form of the new 118-room Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran, which opened in December 2012, bringing with it some unrestrainedly upbeat DNA from the Starwood stable (think distant cousin W) blended with Euro cool. Set within a compact walled compound a quick skip from the beach through local shop houses, the hotel serves up Bali without the thatch but with a whimsical twist. Expect breezy rooftop weddings at the Celebration Pavilion with infinity pool, chapel, and sea views; whirring palm-leaf fans in a lobby festooned with pop images; and an innovative partnership with a local art gallery.

Set around a 1,800sq m freeform saline swimming pool this three-storey inward facing retreat has fashioned something for everyone, from couples, honeymooners and families to corporate suits who can stage a

250-person chinwag at the ballroom. Explore the spa, beauty salon, gym, and the J Kids Club for the young and restless.

Our pick is the ground floor 82sq m Aqua Studio Suite Lagoon Access room from where you can wade right into the pool. Stretch out in a suite, or hop upstairs for ocean vistas from a 267sq m Aqua Pool Sky Penthouse. While views are limited, extras are not. In-room think free WiFi, 3D Smart TVs, soaking tubs, generous rain showers, laptop-friendly safes, and an airy open plan design with cool blue pastels and subtle textures.

Brisk and attentive staff will guide you to the pan-Asian Bamboo Chic for a tempting melange of Bali fusion morsels by Chef Paul Lewis, Latitude 8 for Illy coffee, WALA for gelato, pool bar, or the Smoqee Sky Bar for a cigar and cognac. Within easy reach of key sights and a storied sunset beach as a backyard, this address aims to weigh in as one of the top Bali hip hotels.