Is there life after the Ritz-Carlton? In the case of Bali, yes, there most definitely is! A little back story is needed: With the arrival of the new Bvlgari Resort in Bali, certain competitors felt aggrieved and decided to take the hotel group to court over various "unfair" competition issues. The net result being that the Ritz-Carlton brand (part of the same group as the Bvlgari) made a reluctant, but graceful departure from the Bali scene. Many tears were shed and the people wondered: What becomes of The Property Formerly Known as Ritz-Carlton? The answer is: The Ayana Resort and Spa.

Just yesterday we were given a tour of the property and a chance to check out the newest development: The Rock Bar. Suffice it to say, Ayana isn't the least interested in living in the shadow of the long and storied legacy of Ritz-Carlton -- they are looking to create their own identity and turn the property into Bali's hottest new brand.

With seven restaurants and not one, but two, Michelin starred chefs on the staff, you'd think the food and beverage angle was pretty well covered. Nonetheless, the most recent development on the property is a new food and beverage venue, The Rock Bar (and no, it is not a rock and roll bar. It is a bar on the ocean, on the rocks -- right on the rocks.)

The Rock Bar is in the final stages of completion and set to open on July 31st. The venue will be primarily a sunset and evening destination, opening at 5:00 p.m. and staying open till late. As you can see from the photos, it is right on the water's edge, indeed at high tide, the waves explode just feet from where you sit.

The style of the bar is cool, chic and modern. Lighting at night features the rock face and subtle pillion lights. The sunset views are fab and as the club transitions into evening and the lighting takes over it turns into a chilled, romantic spot.

You access the Rock Bar from a cable car that takes you down the rock face to the base of the cliffs around the resort. In addition to seating at the main bar, there are tables at a variety of locations near the water's edge and even a special section you access via a cave entrance in the rock face.

Plans are to have DJ nights periodically. The DJ booth is poised above the bar and seating areas, strategically and suitably placed within the rock face.

The bar features signature cocktails and a tapas menu. The prices are promised to be very affordable. The pricing,  coupled with a no cover charge policy, makes a very attractive deal. Access to The Rock Bar is not limited to hotel guests -- indeed, Bali residents should stay tuned for details on how to obtain special VIP passes for deep discounts. (Hint: Attend the early events this season!)

Its really hard to say enough at the setting of The Rock Bar. It is basically spectacular. We've seen several absolute beach front bars open in Bali over the last year or so, but given the great location, the attention to style and the quality of the food and beverages at the resort, it may be hard to beat the Rock Bar. If you are Bali resident, the pricing and admission policies make this a Must See and a place you are certain to bring friends and visitors to Bali alike.

Launch is July 31. We'll be there. To learn more, visit the Ayana website at: www.AyanaResort.com