As dramatic as it is peaceful, Alila Villas Uluwatu retreat is all about Balinese beauty.
THE LOWDOWN
Perched on a cliff edge at the southern tip of Bali, Alila Uluwatu welcomes visitors on a peaceful mesa with a view that cascades dramatically to the sea below. Guests are treated to a completely tailor-made experience, with a boutique concept allowing service to feel personal and sincere.
From the impressive sunset cabana, which juts out over the cliff edge, huge waves can be heard breaking on the rocks far below. It is details like this that ensure Alila Uluwatu, although worth every one of its five glittering stars, has rustic Balinese charm at its core.
The attention to detail begins at the airport. Those who can afford the ultimate luxury experience can opt to take a private helicopter, otherwise you’ll be picked up by a chauffeur for a scenic cross country drive.
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VILLAS
In the modern one-bedroom pool villas the surrounding environment is as much a part of the design concept as the sustainable materials they’re built with. Bringing the outside in, a large window overlooks the private pool, with views of the Indian Ocean in the background – all of which can be seen from the comfort of a queen-sized bed.
The bathroom area has a ‘his and her’ layout, making Uluwatu the perfect honeymoon retreat. The large square bathtub, complete with specially made, divinely scented Alila bath products, is in itself worthy of a night in.
DESIGN
Modern and seamless, the panoramic design of the property is made for its cliff-edge location. As a contrast to the rugged coastline below, everything is silky smooth, from the large pools of water at the side of the walkways to the façade of each villa. With the concept courtesy of award- winning Singaporean architects WOHA, they’ve created an unbroken flow of light, which bounces between water, sky and sea.
PAMPERING AND LEISURE
There are multiple pre-designed ‘journeys’ from which to choose, so whether you’re looking to explore the region’s temples or indulge in a traditional cookery course, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy a diverse slice of Bali. If you’d rather do your own thing, a concierge is on hand to customise activities and to drive you to wherever takes your fancy. From Balinese healers to shopping in the nearby markets, most of the staff have inside knowledge as they’re hired from the nearby village.
If leaving the hotel isn’t at the top of your list, there’s plenty of pampering to be had. Spa Alila is a high-end therapy centre, which uses ancient Asian healing techniques combined with modern amenities to provide a comprehensive experience for your mind, body and soul.
STYLISH EATS
Fine dining restaurant Cire recently appointed internationally acclaimed chef Stephane Simond to combine Asian flavours with Western cookery techniques.
Those looking to sample local delicacies should try the more casual option, The Warung, which has a menu brimming with Indonesian dishes. Both restaurants offer seating inside or out and you can even opt to dine privately in a romantic cabana under the stars.
EXTRAS
Everything is so well thought-out that nothing feels like an ‘extra’, however there are plenty of little touches to make your stay special. From the beautiful library full of books and computers, to the in-room tablets, you can be as connected, or disconnected as you choose.
