Balinese bliss

Gary Allen checks into three Alila properties to experience Indonesia’s culture and natural attractions while staying in the lap of luxury.

Infinity & beyond

Perched high along the cliff tops in South Kuta’s Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu has uninterrupted ocean views spanning the horizon, ideal for sunset viewing.

The birdcage is the common lounge area at Alila Villas Uluwatu. With luxe, comfortable lounges and a relaxation area overhanging the cliff, I enjoyed mesmerising views of the ocean below. The infinity pool is positioned on the cliff face, blending seamlessly with the ocean.

Yoga classes are held in a large, open room with sliding doors exposed to waterfalls and ponds. It’s a peaceful and tranquil site.

Sustainability is front of mind here, with Alila Villas Uluwatu the first Indonesian resort to receive the highest level of certification with EarthCheck – as a Best Practice Building Planning and Design (BPDS) development.

There are two restaurants to choose from serving traditional Indonesian cuisine at The Warung and more western fare at Cire, with Frenchman Stephane Simond appointed executive chef. We dined in both and were more than satisfied with the quality at each restaurant.

Rates start from US$810 (about A$1,037) for two excluding breakfast, service charge and taxes. alilahotels.com/uluwatu

 

Hilltop oasis

In the rich cultural heart of Bali hidden within a traditional central foothill village in Ubud, you will find authentic Balinese culture.

In the Ayung River valley lies Alila Ubud in the traditional Balinese village of Payangan.

The luxury Alila Ubud is located 15 minutes from Ubud, though Alila provides transport into town to explore. The suites are positioned over the valleys with rivers running beneath. You really feel like you’re at one with nature here. The suites are generously proportioned and a standout feature for me was the large, luxurious bathtubs.

The pool was incredibly serene, calm and inviting with views over the lush green valley. There are lots of exciting tours you can take as a guest to make the most of the region.

Away from the tourist crowds, you can trek through local countryside including trips to the mountain village of Kintamani, the rice terraces at Tegalalang, the natural springs at Tampaksiring, an elephant cave and the island’s central volcanoes – all can be arranged through the Kintamani, the rice terraces at Tegalalang, the natural springs at Tampaksiring, an elephant cave and the island’s central volcanoes – all can be arranged through the Alila leisure concierge.

Rates start from US$235 (about A$300) for two including breakfast, excluding service charge and taxes. alilahotels.com/ubud

 

Remote escape

Surrounded by UNESCO-protected rice fields and sitting on the Indian Ocean, escape the hustle and bustle at Alila Soori Bali.

Located in Tabanan, a region that seems to not have any other resorts around, Alila Soori offers the authentic Balinese experience that the island is known for.

The volcanic black sand beach has easy access for walking and exploring. Alila Soori’s breathtaking scenes of volcanic mountains and hectares of lush green rice terraces seem a world away from the busy and touristy party areas of Bali. Iconic Tanah Lot is nearby which looks its very best during sunset. We enjoyed a candlelight dinner on the beach, which was highly memorable.

In the hotel, we were pampered with massages at the spa, where the staff used volcanic black sand scrub for an invigorating session that left us feeling cleansed and refreshed.

For venturing out, take a Segway or bicycle excursion to visit a local blacksmith and a pottery maker, passing by rice paddies and through villages with no other westerners in sight.

Rates start from US$655 (about A$838) for two excluding breakfast, service charge and taxes. alilahotels.com/soori