Island bliss at Viceroy Bali

Bali has its fair share of lavish resorts. But the Viceroy Bali may just take the trophy for the most luxurious – and tranquil – of them all

The first thing you’ll notice when you check into the Viceroy Bali is the calm. And clarity. It’s like someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time – all your senses are piqued. The air seems cleaner here, the colours more vivid, the wilderness, well, more wild.

Set on the edge of the Valley of Kings overlooking the Petanu River in Ubud, the spiritual heart of this Indonesian island, Viceroy Bali is a jungle retreat straight out of a fairytale. Rice paddies and rainforest surround, and tall palms shade thatched-roof villas and dreamy pools. This is a place that is at once opulent – there’s no skimping on the finer things – and yet extremely relaxed and secluded. You can feel your pulse slow the moment you arrive and are welcomed with a garland of frangipanis from the lush gardens.

Villa life like no other

From its suites to its villas, the Viceroy Bali is the epitome of lush living. All villas come with jungle views over the valley, whether you’re in bed or lounging in the bale beside your outdoor pool. In between there are acres of pale marble, polished dark wooden doors, artwork that nods to the island’s beauty, and vases of flowers that perfume the air. 

The two-bedroom Viceroy Villa takes things up a notch with private gardens, an alfresco jacuzzi and even a firepit that you’ll want to linger beside as the day disappears. You won’t want to leave, but the culinary offerings might just be enough to tear you away.

Gourmet dining

When it comes to fine dining, Viceroy Bali’s Apéritif takes home awards as one of the island’s top restaurants. Begin your time here at Pinstripe Bar, where dapper mixologists shake and stir classic and creative cocktails in a speakeasy-style space – try The Composer, with caramelised pandan whiskey, mezcal and Fernet Branca. Then slide into the dining room, where a degustation prepared by executive chef Nic Vanderbeeken and his team awaits. The seasonal menu might include bamboo lobster in a laksa bisque with sambal matah, yellowfin tuna spiced with rica rica and coconut, or Iberico pork served alongside heirloom beetroots with a piccalilli jus. The cheese cart rolled around at the end of your meal is the cherry on top.

More casual is CasCades, an open-air all-day-dining space that serves Indonesian staples and Western classics. Think, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as dishes like ikan panggang (grilled snapper with water spinach and sambal), and satay skewers accompanied by rice cakes and pickles. This is also the place to indulge in a Balinese Rijsttafel, an elaborate meal of Indonesian tasting dishes including the island’s famous roasted duck and suckling pig.

Health and wellbeing

While most accommodations come with their own private pool, Viceroy Bali’s main infinity pool is a dreamy drawcard you won’t want to miss. This spectacular spot is the ultimate place to start the day, warmed by the sun and overlooking the rainforest valley. From here, unwind with yoga or a sound healing session, take a morning cycle through rice paddies, visit a local shaman at a holy water temple, or make the short commute into the heart of Ubud, where boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and markets await.

The Viceroy Bali is also dedicated to the culture of the island, which means daily activities like Indonesian cooking classes, village visits, sunrise volcano hikes and Balinese dance lessons can all be arranged to enhance your immersive stay – you can also opt for a helicopter tour, to get a sky-high perspective of the island’s attractions.  

When you return to the resort, re-find calm at Akoya Spa, with its sweeping green views and Zen-like water features. “Spoiling you is our job,” is the motto of the spa’s talented therapists, whether you’re here for a traditional Balinese massage, facial or a bath infused with organic herbs and spices like cloves, candle nut and eucalyptus, to calm inflammation and boost skin healing. Bali bliss at its finest.   

Book your stay at the Viceroy Bali today!