Bali, the main destination for leisure travel in Indonesia, never stops to amaze us with fabulous resort developments. Dubbed the Island of Gods, Bali is where visitors from across the globe are pampered with everything it has to offer, from magnificent view and mysterious culture to fun attractions and activities.
Boasting stunning cliff view, Uluwatu on the island’s south-western tip is a home to beautiful resorts, sacred temples and traditional Kecak dance performance. If you opt for a sumptuous resort stay in Legian, this area offers you an excellent selection of indulgences, from shopping to dining. Or you can choose one of the many five-star establishments with controlled gate security and clean white beach. Last but not the least is Ubud that offers the quietest and artsy lifestyle with valley and river views. We have picked the following seven beautiful resorts in various areas on the island based on their sustainability, view and service standard.
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU
Extravagant, Not Excessive
Designed by WOHA, Alila Villas Uluwatu adapts the vernacular architecture with an arresting modern approach. Minimalist renditions of Balinese pavilions made of volcanic pumice rock are the defining visual elements of the resort. The rocks are naturally insulating and loosely stacked to provide added shade while matching the angular layers of the resort’s walls. The landscaping reserves Uluwatu’s natural dry savannah vegetation; trees that loom over the premises were either transplanted or maintained during the construction phase. The natural contours of the land have also been respected to ensure minimal tampering to the environment. Take the time to stay in a marvellous resort with spectacular views that puts the environment, the locals, and their guests as top priority.
Jl. Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu
Bali 80364, Indonesia
+62 361 848 2166
www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu
BULGARI RESORT BALI
An Italian Twist
The first resort under Bulgari Hotels & Resorts and the second property after Milan, Bulgari Resort Bali has captured the attention of the world travellers since it opened its doors in 2006. The pioneer in combining Balinese architecture with Italian modern interior designed by Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners, the resort is elegantly comprised of 59 villas and The Mansion of 3 and 5 bedrooms – all perched on 160-metre-high cliff near Uluwatu.
The design integrates the mansions with the garden, by creating spare, low-profle architectural volumes that blend in seamlessly with the landscape. The private spaces in each mansion are located on the ground floor, whose large footprint made it possible to include every imaginable comfort in the bedrooms. At this level, the views have been screened to ensure maximum privacy and relaxation for guests.
Supported by the stunning location, the service and the partnership between the high-end jeweller and the Ritz-Carlton management have brought this resort to stay as a classic luxury.
Jl. Goa Lempeh
Banjar Dinas Kangin Uluwatu
Bali 80364, Indonesia
+62 361 847 100 0
www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/bali
FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI JIMBARAN BAY
Newly Revamped Sanctuary
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has re-launched its entire 147 pool villas, revealing an amazing transformation after a two-year renovation. Completing the transformation are the freshly-minted Imperial and Royal Villas, which have been entirely rebuilt from the ground up based on individual designs by the late award-winning Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim.
Whilst preserving the authentic ambience of the resort’s original Balinese village architecture, the completion of these two prestigious has paved the way for the inclusion of brand new villa categories, including the presence of a new venue for weddings and events. As you go inside, your eyes will be feasted on a fresh and contemporary design, complemented by spacious interiors and the ultimate views across the sunset coast and curving Jimbaran Bay. No less attractive is the newly-launched destination-inspired experiences to celebrate all that Bali offers, from art and culture to natural landscapes, to traditional healing and world-class dining
Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran
Kuta Selatan, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
+62 361 701010
www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/
FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI SAYAN
Trailblazing Tour
Four Seasons has recently announced its new 2018 “World of Adventures” Private Jet Itinerary, including a trailblazing journey to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.
The new and extraordinary private jet tour will take place from 19 October to 11 November 2018, with Bali as part of the itinerary on 24-27 October. With this journey, guests taking the private jet tour can look forward to connecting with the creative and spiritual heart of the Island of Gods. Whilst in Bali, the guests will be immersed in local culture experiences, which include a visit to remarkable sites such as the 11th-century Batukaru Temple and the Jatiluwih rice terraces that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can also have the opportunity to explore the architectural masterpieces and outstanding designs of Sayan as much as they can indulge in other fun activities such as shopping, art and cycling tours.
Sayan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
+62 361 977577
www.fourseasons.com/sayan/
THE ST. REGIS BALI RESORT
A Haven to Unwind
The minute you enter the rainforest gate at The St. Regis Bali Resort, you are immediately transported to a world of bespoke services and timeless luxury. The dramatic yet subtle garden folly’s scale, mist and blue lights exude an aura of mystery that invites guests in a seductive way. Beautifully designed by Bill Bensley of the Bangkok based Bensley Design Studios, The St. Regis Bali boasts 81 suites and 42 villas including a residence. Combining panoramic sea views with tranquil, colourful and lush gardens, the resort’s design is based on principles of Balinese culture whilst taking inspiration from Isamu Noguchi, a prominent Japanese American artist and landscape architect.
Bensley took the design inspiration one step further. As you stand at the grand staircase of the resort’s lobby, you will see that the lobby symbolises the mountain whilst the Indian Ocean in front of you representing the sea. He also created more than 100 designs and patterns in The St. Regis Bali’s property, including statues, pathways, bales (gazebo), gardens, torches, stairs, just to name a few. This year, The St. Regis Bali is celebrating its ninth anniversary and inviting guests to indulge in a curated stay package with nine exceptional privileges.
Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua
Bali 80363, Indonesia
+62 361 8478111
www.stregisbali.com
THE LEGIAN BALI
The Lure of the Island
First opened its doors in August 1996, The Legian Bali has proven to successfully maintain a solid position as one of the best luxury resorts on the island. A hidden gem sanctuary on the Seminyak beach shore is one way of how you describe the resort, which is nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of shops and restaurants.
The spacious 67 suites, the restaurant, the pool bar and The Beach House all offer views of sensational sunset. This is not to mention the additional 14 intimate pool villas at The Club at The Legian Bali that provide personalised experience at the highest level of privacy. The resort’s interior was entirely designed by the late renowned design guru Jaya Ibrahim, showcasing timeless design in Jaya’s signature symmetrical style. Managed by LHM as part of The Leading Hotels of The World (LHW), The Legian Bali certainly has everything to spoil its guests, with such facilities that range from the three-tier main swimming pool to children’s corner and spa.
Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach, Bali 80361, Indonesia
+62 361 730 622
reservation@thelegianbali.com
www.thelegianbali.com
www.LHM-Hotels.com
MANDAPA, A RITZ - CARLTON RESERVE
The Spirit of Ubud
Surrounded by the Ayung River, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve stands magnificently amidst the stunning array of ancient temples, lush greenery and rice terraces of Ubud, thus capturing the magic of Bali and the serenity of seclusion.
The resort is the home to 25 pool villas and 35 suites, featuring design that highlight Bali’s cultural and spiritual elements. Jeffrey Wilkes has done a great job in designing the contemporary yet comfortable interiors, which are studded with traditional elements such as thatch roofng and local textiles.
Here, you can find joy of escaping your hectic daily routine with a variety of laid-back activities, such as biking through nearby villages, sampling the local cuisine, or rejuvenating your mind and soul at the hands of experienced spa therapists. Last August, the annual AFAR Travellers’ Choice Award announced Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as the winner of the 2017 spa and wellness category.
Jl. Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar
Bali 80571, Indonesia
+62 361 4792777
www.mandapareserve.com