OMG. As Mr LML and I arrive at the five-star Alila Villas Uluwatu, I know we’re in for something special
Alila Uluwatu
The stunning (award winning) design and architecture screams superstar glamour. And not only does the chic exterior look pretty damn fabulous, it’s also eco-friendly.
The Panoramic Indian Ocean views, and ultra modern touches make you feel like you’re on the set of a James Bond movie, never a bad thing on an island getaway if you ask me (or Mr LML) 😉
2. A villa you’ll never want to leave
Things don’t get any less impressive when we’re chauffeured via a buggy to our one-bedroom villa high up in the hills.
Our Villa
The heavy wooden door unlocks to reveal villa perfection: think high ceilings, dark, contemporary interiors with touches of wood and stone, a spacious open plan living area come bedroom and a his and hers bathroom.
The bedroom
It’s the lush outdoor area that really brings the chic factor: hello private plunge pool!
The day bed
Our pool
A day bed becomes my favourite spot to relax with the floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening for the best of both worlds.
Cocktail time!
3. Location, location, location
While only around 30 minutes from the international airport or the bustling bar scene of Seminyak, the private location of Alila, perched on a cliff top plateau on Bali’s rugged Bukit Peninsula gives it a very exclusive vibe.
Bukit Peninsula
The renowned Uluwatu Temple and Jimbaran Bay (famous for its beach seafood feasts) aren’t far away and a five minute walk down the path leads you to the beach. Keep an eye out for the monkeys though!
Cheeky monkey!
4. That pool
The private plunge pool is fab but it would be rude to not enjoy the resort’s famous cliff top pool. It really does have you feeling like you’re swimming on the edge of the world.
The amazing cliff top pool
Mr LML and I usually have it to ourselves. A little surprising perhaps but I imagine many guests never leave their villa. Their loss is our gain! Take advantage of the view and cosy up with a book poolside. You’ll be given your very own picnic basket with cold water, sunscreen and towels. And cocktails are just a quick order away. Naturally.
Hanging with Bridget poolside- bliss!
5. Food glorious food
Alila has two onsite restaurants either side of the pool with The Warung offering a tempting menu of Balinese and Indonesian dishes. Classy in an understated way, the welcoming space offers indoor and outdoor seating options and operates for lunch and dinner.
For our first dinner there, Mr LML and I score one of the cabanas overlooking the ocean and watch the sun set before settling into a private candlelit dinner. Romance perfection!
Ahh, the sunset
Candlelit dinner. Romance perfection!
On a lunchtime visit, we nab one of the poolside cabanas, complete with comfy cushions and enjoy our feast in cross legged casualness.
Lunchtime!
It’s hard to pick favourites but if you order the Sambal goreng tempe (Soy bean cakes in sweet soy dressing), Nasi goreng udang (Fried rice with prawns – not your average nasi goreng either!) and Gado Gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce) you won’t be disappointed.
Offering a more International menu, Cire is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
While you can order breakfast to your villa, it would a shame to miss the breezy ambiance at Cire. The a la carte menu changes daily so there’s no chance of getting bored – just make sure if you see something you like the sound of you order it that day!
Breakfast at the villa
On a particularly warm day, Mr LML and I crave something a little lighter than the Indonesian fare at The Warung and a seafood feast hits the spot perfectly for lunch.
And as for dinner, you’d be hard pressed to beat this view.
Dinnertime view
Evening at the Villa
6. Get your yoga on
When you’ve indulged a little the night before, get your zen back with the complimentary daily sessions at 9am. Suitable for all levels, Yoga Guru Nyoman Warta guides our class of varying skill set to perfection.
Peace
7. The little things
From specially designed ‘his and hers’ bathroom toiletries to the nightly turn down service with cookies. Or the special request juice orders and buggy service to and from your villa, nothing is too much trouble and the friendly team go above and beyond.
In fact it all begins before you even arrive. Guests fill out quick online survey after booking to confirm your every need. Choose for example between a butler service that is private, discreet or indulgent.
Another case in point, when I pop into the day spa to try and squeeze in an appointment before we jet back to Sydney, they are understandably booked out. I hadn’t left my name or room details but when a spot becomes available, they track me down and I receive a phone call to secure my treatment. Now that is service.
Because let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a luxury getaway without an impressive day spa and Alila doesn’t disappoint.
The day spa
After having my fair share of massages in Seminyak prior to arriving in Uluwatu, I mix it up and sample the body scrub and wrap and emerge 90 minutes later feeling like a million dollars and ready (sob!) to return to reality.
So next time you’re craving a little luxury in your Bali escape, head to Alila Uluwatu and have a dip in the infinity pool for me.