Without fail, Bali enchants travellers, be they first timers or repeat visitors. Its vibrant culture, spectacular sunsets, picturesque backroads and lively social scene set the tone for unforgettable escapes. Especially when capped with villa-style living, which the island has developed to a near art form. Whether catering for a couple, family or group of friends, there is a unique space for everyone’s intention and budget. Best of all, it comes with warm and gracious service the Balinese are so rightly renowned for.
This all-villa resort in Sanur has an instant “welcome home” feel to it. When guests arrive at the little reception area made exclusive with sliding doors, they are treated to a complimentary 15-minute head and shoulder massage. The gracious hostess and Korea-born general manager, Kang Il Soon personally greets her guests at the reception area, occasionally inviting them to lunch specially set up at a pavilion.
Wood, stone and landscaping are used extensively throughout the resort. All the 23 air-conditioned villas are modern and exotic, each with a dining patio, sundeck and garden. Some have swimming pools and kitchens as well.
Repeat customers enjoy privileges such as a villa personalised with a wooden sign, engraved with their surname, hanging by the entrance. Facilities include a gym, spa, Wi-Fi in the reception area, two computers and cable TV.
PRICES: Villas from US$220 for one bedroom and US$450 for two bedrooms.
CONTACT: Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 76, Sanur, Bali 80228, Indonesia, tel 62 361 288 381, www.balipavilions.com
Guests check in here for total seclusion. The Balé is off limits to children (guests must be at least 16 years old), therefore, the noise level is kept to a minimum. This hillside resort is located in the Nusa Dua complex (where the St Regis and Grand Hyatt are also situated).
Once inside, you are struck immediately with the work that went into planning the design and landscaping: clean architectural lines, paved walkways, staircases for easy climbing, manicured lawns and sophisticated gadgets such as infrared security sensors.
The Balé features 26 pavilions, consisting of three Double Pavilions, 14 Single Pavilions and nine Deluxe Single Pavilions – the latter added just over a year ago. All come with private pools, daybeds, gardens, separate indoor and outdoor showers and 24-hour butler services. The amenities offered in these pavilions are typically found in a hotel room: individually controlled air-conditioning, cable TV, DVD player, coffee- and tea-making set, minibar, hairdryer, safe and IDD phone.
Onsite facilities include three food and beverage outlets, spa, swimming pool, gym, function room, a library with internet access, and soon, exclusive access to the beach nearby.
PRICES: Villas from US$550 for Single, US$800 for Deluxe Single and US$900 for Double.
CONTACT: Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia, tel 62 361 775 111, www.thebale.com
A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this spa resort in Tembok boasts a premiere location – by a stretch of black volcanic sand and facing the Bali Sea. It is a member of Malaysia’s YTL Hotels, which also counts The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Kuala Lumpur and Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu as its own.
The Bali resort boasts a range of accommodation, including only two villas – Villa Baruna and Villa Samudra with their own plunge pools, handcrafted beds and cane-woven ceilings, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a black-sand beach. Accommodation is also available in 27 guestrooms with marble bathrooms and private verandas, while two suites boast living areas and balconies overlooking bougainvillea and frangipani gardens or the ocean.
A series of customised wellness programmes is available for guests who want a cleansing experience. Those who prefer traditional pursuits such as lounging around can do so by the infinity pool and its brace of balés that overlook the rolling surf. The alfresco Wantilan restaurant serves Balinese food and fine wines from a private cellar.
PRICES: Villas from US$580.
CONTACT: Jalan Singaraja-Amlapura, No. 100 Desa Tembok, Tejakula, Buleleng, Bali 81172, Indonesia, tel 62 362 32033, www.slh.com/tembok
Step inside the Viceroy and into serene surroundings. Nestled in Ubud’s Lembah Valley, the resort enjoys views of the Petanu river gorge, forested slopes and terraced paddy fields beyond. Guests arrive either by car, which takes 50 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, or in style, by helicopter, lasting all of 12 minutes.
“My parents bought the land after the Bali bombings and built these villas,” says Sydney-born Anthony Syrowatka, Viceroy’s general manager. The result: 11 immaculate villas ranging from 190sqm to 450sqm – a choice of Garden, Terrace, Vice Regal and Viceroy Villas, some of which offer a balé benong (Balinese-style gazebo) by the pool.
Run by a 90-strong staff, including 10 chefs and a sommelier, the resort takes pride in serving French gourmet meals with specially paired wines. Guests need not venture out far either, with onsite facilities such as a gym for cardio-resistance workouts and a spa that offers treatments combining Balinese natural-healing methods and western techniques.
PRICES: Garden Villas from US$660, Terrace Villas from US$700, Vice Regal Villas from US$990 and the Viceroy Villa from US$1,650.
CONTACT: Jalan Lanyahan, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia, tel 62 361 971 777, www.viceroybali.com
Exuding the air of a traditional Balinese village, Kamandalu is a collection of 58 gems nestled in emerald-green rice terraces of Ubud. Individually designed villas come with spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, outdoor showers and courtyards. Pool Villa occupants enjoy additional benefits such as personalised check in and check out services, afternoon tea and coffee, cocktails and free internet access.
Dining is available in three outlets – a restaurant serving Asia and Western cuisine, an open-air lounge (views of the hills, yes) and a bar. The resort also has a spa and a free-form swimming pool.
PRICES: Villas from US$300.
CONTACT: Jalan Tegallalang, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia, tel 62 361 975 825, www.kamandaluresort.com
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Past rows of high-end shops and dining outlets in Seminyak, you come to a narrow driveway that leads to the discreet courtyard of Downtown Villas. Open since 2002, the resort shares the same owner as Ku De Ta, a beachfront restaurant (also in Seminyak) catering for Bali’s jet set.
WHERE IS IT? In the upmarket Seminyak area and a stroll from shops, restaurants and nightlife.
HOW MANY VILLAS? Nine air-conditioned villas: five of them have one bedroom each, three two-bedrooms and only one with three bedrooms.
VILLA FACILITIES: A fully equipped kitchen, furnished living area, broadband internet and cable TV.
RESTAURANTS: None, but guests are provided with room service and complimentary breakfast served in the villa and the chefs are Ku De Ta trained. A 15 percent discount is given when guests dine at Ku De Ta.
BARS: None in house.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Pools in every villa (two- and three-bedroom villas have private 20m pools, while one-bedroom villas come with plunge pools) and a small gym with cardio machines and free weights for communal use. Spa treatments can be arranged through reception staff with a two-hour cancellation notice.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: The resort is Wi-Fi enabled. But do you really want to work when you’re in Paradise?
PRICES: From US$275 to US$325 for one-bedroom villas, US$600 to US$650 for two-bedroom villas and US$800-850 for the three-bedroom villa. Rates are inclusive of arrival and departure airport transfers, welcome drinks and cold towels, daily breakfast, selected drinks in room, fruits and flowers.
VERDICT: A spacious, comfortable and nicely decorated home.
CONTACT: Jalan Pura Dalem 9D, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, tel 62 361 736 464, www.downtownbali.com
Jewel on the cliff
Opening in April, the Alila Villas Uluwatu is perched on a limestone cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, along Bali’s southern coastline, Accommodation consists of 56 villas, 26 three-bedroom residential villas and five cliffside villas, measuring between 291sqm and 3,000sqm. Each unit features contemporary interiors with Balinese touches, as well as a pool, cabana, garden and pavilion. Designed to operate on a water and energy conservation ethic, this Alila resort is the third on the island, apart from Alila Manggis and Alila Ubud.
CONTACT: Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia, www.designhotels.com/alila_villas_uluwatu
Julian Tan
COSY COMFORT
Bali PavilionsThis all-villa resort in Sanur has an instant “welcome home” feel to it. When guests arrive at the little reception area made exclusive with sliding doors, they are treated to a complimentary 15-minute head and shoulder massage. The gracious hostess and Korea-born general manager, Kang Il Soon personally greets her guests at the reception area, occasionally inviting them to lunch specially set up at a pavilion.
Wood, stone and landscaping are used extensively throughout the resort. All the 23 air-conditioned villas are modern and exotic, each with a dining patio, sundeck and garden. Some have swimming pools and kitchens as well.
Repeat customers enjoy privileges such as a villa personalised with a wooden sign, engraved with their surname, hanging by the entrance. Facilities include a gym, spa, Wi-Fi in the reception area, two computers and cable TV.
PRICES: Villas from US$220 for one bedroom and US$450 for two bedrooms.
CONTACT: Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 76, Sanur, Bali 80228, Indonesia, tel 62 361 288 381, www.balipavilions.com
QUIET STYLE
The BaléGuests check in here for total seclusion. The Balé is off limits to children (guests must be at least 16 years old), therefore, the noise level is kept to a minimum. This hillside resort is located in the Nusa Dua complex (where the St Regis and Grand Hyatt are also situated).
Once inside, you are struck immediately with the work that went into planning the design and landscaping: clean architectural lines, paved walkways, staircases for easy climbing, manicured lawns and sophisticated gadgets such as infrared security sensors.
The Balé features 26 pavilions, consisting of three Double Pavilions, 14 Single Pavilions and nine Deluxe Single Pavilions – the latter added just over a year ago. All come with private pools, daybeds, gardens, separate indoor and outdoor showers and 24-hour butler services. The amenities offered in these pavilions are typically found in a hotel room: individually controlled air-conditioning, cable TV, DVD player, coffee- and tea-making set, minibar, hairdryer, safe and IDD phone.
Onsite facilities include three food and beverage outlets, spa, swimming pool, gym, function room, a library with internet access, and soon, exclusive access to the beach nearby.
PRICES: Villas from US$550 for Single, US$800 for Deluxe Single and US$900 for Double.
CONTACT: Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia, tel 62 361 775 111, www.thebale.com
WELLNESS SANCTUARY
Spa Village Resort TembokA two-and-a-half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this spa resort in Tembok boasts a premiere location – by a stretch of black volcanic sand and facing the Bali Sea. It is a member of Malaysia’s YTL Hotels, which also counts The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Kuala Lumpur and Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu as its own.
The Bali resort boasts a range of accommodation, including only two villas – Villa Baruna and Villa Samudra with their own plunge pools, handcrafted beds and cane-woven ceilings, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a black-sand beach. Accommodation is also available in 27 guestrooms with marble bathrooms and private verandas, while two suites boast living areas and balconies overlooking bougainvillea and frangipani gardens or the ocean.
A series of customised wellness programmes is available for guests who want a cleansing experience. Those who prefer traditional pursuits such as lounging around can do so by the infinity pool and its brace of balés that overlook the rolling surf. The alfresco Wantilan restaurant serves Balinese food and fine wines from a private cellar.
PRICES: Villas from US$580.
CONTACT: Jalan Singaraja-Amlapura, No. 100 Desa Tembok, Tejakula, Buleleng, Bali 81172, Indonesia, tel 62 362 32033, www.slh.com/tembok
DE LUXE
ViceroyStep inside the Viceroy and into serene surroundings. Nestled in Ubud’s Lembah Valley, the resort enjoys views of the Petanu river gorge, forested slopes and terraced paddy fields beyond. Guests arrive either by car, which takes 50 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, or in style, by helicopter, lasting all of 12 minutes.
“My parents bought the land after the Bali bombings and built these villas,” says Sydney-born Anthony Syrowatka, Viceroy’s general manager. The result: 11 immaculate villas ranging from 190sqm to 450sqm – a choice of Garden, Terrace, Vice Regal and Viceroy Villas, some of which offer a balé benong (Balinese-style gazebo) by the pool.
Run by a 90-strong staff, including 10 chefs and a sommelier, the resort takes pride in serving French gourmet meals with specially paired wines. Guests need not venture out far either, with onsite facilities such as a gym for cardio-resistance workouts and a spa that offers treatments combining Balinese natural-healing methods and western techniques.
PRICES: Garden Villas from US$660, Terrace Villas from US$700, Vice Regal Villas from US$990 and the Viceroy Villa from US$1,650.
CONTACT: Jalan Lanyahan, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia, tel 62 361 971 777, www.viceroybali.com
VILLAGE SPIRIT
KamandaluExuding the air of a traditional Balinese village, Kamandalu is a collection of 58 gems nestled in emerald-green rice terraces of Ubud. Individually designed villas come with spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, outdoor showers and courtyards. Pool Villa occupants enjoy additional benefits such as personalised check in and check out services, afternoon tea and coffee, cocktails and free internet access.
Dining is available in three outlets – a restaurant serving Asia and Western cuisine, an open-air lounge (views of the hills, yes) and a bar. The resort also has a spa and a free-form swimming pool.
PRICES: Villas from US$300.
CONTACT: Jalan Tegallalang, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia, tel 62 361 975 825, www.kamandaluresort.com
RESORT CHECK
Downtown VillasWHAT’S IT LIKE? Past rows of high-end shops and dining outlets in Seminyak, you come to a narrow driveway that leads to the discreet courtyard of Downtown Villas. Open since 2002, the resort shares the same owner as Ku De Ta, a beachfront restaurant (also in Seminyak) catering for Bali’s jet set.
WHERE IS IT? In the upmarket Seminyak area and a stroll from shops, restaurants and nightlife.
HOW MANY VILLAS? Nine air-conditioned villas: five of them have one bedroom each, three two-bedrooms and only one with three bedrooms.
VILLA FACILITIES: A fully equipped kitchen, furnished living area, broadband internet and cable TV.
RESTAURANTS: None, but guests are provided with room service and complimentary breakfast served in the villa and the chefs are Ku De Ta trained. A 15 percent discount is given when guests dine at Ku De Ta.
BARS: None in house.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Pools in every villa (two- and three-bedroom villas have private 20m pools, while one-bedroom villas come with plunge pools) and a small gym with cardio machines and free weights for communal use. Spa treatments can be arranged through reception staff with a two-hour cancellation notice.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: The resort is Wi-Fi enabled. But do you really want to work when you’re in Paradise?
PRICES: From US$275 to US$325 for one-bedroom villas, US$600 to US$650 for two-bedroom villas and US$800-850 for the three-bedroom villa. Rates are inclusive of arrival and departure airport transfers, welcome drinks and cold towels, daily breakfast, selected drinks in room, fruits and flowers.
VERDICT: A spacious, comfortable and nicely decorated home.
CONTACT: Jalan Pura Dalem 9D, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, tel 62 361 736 464, www.downtownbali.com
Jewel on the cliff
Opening in April, the Alila Villas Uluwatu is perched on a limestone cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, along Bali’s southern coastline, Accommodation consists of 56 villas, 26 three-bedroom residential villas and five cliffside villas, measuring between 291sqm and 3,000sqm. Each unit features contemporary interiors with Balinese touches, as well as a pool, cabana, garden and pavilion. Designed to operate on a water and energy conservation ethic, this Alila resort is the third on the island, apart from Alila Manggis and Alila Ubud.
CONTACT: Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia, www.designhotels.com/alila_villas_uluwatu
Julian Tan
