 ESTLED high above the Ayung River valley, a razor-smooth reflective pool seemingly launches into infinity. It has so captured the imagination that is has become a Bali signature in its own right. Welcome to the Alila Ubud, Bali where, as they like to say, things are “surprisingly different”. The award-winning pool is just one of the Alila’s assets. Trek, laze, or visit the Spa Alila.
One of the best Bali resorts for romantics, the Alila Ubud is in the hill village of Payangan, a short drive up from Ubud’s bustling arts and craft scene. It is a supremely tranquil setting with huge views across the verdant valley, flanked by rice paddy fields and temples. This top Bali boutique resort serves up 56 rooms and eight villas set into 14 blocks mimicking a Balinese village. While all have cinemascope views, ground floor units come with gardens and a back courtyard with an alfresco bath and shower. New high-thread linen rustles across king-size beds, plump and inviting, set on timbered floors that gleam with polish. Deluxe Rooms and Villas offer snazzy iPod docks. |
Along the east coast of Bali in the royal regency of Karangkasem near Candi Dasa is the Alila Manggis, a quiet two-storey courtyard escape wrapped around a cobalt blue pool fronting a salt-and-pepper beach. This is rustic chic without fuss and fidget. Alila Manggis rolls out wonderful views along the coast of misty seascapes and layered hills. The resort favours east Balinese cuisine, a rarity, and its 53 rooms and two corner suites in their traditional wantilan (village meeting hall) setting, offer all mod-cons including satellite TV. Arrange a small company meeting, cook, trek, visit the Spa Alila, or browse the Alila Boutique.
And arriving in late 2008 to complete the Alila trinty, is the secluded Alila Villas Uluwatu.
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