The Bali Hotel Supplement

2016-10

UBUD
The cultural and spiritual heart of Bali

Discovery Spa Journey @ OneWorld Retreats Kumara

Since 2003, the 14 bedroom holistic retreat, in the centre of Ubud, has been a home from home for travellers, with its quiet, unassuming atmosphere and welcoming, attentive staff.
 
ONEWORLD retreats is by definition a retreat centre, with a strong focus on yoga, and only a few rooms are allocated for guests who are not participating in the retreats.
Bordered by a small creek to the west, the eco-friendly retreat is surrounded by jungle and rice fields and benefits from two swimming pools, a dining room, an in-house spa and 125 square metre yoga studio, open to nature with calming views towards the rice paddy fields and jungle. For ultimate serenity, guests are a minimum age of 14 years old and silence and reflection is upheld in public spaces.
Rooms are comfortable yet unpretentious. Healthy and organic meals are served in the restaurant or on private terraces, with both vegetarians and non-vegetarians being well catered to. There are not always menus, so it is essential to let the chefs know preferences beforehand – this is the beauty of such intimate, boutique lodgings.
Part of the retreat’s spa journey is enjoying the luxury of the skilled therapists' hands, with signature mandi, facial or hair treatments as well as deep tissue massages and fresh flower baths The spa also offers Ayurvedic massages, which are performed by specially trained therapists with a deep spiritual connection. Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system derived from ancient India and defined as Science of Life. According to many, Ayurveda provides the tools to listen to the body’s own wisdom which in turn encourages balance, health and longevity.
 
This spa and yoga journey is designed for those wishing to relax and reconnect, but who are also willing to delve deeper into the heart and culture of Ubud and its lush environment. The retreat offers guided tours of Ubud and the awe-inspiring rice terrace fields, which should not be missed.
 
Web: www.oneworldretreats.com
 
Dramatic Views And Wellness @ Four Seasons Sayan
Overlooking the Ayung River, which flows through the central highlands of Bali, the property features 60 beautifully-appointed units consisting of Suites, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom private villas plus the Royal Villa. Extending from the top of the verdant hillside down to the river's edge, the resort offers one of the most impressive views of the sacred Ayung River Valley.
 
To enter the resort guests cross a dramatic gorge via a solid teak bridge, which leads to an elliptical lotus pond measuring 9,170 square feet (852 square meters). This pond rests on the roof of the resort’s three-level central building and offers a panoramic view of the valley.
Eighteen suites are conveniently located in the central building, meanwhile the 42 villas are all free standing with spacious gardens. Each villa has a private plunge pool and are spread throughout the resort grounds: some along the river bank, others on the rolling hillside surrounded by rice fields and eight on the crest of the hill – all affording imposing views.
Immersed in lush greenery in the Ayung River valley, the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a serene, nurturing environment with a deep inner focus. The Spa incorporates authentic spiritual traditions, such as chakra balancing, Balinese Ayurvedic practices, yoga and meditation. Offering a truly Eastern
healing experience, the Spa’s menu features a powerful selection of authentic Balinese healing traditions to help reconnect you to your whole, complete self. Nestled within lush greenery, the Spa is in close proximity to the fast- flowing Ayung River, providing a soothing background of moving water.
 
The Spa's well-appointed exercise facility, which offers a 180 degree view of the valley, features state-of-the-art fitness equipment and outdoor Jacuzzi.
Outdoor activities abound in this area including trekking, cycling, river rafting, kayaking, nature walks and bird watching with fantastically knowledgeable hotel guides. Ideally positioned beside the river is a large infinity-edge, kidney-shaped swimming pool ideal for lounging and sunning.
 

Web: www.fourseasons.com/sayan

A Sanctuary For Mind, Body And Soul @ Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Named after the entrance to a traditional Hindu temple and situated where temples stand majestically against a backdrop of rice terraces. Mandapa officially opened one year ago as the third bespoke resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio.
 
Offering individually tailored spiritual, wellness, health and detox programmes, complemented by the full time personalised attention of a dedicated Patih or butler, the intimate retreat is designed to be a sanctuary in which relaxing one's mind, body and soul comes naturally.
With only 35 luxurious and spacious suites, and 25 private pool villas, guests can select from an exquisite collection of accommodations that have been meticulously designed to magnify and embrace the surrounding tropical landscape.
 
Mandapa is an exclusive journey inside an indigenous Balinese village, with an authentic village temple, providing a sensory path to wellness and nature. Unobstructed access to nature is an essential component of the experience in Ubud where the power of the great outdoors weaves its magic on interior comfort and is always instantly accessible; even views of working rice paddies are immediate from private terraces.
The Spa at Mandapa allows guests to continue to discover peace of mind and body through holistic, comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programs based on five pillars – Balinese Spa, Detox & Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy, and Healing. Featuring seven treatment rooms and utilizing both ESPA and local products, the spa complex will also feature a state-of- the-art fitness centre, sauna, river-front yoga studio, vitality-pool and relaxation areas.
Mandapa village is home to four restaurants and a lounge offering an array of authentic Indonesian cuisine, Mediterranean dining, and tailored health-conscious menus for wellness and detox programs incorporating the freshest local ingredients. The gem in the crown of the reserve’s dining experience is Kubu, the signature bamboo restaurant with nine private cocoons overlooking the Ayung River.  The fine Mediterranean-European fare can be ordered a-la-carte or as part of the indulgent degustation menus.
 

Web: www.mandapareserve.com

MANGIS
The unspoilt, idyllic east coast

 

Surprising Journeys @ Alila Manggis

One of Bali's best kept secrets, Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali. Set amidst a coconut grove, the resort nestles between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali's most sacred mountain.
 
This area of the island is renowned for its spectacular beauty, where the steep rise from coast to mountain creates magical scenery. It is also the gateway to the dive islands off the East Coast, the mother temple of Besakih and the great water palaces and kingdoms of East Bali.
All rooms and suites face the ocean, with clear views across the straits to Nusa Penida. The cosy hotel includes 53 rooms and two suites, which are housed in traditional two-storey thatched Balinese pavilions, reminiscent of village meeting halls. This is accessible luxury at its finest.
The hotel’s Leisure Concierges are adept in tailoring activities according to personal interests for an all round destination experience. These surprising, extra touches, and local knowledge, go a long way in helping guests to develop a bond with the island and enjoy a fantastic travel experience. Get advice on where to ride the hotel’s mountain bikes in the local area or go out on a traditional Balinese fishing boat to see an awesome sunrise over Lombok Island. No matter what experiences the team suggests, they are sure to create memorable, tailor-made moments.
As the sunsets, a charming seaside setting is fashioned beside the soothing sound of the waves lapping on the shore. The Ocean Bar, an al fresco lounge and bar set up by the sea, is the perfect spot for enjoying the sunset with a pre-dinner aperitivo, or chilling the night away under the stars, and an excellent example of how innovative the hotel is. Guests can choose from a wide selection of classic and creative signature selections, including cold-pressed juices, local ingredient infusions, wines, spirits and playful cocktail and mocktail presentations, accompanied by delicious snack creations.
 
Web: www.alilahotels.com/manggis

SEMINYAK
An upmarket beach resort and dining hub

A Brand New Addition To The Shoreline @ Alila Seminyak

A contemporary resort with vertical gardens and an ancient temple at its heart lends a truly distinctive character to Alila Seminyak, making it the coolest kid on the beachfront in Bali’s hippest resort destination.
 
Besides being a fantastic beachfront experience, Alila Seminyak feels like a lush secret garden. A distinctive blend of contemporary architecture, woven through with vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces, designed to enliven the senses. Every one of the 240 rooms and suites are designed to maximise views and are furnished with sliding doors, wide balconies and sun shading screens, enabling guests to fully embrace the light and airiness of the outdoors.
Positioned on a prime beachfront location in Seminyak, Bali’s trendiest resort destination, Alila Seminyak plays host to the most stylish restaurants in the area.
 
With the ultimate beach location and views to match, the Beach Bar is the perfect spot to take a break from the tropical sun or to enjoy a nightcap under a blanket of stars after catching the sunset, and rivals the best beach clubs on the shoreline. Sink into a comfortable armchair or daybed to enjoy an Alila signature cocktail or aperitif paired perfectly with locally inspired small bites and snacks.
Watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean with live music synchronised to the descending sun, while enjoying the specially paired canapés and cocktails, available daily at the Two2Tango experience from 5pm to 7pm.
For couples who have set their hearts on a destination wedding in Bali, the stylish Alila Seminyak is a must to include on your wedding venue list. Set right on the beachfront overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, with views of the best sunsets in Seminyak, the resort offers a stunning marriage of island beauty and inspiring spaces for the ultimate celebration of love. Couples can choose from a bespoke collection of wedding packages, designed to accommodate intimate gatherings of 20 to 30 guests as well as grand banquets, set in unique locations around the resort.

Web: www.alilahotels.com/seminyak

ULUWATU
The craggy south western coast

Special Spa Experiences @ Banyan Tree Ungasan

At the southernmost point of the island lies Banyan Tree Ungasan, nestled on a cliff overlooking the beauty of pure white beaches, royal blue waters, the shimmering Indian Ocean and island mystique.
 
Seventy metres above sea level, on the tip of Bali's southern peninsula and close to the island's famed Uluwatu Temple, Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali luxury resort is the antidote to the demands of modern life. Seek rejuvenation from hectic life in the living sanctum of Banyan Tree Ungasan, delighting you with distinctive Balinese touches that blend flawlessly with the ethereal charm of the island's surroundings.
The spacious and luxurious villas offer at least 10-metre infinity pools, private jetpools, Balinese bales and rejuvenating views of lush, thriving gardens or the beautiful azure ocean. With encompassing, lavish bedrooms leading onto steps that flow into the pool and a charming timber walkway across a tranquil pond, all villas are certain to exceed every expectation.
Ju-Ma-Na, one of the hotel’s wellappointed restaurants and bars, is painted in an air of sultry Moroccan charm, having the perfect vantage point for admiring the natural ebb and tide of the glorious Indian Ocean and spectacular sunsets. With cosmopolitan cocktails and aperitifs, shisha and Arabian-influenced snacks and drinks, Ju-Ma-Na Bar is the ideal spot for an evening of languor after a bustling day, whilst the restaurant, with chic indoor and outdoor dining spaces, offers a fine-dining experience in a relaxed environment.
Let your soul be carried into utter peace with Banyan Tree's signature range of Asian therapies. Enter the restful sanctuary of the Bali spa pavilions charmingly and distinctively touched by Balinese architecture, and achieve wellness through timehonoured Indonesian remedies, beauty practices and spa rituals. Guests can unwind with the 150- minute Rainmist spray treatment. The treatment begins with a soybean and avocado mask to nourish the skin before the rain shower massages and relaxes the body.
 
Web: www.banyantree.com/en/apindonesia-ungasan-bali
 
Jimbaran
The beautiful bay of fishing villages

A New Era Of Authenticity @ Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay

The stunning hotel, ideally situated on the beautiful Jimbaran shoreline, has undergone a dramatic renovation, enriching the sense of place and sanctuary that has guests feeling ‘at home in Bali’.
The iconic 156-villa beach resort was ahead of the curve in 1993, when it opened as an all-villa beach retreat that pioneered ‘Modern Bali Style’, blending innovation in design with thoughtful, genuine service. And just as Bali has evolved into a sophisticated, chic destination, while continuing the daily rituals and spiritual connections of village life, the resort embraces its evolution while holding true to the original authenticity that is uniquely Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay.
Top Indonesian design firm, Jaya International, was recently commissioned to enliven the villas’ graceful Balinese aesthetic, while creating flexible living spaces that maximise the ocean and sunset views. The dramatic renovation has stayed true to authentic Balinese design principals yet also created completely new products – the Deluxe Villas, Premier Ocean Villas and Family Premier Villas – with completely new interiors, landscaping as well as larger plunge pools and bedrooms.
 
For those travelling with extended family, the newly renovated Family Premier Villas feature 320 square metres of indoor and outdoor living space with a 17 metre plunge pool. Inspired by a typical Balinese courtyard house, the thatch-roof sleeping, bathing and dining pavilions are secluded within a private, walled tropical garden. The spacious Master Bedroom and bathroom adjoin a second bedroom, along with an indoor air-conditioned living area as well as the open-air poolside bale.
As the sun sets, Sundara beach-club and restaurant heats up. Set behind the hotel’s 57-metre beach-front pool parallel to Jimbaran Beach, soak up the buzzing energy and DJ beats as you watch Mother Nature's magic at work. From 5pm to 7pm, the bartenders get busy with the Sundara Sundowners buy one get one free Happy Hour.
 
Web: www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay