Alila Ubud @ The Indulgence of Tranquility

 International holiday makers who flock to Bali for the very first time visit, undoubtedly Kuta, Nusa Dua and Seminyak areas are always their first choice. Only return travelers or with with prior worthy recommendation and looking for a less crowded commercial spots. yet surrounded by plentiful lush and green with extreme tranquility, Ubud is always the perfect choice. Secluded hillside retreats that sits high up on the edge of the rice green Ayung River valley (popular for its white water rafting) in Bali's central foothills, in the traditional Balinese hill village of Payangan. Alila Ubud has what it takes especially the breathtaking infinity pool and its newly opened spacious tree top villas are the best indulgence of tranquility.

 Outdoor living experience with a huge alfresco wood-decked living area. Modern yet with 

luxury contemporary.

The resort is located just minutes away from Ubud town, the island's cultural heart with exotic and its rich cultural heritage and history. Secluded courtyards, spacious terraces and private gardens of the charming Ubud boutique hotels create the intimate feeling like none other. We arrived just after midday with the Alila's stylish and comfy ride with our experience driver guide Budi from Alila Manggis. Budi alerted the resort right after we enter the property's drive away and we stopped right outside of our exclusive newly opened Terrace Tree Villas before we even saw the hotel lobby as check-in are done in our room instead. We bid farewell to Budi for his company before he headed back to Manggis for another 2 hours ride.

With 35'c in Bali, air conditioning is the all time savior. Our room 503 had it all ready before we were being escorted to go in. Can't do without a brief and clear introduction with this spacious 120 sqm Terrace Tree villa (one of the four opened last October) in order for us to immerse ourselves in the lush of natural landscape. Don't get over-surprised while the "uninvited guests" - the wild monkeys who knock on your window while you were having a nice and relieve bath. That indeed happened during our stay. hence, these new villas combine a luxurious retreat with a true back to nature experience. 

Designed as the most exclusive accommodation in the resort features an indoor & outdoor living experience with a huge alfresco wood-decked living area providing the perfect place to dine, unwind and stargaze to a backdrop of the sights and sounds of its forest location. The open-plan interiors are inspired by the natural setting combining the warmth of wood and recycled teak with elegant furnishings to create a relaxing, magical hideaway. Stunning views are available from every corner of the villa with the opportunity to wake up with the sun and take in the views from the bathtub that seemingly floats above the valley.

Private entrance to our room #503

Minutes after we settled in, it is time to wonder around the lush of luxury around the property. A casual walk to the lobby and the tall coconut pillars and the alang-alang roof with traditional Balinese architecture creates an exotic contemporary style blend in perfectly well. As we walked further down, the all day dining  <The Plantation> restaurant is the place to sample the artful Balinese cuisine and healthy natural fare as well as some of the finest international dishes. The soaring views overlooking the dramatic and breathtaking green infinity pool that floats above the lugging valley is simply a divine experience. 

Authentic Balinese Cuisine and modern French menu inspired by local seasonal ingredients to grand an unparalleled experience of dining in <The Plantation> restaurant with stunning views of the natural surroundings. From that perspective, we know that our dinner tonight was in good hand.

The temperature raising began unbearable and we decided to go for swim in this beautiful Kerry Hill designed and acclaimed signature emerald green infinity pool cantilevered over the valley below, blends the best of contemporary style with traditional Balinese architecture to create a haven of relaxation. The pool surrounded by stone-titled sun decks and comfortable sun-beds with attractive Balinese umbrellas.The water was rather warm but yet very refreshing and rather deep at the far end. We did a few laps and make use with the zero gravity but making ourselves floats in the middle of the pool while we were surrounded by plentiful of greens in the middle of Bali. It is simply to die for.

One can never do without a chilling and refreshing cocktail especially in such tranquil surroundings.

The deep end of the awarding winning infinity pool.

The tranquil surroundings of Alila Ubud.

Exotic yet contemporary Balinese landscaping.

The lush lobby entrance with the tree's "mini round about" to ease traffic. As part of the Payangan and Gianyar community, Alila Ubud also responsible to give back by participating in community projects co-organized with neighbouring villages, local government, hotel associations in Bali and Ubud, and non-Governmental Organization such as Bali Hotels Association, Ubud Hotels Association, Subak (Water irrigation community), IDEP, local schools ( through regular environmental presentations), East Bali Poverty Project, TEMESI Recycling Centre, ABC Recycling Solutions and Yayasan Bumi Sehat.

After an additional laps in the pool with total relaxation and the consumption of the refreshing cocktail, our time was up. A Shirodara treatment was booked at 3pm, the Spa Alila are known for its home-grown Balinese treatments using the brand's signature products, sourced and made from fresh natural, organic ingredients on the island. As they are committed to providing unique treatments from the heart, blending ancient Asian healing techniques with age-old beauty recipes. Trained in anatomical physiology, massage, meditation and service, the local therapists combine the latest organic nutrition and health through the hands, to stimulate, rejuvenate, balance and relax your mind and body. Balancing expertise with an intuitive sense of well-being, and through the contemporary expression of centuries-old therapy with a natural, heartfelt and surprising different experience and immerse in a truly invigorating journey of holistic wellbeing.

The Spa Alila Lounge Area.

My therapist Tinini (who turned out to be my next day Tai-chi class master) did make me go through a journey of perfect calmness and tranquility as a stream of specially blended, warmed, medicated oils pour softly onto the third eye transporting the mind and body into a state of deep relaxation. Shirodara deeply relaxes the nervous system, lowers metabolism, integrates brain function and induces mood stability. This dreamy treatment begins with an Ayuvedic pressure massage to loosen muscles and melt away any tension or stress the body maybe holding. This centuries-old therapy is physically rejuvenating and mentally refreshing, and is therefore considered to be an anti-ageing treatment. The 60 minuets treatments opened a new sight by letting us see things in a much calm and peaceful way.

One of the many Spa Suites, The <Lotus> Room.

The traditional Balinese Babi Guling.

The traditional Balinese cuisine with a modern twist.

The Plantation Restaurant at dusk

After a total relaxation and rejuvenation from the Spa and the pool, a pre dinner drinks was held at the Cabana lounge where it is the time to meet and mingle with other hotel guests over a sunset cocktail before the day's end. The tall and identical yet friendly and approachable General Manager Jork Bosselaar talked us through the resorts facilities and with his personal recommendation on the surrounding highlights. Bosselaar's Dutch gin kept us a very good company before we were headed to <The plantation> on a special Friday night Spice Market buffet spread including various barbeque seafood, local delicacies and not forgetting the Balinese Babi Guling.

The pool by night

Staying at Alila Ubud is to embark on a memorable journey into the local culture for a total destination experience. Whatever your personal interests are, new experiences awaits. Whether learning to recreate the flavours of the local cuisine, enhancing well-being through ancient healing arts, or tasting the thrill of adventure sports, you will get to see and learn about the real Bali and its people, culture ad customs. Through Alila's experiences, at the same time, also support the local businesses and community to grow. Besides, a resort with a heart to contribute and international class facilities, we look forward to coming back in a not so far future.  

Tried & Tested

Location : 3.5/5

Interior & Design : 4/5

Service : 3/5

Alila Ubud Bali

Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan

Gianyar, Bali Indonesia

Tel: +62 361 975 963

http://www.blogalila.com/finding-tranquility-in-green-ubud/