Alila Villas Uluwatu @ The Indulgence of Sophistication

Alila Villas Uluwatu, one-of-a-kind luxurious all-pool villa resort perched upon an elevated plateau in Bali’s exclusive Bukit Peninsula. It delivers a unique and surprisingly different experience which is indulgent and sophisticated. With a total of 7 different journeys of enlightenment known as the Alila Journey crafted to your taste and preference which takes you on a passage seldom traversed by tourists, you may find yourself walking through an ancient cave temple filled with stalactites, containing a revered source of holy water on the island, or the journey of Gastronomy by enjoying a traditional Balinese-style lunch in a Balinese pavilion with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the Bukit’s surrounding limestone cliffs. This is just the beginning of the journey, mylifestylenews indulges within…...

Set against a rocky Bali Savannah landscape, Alila Villas Uluwatu’s architectural framework was specifically drawn up by award-winning design firm WOHA to follow environmentally sustainable design principles without compromising on style.

Alila Villas Uluwatu’s grand location and detailed architecture blend harmoniously with its natural environment offering stylish, relaxing environments with surprisingly different lifestyle concepts, personalized hospitality and experiences with an unique “emotional moments” between you, the hotel and the destination.

On arriving at the Alila Villas Uluwatu reception lobby, our ‘wow’ factor was seriously experiencing some anticipation. So many people have seen the iconic architectural elements without knowing it is a part of this hotel’s design. With lush interiors of cream and earthy tones created by the use of wood, stone and rattan, it provide a suitable balance to the rugged natural landscape. The healthy dose of sun rays piercing through the ceiling to floor glass doors and windows also add to the blissful holiday mood.

We need not have any worries as the welcome was splendid and we were quickly transported to our pool villa for an in-room check-in by a personalized butler on a short buggy ride to the cliff. Another amazing elements of surprise awaits: a superb glass of Jacquesson champagne, a beautiful box of chocolate goodies and an array of tropical fruits. Already we were feeling the luxury barometer exploding.



The 86 villas showcase contemporary interiors enhanced with touches of nature and traditional Balinese accents reflected in planes of wood, water, stone and rattan. The open plan design, unique flat lava rocks roof and bamboo ceiling allow the gentle sea breeze to circulate throughout all rooms of the villas.

Resort’s walls are made from batu palimanan from Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Bamboo ceilings and rattan interior are locally sourced and crafted in Bali. Wood materials are recycled from railway sleepers and telephone poles. A truly environmentally sustainable design.

While being shown around the 291sqm villa, you begin to realize that size really does matter as the villa is only one bedroom, but was incredibly spacious and beautifully designed for the elements and no expense spared when it comes to the details, plus the private villa pool was quite sizable for more than just a dip. The villa is not simply a room but a connected series of places to relax.

A special surprise spa milk bath was prepared for us for the late night pampering.

The villa is conveniently equipped with wireless technology and the spatial living space from indoors to outdoors where the horizons meet is further complemented by walkways and bridges that connect the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious areas.

Villa 408

Adding to the spoils is yet another luxury - a private pavilion that overlooks the glittering azure ocean. Surrounded by jigsaw-like slats made of bronze and recycled wood, these cosy pavilions are fitted with plush beddings, making them the perfect lounging spot.

Jacquesson champagne and a beautiful box of chocolate goodies and an array of tropical fruits awaits in the room.

Spa Alila is known for its luxury with a conscience drawing inspiration from traditional Balinese healing and nurturing technique. Spa Alila menu offers a selection of 12 optional treatment bases that serves as a starting point by using a variety of natural product elements and treatments.Trained in anatomical physiology, massage, meditation and service excellent, Spa Alila’s therapists are experts in their craft.

At all the Alila resorts, they have their very own signature spa products throughout the resorts, so you always feel at one with their ethos and it constantly delights the senses. Their spa products are generous in supply in the villa and you always feel that they are looking after your wellbeing with such tried and true ‘spa remedies’ for the skin. At the Alila Gallery, it has many elements you can purchase to take home, which we did, as they think of design in a way that other brands do not, from a soap dish to a small bowl, or wood sculpture.

The pool is framed by two restaurants: The Warung is serving a wholesome of traditional Balinese food and CIRE presents contemporary Western and International cuisine prepared with regional produce. As it happened, we had a very traditional Balinese dinner experience at The Warung and we were being seated in the sunset cabana overlooking the glistening Indian Ocean. Nothing less than perfect!

Alila Villas Uluwatu have fashioned the Alila Journeys to anticipate your needs specially if you are looking for a facet of Bali they never knew existed. Tracing the footsteps of one of Bali’s most revered priests, experience a centuries-old pilgrimage as you make your way through five beautiful and historic temples located in Bali’s Bukit region, each with its own story to tell. Open on 1st June 2009, Alila Villas Uluwatu is exclusively designed to integrate indigenous nature, traditional culture and local community for an unparalleled guest experience. Such as bespoke experiences which focus on spa and wellness, Balinese culture, arts & crafts as well as environmentally-conscious excursions.

The total of 7 journeys of enlightenment traces the footsteps of High Priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu High Priest born in the 15th century in East Java during the Golden Era of the Majapahit dynasty. His search for a place to reach enlightenment brought him to the Bukit region in Bali, where Alila Villas Uluwatu is currently located, an area many thousands of years older than mainland Bali with some of the best surfing spots on the island. High Priest Dang Hyang Niratha’s search for enlightenment led him to establish five major temples on the Bukit, ranging from cliff temples with panoramic views over the magnificent Uluwatu coastline, to a cavernous limestone cave temple with numerous stalactites. Each bearing its own tale on how it came to be founded, the five temples are: Pura Gong, the Temple of the Gong; Pura Gunung Payung, the Temple of the Parasol; Pura Geger, the Temple of Amazing Occurrences; Pura Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple; and Pura Gunung Cenggiling, the Temple of Remembrance.

They sunset Cabana was lit with candles for the romance mood. As the food came out, it was one surprise after another, with absolute authenticity of flavours. We love spicy food and this did not disappoint us. A boat of 10 different sambals and local chilies dipping arrived and the flavours set up the evening to come. While you may think too much spice is not a good thing, there was balance throughout and a superb bottle of vintage champagne complimented the food surprisingly well. With other Balinese selection of Soto Ayam soup, Grilled Chicken with local spices and Noodle dishes to end the authentic feast for the evening.

Once settled in, we called the our butler to take us back to the Cliff-edge 50-metre main swimming pool and to explore what’s to do for the remainder of the afternoon before dinner beckons. The sun lounges are well spread out, a distance well kept to maintain a little privacy in one’s conversation. There is THAT view with the iconic jigsaw-like slats “eagle’s nest” perched precariously hanging over a cliff fitted with plush beddings, making them the perfect lounging spot for a total relaxation and the ideal hideaway for one of the best sun-set watching venues in Bali. The magnificent view is priceless!

Spectacular view of the cliff-edge 50-metre main swimming pool by day.

The infinity mail pool view overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean.

The WOW factor is really kicking in, as it doesn’t get much better than this in the world of uber luxury resorts. For the fit at heart, there is a staircase to the bottom of the cliff beach, but while going down may seem easy, ascending the hundreds of steps to get back up will only be for those with stamina. Indeed, no pain no gain and that’s the deal.

Sunset Cabana are seen almost everywhere in the resort.

Friendly uninvited guests - one of the best company while watching the sunset facing the Indian Ocean.

Spectacular view of the cliff-edge 50-metre main swimming pool by night.

Beautiful architecture design are seen around the resort.

Spiral staircase to the upper deck of the sunset Cabana.

The Warung Restaurant

Delicious sambal and chili dipping with crackers. A true Balinese way serve.

After a sumptuous dinner and a slow walk back up to our villa, we felt a dip in the villa pool was needed to cool down and relax before some much needed sleep, but much to our surprise, a special spa milk bath had been prepared for us, so some late night pampering was in order. Once again, we indulged ourselves in a peaceful and serene environment with luxury and sophistication. As sleep beckoned, the comfort of the bed did not disappointed with carefully chosen types of pillows to fit everyone’s reference.  We were surprised when we awoke the next morning, as our sleep was so deep – maybe the food and the champagne helped!

A view from the sunset Cabana over looking at the Warung Restaurant.

The Warung restaurant by night.

Sunset Cabana surrounded with palm trees.

Architecture is what sets any world class resort apart from the pack and this resort has it in abundance. On exploring the resort, the design throughout is beautifully elegant and light, constantly referencing the local culture, yet still being able to maintain its own identity in an international design element way.

 Whether it is in the use of wood or stone, there is always something to catch the eye that draws you in to look more closely at the craftsmanship. It is truly breathtaking!

Alila Villas Uluwatu by night.

Inspirational interior design and water feature.

Spectacular architecture design to around the Alila Villas Uluwatu to be inspired.

It is this unlimited and free-spirited sense of direction that has set the stage for a spectacular and unforgettable experience at Alila Villas Uluwatu. With such an inspired living design, it is certain that the resort is not only surprisingly different, but also going home with unforgettable memories.

Candle lights are lit leading to our sunset cabana.

This most seductive and luxury hideway represents a new generation of exclusive and ultimate in luxury with innovative lifestyle and bespoke experiences that certain has left us an indelible impression.Bidding farewell was hard, as it felt like a dream home away from home, but leaving such a beautiful place wanting more, means we have to come back again and it will be even more anticipated on the next visit!

Tried & Tested :

Location: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Design & Decor : 5/5 

Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 5/5

Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali

Jalan Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak

Desa Pecatu

Bali Indonesia

Tel: +62 361 848 2166