Bali was the beautiful setting of Julia Roberts’ romantic film “Eat, Pray, Love”, making us truly believe that it’s a magical place. In fact, it’s been constantly named one of the best island holiday destinations in the world. This year, make sure to mark this picturesque place on your next getaway. With its idyllic forests, volcanic mountains, scenic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs, the island is home to splendid hotel resorts that offer wellness, relaxation, and retreat.
Amankila
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It’s love at first sight the moment you arrive at Amankila. Start with the stunning three-tier pool that’s set into the cliff edge, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Amuk Bay and Nusa Penida. The aqua-tiled pools flow one into the other cascading down like terraced rice fields and the scene will simply take your breath away.
The sacred Mount Agung also serves as a backdrop while you sip cocktails or delight in light bites while enjoying your holiday. Amankila maintains the Balinese culture in its interior designs inspired by the water palace at nearby Ujung. Stretching from hilltop to private beach, the property lies within reach of atmospheric temples and artisan villages.
Amankila boasts 33 suites with nine featuring private pools. Decorated with inlaid pearl and coconut-shell furniture, all suites feature canopied king-size beds, a living area, large bathroom with a soaking tub, and outdoor terraces. You’ll never get bored with activities such as trekking, cultural tours, cooking classes, water sports and more.
Amankila Jl. Raya Manggis, Manggis, Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia, +62 363 41333, www.aman.com
The Longhouse
Nestled in the heart of Bali’s Jimbaran this new boutique hotel and luxury villa accommodation comes with the service of a five-star hotel. Celebrating the rich Indonesian history, everything about The Longhouse is thoughtfully inspired by authentic Balinese culture. It is elegantly perched in the hills of Jimbaran, originally a tiny fishing village and market. Designed to reflect the true essence of island living, the property has been developed and programmed for guests wanting to discover the lesser known side of Bali. It’s the perfect escape away from the tourist traps of Seminyak and Kuta.
Stay in any of the stylish suites named after an Indonesian island, with distinctive interior designs and local arts handpicked by the owners from their extensive travels across the region. No two suites are the same, providing an entirely unique boutique hotel experience. You’ll be impressed with the dedicated team offering a spectrum of services from cooking courses for Indonesian cuisine, to local village tours, Balinese massages in the in-house spa and mixology sessions. Savor signature homemade Indonesian recipes, Western and fusion dishes with the hotel’s unique dining programme which changes each day to offer an innovative alternative to the traditional hotel restaurant experience. They have everything from garden barbecues to candlelit banquets, at The Longhouse.
The Longhouse Jl. Goa Gong, Jimbaran, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 737498, www.thelonghousebali.com
REVĪVŌ
Bali is renowned for meditation and spiritual retreats. It’s an island to immerse yourself in nature and find your inner being or in some cases your purpose in life. This year, a new wellness retreat opens its doors to guests offering three hectares of lush nature in Bali. Meaning “I’ll live again”, the concept of REVĪVŌ is to soothe the spirit and rejuvenate the body through enriching the mind with a complete journey including relaxation activities, spa and holistic medicine treatments, and a personalized nutritional programme.
The resort will offer 16 Balinese-style suites, including two four-bedroom villas that can be booked for more exclusive retreats, a restaurant, bar and poolside lounge, spa, hybrid fitness area and events space. It is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest and the Indian ocean for the ultimate escape from the bustling city life. The resort features bespoke programs based on each individual’s needs, with the goal of achieving holistic “healing” through mind training and self-awareness, as opposed to treating specific illnesses or injuries.
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resorts Jalan Desa Sawangan, Benoa, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 3011011, www.revivoresorts.com
The Viceroy Bali
Finding a peaceful place nowadays can be a hard thing to do but not at The Viceroy Bali. This piece of paradise on earth is tucked away in Ubud and sits on a majestic cliff edge. The stunning views are just the beginning of an unforgettable stay at this property so why not go for a dip in the infinity pool overlooking Petanu River Gorge. Although we would suggest a digital detox, it’s the perfect spot for Instagram photos and stories so start your detox after posting those pictures.
There are only 25 accommodations of one and two bedroom private pool villas, so you can expect an incredible room experience. The first thing you’ll notice as you walk into your room is the fragrant smell of frangipani flowers. The blooms not only adorn the room but make up the signature scent of their soap. Every corner of this place is what holiday dreams are truly made of so make sure to give this property a try. Read our full review of The Viceroy Bali here.
The Viceroy Bali Ll, Anyahan, Br. Nagi, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia, +62 361 971777, www.viceroybali.com
Belmond Jimbaran Puri
Fancy a romantic getaway? One of the most coveted addresses in Bali is the Belmond Jimbaran Puri. Enjoy lush green scenery and mesmerizing sunsets holding hands while relaxing together and cherishing every moment with the love of your life. Located on the fine white sands of one of Bali’s most exclusive bays, Belmond Jimbaran Puri is certainly an idyllic destination for weddings and honeymoons.
Experience island life in one of their luxurious cottages and villas that incorporate local materials like bamboo, teak and alang-alang thatching. Stroll along the beautiful beach or make your way to the infinity pool that’s uniquely made from Javanese stone. It shimmers emerald in the sunlight radiating peace around its ambience.
Belmond Jimbaran Puri Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Yoga Perkanthi Lane, Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Jimbaran, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 701605, www.belmond.com
