These hotels and resorts on one of our favourite islands offer views and services so amazing, you’ll want to extend your holiday.
While it's still the beginning of 2016, and we're all privy to the long weekends this year, it makes perfect sense to plan your vacations now. Island favourite, Bali, is on our radar. How can you resist the great hospitality, beautiful beaches, lively bars, therapeutic spas and yoga retreats...?
If those reasons aren't enough, there are also new and upcoming hotels and resorts to look forward to this year. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll through the gallery below for our favourite resorts, as well as the latest additions that we can’t wait to check out, on the “Island of Gods”.
Bulgari Resort Bali
We’ll recommend it for The ultra-luxe travellers.
Here's why Thanks to the architects who’ve combined Bulgari’s Italian influences with the island’s Balinese traditions, the 59 villas here look modern yet rustic and this provides plenty of opportunities for the stylish travellers to show off some seriously good-looking shots on their Instagrams.
When you’re not busy snapping photos, remember to enjoy the amenities that come with the five-bedroom mansions – there’s the Bang & Olufsen audio visual, as well as Miele kitchen appliances to present the best possible taste in room furnishing.
Also, you’ll be waking up to the beautiful Indian Ocean, without having to step out from your room because you can enjoy it straight from your bed. Its brilliant location (this luxury hotel is hidden away on a secluded plateau near Uluwatu) also makes it a perfect place to catch gorgeous sunrise and sunset views at the beach or its pool, with a cocktail on one hand, and a book on the other.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Bulgari Resort Bali Instagram.
Alila Seminyak
We’ll recommend it for The stylish travellers.
Here's why There are a total of five Alila properties in Bali but what makes Alila Seminyak stand out from its sisters is its stylish design and superb location. Designed by Gaurang Khemka, and Singapore architectural firm, URBNarc, this resort spots a contemporary look which is a stark contrast from its tropical surroundings. It’s also just mere steps away from the sea, which means you get to enjoy an unobstructed view of its beautiful surroundings throughout the day.
The rooms and suites here are perfected with shiny marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden furniture – all of which will meet the taste of the discerning and fashionable crowd. Besides being aesthetically-pleasing to the eyes, Alila Seminyak is also big on cutting their environmental footprint by adhering to the guidelines of EarthCheck programme – the world’s leading advisors for sustainable tourism. Their efforts include sensitive site planning, use of locally-produced building materials, and adopting environmental, energy and resource-efficient methods in its design and construction processes to lessen negative environmental impacts.
Elsewhere in the resort, couples can sign up for a short but romantic tour where you and your partner get to journey through rice fields and visit a 17th-century fertility temple, as well as enjoy cocktails while watching beautiful sunsets at beach clubs to end the day.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Alila Seminyak Instagram.
The Edge Uluwatu
We’ll recommend it for Wedding couples or newlyweds.
Here's why Take a look at The Edge Uluwatu’s Instagram account (@TheEdgeBali) and you’ll see plenty of strikingly beautiful wedding set-ups. Why? Well, its location is definitely a big pull factor. Located 35 minutes away from Ngurah Rai Airport, The Edge Uluwatu sits on the edge of a cliff that’s 80m above sea level, giving guests endless and impressive sights from the moment they enter.
Whether you’re looking at holding an intimate ceremony or hosting a large crowd, there are professional butlers and wedding planners to help meet your needs and make your special day an unforgettable one. The resort also has several honeymoon packages for newly weds to choose from.
And here’s even greater news: The Edge Uluwatu is currently expanding to include four new villas, an entertainment complex, a new restaurant, a beach club and a glass bottom swimming pool. When the upgrade is completed, guests can have more fun playing tennis, bowling and singing at the karaoke lounge.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of The Edge Uluwatu Instagram.
Mandarin Oriental Bali
We’ll recommend it for Families with young children.
Here's why Just when you thought that the hotels in Bali couldn’t get any finer, here comes Mandarin Oriental. Hidden away on the island’s southern Bukit Peninsula, this luxury resort is a quiet respite for those who wish to get away from the city life.
It boasts a 180-degree view of the ocean, an extensive 97 villas and 24 guest rooms, as well as a Kids Centre that’s specially designed for the young ones to enjoy some reading or golf games.
As for the parents, your mental and physical wellness are in good hands too. Look forward to unwinding in one of the eight treatment rooms at the resort’s spa, which promises a complete line-up of beauty and massage treatments available in the region. Or change into your workout gear and sweat it out at the fitness centre. Opening by end of 2016.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bali website.
The Sarasvati, Bali
We’ll recommend it for The adventure seekers.
Here's why Thrill seekers, you’ll want to take note of this upcoming opening. The Sarasvati resort, which is part of the Starwood Luxury Collection, offers many outdoor activities that’ll excite the fun-loving crowd. The Seminyak beach, just two minutes away from the resort, is where you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can choose from a wide range of activities that include bungee-jumping, skydiving, mountain biking, trekking, snorkeling and diving.
But if you’re not into sports, don’t worry because there’s plenty to shop in Seminyak and the neighbouring Legian area. You’ll find local craftsmen who specialise in home and beauty items like furniture, linens, bath salts and handmade soaps, as well as food and fashion products like coffee, vanilla beans, textiles, batik and jewellery. So, get your credit cards ready and shop up a storm. Slated to open on 1 December 2016.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Bali Green Tour website.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
We’ll recommend it for The spiritual travellers.
Here's why If you and your family are looking for a holistic retreat, book your stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Since thousands of years ago, many devotees have visited the Indian pavillions in Ubud (also known as mandapas), for religious and spiritual purposes. The same practice can be found in the resort via personalised body- and mind-restoring programmes.
Their in-house health and wellness consultant tailors detox programmes based on your needs while health specialists and traditional Balinese healers support your experience with signature spa treatments and yoga classes. Regular workshops such as couple massages, art therapy, a juicing workshop and vegan home-cooking lessons are also available. To make your stay even more wholesome, the restaurants here boast a health-conscious menu and they only use fresh local produce when preparing your meals.
As for the younger guests, they can keep themselves occupied in the resort’s organic farm and the Kid’s Hut. Here, they can enrol in an enriching Green Camp to discover more about the natural and cultural wonders of Ubud.
For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Instagram.