The Island of the Gods

Mention the destination Bali, and descriptions like magical, spiritual and unique are used. Here are three places that offer everything from de-stress spa treatments to adrenaline-filled surf sessions

Ride the waves

Anantara Uluwatu Bali resort is situated on a cliff that offers a dramatic view of the world-renowned Impossible Beach. This beach is one of the most famous surf-points in Bali where surfers can descend through the resort’s beach elevator to the beautiful rocky beach. During their stay, guests can disappear into a world of indulgence beginning with a complimentary Balinese massage, cliffside dining with the best views of Uluwatu’s fabled surf break, and opportunities to explore the Island of the Gods without a care in the world.

Before that, your journey to the resort takes you on a scenic drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Anantara Uluwatu offers a complimentary airport pick-up to the resort where guests can stay with peace of mind, knowing it is fully certified with the Indonesian government’s Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability. Upon arrival, a traditional Balinese blessing welcomes travellers back to the island.

Guests can choose from a collection of 74 sea-view suites, two and three-bedroom garden and ocean pool villas, and three-bedroom split-level duplex penthouses.

Serenity, now

Jumeirah Bali is tucked away in the stunning Pecatu region in the southwest of Bali; the all-villa luxury resort sits serenely in Uluwatu. Inspired by Hindu-Javanese culture, the resort is for couples, groups and solo travellers seeking to reconnect and find inner balance. Guests get exclusive access to a private beach framed by the natural landscape offering a secluded enclave to relax. Reminiscent of Geoffrey Bawa’s “tropical modernism” style, Jumeirah Bali’s indoor-outdoor architecture is designed to create a seamless flow between the architecture, interior and landscape, blending indigenous building materials with contemporary and luxurious comfort, to transport guests to an authentic Balinese haven of understated elegance.

With an array of wellness activities to help guests on their quest to find inner balance, Jumeirah Bali has the award-winning Talise Spa. Currently, the resort has two private treatment rooms in operation and will be launching the full spa experience, complete with the only traditional Turkish hammam on the island, in July. Talise Spa offers world-class treatments by expert spa therapists, including holistic facials, healing and energising massages, cleansing scrub treatments, and stress-release therapies based on ancient Balinese techniques and traditional herbal preparations.

Guests will be able to tailor their experience using luxury and traditional organic products and make the most of the spa’s additional wellness facilities, which include the sauna, steam bath and Vichy shower treatments. Or you can choose to participate in guided meditation and Yoga classes for an all-encompassing holistic retreat hosted by Jumeirah Bali’s resident Master Yogi.

An invitation to de-stress

Experience a different way to escape the rat race with a stay at Banyan Tree’s latest concept that is committed to creating immersive experiences by combining deep nature and sustainable design. Pioneering a “no walls, no doors” concept throughout the property and in each of its 16 balés (villas), Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is an invitation to a different way of being.

Situated in a quiet enclave surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, the site’s unique topography is next to the Ayung River and waterfall, with sweeping views of the seven majestic peaks. The resort’s balés are designed to blend spacious indoor-outdoor living areas with 180-degree panoramic views and sounds of nature through a bold taste of “The Naked Experience”, where only a thin veil separates guests from nature. Scattered on and off the property are secret Hideaway Spots that draw on the element of being at one with nature, providing guests with a garden sanctuary for meditation, reading, or simply taking a moment to pause and unwind.

To create a sense of community, the Open Kitchen and Living Room spaces are open to guests to learn how the resort reinvents the basics of food and drink through its unique zero-waste farm-to-table concept, local sourcing philosophy and heritage techniques. The menu concept, 70% of which is plant-based, is sourced locally within a one-hour drive from the property.

To get the kinks out of your body, book a session or more at the Toja Spa, which celebrates the well-being traditions of Buahan village and its surrounding areas, with a unique “open” garden experience, certified by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Academy.