ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU
One of Bali’s most picturesque resorts is also among its greenest. Overlooking the Indian Ocean from a cliff-side perch on the Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu was designed and built according to the guidelines of Earth Check, the globalsustainability benchmark. Singaporebased WOHA Architects used only locally sourced and sustainable materials in the construction of the property, whose 65 villas are spread across 14.4 hectares of a limestone plateau landscaped with foliage native to the arid environment of the Bukit. Most of the minimalist stone-clad buildings feature natural ventilation and flat rooftops covered in lava rocks, a flourish that keeps the rooms below them cooler while accentuating the resort’s low-key aesthetic.
Not that any of this means guests have to sacrifice an ounce of comfort. Each villa comes with its own private pool and cabana; inside, locally sourced artwork, plush Ploh bed linens, and spacious bathrooms adorned with Balinese stone carvings are complimented by bamboo ceilings and his-and-hers organic bath amenities. Dedicated butlers are also on hand, giving guests a choice of
“private,” “discreet,” or “indulgent” levels of service. And though the regular onebedroom villas are quite spacious at 290 square meters, those in need of more room can book one of the three-bedroom units, which weigh in at either 2,000 or 3,000 square meters.
While a wild stretch of beach sits at the bottom of a cliffhugging set of 600 steps, most guests will be content to watch the surf from the Sunset Cabana Bar, a cantilevered pavilion of slatted wood that juts out high above the crashing waves. It’s a magical spot for sundowners and small bites. More substantial fare can be found at The Warung, which serves Indonesian and Balinese dishes, and CIRE, a poolside restaurant with a menu of gourmet comfort food from across Asia and the Mediterranean. The suave indoor bar Batique Whiskey & Cigar, meanwhile, lays claim to one of the most extensive collections of single malts in Bali.
The spa here is also a treat, with a gamut of Asian therapies and massages that include Balinese lulur body scrubs, herbal compresses, and shirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic treatment combining a four-hand massage with the healing power of warm medicated oil for deep relaxation. For something more active, the resort offers a roster of curated experiences called Journeys by Alila that range from surfing lessons to cycling excursions.
Guests can also learn about Alila Villas Uluwatu’s wide-ranging green initiatives, which are at the forefront of regenerative tourism in Bali. Apart from a no-plastics policy and an on-site water purification plant, there’s the Sustainability Lab, where all waste produced on the property is transformed into higher value products and services. You don’t have to be an eco-enthusiast to be impressed.