Eat, retreat, relax, repeat
Eli Orzessek reveals four places offering the ultimate treats in dining, relaxing and wellbeing in Bali
RESTAURANT: MOZAIC For French cuisine with a Balinese twist, head to Mozaic in Ubud. Helmed by executive chef Chris Salans, this Michelin-starred restaurant is one of Bali’s most famous. Offering three innovative tasting menus, including a six-course vegetarian option, Mozaic showcases local ingredients. The main part of the restaurant is outside in a tropical garden, so you’ll feel like you’re eating in the jungle. For a luxury experience, guests can opt for a private dinner with a personally designed menu — the chef is yours for the evening. mozaic-bali.com RESORT: ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU On the south of the island in the dry savannah of the Bukit Peninsular, this ultra-luxury resort is perched on limestone cliffs 100 metres above the ocean. As you’d expect, the view is breathtaking — especially from the beautiful infinity pool. Designed by award-winning Singapore firm WOHA, the resort mixes traditional Balinese pavilion architecture with modernist ideas — it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. The stylish villas come with private swimming pools and you’ll be assigned a 24-hour personal butler for your stay. And of course, there’s a glamorous spa to indulge your mind and body. alilahotels.com/uluwatu RETREAT: FIVELEMENTS Amid tropical jungle on the outskirts of Ubud, this five-star luxury resort offers a number of special wellness retreats, ranging from three to 21 nights. With only nine exclusive suites, you’ll bask in seclusion while GETTING THERE airnewzealand.co.nz relaxing on your balcony looking out over the peaceful Ayung River. At Fivelements retreats, holistic Balinese therapies are administered by traditional healers and the food is fresh and made to nourish the senses. fivelements.org RELAXATION: THERMES MARINS & SPA ON THE ROCKS If you’ve got around $690 to spend on your face, this luxury day spa has just the treatment for you. The extravagant and indulgent two-hour Diamond Miracle treatment includes Champagne, strawberries and a facial using a formula of sea quartz and diamond dust. And if the treatments aren’t enough to impress, the location certainly will. Part of the Ayana Resort, the spa is perched right on the edge of a rock face overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can also soak in Bali’s only Aquatonic seawater jet pool while enjoying the view. ayana.com