Bali’s luxury travel market is growing, with an increasing number of the world’s leading hotels investing in the travel infrastructure of the island. By 2010, Bali will be home to some of the world’s leading luxury resorts, spas and villas.
The Bulgari Resort, Bali can be found on a secluded plateau near Uluwatu, on the southern tip of the Jimbaran peninsula. Defined by cliffs that fall dramatically to the Indian Ocean, the resort has private beach access via funicular. There are 59 villas set within the volcanic stone walls of the resort. Each has an oversized bathroom and living areas that complement luxurious bedrooms overlooking the Indian Ocean. Outside each villa is a patio, open-air living room, garden and plunge pool that has views south to the cliff tops and sea. The resort is also home to a spa that incorporates the therapeutic traditions of Indonesian massage and modern spa technology. Prices start at USD $750 per night.
- Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali is named after the Sanskrit term for ‘a place of refuge’. This resort is perched on cliffs above the Indian Ocean and boasts majestic views and a secluded setting. Inspired by the Balinese concept of ‘Tri Hita Kirana’ or living in harmony with god, man and nature, the design of the resort accommodation features a combination of tile and alang-alang thatched roofing, distinctive Balinese doors, limestone carvings, canopied beds and Indonesian artifacts. The spa features an infinity edge plunge pool, sun-beds and bale relaxation gazebo that has ocean views. From USD $168 per night.
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is situated 150 feet above Jimbaran Bay and commands views of the bay and mountains. Inspired by traditional Balinese architecture, the resort has 156 villas and private residence rentals. All are housed within free-standing thatched-roof villas and surrounded by lush gardens. Each villa has its own courtyard and extensive indoor and outdoor living areas, including a private plunge pool with views of Jimbaran Bay. The resort features an Indonesian spa, dramatic hilltop and oceanside dining. Resort grounds have walking paths and dedicated meditation areas. From USD $680 per night.
- Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa, Bali is situated on 3,500 square metres of beachfront and is close to Seminya village. Anantara's facilities include the Anantara Spa and two infinity edge swimming pools that overlook the Indian Ocean. Resort accommodation of 59 luxurious suites incorporates contemporary Asian-inspired furniture, expansive living spaces, floor to ceiling glass doors and windows, large balconies with terrazzo tubs for two that have ocean views. From USD $365 per night.
- Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali – opening July 2009. Located on a cliff top plateau on the Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali, Alila Villas Uluwatu feature 84 villas which were designed to incorporate an environmentally sustainable framework. All have private pools and cabanas that overlook the Indian Ocean. Villa interiors reflect contemporary and traditional Balinese designs using wood, water, stone and rattan. Features include fine-dining and traditional warung-style restaurants, the spectacular clifftop pool and bar, and the Spa Alila. From USD $725 per night.
Ubud Hanging Gardens by Orient Express is located on the steep rice terraces of Ubud. The resort has 38 luxury private villas that all have individual infinity plunge pools and spectacular views of the tropical mountains and the winding Ayung river. The Balinese style villas hug the curves of the hillsides and surrounding river terraces, providing uninterrupted views of the ancient Pura Penataran Dalem Segara temple, located on the opposite hillside. Features include a spa and infinity swimming pool on two levels; perched over the spectacular rain forest of Ubud. From USD $413 per night.
- Raffles Jimbaran Bali Resort – opening 2010. Located along the Jimbaran coast, Raffles Jimbaran, Bali will feature approximately 85 villas over 11 hectares. Design for the ‘water palace’ style of the resort was inspired by classical Javanese-Hindu architecture. Raffles Jimbaran, Bali is bordered by a cliff above the beach (commonly referred to as 'dreamland beach'), and an 18-hole golf course. Each villa features a private plunge pool and sun deck and most have views of the ocean or the golf course.
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Como Shambhala Estate at Giri, Bali is a “residential health retreat” that incorporates a range of wellness therapies, programmes, retreats and activities. Accommodation comprises a combination of contemporary design with traditional detail, set amid the forest and above the river Ayung. Options include a whole residence (for families or groups), individual suites or rooms, private and retreat villas (some include their own spa facilities). All guests are assigned a personal assistant to ensure that their stay is tailored to their needs. From USD $300 per night.
- The Balé, Nusa Dua, Bali is located on the hillside of Bali's Nusa Dua area, overlooking the Indian Ocean and walking distance from the secluded, white sandy beach of Geger. Accommodation at the Balé consists of 29 pavilions, each with their own private swimming pool. Features include holistic spa treatments, well being programmes and dining options that use organic produce. The Balé has a ‘no children’ policy. From USD $600 per night.
- Amankila is located on the east coast of Bali, near the village of Manggis. The resort features a private beach, incredible views of the Lombok Strait and cliff-side grounds around a three-tiered pool. The fabled Mount Agung (3,142 metres), a volcano revered as a home of the gods by the Balinese, provides a dramatic backdrop to the resort. There 34 stilted free-standing suites designed as ‘beach houses with a twist’ that all boast outstanding sea views. Amankila’s suites are elevated to take advantage of the spectacular sea and hillside views. From USD $750 per night.
Check out Smartraveller.gov.au for information regarding travel to Bali.