At this Design HotelsTM member, Alila Villas Soori in Bali, exclusivity takes on a whole different meaning, as serenity and understated elegance is blended with exceptional service, to create a one-of-a-kind oasis of tranquility.
Encompassed by UNESCO’s world heritage protected paddy fields and situated on the southwest coast of the island of Bali, just a few kilometers away from the island’s renowned Tanah Lot Temple, this cherished blend of place and space is positioned on a gentle slope above a soft, black volcanic sand beach along the tantalisingly azure Indian Ocean. A range of mountains on one side serves to make the views even more breathtaking.
Each of the 44 quietly luxurious villas, ranging in capacity from one to ten bedrooms, offers an epitome of relaxing luxury and unadulterated privacy. Guests are invited to experience the equilibrium between tranquility and vitality by exploring Bali’s rich heritage with a trek or a cycling trip, a round of golf on the Greg Norman-designed course, or an afternoon of indulgence at the Spa Alila.
Designed by Singapore-based SCDA Architects, Alila Villas Soori heralds a new era of elegance as it juxtaposes elements of its surrounding environment with contemporary Asian design. Animated by sunlight and glorious views each room opens onto a private pool and vast courtyard. Barriers between the indoors and outdoors are erased and nature takes over the job of embellishing the architecture of the interiors.
The open and airy reception sets the tone of the design prevalent at the resort. Nature is celebrated and paid homage to at every corner.
With an unabashed respect for the environment Alila Villas Soori is constructed and managed in accordance with EarthCheck international environmental standards. Sensitive site planning, use of local building materials and native landscaping were given paramount importance when constructing this distinctive Bali hotel. Other green measures adopted by the resort, were the right orientation of the buildings to facilitate ingress of sunlight and passive ventilation and the construction of roof screen systems and roof eaves.
Come evening the calls of several savanna nightjars, stands testament to the dedication towards the efforts of preserving the surrounding biodiversity. If food plays an important part in your escape then the dining options at the resort will definitely raise your experience here a few notches higher.
Cotta the semi-covered, open-air Bali beach restaurant features ‘tasting-style’ daily rotating breakfast menus, highlighting local fare and fun twists on classic breakfast favourites. Breakfast at Cotta also allows you to try out a wide selection of specialty coffees and teas, including the world-renowned Kopi Luwak.
Lunch features Asia’s favourites while dinner highlights authentic Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago with a strong Balinese focus. Ombak presents the signature Alila dining experience – playful and provocative.
The executive chef and culinary team open up a blank canvas with Ombak’s ‘Kosong’ fine dining dinner menu, enjoyed al fresco on the lawn. ‘Kosong’ is the starting point for a highly personalised journey of the senses crafted from pure, fresh ingredients picked from the waters and the soil surrounding the resort. Diners can select from any of the main ingredients available on the day and be joined at their table by the chef, who fine-tunes the complete customisation of the meal.
At Spa Alila, expert therapists artfully usher the guests into a space of deep relaxation. Trained in anatomical physiology, massage, meditation and service, local therapists combine the latest organic nutrition and health knowledge with warm, genuine care. Little ones too can share and bond with Mom & Dad, where signature treatments are tailor-made to help heal, nourish and relax active spirits.
The well appointed Reading Room provides a welcome respite from the sun. It serves as a good base to start off one’s day’s island itinerary. A fine selection of fresh beverages helps recharge batteries.
A professional workout may well be your thing even on a holiday; the 24-hour fully equipped gym will provide you with your daily fix at any hour of the day. A novel activity on offer at the Alila Villas Soori is called the Journey Of Segway. This ride takes you along narrow roadways around the Kelating village on a Segway and is a fun way to bring out your inner child and experience rural Bali.
One gets to glimpse into village life, where culture and tradition entwine, along the small paths between rice fields, past traditional family housing compounds, home industries and the friendly smiling faces which make Bali so unique, magical and heartwarming.
Wedding and events at Alila Villas Soori are handled with true aplomb. A wide range of beachfront venues is on offer, like the Sunset Lawn, the Soori Estate, Soori Residence, all restaurants, the pool side and even the helipad.
“Our goal is to send guests home with spiritual and emotional memories, and not just souvenirs,” says Mark Edleson, founder of Alila Hotels and Resorts. So come embrace this profound serenity and create memories that are destined to last not just the rest of the year, but a lifetime.
Text By Mala Bajaj
Photographs Courtesy Design HotelsTM
Contact
web: www.designhotels.com/hotels/indonesia/bali/tabanan/alila-villas-soori
