Southern Beaches

On the island’s southwestern tip, lapped by the waves of the Indian Ocean, Seminyak has long been a by-word for luxurious Balinese vacations. Now stretching along the beachfront, allowing access to the sand in seconds, Alila Seminyak is attracting sunseekers from all over the world. Boasting a great range of accommodation, from cozy couples’ rooms to the lavish penthouse, no compromise is made on comfort and convenience. Likewise, the restaurant and bars provide laid-back dining in a range of settings. The excellent facilities cater to families as well as couples, with dedicated pools and a kids club. The spa and fitness facilities, meanwhile, allow for relaxation and invigoration, according to guests’ whims. 

Located on a clifftop plateau on the Bikut Peninsula on Bali’s southern coastline, the Alila Villas Ululwatu was designed by the award-winning Singapore architecture firm WOHA using environmentally sustainable principles, including water conservation and recycling and the use of local stone, wood, rattan and other raw materials. The luxury property, which opened in 2009, is the recipient of the prestigious Green Globe “Best Practice Building, Planning and Design” certification. Its 84 sea-view, private-pool villas feature contemporary Balinese accents along with such amenities as 24-hour butler service, wireless Internet and flat-screen satellite TVs. The resort has a 24-hour fitness center with yoga and pilates studio, while the Spa Alila features a variety of massage, skin and hair treatments. Dining includes the contemporary décor and western cuisine of CIRE and authentic Indonesian and Balinese dishes at Warung. Alila Villas Uluwatu is approximately 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The lovely AYANA Resort and Spa sits atop the cliffs of Jimbaran Bay, offering expansive views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s 290 rooms and 78 private villas are spread out over almost a mile of secluded coastline. Holding a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s “Gold List,” Ayana is noted for its spectacular spa, which features two spa villas set on large, seaside rocks. Spacious rooms come with private balconies and are appointed with Indonesian decorative artefacts as well as modern comforts, including 42-inch flatscreen TVs and aromatic burners. Seven bars and restaurants comprise a wide variety of dining options at the resort, from trattoria-style Italian to seafood served on a terrace and local cocktails served on a cool, open-air lounge jutting out of the main rock face and perched 45 feet above crashing waves. Three pools, including one with an infinity edge, a private beach, an 18-hole putting course, a fully equipped gym and an array of on-site activities and classesmake Ayana one of the nicest resorts in Bali.

Situated on Bali’s southern coast in Canggu, COMO Echo Beach is a 2.2 acre property bordered by rice paddies and positioned near some of the island’s best surf. The property offers 119 rooms, including suites and penthouses. Rooms have WiFi, an LED TV, yoga mats, air conditioning and a rain shower. 

As a result of a partnership with surfing company Tropicsurf, the resort offers customized surf instruction for all levels and surfboard rentals are available onsite. The surf in this area provides a range of opportunities for both experienced and novice surfers. The resort also organizes golf excursions, and nearby Nirwana Bali Golf Course is located a 15-minute drive away in Tanah Lot.

Resort facilities include a fitness center, a lagoon pool, 2 pilates studios, 2 yoga studios and a lap pool. COMO Shambhala Retreat provides daily wellbeing classes, such as yoga and pilates, and the center specializes in holistic treatments, including massages and facials. The COMO Beach Club is open all day and serves Australian, Asian and European cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. A juice and salad bar is also available, and beverage and food service is offered in the lagoon pool area as well. The resort is located approximately 45 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Located on a hilltop with dramatic views of Jimbaran Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Bali has winding stone walkways to the beach and 147 spacious, thatched-roof villas with private plunge pools. There are four restaurants to choose from: PJ’s specializes in seafood, Taman Wantilan serves Indonesian specialties in open air pavilions overlooking the Bay to Bali’s volcanoes, Warung Mie has Asian noodle dishes and exotic drinks, and the Pool Terrace Café has a light menu of salads and sandwiches. The facilities at the Four Seasons include a fitness center with free weights and cardiovascular machines, an aerobic studio, a pool and a tennis court. The comprehensive Healing Village Spa mixes traditional pamperings with science-backed treatments, as well as holistic practices using light, sound, nature, and crystals. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).