BEST OF BALI, PART-2

Well, I have shared quite a bit and continue to do so for our love for Bali should come across loud and clear. In this post, let me highlight few experiences which you too can indulge in on your next holiday.

1.Bali Safari and Marine Park- It is slightly expensive but for someone like me who hasn’t ever experienced night safari before- we didn’t think much but just went ahead and booked! I would say- it made for a fascinating experience moving around and getting to feed the animals through the caged bus and then ending the evening with a cultural performance and dinner. In our case, we took out that extra moolah for some chilled beer! I must add that the way the entire tour is handled is very smooth and professional!

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2. Bali Swing- It is truly a wonderland for a girl who loves Instagram. You can take the experience a notch higher by hiring an outfit and professional photographer from the site itself. But be ready to stand in a long line waiting to experience the Swing.

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3. Spa Time- Well, when in Bali- a good massage session is a must! While most hotels do have worthwhile spas, you can always explore quality and standalone spas too. We experienced the Sundari Day Spa in Seminyak for a foot massage and absolutely loved it, half way through the service both husband and I had dozed off which for me is a sign of an excellent experience.

4. Uluwatu Temple- Well, in case you are staying in Seminyak, then I would recommend heading to Uluwatu for a day trip. You should visit the temple too! I have to say the location of the temple would leave you awe-struck!

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6. Seminyak Village- It is a cute little mall but if you are looking at buying some quick gifts for family and friends back home, then I would definitely recommend this place. Also, its location definitely makes it very convenient to visit!

Ubud & Us…

Well, this was my first time to Bali and my husband’s and mine first time ever to Ubud and while after all the wedding madness- I was quite kicked to visit what seemed from pictures like a very relaxed place, my husband- Ishan wasn’t too excited but on reaching Ubud- we both were instantly on the same page and absolutely fell in love with it!

I feel Ubud is nice quiet, the quiet that you cherish and not the quiet that haunts you.

Here’s sharing few notes on Ubud and I truly hope that they come handy on your next visit!

Our Stay: We stayed at Alaya Resort which was on a fun and relatively bustling street. But just putting it out there quite clear that Ubud didn’t feel like a place for night-outs, so don’t really expect otherwise. We loved our hotel- the staff was extremely helpful, the pool though small was fun, the breakfast spread was decent and delicious and yes we were truly happy with our room as it was really well done up and from the balcony- we were witness to ample greenery.

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Shopping: Truthfully, by my normal standards I didn’t shop much but I did pick up lovely stuff for our home. Also, you can pick up amazing gifts such as handmade jewellery, dream-catchers, cane bags and so on. Also, the boutiques though very fancy stocking fashionable stuff are on the expensive side.

Food: There are umpteen options to binge!

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We quite liked this placed called Simply Social! Also, we tried coffee at several cafes and at all places it was really good! Also, when in Ubud, a smoothie bowl is a must!

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Nearby Attractions: I have never before been on a Night Safari and opted to go with the husband and it truly made for a worthwhile experience. Also, Bali Swing is a must for those looking for lots of instagrammable pictures and take our advise, hire their photography services. Both places offered meals and we decided to end the Night Safari with a cold beer each!

I must add that there are several waterfalls in the vicinity and a visit to at least one is a must!

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We loved to walk around so I’d suggest carry/wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen is a must as the sun was strong while we were there at least which is beginning December. There are several temples throughout Ubud- we definitely did stop by at one of them! There are also plenty of Departmental Stores where you can pick up your essentials from! We didn’t really visit the Monkey Forest as we got a feel just walking past it but you could plan a visit there!

On our next trip- we are looking at trying several spa treatments, visiting the rice fields and yes some yoga classes for me 🙂 Ubud, call us back soon! And I have to say that every local we encountered was a gem and ever so cheerful and helpful!

Happy Travelling!
Sonali

High on Hotels:Alila Villas Uluwatu

Hey Everyone!!! The enthusiasm and excitement for the new series is rather overwhelming as we are learning about such fabulous properties one after another which are actually tempting us to book our next holiday each time around!

The latest one too is not going to disappoint you even a bit. Think of a spectacular hotel in a gorgeous destination and the answer in the right order would be Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali. What’s more is that this place has welcomed a number of high profile international celebrities as well.

You have to truly absorb what follows and we are quite sure that this post is going to leave you feeling like you just experienced heaven on Earth.  Let’s get started and share with you all that we found out from the hotel representatives.
Alila Villas Uluwatu - Exterior - Sunset Cabana 02

Q: Why a stay here would prove to be the most memorable one?
A: Alila Villas Uluwatu and the Alila Hotels Group live by our motto “Surprisingly Different”. All aspects of our operations are designed to be tailored to specific and individual guest needs and desires. It all starts off with our “Personal Preference Menu” that is sent to guests once they have made their booking. This allows them to personalize their stay prior to their arrival so it is all ready for them upon check-in. In this “Personal Preference Menu”, guests can personalize aspects ranging from pillow size, dietary preferences, room facilities to experiences they would like our Leisure Concierge to take them on. Speaking of experiences, Alila Villas Uluwatu believes the local culture plays a huge part in delivering a complete destination experience and therefore has created “Journeys by Alila”. These journeys are designed to take guests on an authentic experience through various cultural and environmental aspects of Southern Bali and we strive to keep these as original and “off the beaten track” as possible, so guests can enjoy something unique during their stay. In addition to these, we also organize special events at the resort ranging from Spa experiences to romantic dinners as well as regular complimentary yoga classes.
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Q: What all facilities would you find in the room?
A: Here is the list of all that is available:
– Private pool
– Outdoor dining
– Private cabana
– Host (Butler) service
– 24 hours room service
– Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the resort
– Gourmet bar
– In-room safe
– Espresso coffee and tea-making facilities with range of luxury whole leaf TWG teas
– Oversized LED TV in every room
– Docking station with iPod
– Double His and Her vanity with complete range of bath amenities
Alila Villas Uluwatu - One Bedroom Pool Villa 01
Alila Villas Uluwatu - Three Bedroom Pool Villa 15 (1)

Q: Elaborate on the facilities in the hotel for in-house guests?
A: Alila Villas Uluwatu has two restaurants; The Warung, which provides authentic Indonesian cuisine and The CIRE, which provides International cuisine. All villas have private pools and we also have an infinity pool shared by all guests situated on the edge of a cliff with views over the Indian Ocean. In addition to this, we have a Yoga pavilion, fitness centre, spa, library, 24-hour clinic and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
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CIRE - Wine Room

Q: A must try restaurant in the hotel and why?
A: The Warung is our must try restaurant as it provides a true taste of Indonesia for anyone looking to discover the destination’s culinary side. The restaurant serves organic and wholesome Indonesian cuisine in a setting that promotes communal sharing and provides fantastic views over our famous “Sunset Cabana” and the Indian Ocean beyond that.

Q: Please throw some light on the USP of the hotel?
A: Apart from all the points shared above, Alila Villas Uluwatu is unique in the sense that it is the first resort in Indonesia to have been built and operated at the highest level of certification by EarthCheck standards. This is because we utilize many ESD measures including local materials, water conservation with soaks and rain gardens and a waste water management system, using local plants from the special Bali savannah ecosystem, the deliberate use of sustainable/recycled materials, protection of the natural environment, and measured work practices throughout construction. In addition to this, Alila Villas Uluwatu’s attention to detail, our world famous “Sunset Cabana” and our distinct architecture makes the resort a unique experience in Bali and beyond.

Q: Could you share a little about the connectivity of the hotel?
A: Alila Villas Uluwatu provides luxurious transport for our guests that includes light refreshments, Alila hospitalities, in-car Wi-Fi and possibility of ordering from our food menu during the ride and have the meal ready upon arrival. The resort is located just 30 minutes away from the International Airport and airport pickup can be arranged by Alila. Bali is not famous for its public transport and for good reason, people usually drive or take taxis on the island as there are no trains and just one bus line.

We are truly falling short of words to define this beauty by the name of Alila Villas Uluwatu!

Pictures Courtesy: Alila Villas Uluwatu