For much of my life, wild and wonderful tales of Bali have made their way into my subconscious. Growing up in Australia, Bali was a common addition to any local travellers itinerary. A mere 4 hours away from Australian soil, backpackers, school leavers and sunshine seekers would venture off each and every summer to revel in the beauty of Bali. A prompt move to London after high school meant I was one of the rare few never to experience the tropical paradise I had always heard so much about. Keen to experience the ever-growing wellness scene Bali has become famous for, last month, yet another case of wanderlust became a reality as I packed my bags and journeyed solo to the Indonesian Island of Bali for a week-long wellbeing escape.

The Hotel

Invited to experience the island at one of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, Alila Hotel and Resorts provided my accommodation for the duration of my stay. With a strong wellbeing focus and sustainable ethos, Alila Hotels and Resorts had been on Hip & Healthy’s radar for a long while so you can imagine our excitement when we found out we’d be journeying to two of their Bali based locations for a week of relaxation and exploration.

The Locations

Alila Villas Soori

Located just 20 minutes from Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most sacred and most visited temples, Alila Villas Soori lies within Tabanan Regency, one of Bali’s most fertile and picturesque regions. Featuring a range of exquisite scenic accommodation types, guests can choose between ground level Beach Pool Villas or Higher standing Ocean Pool Villas; each with a private pool and direct access to the beach. For something a little different, larger living residences and Mountain facing Pool Villas with the most incredible views of Mount Batukaru and the surrounding rice fields are available. One of Alila Villas Soori’s infamous Beach Pool Villas was my home for half of my stay. Waking up to the sound of the waves and views of the volcanic sand beach a sheer stones throw away from my hotel room provided a stunning scenic setting for relaxation and reflection. Daily sunrise meditation followed by a refreshing swim in my villas private beach-facing pool made for the best kind of early morning ritual.

Alila Villas Soori costs from USD 655 (+21% tax and service charge) per villa per night 

Alilia Villas Uluwatu

A short 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Alila Villas Uluwatu was my home for the second half of my stay in Bali. Located along the southern coastline on the island’s Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu is situated upon an elevated plateau sweeping down to the Indian Ocean. Offering one, two and three bedroom residencies, all are equipped with a private pool and ocean-facing shaded outdoor cabana, perfect for retreating to after a day in the Sun. A contemporary take on tradition Balinese design, all rooms feature the dreamiest decor and stunning interiors that utilise elements from nature intertwined with traditional Balinese accents and accoutrements. Open plan designs allow for ocean views from bed to bath, keeping in line with the signature Alila aesthetic that merges the surrounding landscape with the architecture; an homage to nature through the manmade.

Alila Villas Uluwatu costs from USD 965 (+21% tax and service charge) per villa per night

The Wellbeing Offerings

One of the things that first attracted us to Alila Hotels & Resorts was the abundant wellbeing offerings available at every one of their destinations. From their spa and yoga facilities to their Hip & Healthy style restaurants, my days spent at Alila were a wellness lovers dream!

Envision this: The sound of waves wakes you from a deep and restful slumber, you roll out of bed and out the door, enjoying the serenity and silence of your short walk on the cusp of a volcanic beach to a beach-facing yoga class. You bend and stretch your way through a series of reinvigorating and restorative sun salutations and inner-peace inducing meditations before retreating down to the on-site outdoor restaurant for a breakfast of tropical fruits, sweet coconut rice and unlimited green juice. You finish your meal and are escorted up to your first spa treatment of the day, a deeply tranquil massage that transports you to a place of rest and relaxation you never thought existed – is this a dream? Far from it. This is a typical day in the life at Alila Villas Hotels & Resorts. A review of my spa experience is coming soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Relaxology spa package at Alila Villas Soori costs from USD 567 (+21% tax and service charge) per villa per night (minimum stay 3 nights)

The Flight

We flew to Bali on Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific flies daily between London and Bali and four times weekly between Manchester and Bali.  To book flights visit cathaypacific.co.uk

Prices start from:

London – Bali economy = from £819

London – Bali Business = from £3,619

Manchester – Bali Economy = from £789

Manchester – Bali Business = from £3,589

*All flights are correct at time of publication

Words by Zsa Zsa Vella

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