Alila Villas Uluwatu
Uluwatu, Bali

Alila Villas Uluwatu is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Romantic Retreats and Top 10 Venues for a Wedding or Party

Suave and sophisticated, this exhilarating and cutting-edge hotel will take your breath away.

Surrounded by savannah-like bush and poised on the rugged limestone cliffs of Uluwatu with dramatic views over the ocean, one can't help but feel that that this is where heaven and earth meet. The hotel's light and airy design is simultaneously retro and futuristic. The straight lines and floating walls and roofs of the airy pavilions share the beauty and purity of design of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion, whilst the sculptural cube teak gazebos have an almost extra-terrestrial quality.

Accommodation comes in the form of one and three-bedroom villas, all with private pools and are incredibly spacious and private. Entry-level ocean-facing suites are currently in construction. Every comfort has been thought of: the villas all have their own pools and oversized days beds both inside and out; there are personal poolside hampers filled with everything you could ever need and personal butlers who will take care of your every whim.

Whilst here make sure you indulge all your senses - savour the culinary delights of the signature fine-dining and traditional warung-style restaurants, marvel at the spectacular cliff top pool and bar and surrender to the pleasures of the glorious Spa Alila. Located on a clifftop plateau along the southern coastline of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu is just 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International airport, 15 minutes from Jimbaran Bay, and close by to the renowned Uluwatu Temple.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson