Bali.. Ultimate 2011 Destination

After the bombings a few years ago, Bali’s tourism slumped. No longer.

Bali is Back… and hotter than ever. Whatever your dream holiday is… Bali has it covered. Shopping, Bars, Restaurants, Yoga, Meditation, Spas, Tea houses and did I mention shopping?

Luxury accommodation is no longer a pipeline dream. Aspiration travel is now attainable.. & I’ve got a few recommendations to share with you.. Book your tickets now.

Just like Loreal says “You’re worth worth it!”

Dream destination for 2011: Princess with a Backpack Adores….

Alila Resorts, Bali

3 very different resorts, one name. Alila Resorts & Hotels exemplifies quality and style. Asprational luxury travel, that is now available for you to experience, and most importantly, fit for any Princess.

The word “Alila” means ‘Surprise’, or as the Alila team prefer “Surprisingly Different”. See what they are talking about and why these resorts live up to their name.

Alila Manggis

Manggis, situated deep in the lush greenery of east Bali, presents a hideaway from modern day hustle and bustle of the busier areas of the ‘Islands of the Gods’. One of Bali’s best kept secrets, Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali, set amidst a coconut grove, the resort is nestled between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain.Designed by Australian Architects, Hill, Manggis is luxurious without being ostentations or pretentious. Designed to feel like a large luxurious abode, centered by a generous & luxurious pool, you can’t help but make yourself at home. All rooms and suites face the ocean with clear views across the straits to Nusa Pendida. A contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese architecture is artfully combined with modern amenities to create a relaxed environment in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Perfect not only for relaxation, but also a cultural insight into true Balinese lifestyle, Manggis offers fantastic organized and customized day-packages ,which are designed to integrate traditional cultural and natural guest experiences.  Each package is designed specifically for what the guest is aiming to get out of their time in Bali. From visits to traditional markets (without a tourist insight), to traditional Balinese cooking classes with the Head Chef and wonderful treks through rice paddies, followed by leisurely lunches. Alila Manggis opened the first cooking school in Bali and has the only East Balinese specialty programme on the island.

Also make sure you request a dive at the Blue Lagoon, a reef just 15 minutes away. You’ll come face-to-face with scorpion fish, turtles and white-tip sharks. Simply stunning. Make the most out of your time in Bali, and visit the more ‘untouched’ east Bali.. you’ll really feel like you’re a world away.

Alila Ubud

‘Ubud’ otherwise known in Indonesian as the word ‘medicine’ delivers exactly that. Ubud is so magical, its like medicine for the soul.

The luxurious, yet still traditional design of Alila Ubud is ideally located in the heart of the valley of the Ayung River. Positioned on a mythical and magical hill, which houses the village of Hill Payangan, Alila Ubud is only five kilometers from town centre.  Ubud, a city in the centre of the island and an ideal location for a resort, just isolated enough, in lush greenery, overlooking Balinese jungle.

One can’t help but feel a deep appreciation, for the wonders of the lush green Balinese landscape that envelops the resort. The sound of the trees, wildlife and chants from ancient priests practicing for ancient Balinese traditions and festivals is unmistakably Bali – there’s no other place like it.

The luxurious resort has been designed to ‘melt’ into its background, which places complete focus on the natural beauty of the area. In this hotel on the hillside, the lucky ones enjoy the luxury of beautiful rooms, a restaurant in the Balinese cuisine to die for… and so many other venues for relaxation and meditation.

The central infinity pool is simply breathtaking as it ‘falls’ into the background of the lush jungle and welcomes all to spend time, real time, just to stop and relax. When architecture can create a mood, you know it has achieved success.

At Spa Alila Ubud, they offer a wide range of traditional massages, mani-pedis, and facial treatments – which we love! They even have their own range of gorgeous his and her products, which are locally made, yet very stylishly packaged. This is one part of staying at a luxury resort that just cant be missed. Induldge in an hour long Balinese massage, and let the stress of home become a distant memory. This is pampering – princess style.

Alila Uluwatu.

Designed by award winning Architects, WOHA, Alila Uluwatu is in a league of its own. Completely different to Alila Ubud, which focuses purely on the view of the lush natural landscape, Uluwatu is designed so spectacularly, that the breathtaking ocean view is almost by the by.

Alila Uluwatu is positioned on an elevated plateau along the southern coastline of Bali. This location sees limestone cliffs sweeping down to the ocean, which provides each villa with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.

Modern and Balinese inspired, each villa is designed to follow an environmentally sustainable design – a first for any resort that has obtained the Green Globe “Building planning & Design standard” – pretty impressive.

The palette of materials utilized includes black lava rock, white stone, wood and rattan. These natural and simple elements work harmoniously to create the completely luxurious individual villas and stunning grounds for the resort.

This is complete indulgence at its best. Each of the 84 villas is equipped with its own plunge pool, cabana, state of the art sound system, digital lighting control, indoor and outdoor shower, all designed to accommodate even the fussiest Princess (and her Prince). With his and her beauty products supplied in the bathroom, his and her bookmarks and slippers laid out next to the bed, Alila Uluwatu has thought of it all.