THE BEST OF BALI

By Caroline Usher

Bali continues to dazzle and transform itself while maintaining its core ritualistic Hindu mindset in an otherwise Muslim country. We’ve been there over the course of time to witness the change and growth. Yet regardless of the new developments cropping up all over the place, there continues to be an unpretentious allure that gives many who grace its shores a truly special and magically rejuvenating experience.

There is so much going on that we will continue to add to our Bali guide so you have the most up to date information available before booking future escapes. Bali is the ultimate Asian playground destination for your time out, so let us take you on the inside to find out how to get your 'Bali High'. We all need to rest our weary heads at the end of a night out on the prowl, so let us begin with where to stay.

HOTELS IN BALI

TUGU

This boutique hotel group offers superiorly unique accommodation on Bali. Tugu Bali is set amongst eye catching antiquities that tell ancient stories in luscious settings by the ocean. Opulently designed interiors include an Art Deco suite, a 300 year Kang Xi temple, artisan baths and teak wood flooring. The ambience Tugu provides will ensure you are encapsulated into a romantic whirlwind of pleasure.

There are 21 suites and a standalone villa. The Dedari and Rejang suites create a stylistic and colourful ambience enhancing the surrounding living environment. Dedari suites have open aired bathrooms and plunge pools whereas Rejang suites boast sunken silver beaten baths and a spectacular view over the Indian Ocean. All suites have oversized Alice in Wonderland style beds where rose petals are sprinkled atop every evening, so you can melt into the folds of quality crisp linen with the softness of the surrounding petals – pure luxury. The Javanese art deco Kampong suite has adjoining rooms over 150 square meters, whereas the Walter Spies pavilion offers an outdoor bath, plunge pool, private garden and outdoor dining. The grandest choice is the Puri Le Mayeur villa, which has its own sundeck, pool and the varying warm red tones found inside include a sumptuous red canopied dining room – perfect for lovers.

Tugu presents beautifully crafted Indonesian cuisine with a Chinese influence you will find refreshingly different. You and your friends, lovers, other halves or naughty weekender shag buddies can dine like kings and queens every night in any of the 11 sumptuously decorated themed banquet rooms and outdoor settings - be rest assured the service is attentive yet discreet. If you are in a larger group, choose an army battalion in traditional costume to serve you a feast or be entertained by traditional Balinese dancers while you enjoy a torch lit barbeque, or just lounge out with a picnic in bed. Regardless of what you choose, Tugu’s 101 themes will satiate your desire for luxury dining.

Tugu uses a combination of 1001 spices, herbs and flowers in the various luxurious treatments on offer. Try the soulful mantra spa package whereby a sacred mantra is chanted while specially blended oils are rubbed into your body and massaged in a way that allows your soul to drift off in harmony, along with the sound of the rolling waves across the shoreline – a truly heavenly experience. There are 6 separate spa facilities and a Waroeng that serves cleansing herbal drinks and tonics. Whatever you want and however you want to have your time played out, the staff at this unique boutique hotel will do their best to ensure you leave spellbound.


Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Beach, Bali
T +62 (0)361 731 701,
+62 (0)8786 1838 680 
www.tuguhotels.com

AYANA

Ayana formerly the Ritz Carlton - until a recent management change initiated by the owners, is a splendidly appointed cliff and ocean facing property spanning over 77 hectares along the Southwest coastline on Jimbaran hill. Ayana was named after a Sanskrit word meaning ‘place of refuge’ and after immersing ourselves in the folds of impeccable service and consuming vistas we tend to agree that it is indeed the place of refuge.

This super luxe hotel boasts two stylishly appointed sea view wedding chapels, 2 spas built on top of free standing rocks, offering the most private and luxurious spa treatments on the coast and the Thermes Marins Spa is home to Asia’s only aquatonic seawater therapy pool. We recommend the Mellow Wine Therapy package consisting of juicy grape blended oils massaged into your body, followed by a grape infused body mask with a rich dark grape cocoa aroma, a detoxifying facial and a warm frangipani and rose petal bath served with a glass of wine. This indulgent treatment leaves your skin soft and supple long after the treatment is over. The products used are from Japan and are not available retail anywhere, which further enhances the level of exclusiveness Ayana retains.

There are 12 dining and lounge options offering Japanese, Thai and Asian-fusion cuisine, plus the fine dining restaurant Dava (Sanskrit for water) where American Chef William Gumport uses the finest and freshest ingredients available, to create uncomplicated yet elegantly tasteful daily degustation menus that can be paired with or without wine. Before or after you finish at DAVA slink into the Martini bar where you will stumble upon a decadently comprehensive menu designed by 30 year career Maestro Lavel Lim-Ho, who has served celebs such as Prince Rainer & Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, Liza Minelli, Shirley Maclean, Clint Eastwood and Albert Broccoli – the famed James Bond creator.

The property boasts 5 swimming pools, a private beach and a variety of accommodation packages that are well priced for such refinement. The magnificent sunsets experienced here can be witnessed along an uninterrupted stretch of limestone cliff frontage or in the freshest and most uber cool bar on Bali island “Rock Bar”. This hotel is definitely moving with the times and is a must to stay in or at the very least a day visit to the spa, lunch and sunset served up at Rock Bar – in that order.

A Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran
+62 (0) 361 702 222
www.ayanaresort.com

SENTOSA

Sentosa is peaceful chic in the heart of Seminyak. This 38 luxe villa hotel is the perfect hideaway yet so close to everything around the Jl. Oberoi and Jl. Petitenget areas of Seminyak and a short stroll down to the beach. A massive foyer where you are greeted by smiling staff sashays down to a waterfall, cascading into an inviting swimming pool with a surrounding chill out lounge zone and a spacious dining area tucked in at the back. The bar is an impressive size and there will soon be an additional floating bar to give lazy loungers a more intimate service experience by the common pool. Chill out music is played all day and dj’s play evening sets enticing you to hang out and just go with the flow. All villas have private pools, so the common pool is an added bonus if you feel like being sociable.

Massages can be arranged in your villa as well as visits to the Luxe Spa. Decleor and Sothys are two beauty products used and Sentosa offers a great range of body scrubs, massage and colonic hydrotherapy - all at very reasonable prices. If you feel like working out, there is a gym fitted out with the latest equipment.

Sentosa also has a reputation for hosting fabulous parties and the space is perfect to do just that. This hotel is going to be party central during Chinese New Year 2010 and we will happily update you with what is in store closer to the time.

Jl. Pura Talaga Waja, Petitenget, Seminyak
+62 (0)361 730 333
www.balisentosa.com

ROCK AND REEF

Where would we be if we didn’t mention Rock and Reef? This special hideaway SECRET on the Bukit peninsula is in between Padang Padang and Bingin Beach. If you want somewhere to get right away from everything and everyone then this is the place for you. There is a considerable walk down the cliff stairs into the property so once you make it down, the only time you will want to walk up again is when you leave. The sunsets are primal due to the surrounding natural beauty, and the incredibly buff eye candy surfing the waves is an added treat for the ladies. The only thing that separates you from the ocean is the rocks that Rock and Reef is built upon. Bookings essential and prices are in Euros. The lovely owners Bruno & Made will contact you via email with availability.

Near Padang Padang Beach
(See Website for directions)
+62 (0)81 337 263 802
www.rock-n-reef.com