Alila Villas Uluwatu

"The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, has become an icon for contemporary Bali. This Indonesian island is less about the beaches, more about the balés—sure, you can find tempting stretches of sand, but you couldn’t do better than settling into a cabana by the infinity pool here to enjoy those Indian Ocean panoramas. And if you do need to dip your feet into the sea, it’s only 600 steps down the cliff-hugging stairway to get to it. Spacious stand-alone suites have inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which open out to private pools. Bathroom are outfitted with a large tub, his-and-hers toiletries, and all the amenities you could dream of. Service here is inspired; at check-in, you'll be asked whether you’d like it invisible or extra-attentive—categorized into "private," "discreet," or "indulgent." Your private butler is a tablet click away." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman

"Its 65 sleek pool villas sit atop limestone cliffs facing southern Bali’s legendary waves. Here you can get an aquamarine seaweed-infused gin cocktail at a bar that juts out over the Indian Ocean." - Kathryn Romeyn

"Tell us about your first impressions as you arrive.The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, has become an icon for contemporary Bali. This Indonesian island is less about the beaches, more about the balés—sure, you can find tempting stretches of sand, but you couldn’t do better than settling into a cabana by the infinity pool here to enjoy those Indian Ocean panoramas. And if you do need to dip your feet into the sea, it’s only 600 steps down the cliff-hugging stairway to get to it. Is the hotel part of a familiar brand?Alila is a fast-growing chain, and this hotel shows it at its best. We loved the award-winning architecture and staggering sea views, as well as the impressive filtration and bottling system that keep the property plastic-free. Got it. So what about the rooms—what can we expect from the villas?Spacious stand-alone suites have inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which open out to private pools. Bathroom are outfitted with a large tub, his-and-hers toiletries, and all the amenities you could dream of. Service here is inspired; at check-in, you'll be asked whether you’d like it invisible or extra-attentive—categorized into "private," "discreet," or "indulgent." Your private butler stands but a tablet-click away. What are the highlights among the food options?Indonesian flavors take center stage at the Warung restaurant; Cire, by the pool, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. For a 10-surprise-course fine-dining experience, visit Quila. Lovely. The whole thing sounds pretty relaxing, but you know what could make it even more so? A spa day.Alila is never a slouch in the spa department, and here, just as you might expect from a hotel brand where the name translates from Sanskrit into “surprise," the property gives eons-old Asian wellness techniques a fresh spin. There's a spa with a steam room and hammam. Who else do you see here?Lots of honeymooners and Instagram husbands. Zoom out a bit. What's the surrounding area like?Uluwatu is a surfers' paradise, and most places around here appeal to backpacker-types. The two exceptions are Single Fin, founded by a pro surfer, and Ulu Cliffhouse, an upmarket beach club for bon vivants. Is there anything you'd change?We'd happily do without the guests posting for Instagram photos. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Come for the sleek architecture and stunning setting." - Juliet Kinsman

"The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff, has become an icon for contemporary Bali. This Indonesian island is less about the beaches, more about the balés—sure, you can find tempting stretches of sand, but you couldn’t do better than settling into a cabana by the infinity pool here to enjoy those Indian Ocean panoramas. And if you do need to dip your feet into the sea, it’s only 600 steps down the cliff-hugging stairway to get to it. Spacious stand-alone suites have inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which open out to private pools. Bathroom are outfitted with a large tub, his-and-hers toiletries, and all the amenities you could dream of. Service here is inspired; at check-in, you'll be asked whether you’d like it invisible or extra-attentive—categorized into 'private,' 'discreet,' or 'indulgent.' Your private butler is a tablet click away."

"Alila Villas Uluwatu is an ocean lover’s dream: Its 65 pool villas sit atop limestone cliffs facing southern Bali’s legendary waves. Here, you can get an aquamarine seaweed-infused gin cocktail at a bar that juts out over the Indian Ocean. The EarthCheck-certified property’s chic design by Singapore-based architecture practice WOHA used only Indonesian materials to minimize its footprint. Lava rocks from Bali’s Mount Batur top flat bamboo-lined roofs to absorb heat and minimize electricity usage, while the 36-acre property reintroduced native plants including gamal trees (their roots are used for sculpture), with self-sufficiency as the goal." - Kathryn Romeyn