Italian design meets Balinese materials, cliffside villas, ocean views
Banjar Dinas Kangin, Jl. Goa Lempeh Uluwatu Bali, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia Get directions
"A clifftop luxury resort featuring secluded villas with private plunge pools and an on-site temple where guests can partake in traditional purification ceremonies such as Melukat while enjoying high-end amenities and dramatic ocean views." - Lisa Ritchie Lisa Ritchie A dual American and British citizen, Lisa Ritchie is a writer and editor based in New York City. She has written for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, from websites and glossy magazines to national newspapers and travel guides. learn more
"Bali isn’t short on sprawling, sumptuous resorts, but not everywhere has its own open landing space or butlers who can arrange a spiritual cleansing with a local priest under a magnificent statue of Ganesh. The Bvlgari Resort Bali isn’t just any hotel, however. The resort faces a vast expanse of Indian Ocean, with all 59 pool villas sharing the same glorious sea views. Ranging from spacious one-bedrooms with outdoor living rooms to gargantuan five-bedroom mansions with multiple swimming pools, all are sultry cocoons with oversized beds and either showpiece black basalt bathrooms or mosaic marble bathtubs. At night, guests dress up for tasting menus at Il Ristorante by Luca Fantin: tagliolini with Kintamani vanilla butter and caviar, wild snapper with potato spaghetti, Bedugul raspberry crème brûlée. Other sweet spots include the crag-top infinity pool and the beautiful spa, the perfect spot to lie back and count your many blessings. From $2,000. —Lee Cobaj" - CNT Editors
"Teetering on a cliff on Bali's rugged southern tip, Bulgari Bali is as splendid as you could expect from a brand known for its diamonds and gold. But that's not to say the look is all-out-opulent: the hotel's 59 villas, each with a plunge pool and gardens frothing with bougainvillea, tastefully blend sharp Italian design with Indonesian materials such as mossy volcanic rock, Javanese mahogany, and kaleidoscopic ikat weavings. It's all laid out like one of those small Italian cliffside villages, with cobblestoned pathways connecting the villas to the restaurants—chef Luca Fantin's fine Italian Il Ristorante, and international all-day diner Sangkar—spa, and frangipani-fringed infinity pool. There's even a wedding chapel, and, of course, a Bulgari boutique selling exclusive silks and swimwear. Down at sea level, the rocky beach (accessible via a hair-raising steep Inclinator) is a lovely spot to spend a few hours on the mattress-thick daybeds. Apart from the stunning Uluwatu temple, a 20-minute drive away, there isn't a whole lot to see or do in the area—but considering the hotel's hefty price tag, you might as well make every minute count." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman
"Bulgari Resort Bali offers a non-alcoholic minibar selection including organic Kombucha, Red Bull, San Pellegrino sodas, sparkling water, pink Himalayan salt chips, and protein bars. Alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer are available at cost."
"A sophisticated cliff-top property that marries Italian refinement with Balinese materials and craftsmanship: hand-hewn volcanic rock, Javanese mahogany, carved antiques and locally made textiles inform 58 pool villas set 525 feet above the sea. The culinary program pairs Indonesian and coastal Italian tasting experiences, daily temple rituals and blessing ceremonies create a spiritual touch, and exclusive guest perks include a private elevator to a cliffside beach club, sunset cocktails at a signature bar, and a spa offering treatments inspired by Balinese royalty." - Kathryn Romeyn
