Alila Ubud

Alila Ubud is a tranquil and secluded hillside retreat that sits high up on the edge of the rich green Ayung River valley in Bali’s central foothills. The property is located around 20 minutes' drive from Ubud (the hotel provides a shuttle), the island’s cultural heart. Blending contemporary design and traditional Balinese architecture, the secluded courtyards, spacious terraces and private gardens create an intimate feeling.

Located high above the Ayung River, Alila Ubud has been laid out as a Balinese hillside village complete with its own community centre and pedestrian lanes. The resort's rooms and villas stand above a ravine on stilts like tree houses and are set into the banks of the river valley. The world-renowned architectural firm Kerry Hill Architects makes use of traditional Balinese design, but transforming it into modern geometry. Smooth plaster walls and concrete meet thatched roofs; terrazzo tiles meet gravel or crushed rock; wood meets glass.

In front and at the bottom of a spreading flight of steps against tapering columns of river pebbles, the infinity edge pool area is the hotel's grandest space. Moving from the pool bar into the cool depths, the water's surface seems to flow endlessly through the terraced jungle and reach up to the sky. The dramatic emerald-green swimming pool is perched on a terrace and appears to float above the plunging Ayung River valley below. The pool is surrounded by stone-tiled sun decks that feature comfortable sun-beds with attractive Balinese umbrellas.

Spa Alila comprises one double deluxe Spa Villa, a double Spa Pavilion, a double Spa Suite, a dedicated Massage Suite, two single Spa Suites, a Manicure and Pedicure Salon and Spa Reception. The Spa Pavilion and Suites feature open-air treatment areas and bathrooms with waterfall showers, while the Suite offers air-conditioned comfort.

Towering coconut pillars and a traditional thatched roof lend a bright and open feel to the brasserie-style Plantation Restaurant. The Executive Chef artfully prepares Balinese and healthy natural cuisine as well as some of the finest international dishes available anywhere. Soaring views are a feature of the welcoming bar. The atmospheric cabana serving Asian specialities overlooks the dramatic emerald-green pool that floats above the plunging valley.

The resort's 56 rooms are housed in 14 two-storey blocks designed to resemble a Balinese village. All rooms have panoramic views of the magical Ayung River and surrounding volcanoes. The Deluxe rooms on the ground floor feature individual garden terraces and a back courtyard with an open-air bathroom and shower. The Superior rooms on the upper floor feature a private balcony and a daybed where you can chill out, read a book or just daydream while enjoying the unobstructed views.

There are also eight villas. Four superb Valley Villas offer a spacious walk-around deck and are perched over the valley affording spectacular views of the Ayung River. The four new and luxuriously spacious Pool Villas offer a complete retreat experience with a private pool bordered by landscaped gardens, an open-air bathtub surrounded by a lotus pond, LCD TV and entertainment system, and the exclusive privilege of personalised leisure concierge services and in-villa dining and spa treatments.

Enjoy new bedscapes from 'Ploh' in fresh white down comforters and soft high thread count bed sheets and plump pillows. Apple iPods are now available in the resort's deluxe rooms and Villas. Guests can also upload their choice of music at the library. Just plug it in, pop in your iPod and play.

OUR RATING: First Class