If you are looking for a decadent escape from it all, then look no farther than the stunning, breathtaking 5-star Alila Ubud Hotel.  In my 2 months travelling around Bali I have to say that the Valley Villa I stayed in was by far my #1 favourite villa because of the view, the bath, and the fact that it was built so far removed from any other building that it felt like an absolute escape from the world.  You’ll see what I mean when you watch the video or flip through the photos!

Why You’ll Love Alila Ubud

• If you’re a big foodie, the culinary experiences at Alila Ubud will really knock your socks off
• There are hundreds of sweet monkeys running around the property
• The cooking class is a perfect (mouth-watering) activity for couples, families, or anyone looking to learn the secrets of preparing Indonesian food
• Spending half a day in the Lotus outdoor spa room will recharge you and leave a lasting memory you’ll carry with you for ages
• The mountain bike and walking trails allow you to explore local village life and nature in a whole new way

Cliffside Valley Villa

Although Alila Ubud also has 56 lovely rooms with panoramic valley views, I highly recommend the gorgeous villas.  Not only was my Valley Villa experience something I cherished the three days I called it home but it’s turned out to be one of my strongest memories from my two months in Bali.  There’s something about being perched above the Ayung River Valley and feeling totally removed from everything in life that helps to rejuvenate the soul.  At least it did for me.  The views of the lush rainforest canopy from bed and the sound of a waterfall during my bubble baths are just two of my favourite villa features!

Fabulous for Foodies

Alila Ubud is presided over by executive chef Erwan Adri Widiajaya, whose credentials include some of the world’s top hotel brands. Java born, Erwan trained mostly in Bali … from his Mom!  After his first job in the kitchen, he pushed himself to learn the basic skills from Dutch, Australian, Scottish, British, Malaysian and other chefs and then honed his craft. Western and French cuisine are his favourite and they undoubtedly influence the dishes at Alila.

Plantation Restaurant Recommendations

• Scallop – this pretty little dish is quite inventive, with pink tapioca in herb crème fraiche dancing together with salmon caviar. It’s delicate and hearty at the same time.
• Crab – one of my favourite dishes of the trip! Crab rolls are served with a delicious bloody mary sorbet, watermelon, avocado and cucumber jelly. Don’t miss it!
• Beef – 180 grams of tender pan-roasted Black Angus tenderloin. Served with the tastiest caramelised onion sauce and a wasabi mayonnaise.
• Duck –  two tender breast pieces with truffled taro, dried fruit curry sauce and crispy leeks. I don’t normally like duck but this was really special and truly tender…
• Chocolate soufflé – a must try dessert! Served in a lovely teacup, this soufflé has a light, marshmallow-like texture and a warm, rich, chocolaty flavour. It comes with homemade stracciatella and ginger ice cream.

Cabana Restaurant & Lounge Recommendations

• Watermelon & Feta
• Tomatoes (an Asian-inspired dish)
• Greek Salad
• Lemongrass & Vanilla Martini – OMG soooooo good! They use fresh vanilla so each sip has a bit of vanilla bean infused into this vodka treasure
• Rujak Cocktail – ask for it with a bit more spice and it is absolutely to-die-for! Vodka is muddled with lemongrass and red chillies and then mixed with tamarind syrup, passion fruit, cucumber, mango, and kaffir lime leaves.   Yum yum!
• Hibiscus Petal – this lovely pink cocktail is made with mint, lime, hibiscus flowers and vodka. Refreshing and fruity, perfect for a warm Balinese afternoon

The Spa

I only spent a couple of hours at the spa but the Lotus room is so magical that those two hours were some of my favourite spa moments from my entire trip.

Trained in anatomical physiology, massage, meditation and service, the local therapists of the Alila Ubud spa resort combine the latest organic nutrition and health knowledge with the most essential element – warm, genuine care that flows from the heart.

Start planning your treatments by downloading their spa menu HERE.

Cooking Class

I have taken several cooking classes in Ubud and Seminyak and the Introduction to Balinese Cuisine class at Alila was by far the best of them all for its originality, value for money, and for the location.  They even provide a wonderful recipe booklet at the end of the class (which I forgot to collect during my stay but they are kindly forwarding on to me so I will share pics of it soon)!

• The day starts at 7am over coffee and breakfast with the chef
• A short drive into a small village comes next, to shop in the market and learn about local herbs and produce
• Then it’s back to Alila and up a ladder to the organic vegetable garden, the location of the Alila Cooking School
• There you’ll put on an apron (a gift from the team to keep), roll up your sleeves and cook your way through six courses … having an absolute blast along the way!

Connect … and Final Thoughts

Honestly, I thought I’d miss not having a private pool but I didn’t think twice about it after settling into my villa.  I highly recommend a stay at Alila Ubud, especially if you need an escape and want to indulge on some of the best food in Ubud.

Ohhhh….and for a daily dose of travel inspiration, follow Alila Ubud on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website.

XOXO,
Angela

© 2016, Angela Carson and LuxuryBucketList.com. All rights reserved. Do not copy and reproduce text or images without permission.