DRIFT Travel Dec 2016

From Seminyak, I traveled south
along jungle-lined ancient roads to the
expansive property of Alila Uluwatu.
Perched high above the cliffs on the
edge of the Indian Ocean, the opulence
of this remote location is obvious at
first glance. Architecturally, the resort
seamlessly blends the dramatic natural
landscape with a contemporary woodslatted
design. Upon arrival, I asked a
porter why the winding paths to the
villas were unusually arranged. He told
me that it was of utmost importance to
work around the preexisting flora and
fauna during the building process,
which relied on locally sourced,
recycled, and sustainable materials.
in sight. As I slowly make my way
back to my villa for the final time,
I am in awe of how effortless this
experience has been. The Alila brand
has created sanctuaries for travelers
who expect natural luxury in beautiful
surroundings. There is nowhere else
I would rather be, and I’m certain I’ll
return again.
The villas are light-filled, spacious, and
supremely private, with larger-thanaverage
plunge pools and day beds.
Curated gardens are lush with tropical
plants. The walk from my villa to
breakfast at Cire, one of two in-house
fine dining restaurants, made me feel
as though I was within the grounds of
a private estate. The morning market
menu is filled with local, nutritious
ingredients, which are served poolside
under palm trees overlooking the
incredible view. The main pool is a
prime location to lounge, and there are
plenty of private areas to do so. It truly
feels as though you’re swimming high
above the ocean within the clouds.
Post-pool, I enjoyed a traditional
Balinese massage with essential oils
and ancient healing techniques at
the Alila spa. Their holistic approach
to relaxation is unparalleled and my
spa experience was calming for both
body and mind. For those who prefer
to explore, the famed Uluwatu temple
is only a 15-minute drive from the
resort. Be sure to stay into the evening
to catch the Kecak fire dance at sunset.
At night, the walkways are softly lit,
the air is fragrant with the sweet smell
of frangipani, and there isn’t a soul
TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 51