By Beth Weitzman and Misty Milioto
This buzzing beach resort area at the southern end of Bali is one of the hottest destinations on the island, thanks to its trendy nightspots, beach clubs, chic cafes, fine dining establishments, cool boutiques, local market, and art and antiques galleries.
Along a pristine beach on this southwest coast, mere steps from the Indian Ocean, is the sophisticated, vibrant and architecturally stunning Alila Seminyak Bali. Located a mere 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it’s a great starting or end point for any Bali vacation.
The Design
With its clean, crisp lines, Alila Seminyak Bali, is totally Instagram-worthy. Designed by Gaurang Khemka at the award-winning Singapore architectural firm URBNarc, Alila Seminyak Bali offers a distinctive blend of contemporary architecture paired with vertical gardens and wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces. All corridors, lobbies and public spaces are veritable secret gardens ventilated by ocean breezes. In accordance with the rigorous standards of the internationally recognized EarthCheck benchmarking and certification program, Alila Seminyak also features sensitive site planning, use of local building materials and the incorporation of environmental, energy and resource-efficient systems.
The Accommodations
The Dining
The oceanfront Seasalt restaurant is the seafood destination spot within the Seminyak area. The open kitchen and outdoor decks make this a great choice to catch some ocean breezes while enjoying a seafood menu with Japanese flair. Seasalt sources seafood that is wild-caught and sustainably harvested from the waters around Indonesia. Dishes are seasoned with traditional organic Kusamba sea salt from East Bali, and inventive craft cocktails also are impressive, thanks to the sustainable, zero-waste concept behind the bar. Leftover fruit juices, fruit rinds and fruit seeds become ingredients in ocean-inspired creations. Meanwhile, the resort’s Flat Stanley specializes in hand-pulled sourdough pizzas topped with Balinese ingredients. The Beach Bar is a great place to sink into the comfort of a daybed or armchair, while enjoying a thirst-quenching juice, an aperitif or an Alila signature cocktail. For a quick coffee, the chic coffee bar is the spot.
The Spa
Spa Alila is a modern haven offering Asian-inspired treatments, integrated swim pools, a state-of-the-art gym, and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Personal consultations mean that the indulgent spa treatments for face and body—all using handmade products with pure, natural ingredients—are completely tailored to each guest. In addition to customized treatments, the spa offers a range of yoga and meditation classes, plus recommendations on self-care.
The Pool Scene
Alila Seminyak Bali has not one but five infinity swimming pools. Integrated throughout the grounds of the resort, they range from the adults-only pool to the family pool and the ultra-cool Party Pool. Don’t be surprised if you spot sea turtles exploring the beach.
The Leisure Concierge
Turn to the resort’s Leisure Concierge for enriching destination experiences encompassing the local culture, traditions and lifestyle of Seminyak and tailored just for you. Experiences include a ride in the resort’s fully restored vintage 1980 Volkswagen Kombi to discover the West Coast beaches and beach clubs; a scenic bike ride; and uncovering the secrets to the island’s romantic side.
The Nightlife Scene
Seminyak is known for its beach clubs and nightlife. Not to be missed are KuDeTa and Potato Head beach clubs and Bali Cafe Motel Mexicola—the most fun bar in town! For more information visit alilahotels.com
