One of Bali’s most picturesque resorts is also among its greenest. Overlooking the Indian Ocean from a cliff-side perch on the Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu was designed and built according to the guidelines of Earth Check, the global- sustainability benchmark. Singapore-based WOHA Architects used only locally sourced and sustainable materials in the construction of the property, whose 65 villas are spread across 14.4 hectares of a limestone plateau landscaped with foliage native to the arid environment of the Bukit.
Most of the minimalist stone-clad buildings feature natural ventilation and flat rooftops covered in lava rocks, a flourish that keeps the rooms below them cooler while accentuating the resort’s low-key aesthetic. Not that any of this means guests have to sacrifice an ounce of comfort. Each villa comes with its own private pool and cabana; inside, locally sourced artwork, plush Ploh bed linens, and spacious bathrooms adorned with Balinese stone carvings are complimented by bamboo ceilings and his-and-hers organic bath amenities.
Dedicated butlers are also on hand, giving guests a choice of “private,” “discreet,” or “indulgent” levels of service. And though the regular one-bedroom villas are quite spacious at 290 square meters, those in need of more room can book one of the three-bedroom units, which weigh in at either 2,000 or 3,000 square meters.
While a wild stretch of beach sits at the bottom of a cliff-hugging set of 600 steps, most guests will be content to watch the surf from the Sunset Cabana Bar, a cantilevered pavilion of slatted wood that juts out high above the crashing waves. It’s a magical spot for sundowners and small bites. More substantial fare can be found at The Warung, which serves Indonesian and Balinese dishes, and CIRE, a poolside restaurant with a menu of gourmet comfort food from across Asia and the Mediterranean. The suave indoor bar Batique Whiskey & Cigar, meanwhile, lays claim to one of the most extensive collections of single malts in Bali.
The spa here is also a treat, with a gamut of Asian therapies and massages that include Balinese lulur body scrubs, herbal compresses, and shirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic treatment combining a four-hand massage with the healing power of warm medicated oil for deep relaxation. For something more active, the resort offers a roster of curated experiences called Journeys by Alila that range from surfing lessons to cycling excursions.
Guests can also learn about Alila Villas Uluwatu’s wide-ranging green initiatives, which are at the forefront of regenerative tourism in Bali. Apart from a no-plastics policy and an on-site water purification plant, there’s the Sustainability Lab, where all waste produced on the property is transformed into higher value products and services. You don’t have to be an eco-enthusiast to be impressed.