While nestled high up on the edge of the verdant Ayung River Valley in the central foothills of Bali, Indonesia, Alila Ubud is only 15 minutes from the centre of Ubud—the cultural and traditional heart of Bali. This secluded hillside retreat combines all the joys of a peaceful getaway with the opportunity to explore Bali’s nature, culture and art first hand through the resort’s unique collection of Alila Experiences.
I actually can’t find the words to describe this place as perfect doesn’t even cut it! We upgraded to a pool villa from a one bedroom once there as we wanted a little more privacy and this did not disappoint! The staff were wonderful and literally I could not thank them enough!
—Aston88, August 2017, Tripadvisor
Balinese Lifestyle
Terraced rice fields (Credit/Flickr)
The Balinese Lifestyle experience offers a memorable journey into the heart of Bali, taking in magical views of the Tegallalang rice terraces, the purifying holy water spring of Tirta Empul, and the famous Mount Batur in Kintamani. Here, you can bask in the fresh highland air while looking across Lake Batur, Bali’s largest lake, and its bubbling hot springs. Indonesian cuisine is a medley of fresh herbs and spices, such as tamarind, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, candlenuts and galangal. En route, stop by local markets to immerse yourself in Indonesia’s aromatic world of spices, coffee and tea.
Coffee farmers harvest civet droppings to make the super expensive Luwak coffee (Credit/Catpoopcoffee Inc.)
Fancy civet cat coffee? The world’s most expensive coffee is the result of civet cats gobbling ripe coffee cherries. Coffee farmers then harvest civet droppings to make the extravagant Luwak coffee from the delicately fermented beans, which leads to its unique flavour. Maybe you’ll get lucky (or not).
Gentle Trail
The Gentle Trail suits cyclists of all levels (Credit/Alila Ubud)
Want to explore off the beaten path? The Gentle Trail bike tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists alike. Ride through the countryside, surrounded by lush rice terraces that abound in this region as you meander past Balinese temples and local family compounds. Visit the traditional Payangan market, where you can buy local spices and fresh fruit.
For a more challenging route, you could attempt the Mount Agung (“Great Mountain”) summit, more than 3,000 metres above sea level. Mount Agung is an active volcano and the highest peak on Bali, with an average gradient incline of 12 per cent. Stick with Gentle Trail for a more relaxing pedal!
Local Silversmith Art Workshop
The Balinese are highly skilled silversmiths and the style is unique (Credit/Amazon)
For jewellery lovers, the Local Silversmith Art Workshop is a must-try. You’ll not only design and make your own original piece of silver jewellery, but also visit a local silversmith factory to see the traditional handmade Balinese jewellery-making process. This workshop is a great way to experience one of Ubud’s renowned artisan crafts.
Other Alila Ubud Experiences include the Rainforest Retreat Spa in the resort’s bale bengong (Balinese thatched roof structure), private “laughter” yoga lessons, a tour of Balinese architecture, and open-air jungle safaris. There’s something for everyone: culture, relaxation and traditional arts with a splash of Indonesian adventure for good measure.
And now for something deliciously new…
Cabana Lounge features al fresco dining and music (Credit/Original Travel)
Rainforest Blues
Beginning this August at the Cabana Lounge, join us for Rainforest Blues—an enchanted evening offering up a cool mix of food and music. Feast your senses on a luscious four-course fusion of pan-Asian cuisine and fine blues and jazz music performed by the Cool Tones, overlooking Alila Ubud’s award-winning infinity pool.
When: September 12 & 19, 2017
Price: 450,000++ per person (US $34)
For more information on the Alila Experiences and Rainforest Blues, visit:
www.alilamoments.com/ubud/why-ubud/
www.alilamoments.com/ubud/happening
Written By: Adriane Rysz