Every once in a while we all deserve a little luxury and indulgence. It’s nice to take a break from the alarm clock, and busy meeting schedule to just relax, recharge and unwind.
Perched high up on the lush slopes of the Ayung River, is the beautiful Alila Resort in Ubud, Bali. From the moment you enter the grand gates, you are transported to a calming and tranquil oasis.
I chose to stay at Alila as it is EarthCheck Certified. The EarthCheck organization is a sustainable certification and advisory group for the travel and tourism industry. This leading organization with global reach assesses how environmentally friendly a resort is, and provides certification based on a stringent criteria list. EC3 Global has provided over 1000 certifications in over 60 countries. The certification process incorporates annual measurements of operational indicators such as energy, emissions, water, waste, community involvement, paper use, cleaning and pesticide use. Why not be kind to the environment whilst pampering yourself? The EarthCheck spirit is well and truly alive at Alila. Evident in the sustainable materials used, consistent resort operations, and the resort’s respect for the natural landscape.
Your days can easily be filled with wonderful healthy experiences. Starting off the day with Yoga on the lawn overlooking the rainforest valley, was the perfect choice. The open-air studio setting brings another dimension to your practice. Being immersed in nature really allowed me to connect with my practice and find energy.
Breakfast was magnificent and was served in the grand Planation Pavilion. Each day the chef prepares a different feast using only fresh local ingredients. The highlight for me was a delicious Dragon-fruit Smoothie, so bright with colour from natural nutrients, I knew it had to be good for me.
The award-winning infinity pool was the perfect place to catch up on reading in between refreshing dips to cool off. Ranked in the Top 10 Infinity Pools of the World, it is the deserving centre piece.
No stay would be complete without a visit to SPA Alila where their philosophy is Naturally from the Heart. I was treated to an invigorating 90 min Balinese Massage. Tension dissipated, muscle pain eased – I felt light as a feather afterwards.
For those wanting to explore beyond the grounds, the Island’s cultural heart, Ubud is a short 15 minute car trip away. I really enjoyed walking up and down the rice terraces and meeting a few local people. The town centre offers lots of yummy lunch options with plenty of salads, wraps and organic drinks to choose from.
My next stop was the reason I had travelled to Ubud. I had come to visit the much talked about ‘Yoga Barn’. A little tricky to find. It sits on the street behind Coco’s Market, Alaya Hotel, and just behind Siam Sally & Zen Spa. It’s worth the effort!
Check the website timetable before you go so you can choose your class, and make sure you are there 15 minutes ahead. It gets busy! The place is alive and there’s a real buzz in the air. There are numerous studios and my Tuesday afternoon 90min Vinyasa session in the main studio was fully booked. The elevated open-air studio felt like you were suspended between the trees. Carlos our instructor was phenomenal, taking us on a beautiful journey with his singing and chanting. Post session many fellow yogi’s caught up for a chat at the Garden Kafe to recover.
Alila and Ubud are truly delightful places to visit, the only problem was, I had to leave. Fortunately memories last a lifetime and I can return whenever I wish, I just close my eyes and magically I’m there, back in that magical place.
Planning Your Visit?
Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan
Gianyar, Bali 80572
Indonesia
Phone +62 361 975 963
Reservations ubud@alilahotels.com
Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud – Bali 80571
Indonesia
Phone +62361 971 236 OR +62361 971 407
Jalan Raya Pengosekan is down the street from Coco’s Market, Alaya Hotel and just behind Siam Sally & Zen Spa.
Love your planet. Learn more about EarthCheck
Photo Credits: All Images Courtesy of Ali Johnston
Have you ever experienced the magic of Bali?
