Why honeymoon here?
As the surfer’s paradise of the island, Uluwatu is engulfed by pristine waters and paradisal sands. It offers a breathtaking twist on Bali’s typical glistening beaches. Uluwatu (literally meaning “head of the rock”) is actually located high above the picturesque surf atop sheer rock faces, making for some dramatic views, and even better once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon snapshots.
Romantic Dining
With its soaring location, it is no surprise that Uluwatu’s most romantic restaurants teeter along the edges of the magnificent limestone cliffs. Perched high on Bali’s southernmost cliff, is Ju-Ma-Na (banyantree.com; Jalan Melasti, Banjar Kelod, Ungasan; +62 361 300 7000), the signature restaurant at Banyan Tree Ungasan, which serves up a gourmet feast of delectable fresh seafood with an Asian twist. The chefs at Ju-Ma-Na pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients, and you can see them at work through a display kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. Ju-Ma-Na is a unique addition to Bali’s culinary scene, with its novel cuisine, impeccable service and dramatic views of the ocean.
Set slightly aback from the jaw-dropping cliff edge is Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali’s award-winning Il Ristorante (Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin – Uluwatu; + 62 361 8471000). Declared the “Best Hotel Restaurant In The World” by the International Food & Beverage Forum, Chef Maurizio Bombini specializes in creative reinterpretations of classic Italian dishes, with quality ingredients imported from Italy combined with local organic produce. Don’t miss the colourful tuna loin signature dish, decorated with Taggiasca olive tapenade and finished with quail eggs, tomato, basil and pepper cream. Served beside the ornamental lake in the open-air bale style structure, the elegant atmosphere will take your breath away.
His and Hers Spa Treatment
Describing the view from the Karma Spa (karmakandara.com/karma-spa; Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan; +62 361 848 2200) at Karma Kandara just does not do it justice. The side-by-side massage beds face directly out on the ocean; two spa huts suspended on the cliff face like heavenly sanctuaries in the sky. The spa abides by a philosophy that ‘pleasure must also be part of your cure,’ so as part of your treatment, you and your co-pamperee can enjoy the privacy of the spa’s Infrared Detox Sauna and the Himalayan crystal salt infused pool – both of which capture that exclusive vista. Try the Himalayan Crystal Healing Journey Ritual for a renewing Himalayan crystal salt body scrub infused with crushed rosehips, juniper berries and exquisite aromatherapy oils. The ritual also includes a traditional Ubtan powder body wrap, a deeply relaxing Himalayan Healing Massage, and a stillness facial to leave you both glowing with radiance.
Fairytale Outings
As one of Bali’s most famous Hindu temples, Uluwatu Temple (Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia) (or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, where Luhur means divine) attracts cultural enthusiasts, sunset searchers and animal lovers from across the Indonesian archipelago. The temple stretches over the steep headlands of Uluwatu’s cliffs, offering spectacular views above the roaring waves, crashing onto giant rocks and into the cliff face. Reminiscent of the Great Wall of China, with its rickety stone pathway beside sweeping greenery, the temple is also home to an abundance of adorable monkeys. Tourists are invited to feed the temple’s furry inhabitants, making for some unique photos – just keep a strong grip on your camera, because these innocent-looking animals are extremely cheeky and will snatch anything they can get their little paws onto.
Down at sea-level, “surf’s up” for active couples that want to take to the waves at the stunning Padang Padang beach. Accessible by a tiny pathway carved into towering rocks, the cave-like walkway opens up to the dazzling beach and pristine lagoon, where Padang Padang Surf Camp (balisurfingcamp.com; Padang Padang, Jalan Labuan Sait, Pecatu; +62 81 999 283549) invites beginners, longboarders and intermediate surfers to experience the thrills of the Indian Ocean.
Intimate Accommodations
Poised on an elevated plateau that meets Uluwatu’s legendary limestone cliffs, the view from Alila Villas Uluwatu (alilahotels.com/uluwatu; Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu; +62 361 848 2166) is nothing less than picture-perfect.
The One-bedroom Pool Villas look out toward this unbeatable vista, together with a private pool and cosy cabana. The villas are specifically designed to be environmentally sustainable, featuring contemporary interiors enhanced with touches of nature and traditional Balinese accents, reflected in planes of wood, water, stone, lava rock and rattan. Walkways and bridges connect the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious open-plan living space, allowing the gentle sea breeze to circulate throughout all areas of the villa.
This property is well equipped for couples that have just tied the knot and lovebirds should take advantage of the special Alila ‘Romance’ package. Let the pampering begin at Alila Spa, with an extensive choice of nurturing and divine rituals for him, for her, or for both. Or if you prefer, you can take this intimate spa treatment in your own private villa and enjoy one of the Romantic Bathing Rituals. The Champagne and Berry bath is total bliss, while the Bailey’s Milk Bath teems with naughty and nice pleasures, with Baileys, vanilla beans, milk, virgin coconut oil, rose petals and a relaxing blend of essential oils, mixed berries and cinnamon sugar. The soothing tunes of Norah Jones complete the perfect embrace.
Another hand-picked exclusive cliff-top spot is occupied by the sensational natural beauty of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali (bulgarihotels.com/en-us/bali; Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu; +62 361 847 1000), where the secluded setting is matched only by the Bulgari’s exquisite decor. Combining a chic Italian design with Balinese culture in all of its grace and beauty, this world-class resort and spa rests 150 metres above the Indian Ocean.
The villas at Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali are all about sensuality, with every touch and sight meant to connote luxury and elegance. Fabrics are designed and woven locally in collaboration with a team of Balinese artists and designers, while interior walls are made of hand-cut volcanic stone and palimanan. Over 90 collectible Balinese antiques and art pieces are sprinkled thoughtfully throughout the resort, along with five-star amenities, discreet butler service, personal shoppers, a private beach club and the only Bulgari boutique in Bali.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali also boasts two gourmet restaurants operated by a talented team of International chefs. Il Ristorante is the award-winning Italian restaurant seen in our “Romantic Dining” section, while Sangkar enjoys an extraordinary position at the edge of the cliff and an elegant yet informal atmosphere. Distinguished by its magnificently romantic illuminated ceiling and traditional woven lamps, the Sangkar Restaurant offers a menu of international specialties, creatively combining typical Indonesian dishes with contemporary culinary techniques. Follow up your feast with a drink at the bar for an evening of moonlight magic.
The clue is in the name at The Edge (mesahotelsand resorts.com/theedge; Jalan Pura Goa Lempeh Banjar Dinas Kangin, Pecatu, Uluwatu; +62 361 8470700), giving away that this exclusive resort also takes advantage of Uluwatu’s dramatic landscapes. This idyllic honeymoon retreat is one of pure extravagance, with its cutting-edge design and never-ending horizon views. The villa resort is dedicated to offering ‘a sublime taste of life on The Edge, with personalised dining menus, heavenly spa treatments and out-of-this-world villas.
Nestled on the cliff tops, the one-bedroom “The Villa” features a plunge pool in natural stone, a large outdoor deck and a dining and relaxation bale, perfect for lovers to soak up the sun as well as each other. The Villa is equipped with state of the art entertainment systems and offers an uninterrupted, stunning view of the Indian Ocean, so you never have to leave the comforts of the villa if you so choose.
And this is even more feasible when you take into account their world-class hospitality. Taking butler services to new heights, the entire butler team here is certified with “Magnum Butler Training” and they offer a 24-hour dedicated service. They will prepare and serve all your meals, arrange transfers, tours, events and performances upon request and even take care of your packing and unpacking while running a fully integrated concierge service. It may sound a little intrusive, but the butlers are rarely seen nor heard, respecting the private nature of The Edge and each of their guests. It’s first-class all the way.
