Alila Villas Uluwatu impress with their breathtaking location, fantastic service and impressive architecture. But what will the rating be?
Review #47
Table of contents
Location
Alila Uluwatu is located on the southernmost tip of Bali, on the Bukit Badung peninsula, close to the ultra-luxury Bulgari and Six Senses resorts. Its cliff-top location offers guests breathtaking views of the ocean.
Getting there
Of course, most guests arrive in Bali by plane at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, the island’s capital. The airport is being expanded all the time and is really at the limit of its capacity. There is also the option of arriving by ferry at various ports around the island.
How to get to the resort
Alila Villas Uluwatu is at least a 50 minute drive from the airport. We came from our previous hotel, La Reserve 1785 in Canggu, and it took us unbelievable 90 minutes to get there!
Once you arrive at the hotel, you are asked for your name at the gate, their check-in list is looked in to and the car and boot are also checked. Only when they are done are you allowed to drive onto the hotel grounds.
A rather long path leads across the very spacious grounds to the driveway in front of the open lobby. There we were expected, greeted in a very friendly manner, our bags unloaded, tagged, stowed, and then taken to our villa without any further ado.
Check-in
After getting off the car, we were led through the small lobby to the check-in area. And wow! Here you have a fantastic view over parts of the resort, the pool and you can also see the sea in the distance. What a fantastic way to be welcomed!
For the actual check-in we were able to make ourselves comfortable in a seating area and handed over our passports. We arrived at 2 pm and were actually an hour early. Accordingly, we were the only two guests to check in at that time.
Within a minute of sitting down, a box containing a welcome drink, small sweet and savoury snacks and scented cold towels was brought to us. A tray of sunscreen, aftersun and insect repellent was already waiting for us by the side table.
We enjoyed the snacks and a short time later our passports were handed back to us wrapped in a gift ribbon. They really do go the extra mile – impressive! We were then given information about the hotel and opening times, and the General Manager came by to greet us personally – and he probably does that for all guests! That’s what I call commitment!
We were then taken to the buggy pick-up point and escorted to our villa, which had already been prepared for us despite our early check-in!
Alila Villas Uluwatu at a glance
Alila Villas Uluwatu is, as the name suggests, a villa-only resort. The 64 villas are divided into 14 One Bedroom Pool Villas and 41 Panoramic One Bedroom Pool Villas, which have the same layout but are built on higher levels and have a view. These villas all measure an impressive 290 square metres! Additionally there are 4 Three Bedroom Hillside Villas (at least that’s what the factsheet says – but I count 30 villas on the map below the villa), each with 2000 square metres and 5 Three Bedroom Cliff Edge Villas, each with an incredible 3000 square metres! All villas have their own pool, of course.
The communal areas are all grouped around the lobby and consist of the two restaurants, bar, pool, spa, library and, a little further back, the gym.
Occupancy at Alila Villas Uluwatu was between 60 and 70 per cent during our stay.
Villa
As always, we booked the smallest category – in this case a One Bedroom Pool Villa. Thanks to our World of Hyatt Discoverist status, we were upgraded to a Panoramic One Bedroom Pool Villa, still the smallest category, but with a view.
Our villa, number 407, was in the highest section and had the best view of all 400´s villas from this highest point. Only some of the Three Bedroom Hillside Villas are built higher up the hill.
You can see on the map where the villa is situated and how the whole area is laid out. We also very much liked the key – the 100 numbers are counted with metal rings and the last two digits of your villa number are embossed on the top ring. A really nice touch, we think!
Welcome
As we were accompanied into the villa, the lovely staff showed us around and explained all the features. There were also three(!) welcome letters waiting for us on the desk in the entrance area!
One welcomed us warmly, the second invited us to a management cocktail and the third said there might be some construction noise during the day.
On the table in the villa was another welcome gift in the form of fruit, two juices, crisps, macaroons and another testimonial.
Living room and bedroom
The villa itself consists of a large open plan living room, bedroom and bathroom with a dining table for two in the centre.
To the right of the entrance is the gorgeous king-size bed with four pillows, two 40x80cm and two 60x60cm. We slept on this bed like on a well-padded cloud! Amazing.
On the bedside tables to the left and right of the bed are a lamp, bottle of water and a glass, with a telephone on the left. Directly behind the bed is a large glass wall overlooking the back courtyard.
In the middle of the room is a partition separating the bathroom from the rest of the villa. The TV is in the middle, but on either side is the minibar (for a fee) and everything you need to prepare yourself some coffee or tea. There is also a safe installed in one of the drawers on the right.
Just inside the front door, in front of a large mirror, is a desk with a tablet that controls the music, TV & lighting and of course, it also contains all the information about the hotel, including menus and opening hours.
Bathroom
At the rear of the villa there is a large open plan bathroom. The vanity has two sinks, each with its own amenities. Again, nothing escapes the attention of the fantastic staff at the resort and we were provided with For Him & For Him toiletries. This is a truly wonderful gesture that shows the hotel really cares about its guests.
To the right of the entrance is the Japanese toilet in its own small room and to the left is the walk-in rain shower. Again For Him & For Him shampoo, body wash and conditioner were available. How nice!
Opposite the shower is a lovely large bathtub overlooking the pool, with bath salts and bubble bath ready to use.
And of course, Alila Villas Uluwatu has an outdoor rain shower ready for you. Located in the back courtyard, it also has extra sun protection and, of course, shampoo, body wash and conditioner.
Opposite the sink is a large open wardrobe. Here you can store your suitcases and clothes and will find your bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, yoga mat, hat and pool bag to use while staying at the resort.
Incidentally, our suitcases were not fitted with simple paper tags for transport from the lobby to the villa, but we were given great quality suitcase tags to keep.
View
Views from the villa extend to the small garden with pool & private pavilion and beyond to the sea. In front of the large floor-to-ceiling window – which can also be fully opened – there is a full width seating and lounging area.
Terrace
Our villa here at Alila Villas Uluwatu has a beautiful small garden with its own pool. Here you will find a table for two, two very comfortable sun loungers and your very own pavilion to make yourself comfortable. The views extend over the entire complex and out to the sea. You can step out onto the terrace from the bathroom and also from the living area.
Turndown
Of course, as in all top class hotels like Alila Villas Uluwatu, a turndown service is offered. On our way back from the pool to the villa, we were asked what time dinner was planned and if we wanted the turndown service once we are gone for the evening meal. Again, just wow! Super proactive. Real great timing.
As we got back to the villa after dinner, the duvet was folded back. All the shutters were closed, the night lights were on and the slippers were ready on the bedside rugs.
There was also a little present waiting for us on the bed – a cotton tote bag and a card with a nice bedtime story.
Resort activities
Pool
The pool at Alila Villas Uluwatu is simply amazing! Not only does every single villa in the resort already have its own small (or large) pool, but there is also this incredible heated infinity pool where the water actually connects with the sea and the horizon.
When we arrived at the pool in the afternoon, we were greeted warmly by a staff member and the towels were laid out for us on the gorgeous loungers. As soon as we lay down, the super friendly pool boy arrived with a basket containing two bottles of water, two glasses, two cold scented towels, sun cream, mosquito spray and face mist.
We were completely alone at the pool and were able to enjoy the incredible views all to ourselves!
Beach
In fact, Alila Villas Uluwatu does have a real beach. You could walk down along a small path by the cliff but it will take you quite a while until until you’d reach a rocky beach and the waves would be too strong for swimming. The way back up is particularly difficult, so bear that in mind.
Fitness Centre
The gym at Alila Villas Uluwatu is housed in its own small pavilion. You can really get a great workout here and it has basically everything you need. In addition to some cardio machines and a free weights area, work out towels, small cold face towels, water and fruit are also available.
Spa
The spa is located just off the lobby. With 5 couples’ villas – all with private outdoor showers and bathtubs – and an open-air treatment room by the cliff, Spa Alila has it all.
Library
Located just outside the lobby, the library is a waiting room – but meant in a good way. It is one of the few public areas that is air-conditioned and is a good place to wait for your buggy or to be picked up for your excursion or departure.
Special features
The invitation to the weekly management cocktail on Thursdays was already waiting for us at our villa. Once again we were incredibly lucky to be guests at Alila Villas Uluwatu on a Thursday night.
From 6 pm on part of the management including the General Manager were waiting for some of the guests and we were offered cocktails and canapés. Everything was delicious and the view over the cliffs into the slowly setting sun was breathtaking!
We actually had quite a long chat with the General Manager about the hotel and other openings on the island. Check out our YouTube review to get an even better impression of the little bar and the view.
Restaurants
CIRE
The all-day dining restaurant at Alila Villas Uluwatu is located to the left of the main pool and offers exclusive seating under an open canopy overlooking the pool and cliffs with the sea beyond. International cuisine is served here.
After the management cocktail is before dinner and we were able to take our freshly refilled drink into the restaurant and get the best seat in the restaurant right on the corner in the front row.
The food, the service, the quality, the view – just fantastic!
The Look-out
Alila Villas Uluwatu has a special romantic offer for a dinner for two. As the only room on the second floor, the Look-out offers a fantastic view of the entire complex and is probably one of the most unique places to propose… 😉
The Warung
Located to the right of the pool, this relaxed restaurant serves Indonesian and Balinese cuisine for lunch and dinner. Special features include the two long indoor tables, where guests can sit together, meet other guests & chat, and the two cliffside cabanas for romantic hours for two.
Sunset Cabana Bar
One of the highlights of Alila Villas Uluwatu is the bar, which seems to float above the cliff next to the pool. From here you have a fantastic view of the sunset in the evening.
In the mornings, yoga is offered from 7:30am to 8:30am for those who wish.
Breakfast
We had booked an early excursion for the day of our departure and unfortunately had to leave the hotel very early. Although breakfast was not included in our room rate, we were exceptionally offered a small selection to be served in our room at 6:00 am. The night before we were asked several times what our breakfast plans were for the next morning and each time we were met with sad faces once we stated that unfortunately we would not be able to stay for the regular breakfast.
It was a real shame not to be able to stay for breakfast and honestly speaking not very well planned on our part. But still… Look what the incredible hard-working staff had conjured up for us at this early hour! Amazing, isn’t it?
We were also given a great care package without being asked.
In fact, I think this having made the decision to leave without breakfast implies that we will have to come back – just to try it for once!
Check-out
As you would expect after such a fantastic experience, the check-out was of course well prepared and took place at one of the two counters at the lobby. The taxi to pick us up had been arranged the day before and was already waiting. Of course, we were also given two bottles of water to take with us.
Cost
For this one night at Alila Villas Uluwatu in August 2024, we paid just under IDR 7 million – around 420 euros. However, this is only half of the actual price, as we paid 20,000 World of Hyatt points for the rest. Meaning that normally you would have to pay a whooping 840 euros per night in the lowest category – which certainly is a lot of money!
Departure and onward journey
Normally you travel from Alila Villas Uluwatu by taxi or grab. We had our transfer arranged to take us to the excursion, but you should allow at least an hour to get to the airport, or even half an hour more during rush hour.
After our trip we moved on to our next hotel, the Andaz Bali, so stay tuned next week if you’re interested.
Conclusion
Alila Villas Uluwatu is fantastic. Everything is really just right here. The design of the whole resort is well thought out and consistent. It looks great and works perfectly with the wild greenery around it.
The service and quality is consistently high. We were both really looking forward to this stay, but I can tell you that the view at check-in alone blew me away and really exceeded all my expectations! This is a top class hotel.
The complex itself has been around for 15 years and is definitely still impressive. As a guest, you have to look with a magnifying glass to find anything that doesn’t fit. At least we couldn´t find anything. And that is a feat in itself – to keep a hotel that well maintained over such a long period of time.
In terms of service levels, Alila Villas Uluwatu can be compared to Pimalai on Koh Lanta and JW Marriott Masai Mara. All of these hotels are simply outstanding!
Recommendation
We would say that the main clientele of the hotel are couples and single travellers. However, there are quite a few fairly large three-bedroom villas and I think there will certainly be quite some families holidaying at the resort. We didn’t see any children during our short stay and I think it’s important to mention at this point that there is no special area for the little ones, such as a kids’ club or separate pool. You don’t really see party people and business travellers here. Otherwise, all types of travellers are in good hands here.
Hotel Homepage
Rating
This review marks one of those rare moments when our usual scoring system doesn’t work, because all our expectations have absolutely been exceeded.
Accordingly, we award Alila Villas Uluwatu a well-deserved 11 out of a possible 10 points.
In addition to all the reasons already mentioned, we must also focus on the truly exceptional location and the beautiful architecture and honour both.
Go there?
Absolutely. If the prices are right for you, we highly recommend the resort. Keep an eye out for special offers – sometimes you just have to be lucky to get a good price.
Our small Bali round trip
Interested in other hotels in Bali? Then check out our other reviews of Alila Ubud, Hyatt Regency Bali, Andaz Bali and La Reserve 1785 – we’d be delighted if you´d stay tuned.
YouTube Review
Take a look at our YouTube review for more impressions of this incredible hotel.
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