The Indonesian island of Bali is a place many have dreamed of visiting. Known for its ultra-lush landscapes and terraced rice paddies, it calls to those looking for serenity. Viceroy Bali, one of the island’s most luxurious hotels, is an incredible home base.
SETTING THE SCENE
Located just two miles from eclectic and energetic Ubud, Viceroy Bali is blissfully serene. It is set on a steep hill facing the palm tree-filled Petanu River gorge. Here, the smell of fragrant frangipani drifts in the air. The Balinese-inspired architecture, gardens, and infinity pools harmoniously blend into the surrounds.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Viceroy Bali has 25 villas. Step through your villa’s hand-carved timber door to a spacious suite with modern comforts and luxurious amenities. You’ll also find an arrangement of freshly cut flowers, but if you’re here on honeymoon, you’ll discover one dozen red roses.
Each villa also features private outdoor space and its own plunge pool or infinity pool. Of course the best feature is always the view because each villa looks over the beautiful green valley.
Back inside, the bathroom is anchored by a spacious bathtub. Be sure to take a flower petal bath for an extra special moment of zen.
WELLNESS AND RELAXATION
Viceroy Bali is an ideal place to experience wellness and yoga. At the hotel’s Lembah Bali Spa, you’ll find a menu of treatments that blend “Western knowledge with natural and traditional Balinese wellness techniques.”
To kick things off, try a Balinese body scrub and yogurt body mask. Then unwind with a traditional Balinese massage. Getting here requires a long flight, and as a result, this massage is recommended to help “relax weary muscles and is ideal for stiff backs after long-haul flights.”
Schedule a private yoga session which takes place outside overlooking the valley and surrounded by greenery. However, if you’re seeking more of an active stretch, a Pilates studio will debut in mid 2019 along with a new, larger spa.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Viceroy Bali is home to two of Ubud’s most lauded restaurants. Aperitif Restaurant & Bar is a fine dining establishment. It features the hotel’s amazing jungle views and multicourse meals. In contrast, CasCades Restaurant features both classic and Bali-inspired dishes. Both restaurants utilize ingredients from Viceroy Bali’s very own greenhouse.
Join a cooking class to bring home the flavors of Indonesian cooking. You’ll visit a local market to select ingredients, then learn how to make seven traditional Indonesian dishes.
UBUD AND BEYOND
Ubud is one of Bali’s premier centers for arts and culture. Viceroy Bali’s privileged location is near Ubud and as a result, hotel guests are able to discover the town’s many artisans, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Beyond exploring the city streets, Viceroy Bali can arrange many memorable cultural experiences. Attend a Balinese blessing ceremony or take a Balinese dance lesson. Make and fly your own Balinese kite (a favorite pastime of locals) or visit nearby temples and traditional villages.
More adventurous offerings include a sunrise trek to the top of Batur volcano and a cycling tour with an English-speaking guide. However, the best way to experience this stunning setting is on foot. Book a rice paddy trek where you’ll journey through rice fields and coconut plantations. You’ll also get to visit a local wood-carving village.
A ROMANTIC ESCAPE
Viceroy Bali is a perfect escape for couples seeking relaxation and romance.
Grant Smith is a travel writer who provides readers and viewers with the information they need to get off the Internet and on the road saying, “I’m going to have an awesome time!” Wherever he goes, Grant travels with a budget-aware eye, but isn’t afraid to splurge on travel experiences that are truly worth it. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Grant lives in Southern California.