Review: Alila Villas Uluwatu (Bali)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a terrific holiday in Bali, Indonesia. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Alila Villas Uluwatu (Bali)

Set on a rugged limestone plateau high above the Indian Ocean, Alila Villas Uluwatu is an architectural masterpiece, perfectly aligned with Bali’s dramatic natural beauty. Each villa here embraces minimalist design, open-plan living, and a private infinity pool that seem to merge with the blues of the sky and ocean beyond. The clifftop setting ensures that almost every moment — sunrise meditation, sunset cocktails, or a quiet dinner — comes with a breathtaking view. Sustainability is core to Alila’s ethos, reflected in environmentally considerate architecture, organic gardens, and programs that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship. The resort’s two dining venues offer creative cuisine with fresh ingredients, while the spa specializes in relaxing and rejuvenating rituals inspired by Balinese wellness traditions. The iconic clifftop lounge and pool area provide a perfect stage for watching the sun dip below the horizon, a daily spectacle not to be missed.

Alila Villas Uluwatu features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in Bali.

Have you ever stayed at Alila Villas Uluwatu ? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Alila Villas Uluwatu, which you can watch here:

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & Things I Like

• Set on the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, one of Bali’s most breathtaking coastal enclaves, Alila Villas Uluwatu enjoys a privileged position surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and some of the island’s most iconic surf breaks. Uluwatu is famed for the majestic Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, spectacular cliffside sunsets, and world-class beaches such as Padang Padang, Bingin, and Suluban. Unlike much of Bali’s lush interior, this southern peninsula is defined by a drier, more rugged landscape of pale stone, scrub vegetation, and windswept coastal terrain. The area blends laid-back surf culture with refined beach clubs and elevated dining, creating a sophisticated yet authentic Bali experience. Staying at Alila places you at the heart of this region while preserving a sense of serene seclusion high above the ocean. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, the resort is just a 30-mile (50 km) drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) — typically 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic.

• What truly sets Alila Villas Uluwatu apart is its extraordinary cliffside setting, perched on a plateau where limestone meets the vast Indian Ocean. The property sits about 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, with cliffs that plunge dramatically toward a secluded beach far below, creating vistas that are equal parts thrilling and serene. From the resort’s communal areas — the main infinity pool, Sunset Cabana Bar, open-air pavilions, and restaurants — every angle frames uninterrupted panoramas of water, sky, and horizon, especially at golden hour. Standing at the edge, watching waves crash far below against the rugged rock formations, is both humbling and exhilarating.  The height of the cliffs not only amplifies the visual drama but also brings cooling ocean breezes and a sense of profound serenity. The architectural layout fully embraces this vertical landscape, positioning pathways, terraces, and lounge spaces to maximize every vantage point. At sunset, when golden light floods the cliff face and the ocean turns molten amber, the setting becomes nothing short of spectacular — a defining feature of this world-class luxury resort.

• The architecture of Alila Villas Uluwatu, conceived by the award-winning Singapore firm WOHA Architects, reimagines Balinese design through a refined contemporary lens. Rather than adopting the traditional thatched pavilions seen across much of the island, the resort takes its cues directly from its surroundings, reflecting the soft, chalky tones of Uluwatu’s limestone cliffs and the deep sapphire blue of the Indian Ocean. The hotel pavilions echo the stepped agricultural terraces created by local farmers, with loose-stacked limestone walls and strong horizontal lines that follow the natural contours of the land. Low-profile, terraced rooflines made from Balinese volcanic pumice stone reinforce this concept. The overall aesthetic is strikingly modern and minimalist, defined by crisp white surfaces, sleek geometric lines, and open, light-filled spaces that frame the ocean views. The stunning design also subtly references Bali’s layered cultural history, from ancient animistic traditions and the Hindu Majapahit Empire to touches of Dutch Art Deco and contemporary modernism.

• The layout of Alila Villas Uluwatu is thoughtfully designed to balance convience, privacy, and dramatic cliffside views. At the heart of the resort sits the main hotel building, shaped like a letter “U,” with the lobby as its central hub. One arm of the U houses the Indonesian restaurant (The Warung), while the other accommodates the Western restaurant (Cire), allowing guests to explore diverse dining experiences within steps of the lobby. Adjacent to the central lobby space are the spa, boutique, and library, ensuring that essential facilities are always conveniently close at hand. Nestled within the U-shaped arrangement is the expansive pool terrace, featuring the main infinity pool, a reflective water pond, and a collection of cabanas, including the iconic Sunset Cabana. Beyond the lobby, the hillside accommodations are set slightly back from the cliff edge, offering serene privacy, while the resort’s multi-bedroom villas occupy the dramatic cliff perimeters, providing unparalleled ocean vistas and a sense of ultimate seclusion. Every element of the layout is carefully oriented to maximize light, airflow, and the breathtaking ocean panorama from virtually every vantage point.

• Alila Villas Uluwatu’s 64 exceptional villas offer privacy, generous space, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. They are divided into 14 One-Bedroom Pool Villas and 41 One-Bedroom Uluwatu Pool Villas, which share the same layout but are perched on higher terraces to maximize the panoramic vistas. For families or groups seeking extra space, the resort also offers five multi-bedroom villas, strategically positioned along the cliff edge to deliver breathtaking ocean views. Each villa is paired with a dedicated host, ensuring seamless service for everything from dining and excursions to morning coffee. During my holiday, I stayed in a One-Bedroom Uluwatu Pool Villa. The villa’s spacious bedroom featured soaring ceilings, a super-comfortable king-size bed, a dining table, a large daybed (convertible into a bed for a third person), and a work desk. The expansive bathroom offered double vanities, a deep soaking bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, a private pool and cabana provided an idyllic setting for relaxation or intimate moments, perfectly framed by the dramatic cliffside scenery.

• If there’s a single image that captures the spirit of Alila Villas Uluwatu, it’s the cliff-edge infinity pool and its celebrated cabanas — especially the Sunset Cabana, a cantilevered perch designed for sipping cocktails against a blaze of color as the sun sinks below the horizon. The 164 ft (50 m) main pool stretches dramatically along the cliff’s edge, offering sweeping, uninterrupted views that make it one of Asia’s most photogenic swimming spots. Surrounding the pool, modern yet comfortable daybeds and shaded cabanas provide inviting spaces to relax, read, or toast the end of the day. Thoughtfully integrated into the cliffside topography, the hotel’s communal pool area ensures that every moment feels fully immersed in the dramatic ocean panorama. Whether lounging with a tropical drink, taking a refreshing dip, or simply absorbing the coastal breeze after a day of exploration, the pool terrace offers a spectacular and serene vantage point that epitomizes the resort’s signature blend of luxury, design, and natural beauty.

• Beneath the dramatic cliffs on which Alila Villas Uluwatu perches lies a wild, secluded beach that feels like a hidden secret waiting to be discovered. Accessible via a steep stairway that winds through the jungle, this pristine stretch of shoreline is far removed from the resort’s polished terraces, offering a rugged, untouched counterpoint to the luxury above. The descent — and the climb back up — is an adventure and challenge in itself, but the reward is a glimpse of Bali’s raw, elemental beauty: crashing surf, striking limestone outcrops, and soft sand that invites quiet reflection, picnics, or a leisurely stroll along the Indian Ocean. Unlike many resort beaches, there are no loungers or built facilities here; the shoreline remains entirely wild and undeveloped, lending a genuine sense of discovery to any stay and serving as a reminder that Bali’s allure lies as much in its untamed landscapes as in its refined hospitality.

• Alila Villas Uluwatu’s culinary scene is anchored by two standout restaurants that are beautifully positioned to take in the ocean views:
  • The Warung offers a relaxed open-air setting where traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine takes center stage — think vibrant sambals, fresh grilled seafood, and classic regional comfort dishes that celebrate the island’s rich gastronomy.
  • In contrast, CIRE presents a more refined culinary journey with Pan-Asian and Mediterranean influences crafted with seasonal, sustainable ingredients.
  • Beyond these two dining venues, the resort’s Sunset Cabana Bar is renowned for its golden-hour cocktails and breezy ambience, perfect for pre-dinner drinks as the sky turns to fire, while Batique Bar – located behind Cire – offers a speakeasy-style environment for artisanal spirits and creative concoctions. Batique is also home to one of the most extensive collections of single malt whiskies on Bali—including some real rarities—and a range of fine cigars.
  • For travelers seeking an intimate or private dining experience, bespoke in-villa meals can be arranged.

• Located adjacent to the lobby, Spa Alila at Alila Villas Uluwatu is a sanctuary devoted to holistic wellness, rejuvenation, and sensory renewal. Set within tranquil gardens, the spa draws inspiration from ancient healing traditions and uses locally sourced natural ingredients to create a curated menu of therapies, from soothing massages to specialized body treatments. Among its signature experiences is Shirodhara, a 5,000-year-old Indian therapy designed to restore physical and mental balance. Equally remarkable is the Cliff Edge Spa Cabana, perched dramatically above the Indian Ocean; guests stroll through lush gardens before reclining on a cliffside sofa, where ocean breezes, soothing natural sounds, and nourishing snacks complement the treatments, creating a deeply restorative experience. The spa is further complemented by a yoga and Pilates studio and a fully equipped fitness center, ensuring that guests can nurture both body and mind while taking in the dramatic cliffside scenery.

• Alila Villas Uluwatu places social, cultural, and environmental responsibility at the heart of its operations. The resort is committed to preserving local traditions, supporting communities, and reducing its ecological footprint in every aspect of its business. Since May 2021, it has eliminated single-use plastics across the property, replacing disposable bags with reusable cotton ones, bathroom amenities with refillable ceramic containers, and food packaging with sustainable alternatives. Plastic brought in by suppliers is returned or reused, and all staff are instructed to avoid single-use items. The resort also produces its own drinking water in glass bottles and operates an in-house composting system. Its Sustainability Lab transforms waste into higher-value products through mechanical and biological processes, while initiatives like organic gardens and glass recycling ensure nothing goes to landfill. These efforts reflect Alila Villas Uluwatu’s ongoing commitment to responsible, zero-waste hospitality.

• Alila Villas Uluwatu is a flagship hotel of the Alila brand, celebrated for its modern luxury hospitality. Part of the Hyatt portfolio, Alila combines a boutique sensibility with sophisticated comfort, offering personalized service, immersive experiences, and properties that are as visually striking as they are memorable. Each resort is thoughtfully designed to reflect its natural surroundings, whether perched on the dramatic cliffs of Alila Villas Uluwatu, overlooking the rugged coastline at Alila Ventana Big Sur in California, or set amidst the soaring mountains of Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman. The brand’s hallmark lies in creating authentic connections with guests through curated experiences, from locally inspired cuisine and wellness programs to architecture that seamlessly blends modern minimalism with regional character. Every Alila property emphasizes thoughtful design, breathtaking locations, and an elevated sense of comfort, turning each stay into a fully immersive, unforgettable journey.

Cons & Things To Know

• While Alila Villas Uluwatu is renowned for its dramatic cliffside setting, the fully open, postcard-perfect ocean views are primarily enjoyed from the main infinity pool and the Sunset Cabana rather than from most of the private villas. Within the villa categories, the higher your location on the hillside, the more expansive the outlook becomes; however, even then, the view is typically framed by landscaping and architectural elements rather than being completely open onto the ocean. Guests expecting uninterrupted, cliff-edge vistas directly from their private pool should be aware of this distinction. The only accommodations that offer truly unobstructed ocean views are the multi-bedroom villas positioned directly along the cliff’s edge.

• The secluded beach below the resort is undeniably beautiful and wild, but accessing it requires descending — and later climbing — a long staircase. There are no loungers, umbrellas, or food and beverage service available, which preserves its untouched character but may limit comfort for some guests. Strong currents, surf conditions and rocks also make swimming impractical. Travelers who prioritize easy beach access may wish to consider the luxurious Bulgari property next door, which offers beach access via a lift as well as a serviced beach club (although I feel that Alila is much more impressive and enjoyable property).

• While the clifftop setting is undeniably spectacular, the resort’s position on the Bukit Peninsula means it is somewhat removed from Bali’s main cultural and social hubs like Ubud or Canggu. Guests who want frequent off-property dining, nightlife, or shopping may find the 45–75 minute drive to other areas inconvenient, especially during peak traffic hours.

• The contemporary minimalist design, created by WOHA, is striking and refined, but travelers expecting traditional Balinese architecture with ornate detailing and thatched pavilions may find the aesthetic less culturally immersive than other resorts on the island.

My Verdict

• Layout: 9/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 10/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Wow factor: 10/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: excellent – 9.5/10

Tips & Save Money

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Alila Villas Uluwatu through Virtuoso:
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
  • Complimentary Alila Villas Uluwatu welcome package, comprised of beach bag and custom-designed hats
  • Resort Sustainability Tour personally curated by the in-house sustainability expert
  • Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Alila Villas Uluwatu (and/or receive many free perks).

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Bali is generally during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the island experiences lower humidity, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as beachgoing, sightseeing, hiking, and water sports. June, July, and August offer the most reliable weather, although they are also the busiest and most expensive months due to high tourist demand.

The months of May, June, and September are often considered the most balanced time to visit. Weather conditions are still excellent, but crowds are lighter and prices tend to be more reasonable than during peak season. This period is particularly well suited for travelers who want to explore the island comfortably while avoiding the busiest times.

The wet season lasts from October to April and is characterized by higher humidity and short but intense tropical rain showers, most commonly in the afternoons or evenings. While January and February are typically the wettest months, travel during the wet season can still be enjoyable, especially for visitors focused on wellness retreats, cultural experiences, or a quieter atmosphere. During this time, the landscape is especially lush and accommodation rates are often lower.

How To Get There

To reach Alila Villas Uluwatu, most travelers arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s main international gateway. From the airport, the resort is approximately 30 miles (50 km) south on the Bukit Peninsula, with a drive that typically takes between 45 and 75 minutes depending on traffic. The journey passes through Jimbaran and into Uluwatu’s limestone cliff landscape, gradually transitioning from busy town roads to quieter coastal stretches. Guests can arrange a private airport transfer directly with the resort for a seamless arrival, or opt for a taxi or ride-hailing service available at the airport.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant, click here.

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