As a seasoned traveller and lover of all things Bali, I have to say that Alila Manggis is one of my favorite resorts on the island. Tucked away in the quiet coastal village of Manggis, this luxury hotel offers an unforgettable experience that combines the natural beauty of Bali with the famous hospitality of Alila.
From the moment you arrive at Alila Manggis, you are greeted with warm smiles and the sound of the ocean. The resort’s contemporary Balinese architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment of the palm tree plantation, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere that immediately puts you into “neutral”.
The rooms and suites are spacious, with private balconies, or ground floor terraces each offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean or the lawn and gardens. The interiors are tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and traditional Balinese art, creating a harmonious balance between comfort and cultural authenticity.
One of the main attractions of Alila Manggis is its pool, which sits plumb in the centre of the palm tree “plantation”, and provides a perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. The resort also has a spa that offers a range of treatments using locally sourced natural ingredients. The spa’s tranquil setting, with its soothing music and fragrant aromatherapy oils, is the ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate, with some of the massage bale’s being within earshot of the waves of the Lombok Straits.
The Seasalt Restaurant is another highlight of Alila Manggis, serving up a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes and international cuisine. The restaurant’s open air pavilion, overlooking the lawns and the sea and surrounded by a water feature of reeds, lilies and koi, provides a stunning backdrop for guests to enjoy their meals, which guests can also learn to prepare as the resort also offers cooking classes on a variety of authentic Balinese dishes.
For those who want to explore Bali’s natural beauty, the resort offers a range of activities and excursions. Guests can take a guided tour of the local villages and the Bali Aga community, go trekking in the nearby hills, or go snorkeling or diving to discover East Bali’s colorful underwater world.
And lastly to touch upon a subject close to my heart, eco-consciousness, what I admire most about Alila Manggis (and the other Alilas in Bali) is its commitment to sustainability and the local community. The resort ensures to minimize its impact on the environment, using renewable energy sources where possible, reducing waste, and supporting local businesses. The staff is also trained to provide exceptional hospitality that reflects Balinese culture and traditions. There really is an Alila way of doing things, and one that we get to enjoy!!
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www.alilahotels.com/manggis