Luxury Travel by thirdpassport

Bali. Just the name conjures images of lush rice paddies, serene temples, and vibrant cultural experiences. For many (including me!), Ubud stands as the island’s spiritual and artistic heart, offering a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace. As a travel advisor, I often get requests from clients to help them plan a trip that offers more than the “viral” trends that you see on social media, but to craft rare and intimate life experiences. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Alila Ubud, a breathtaking resort nestled in the jungle, part of the esteemed Hyatt portfolio of hotels.

Bali had been on my  travel list for a long time, but  reports of overtourism (and social media posts) often made me hesitant. This trip to Bali showed me that while it’s true the island buzzes with energy,  you can absolutely still have a refined, quiet, and classy getaway from the crowds. Alila Ubud perfectly embodies this balance, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bali’s beauty while enjoying unparalleled serenity. This focus on harmony and well-being makes Alila Ubud an unparalleled choice for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Bali seeking both adventure and profound relaxation. Ready to discover paradise?

Your Arrival at Alila Ubud: A Seamless Welcome

Our flights from Sumba got cancelled and the replacement flight was delayed but my trusted local driver waited for us at the airport for 2.5 hours to take us to Ubud for the next part of the trip. 

From the moment we arrived, tired from our journey, Alila Ubud made us feel instantly at ease. We were greeted with a refreshing cold towel and a taste of Jamu Kunyit Asem, a traditional Balinese chilled juice made with turmeric, tamarind, lime juice, and honey. This ancient elixir, available daily at breakfast, is believed to boost immunity and offer anti-oxidant benefits – a truly revitalizing welcome.

The resort’s thoughtful touches continued: despite our late arrival, they had prepared delicious chicken sandwiches for us, a gesture that perfectly highlighted their attentive service. Even better, we were delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Villa, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. They had also gone ahead and made a reservation at the spa the following day for the complimentary massage that is included in the Hyatt Privé rate that can be booked through me.

Indulge in Serene Comfort: Your Alila Ubud Villa

Our Terrace Villa was a sanctuary of peace, designed with a distinct sensibility that blended beautifully with the natural surroundings. It boasted an external rain shower (pure bliss!) and a separate bath, alongside a tranquil pond, home to a charming resident frog.

Returning to our villa after dinner, we were often greeted with delightful surprises like freshly baked brownies and other desserts, adding a sweet note to each evening. On our final night, we received a thoughtful farewell gift: two authentic tiger eye bracelets, a beautiful keepsake from our time in Bali. Turndown service was exceptional in every way.

The attention to detail extended to the amenities. We adored the Alila Living line, including a soothing cucumber & aloe facial cleanser and a cooling cucumber eye serum. As someone with sensitive eyes who typically avoids eye creams, I found this serum incredibly mild and non-irritating – a true testament to the quality of their products.

The real joy though was waking up in the morning and seeing the local monkeys being cheeky and playing around in the grounds around our villa.

A Taste of Bali: Culinary Journeys & Wellness Retreats

Dining at Alila Ubud is an experience in itself. The breakfast menu delights with daily changes, offering a diverse selection of healthy, local, and international dishes served on smaller plates, a la carte or you can always get up and help yourself from the buffet. Highlights included deep-fried jackfruit, delicate pandan cake, and crepes with coconut filling. While service during Sunday morning’s peak breakfast hour was a little slow (a minor blip in an otherwise flawless experience), the team was exceptionally attentive and friendly throughout the rest of our stay.

For midday cravings, a tempting poolside menu offers a diverse selection of drinks and light bites, from classic Caesar wraps and loaded nachos to gourmet burgers and refreshing poke bowls. Naturally, there are also refreshing soft and alcoholic drinks available too. Complimentary afternoon tea (and unlimited refills of cake & beverages) is served by the pool daily.

Alila’s commitment to “Conscious Living” truly shines through its wellness offerings. We had a massage for two booked in advance, with the option to reschedule if needed – perfect for a couple’s relaxation. The resort also offers a thoughtfully curated weekly program of complimentary activities, detailed in your room and provided at check-in (as timings vary daily). These often include:

• Morning Tai Chi or Qigong at the Sculpture Garden
• Yoga by the pool
• A scenic rice paddy walk
• Afternoon tea at the Cabana Lounge by the pool, with unlimited refills of small pieces of local cakes.

For honeymooners, the complimentary 60-minute professional photography session (including one digital photo) is an ideal way to capture timeless memories in this stunning setting.

Embracing Nature & Exploring Ubud

The lush jungle surrounding Alila Ubud is teeming with local wildlife. The resort thoughtfully provides a detailed booklet in each room, offering fascinating insights and photos of the area’s diverse animal inhabitants. Be mindful of the cheeky monkeys around the resort – they’ve been known to remove stuffing from cushions, especially if they smell fruity perfumes! I also saw one at breakfast climbing down from the roof and stealing a banana from the buffet!

While Alila Ubud feels wonderfully secluded, it’s conveniently located just 25 minutes from Ubud town. The resort offers a convenient shuttle service operating multiple times daily in both directions. Be sure to arrive at the lobby early, as seats are limited. Golf buggies are also readily available for seamless luggage transport and guest transfers around the resort. Our villa was at the very end of the resort and it took about 5 mins to walk but the staff always offered us the option of taking the buggy.

For the adventurous, bicycles are available to borrow, though I personally recommend caution cycling around Ubud due to narrow roads and traffic. For truly unique experiences, the onsite concierge can help organize ’Signature Journeys’ such as:

• A thrilling 1-hour topless retro car adventure
• A romantic hillside panoramic picnic
• An unforgettable panoramic sunset romantic dinner
• Private cooking classes with an Alila Chef

These activities are perfect for creating unforgettable memories on a Bali honeymoon or a first-time trip to Ubud.

Unlock Exclusive Perks: Book Alila Ubud with Me!

My check-out process was smooth and seamless, with no unexpected surprises. Even for our early departure, the resort thoughtfully prepared a convenient breakfast box filled with pastries, fresh fruit, juice, and boiled eggs. The overall service was exceptional – super friendly and attentive.As your dedicated Hyatt Privé agent, I can elevate your Alila Ubud experience even further. When you book your stay through me, you’ll unlock an array of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your luxury getaway:

Ready for Your Unforgettable Bali Getaway?

Alila Ubud offers an authentic, luxurious, and deeply rejuvenating experience, perfectly suited for honeymooners and anyone planning their first unforgettable trip to Bali. My own first visit proved that amidst the island’s popularity, a refined, quiet, and classy getaway from the crowds is not only possible but deeply rewarding at resorts like Alila Ubud. From the moment you arrive until your reluctant departure, every detail is meticulously crafted for your comfort and delight.

Don’t just dream of Bali – experience it with exclusive benefits!

Contact me today to plan your bespoke Alila Ubud escape and unlock these incredible Hyatt Privé perks. Let’s make your Bali honeymoon or first-time adventure truly extraordinary!