{"id":17773,"date":"2013-01-09T08:33:38","date_gmt":"2013-01-08T22:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=17773"},"modified":"2015-03-17T08:53:02","modified_gmt":"2015-03-16T22:53:02","slug":"uluwatu-the-new-luxury-hot-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/uluwatu-the-new-luxury-hot-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"Uluwatu \u2013 the new luxury hot spot"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Forget Bora Bora, lastminute lovely Sasha takes a trip to Bali and discovers the newest lustworthy travel destination, Uluwatu.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Oh. My. Gawd! That is literally all that I can word-vomit when I arrive at the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa<\/a>. This place is surreal, and in the best kind of way.
\nOn check-in I\u2019m met with smiles – lots and lots of smiles. I can\u2019t believe how happy everyone is around me and I\u2019ve suddenly forgotten about my miserable four hour layover in Darwin Airport. There is no way you can be miserable here. I mean, look at that view!
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I\u2019ve got to admit, I\u2019m not shy about judging a hotel from its lobby. I find it can speak a lot about the staff, service and quality of a hotel, and the Anantara Uluwatu made me feel as if I\u2019d died and landed in hotel lobby heaven. I can hear the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing into the cliffs from where I\u2019m sitting at the front desk, and the perfect level of lighting surrounds the villas and hotel exterior to give it that uber luxe feel. At this point in time I\u2019m finding it hard to pick my jaw up off the ground, and I haven\u2019t even seen my room yet!<\/p>\n

Once my thoughts are pieced back together and I\u2019ve picked my jaw up off the floor, I\u2019m shown to my Ocean View Suite, which is 84 square metres of pure bliss that will be mine for the next two nights. The room is stunningly modern with marble floors, a beautiful wooden feature wall, a couch the size of my apartment, mammoth king bed, his and hers amenities, a cute towel art elephant, and don\u2019t let me forget to mention the outdoor Jacuzzi with sweeping views of the ocean. This place is so luxurious even the water bottle holders are made of leather! Let me give you a preview…
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After an uninterrupted sleep in my new luxury pad, we wake hungry and head straight to the hotel restaurant\u2019s, 360 dinging and lounge, for buffet brekkie. A mix of Indonesian and American delights, there\u2019s no holding back, especially when fresh seafood and sushi is on the brekkie menu. When in Bali!<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Filled to the brim and the sun shining bright, we take ourselves on a tour of this luxury haven. Walking through the hotel grounds, it\u2019s clear to see how the Anantara Uluwatu claims five star status. From the perfectly groomed gardens to the \u2018get-me\u2013in-there now\u2019 infinity pool, extravagance is oozing out of every corner of the hotel.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

After exploring the resort, it\u2019s clear that there\u2019s no need to leave. With facilities including onsite dining, spa, pool, gym and even a wedding chapel if you\u2019re caught up in the romance of it all, everything is right where you need it.
\nDespite my attempt to stay put at the resort, I\u2019m dragged out to explore the bigger Bali \u2013 it\u2019s my first time here after all. We call for a driver who is smiling and waiting to go when we arrive at reception.<\/p>\n

First stop, Padang Padang Beach<\/strong>
\nPadang Padang Beach is not only famous for being one of the best surf spots in Bali, but also as the filming location of the movie Eat Pray Love<\/em>. A steep set of stairs will get you to the white soft sand and hot tip \u2013 be sure to bring your wallet if you want to snap up a few bargains at the beach stalls.
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Next stop \u2013 Uluwatu Temple <\/strong>
\nWe make our way through the temple, snapping shots of the monkeys whilst holding onto our bags tight. These little fellas may seem cute and friendly, but they\u2019re A-grade thieves, so keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid holiday distress. The view from the temple overlooking the cliffs of Uluwatu is absolutely breathtaking. The pictures barely do it justice, so if you\u2019re in the area add Uluwatu Temple to must-visit list.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

After a day filled with exploring, we head back to the hotel and enjoy a 90 minute Balinese massage at Anantara Spa. The tiny Balinese masseuse walks in with a smile (of course) and starts pampering me to perfection. I swear at one stage I had about six masseuses working on me, because there\u2019s no way such a tiny woman could be so diligent.<\/p>\n

Spa treatment done, and it\u2019s time for high tea couture. Yep that\u2019s right \u2013 high tea in Bali.<\/p>\n

We make our way to the restaurant overlooking the cliff-sea front and indulge with sophisticated savoury bites, desserts, cakes, and delicate ribbon sandwiches. And let\u2019s not forget the tea!
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You might think we\u2019d had enough indulgence for one day, but a few hours later we make our way back up to 360 Dining and Lounge for a three course set menu (holiday calories don\u2019t count, right?) which included a mixture of fresh Indonesian delicacies with modern western delights. Check out the adorably lavish napkin art!<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Uluwatu isn\u2019t your typical Bali destination. People walk around in loose fitting linen, and there\u2019s not a Bintang singlet in sight. It\u2019s touched with sophistication and charm, pristine beaches, luxury accommodation, and smiles galore. The laidback atmosphere filling the Uluwatu air makes it far from the snob you may find in other high end destinations, and it\u2019s only a few hours\u2019 drive from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak and Kuta if you\u2019re up for a little action (a cab ride there will set you back about $20 AUD).<\/p>\n

This peaceful resort takes luxury living to a new level, and with Bali giving you more bang for your buck, you can rest assured that this luxury trip won\u2019t break the bank. As they say in Bali \u2018I give you good price, cheap cheap!\u2019<\/p>\n

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