Viceroy Bali

Viceroy Bali

Poised on a secluded ridge, overlooking a dramatic river gorge and the verdant Valley of the Kings, the renowned Viceroy Bali offers visitors an unrivalled combination of the romantic, the exclusive and the exotic. Family owned and managed, it is an independent hotel, belonging to the elite Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and no effort is spared to provide its guests with a taste of the royal treatment once enjoyed here by generations of Balinese kings. Although only seven minutes from the thriving arts and cultural centre of Ubud, it truly seems like another world.

Taking full advantage of its rainforest surroundings, the style of the resort is a blend of Balinese traditional architecture with minimalist European design, its most striking features being its alang-alang (conical thatch) roofs, and its wealth of stone-carved deity statues scattered everywhere. The stunning two-storey split-level lobby, under its soaring thatched roof, welcomes guests with polished concrete walls, gleaming marble floors, and a three-metre-wide hand-carved mural, depicting a scene of traditional Balinese dancing. As the resort is on a steep mountain slope, the villas are spread out vertically on different levels, with golf-carts, driven by staff, skilfully negotiating the twists and bends between buildings.

With its traditional Balinese styling -- including a 10 metre high conical thatched roof -- and the jaw-dropping views from its open pavilions, the CasCade Restaurant earns its reputation as one of Indonesia's top restaurants, even before a bite of food has been tasted. Guests can enjoy contemporary French menus with ecotic Asian influences, including the traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel, a delicious assortment of spicy meats and vegetables. For those wanting a romantic dinner for two, the staff will set up a private table, with rose petals and dimmed lighting.

The restaurant has also won awards for its outstanding global wine collection, which more than complements the superb cuisine. After -- or before -- dinner, the Viceroy Bar mixes some of Bali's best cocktails. With its mesmerising views over the river gorge, and its laid-back, relaxing design, featuring lots of lounge space and striking, long lacquered bar, it is a delightful place to unwind before bed. And when you return to your room, you find it has been totally transformed -- as part of the royal room service, the artwork, colours, lights and scents change between day and night.

Although all guests have a private pool, the hotel also has an enchanting, sinuous main pool, which winds through the resort and culminates in a dramatic infinity edge, overlooking towering palms. It has a swim-up bar, and is enhanced with a water feature and shady balés or pavilions. The Lembah Spa, with sublime views overlooking the gorge, offers a stunning environment for its traditional Balinese treatments, with its lofty atrium, elegant stone work, and unique cantilevered patio with infinity pool and fountains.

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