April 1st 2009 brought on a scenario of changes that have only cemented their status as leaders in the tourism industry not just in Bali, and not just in Indonesia, but also around the world. US-based West Paces Hotel Group was appointed to replace the former management company and AYANA has been on the rise ever since. New appointments within the senior management team have also come into play bringing fresh ideas and expertise such as the newly appointed Executive Chef Giordano Faggioli. Giordano brings with him more than 20 years’ experience in the luxury hotels and restaurants business and will begin to oversee AYANA Resort and Spa Bali’s 13 dining and lounge venues, in-room dining, and banqueting services.

Supervising this task may seem daunting, but not at AYANA, as their myriad of options turn it into a joy. The first of course would be The Rock Bar, which has taken Bali’s must-go destination by storm. This open-top bar perched 14 meters above the ocean is literally “on the rocks” at the base of the resort’s towering cliffs and is as an impressive sight as the Bali sunsets one can watch from it. Accessed from an inclinator that traverses the cliff-face, the view is inspiring as the architectural clean-line design of the Rock Bar blends with its natural surroundings to perfection. Including a DJ booth and impromptu performances from local and visiting artists, the ultra-modern vibe brings chic socialites from all over for uninterrupted sunset soirees till late night debauchery.

AYANA’s cuisine counterparts have also taken notice to this wind of change. The DAVA restaurant has also launched a new menu following the appointment of a new Chef de Cuisine, Chef William Gumport, to maintain its status of one of Bali’s most spectacular dining venues. Padi Restaurant, which previously was Thai oriented, has been transformed to a Pan Asian food venue offering an expansive dinner menu of Indian, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine while the international breakfast buffet allows gourmet dining at 6 different food stations. Even more recently, AYANA has reopened the Damar Terrace restaurant following an extensive renovation by Yasuhiro Koichi, the creative mastermind behind the Rock Bar’s magnificent design.

All of this hard work and effort has paid off handsomely as the awards and accolades are now pouring in for AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. AYANA was the only hotel in all of Indonesia to make the list of Asia’s Top 15 Resorts in Travel + Leisure’s 2009 World’s Best Awards reader’s survey. They also were ranked number one resort in Bali by leading Japanese travel website AB-Road and were voted Asia’s number 3 Spa Resort by SmartTravelAsia readers.

But nothing is sweeter than their most recent award; The World Travel Awards, tagged by the Wall Street Journal as “the Oscars of the travel industry”, have named AYANA as Asia’s leading luxury resort. An honour with high expectations and prestigious commitment to service and luxury, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is sitting high on their perch and ensures they will stay there…

Ayana Resort and Spa
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera
Jimbaran – Bali 80364
T +62 361 702 222
F. +62 361 701 555
www.ayanaresort.com

A short stroll is all that separates one between the famous boutiques and world-class restaurants of Seminyak and your own private comfort zone. It almost feels like there is no outside world when waltzing through the pathways between villas. The overhang of trees and greenery act like an umbrella of shelter from the cares and inconveniences around you, each ending in this maze, is an exquisite boutique villa with all the amenities a five-star hotel. The concept of combining serenity and class all comes to a peak here. Originally created in 2005, The Elysian has 26 villas sprawled throughout their property ensuring the individualism and solitude, the perfect place for rejuvenation.

The architectural aesthetics of each villa bring about an imaginative way of using modernistic design with the tropical environment of Bali. Each villa has a private swimming pool, and sundeck as soon as you enter, and the view from the living and dining area is as comfortable as the sunken couches overlook the pool. An extreme pleasure at any time is to have the bay windows open so the breeze from the Indian Ocean can seep into the entirety of the villa. Complete with styled furnishings in both the generous bathroom which features a walk-in shower, and the bedroom with large king-size bed. These villas certainly add a bit of luxury to your holiday. Modern amenities include free wireless broadband internet connection, 60-channel cable TV, IDD telephone, DVD/VCD/CD player, minibar, safe, pantry and 24-hour room service, and Bose sound dock speakers for iPods. The rest of The Elysian’s facilities can keep you busy as well; their Rush Bamboo Restaurant & Bar serves Mediterrasian cuisine, in your villa or at their café, and has a twenty-five meter pool that’s lined with daybeds and full bar service at your disposal. The spa and wellness centre also has trained Balinese therapists to assist in any body treatment or spa ritual you choose or even try yoga or meditation in your own villa with one of their expert teachers. Gym access is also available a short distance away with free usage of their modern equipment and facilities.

Seminyak’s best beaches and vibrant nightlife are only metres away for those looking to venture outside but returning to the romantic ambience of The Elysian is always a must. Friendly staff and superior service make this a sure bet to return time and time again.

The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel
Jl. Sari Dewi #18, Seminyak
Tel: (0361) 730999
www.theelysian.com

Location speaks volumes and Bali Island Villas’ position within the vibrant pulse of Seminyak puts travelers at an advantage for all sorts of endeavors. Although with its proximity to day and nightlife activities, the private complex of 10 self-contained luxury villas sits neatly in a calming niche of the Petitenget neighborhood providing a perfect balance between “on the go” and relaxation.

While each one-bedroom villa comes with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, dining and lounge area, and generous master bedroom, the usage of space maximizes the residential living tranquility. Large full-length glass doors give way to a landscaped garden and private swimming pool with timber sundeck and daybeds. Natural lighting illuminates the aforementioned master bedroom as well as the rest of the villa interior for a warm daytime aura. The spa-inspired en-suite bathroom is decked out in cooling grey stone and chrome furnishings and even has a sunken tub for two to make visits ultra romantic. Along with these features are a myriad of other services and facilities such as personal butler, extensive in-room dining menu, home theater with cable television and CD/DVD access, free broadband internet access, same day laundry and dry cleaning, and villa driver on call for complimentary runs to the Seminyak and Kuta areas.

One such quality of the villas that should not be left out is the concealed stairs on the side of the garden that lead up and above your villa. Guests will be surprised to find a noteworthy rooftop terrace tucked away with a traditional Balinese “bale”, or lounging pavilion, to entertain yourself and others underneath the sun or stars.

A journey to Bali Island Villas wouldn’t be complete without visiting the ever-popular Taman Merah. This spa has established itself as one of the best in Bali for guests and outside visitors alike. Flushed in lush green flora and red shaded furnishings, Taman Merah embraces a holistic approach to wellness and rejuvenation through their assortment of massage and beauty treatments as well as package treatments using body products specifically designed for the spa. Balinese Massages, Hot Stone Treatments, Traditional Crème Bath, and combination of different treatments are just some of the choices at your disposal. Sophisticated facilities are a signature mark of this spa as well, including four double treatment rooms, reflexology environment and two rain showers.

For travelers who want to get lost in their own dreams and fantasies, the Bali Island Villas & Spa sets the standard high.

Bali Island Villas & Spa Taman Merah
Jl. Petitenget No. 469 Seminyak – Bali
T: +62 361 736 656
E: info@islandvillasbali.com
www.islandvillasbali.com

Consisting of twenty five unique villas that are designed with open spaces to flow indoors to outdoors, Bloo Lagoon is brilliantly fused with a traditional atmosphere yet still comfortably away from the modern touch. Suitable for singles, couples, and families, facilities include space for workshops, conferences and an amphitheater for performances as well as a restaurant and spa just above the ocean. Here you can enjoy outdoor bathing surrounded by lush vegetation or sip a drink while sitting under an umbrella or lounging by the swimming pool shore.

At Bloo Lagoon, an opportunity for two cultures to learn from each other is widely open. The residents and guests can provide language teaching, diving, computer skills, cooking, health techniques, accounting skills, building skills while the villagers in turn teach their local language, ecology, customs, craft ways, culture, religion, and smiling attitude. The management company, PT Rumah Teh Asli, has leased the land and will sub-lease it to people interested also. The sub-lease can be transferred to another at any time and is definitely not a timeshare. You fully own your house, and you or your friends can stay whenever you wish. In addition, the management provides day to day cleaning, security, reception, maid service, electric buggies and maintenance.

Globalization without stealing, this keeps the local village structure intact and eliminates the difficulties of foreign owners having to partake in the traditional village and Banjar duties. The basis of the contract is a condominium or strata law with the leassee leasing the land beneath the house, purchasing the house while paying for the maintainence of community property is common through the management company.

The wonderful villa concept of Bloo Lagoon is based on the T House design which was founded by international artist-architect, Tony Gwilliam. Bloo Lagoon’s ‘ethos’ is to live in harmony with the natural surroundings and the town of Padangbai, preserving and enhancing the beauty and integrity of the local culture. The underlying aim is to improve the life of all participating individuals, the buyers, guests, and villagers through the practice of eco-principals in mutual exchange; not only to the “green” land ecosystem but also the “bloo” ocean ecosystem below. For those who can afford to opt for a traditional lifestyle, Bloo Lagoon is sure to give you the answer you’ve been looking for.

Bloo Lagoon Villas & Resort
Jl Silayukti, Padangbai, Karangasem, Bali
Ph: +62 363 41211 / +62 81 7474 5751
Fax: +62 363 41099
Email: info@bloolagoon.com

These luxe properties bring glamour and style to this unspoiled whilst fashionable part of Bali. All are located in the enchanting traditional village of Cepaka with the volcanoes of Bali, terraces of rice, tropical forests and antiquated temples flanking it…. just 15mins from Tanah Lot (and the island’s best golf course), and twenty minutes chauffeured drive north of the famed shopping and restaurants of Seminyak and Legian.

Design and size aside, they all offer a rare opportunity to both catch up and unwind in intimate, luxurious surroundings where service is ever present, yet never intrudes..and all in complete privacy. They are magical holiday destinations for couples/honeymooners, young families and groups of friends, and compelling as venues for weddings, pre-wedding parties, wedding accommodation, and special occasions (co-ordination of all facets of your wedding or special event can be arranged at one of the properties using hand-picked specialists). And families travelling to Bali with young children now have an alternative to generic 5-star resorts. In addition to discounts for young families, most children’s and babies requisites are provided (from cots to change mats, car seats, sterilizers, toys, pool floats, sunscreen…), and young guests even have their own extensive menu and fun drinks list.

Villa Devatas (www.bali-villadevatas.com) 1-5 king rooms
Devatas is a world class contemporary private resort set on a huge riverside plot that takes tropical paradise to the extreme in the island’s latest upscale address. It is one of Bali’s most seductive private hideaways with its magnificent setting, 5 beautifully appointed suites, gym, spa and 20m pool providing an experience that will never be forgotten.

Villa Sungai (www.bali-villasungai.com) 1-3 king rooms
Providing indulgence on an outrageous scale, Sungai comes with a poolside ‘great room’ which can seat 2-16 guests comfortably for gala dining, a bar overlooking the river and 17m pool, and a dedicated spa room. Three king bedrooms with the best linen and deepest double bath, Bose sound in the pavilions, loaded iPods in the bedrooms, and 9 extraordinary staff.

Villa Sungai Gold (www.baliluxuryhoneymoons.com)
This villa is an offshoot of the flagship Sungai, separate dining, leisure and massage pavilions and pool are all dedicated to just one couple. Stay in all day with sensual massages, fine dining and splendid wines where the staff practise the ‘any time, anything’ philosophy to perfection, whipping up your requests at any hour.