By Johnni Wong | Jul 23, 2010
Photographs by Raymond Lee
Redefining Luxury: Alila’s Jewel in the Crown
Perched at the edge of a cliff several hundred feet above the rocky and secluded beach of Bukit Peninsula is the Alila Villas Uluwatu which has an architectural style reminiscent of the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van de Rohe.
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| All over the resort are the many reflective pools that add serenity and a certain coolness to the environment. |
There was quite a buzz in leading international lifestyle publications such as Vogue Living (Australia), Wallpaper and Monocle when it soft-opened in June, 2009. News of the project also came from the Alila Hotels & Resorts group’s chief financial officer Newton Siao, who is a friend.
The Alila Villas Uluwatu makes the most of its natural landscape and kudos to Singapore-based architectural firm, WOHA, for a great job. Founded by Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell formerly of Kerry Hill Architects, WOHA was commissioned for both the architecture and interior design plans.
The property is set on 14 hectares of land, with eight hectares utilised for building structures. The rest of the property is left as hill slopes and dedicated gardens.
The most impressive feature of the resort is how the architects have used the unique landscape and created a low-key but enchanting environment. The Alila Villas Uluwatu is after all perched at the edge of a cliff with a dramatic drop.
Over RM4,000 a night
Created as a sensual retreat, each of the one-bedroom villa - with a published rate of US$1,070++ (RM3,442++) - spans 291sq m and the built-up space is an equally generous, 191sq m. Deep overhangs protect the interiors of the all-pool villas.
Daybeds encourage the privileged guest to lie down and the pool is just a roll away.
Timber-battened pavilions that look distressed and weather beaten at a glance, are a feature throughout the resort. Generally, the finishing materials used are cool and textured.
A large bathroom and dressing area features separate his and hers wash basins that come with amenities for both him and her. Of course, you also find the ubiquitous semi-outdoor shower by a pond in addition to a long bath and shower cabin inside.
The design of the entire resort is devoid of any of the usual Balinese villa clichés and combines local materials with effortless simplicity.
The resort exudes a calm and serene ambience. Pale natural colours predominate with finishing materials that include smooth and textured limestone, dark recycled timber, bamboo, stone from the site as well as volcanic Batu Candi used for the roofs of each villa. All building materials were locally sourced.
Even the batik used for the pillows is bleached and stonewashed for that soft, well-worn effect.
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| Inside the Sunset Cabana you may lounge around and enjoy your pre-dinner cocktails and take in the great view. |
Sunset Cabana
For the most dramatic effect, visit the cantilevered “Sunset Cabana” where you can sit on low sofas and sip champagne, watching the sky turn from warm red to azure blue as dusk sets in.
This pavilion is the largest of many at the resort. It is part of the resort’s signature look. Seemingly perched pecariously over the cliff’s edge, this unique venue offers amazing views of the rocky beach below as the giant waves break and of the vista beyond.
The giant, perforated box-like structure is constructed of recycled “iron wood” from Borneo. Ceilings are lined with bamboo strips.
Warung and Cire
Set on the east and west corners of the resort are the two restaurants. Warung serves Balinese and regional Indonesian cuisine while Cire offers delightful Mediterranean-inspired fare.
At Cire - which sports an understated and appropriate design aesthetic - executive chef Stefan Zijta’s ability to infuse a French cooking style with local ingredients is simply delicious. The Dutch chef was formerly from Shy, the stunning Anouska Hempel-designed fine dining restaurant in Jakarta.
Befitting a luxury resort in Bali, service throughout the property is naturally, very good. All guests are designated a personal butler for the duration of their stay. As the resort is sprawling, the butler would be happy to ferry you around in an electric buggy should you choose not to walk to the main building. Although, wandering through the landscaped grounds can be most delightful.
Singapore-based consultancy Cicada did the landscaping. Lots of reflective pools and a choice of plants that is relevant to the environment which has an arid, Savannah-like, characteristic. The plants were selected to survive on less water as the area can be quite dry.
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Clockwise:
- The lush pathway outside the villas - which lead to the main building - is appropriately landscaped with well-chosen plants.
- View of the Sunset Cabana across the main swimming pool at the Alila Villas Uluwatu. You look right out to the sea and at the horizon beyond.
- His and hers amenities include sun hats and yoga mats.
- Pale natural colours predominate with finishing materials that include smooth and textured limestone, dark recycled timber, bamboo, stone from the site as well as volcanic Batu Candi used for the roofs of each villa.
- As the resort is sprawling, the butler would be happy to ferry you around in an electric buggy should you choose not to walk to the main building. |
Green Globe
Overall, AVU was also designed and constructed in accordance with Green Globe standards. It follows a dedicated environmental and social sustainability policy that cultivates eco-friendly concepts through environmentally sustainable design principles.
Water conservation is reflected in recyclable grey water system as well as a rain water harvesting system, among other “green” measures. Even the choice of plants helps to use less water.
The resort also emphasises energy conservation as a policy.
The consumption of raw materials in the construction process was kept to a minimum with the use of recycled material such as coconut wood, and wood from railway sleepers and telephone poles.
Hot air from the air-conditioning system is directed to heat up water. Each villa is designed with bamboo ceilings, volcanic rock roofs and open windows to increase air flow and minimise the use of air-conditioning.
The most memorable image of the resort is the vast expanse of water features all around and the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, especially at the edge of the Sunset Cabana looking into infinity.
* Raymond Lee who is the principal of Xceptional Interiors can be contacted at www.xceptional-interiors.com.
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