Lucky me diving into luxury at the Viceroy Bali
Heaven forbid you only had one night in Ubud, but if you did, then the Viceroy Bali is THE place to stay. No need to negotiate the traffic, simply send for a helicopter to collect you from the airport and deliver you directly to your private villa suspended over the Valley of Kings.
Welcome to the Viceroy, Ubud and Mt Agung hovering in the distance
Bali’s architectural grandeur goes without saying but it’s the small things that set the Viceroy apart. My bale perched over a heated infinity pool includes power points and by the pool are towel rails and a games table engraved with a chessboard.
The mini bar is stocked with Veuve Clicquot and if there was ever a time to splurge it would be while soaking in the oversized bath at the centre of the opulent bathroom. Crank up the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin speakers and emerge through the bathroom’s filmy curtains all Zoolander-like as you head out to CasCades Restaurant.
Dinner is quite an event and features a local and international line-up including western classics with premium ingredients or the Balinese version of degustation known as Rijsttafel with traditional Babek Betutu (roasted duck) and Babi Guling (suckling pig) as you’re waited on by staff in traditional uniforms and gracious Balinese charm.
Or you can enjoy nibbles and cocktails by the pool
There’s a buggy on standby to help you back to your villa, which I must say is especially handy after a deplorable display of decadence at the Lembah Spa.
Talk about rooms with a view, and there’s over 40 villas to choose from catering to romantic couples and loving families. Integrating Balinese architecture with luxury, features include marble bathrooms, espresso machines, rain showers, 24-hour service, artifacts and infinity pools with traditional bales with valley or Petanu River views.
Even the grounds receive that exclusive attention to detail
The Viceroy Bali offer a range of activities including helicopter tours, luxury yachts, outings to local attractions, tours, yoga, cooking classes, rice paddy treks and even Balinese dance lessons. There’s no guarantee you’ll look as graceful as these beautiful dancers but the experience will undoubtedly be unforgettable.
I couldn’t agree more with the hotel’s motto, “Viceroy is a sanctuary in paradise.” www.viceroybali.com
While in Ubud you might enjoy some of these options in Ubud, Bali: Eat, Lay, Bend and Write or to venture further afield to The Wild West, Balinese Style in West Bali.
Carmen Jenner was a pampered guest of Viceroy Bali in Ubud
