Contemporary Elegance In An Ancient Setting: The Bulgari Resort Bali

One of the most exotic vacation destinations in the world is Bali, an Indonesian island with a stark, yet strangely delicate combination of spectacular physical beauty and ancient, mystic culture. The Bulgari Resort Bali has recognized and made wonderful use of both, while adding its own sheen of elegance.

The choice of location for the Bulgari Resort Bali could not be more stunning if the designers and builders themselves had manufactured it according to the specifications of perfection. The resort is located on a clifftop near the village of Pecatu. The majestic Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple also sits on this clifftop, which is almost 200 metres off the ground. There is a fantastic, unrivalled view of the Indian Ocean and directly below the resort is a beautiful stretch of beach that is private and accessible only by taking an inclined elevator down from the resort. The sands gleam white and the Indian Ocean is a deep azure colour and because of the uniqueness of the location, you will feel as though you are strolling the beaches of your own private paradise.

The design of the Bulgari Resort Bali, which has 59 villas, was in the hands of the prolific European designer Antonio Citterio and his firm, Antonio Citterio and Partners. The design and furnishings of each villa was with an eye towards capturing the exotic nature of the location. Hand-cut volcanic stone, rich exotic woods and fabrics were used for the interior, while natural lava and palimanan stone were used for the gardens and the interior walls. Striking, natural green-coloured rock was used in the outdoor showers, plunge pools and swimming pools, giving you the illusion that you are swimming in the sea.

The individual villas are as comfortable as they are luxurious. The design concept at work here is open-air living, which incorporates natural elements, materials and lots of space. This gives the villas a cool elegance, and literally keeps it cool and airy during the long hot days. And since this is a very modern resort, expect the very latest in audio-visual technology from Bang and Olufsen. Other amenities that come with each villa include a full compliment of Bulgari soaps and toiletries, and butler service to make sure all your needs and desires are taken care of promptly and efficiently.

For a truly indulgent luxury treat, you might consider the Bulgari Villa – the largest in the complex. This stunning, 1,300 square foot villa features three bedrooms, a large living area and an oversized dining area. There is also a 20-metre lap swimming pool and a stone terrace that surrounds the villa.

Another wonderful and inventive offering at the Bulgari Resort Bali is the inclusion of over 90 examples of authentic Balinese antiques, ranging from works of art to pieces of furniture. These are placed throughout the resort, giving guests a sense and feeling that they are not just staying in a resort, they are actually visiting a country bursting with historical and cultural significance.

The ceramics, flatware, stemware and fabrics found throughout the resort are for the most part the work of local artists and designers, and produced in Bali in collaboration with Bulgari and Antonio Citterio and Partners.

Fine resorts are often refined to an even more luxurious state by the quality of the restaurants that they contain. In the case of the Bulgari Resort Bali, the two poolside restaurants are something in themselves to behold. The main restaurant, called Il Ristorante, is only open for dinner and features a dazzling array of Italian-inspired but locally influenced cuisine. Imported Italian ingredients mixed with organically grown local ingredients make each dish not just exotic and unique, but unforgettable. If you have never sampled the food of Indonesia, you are in for a treat – the flavours are sumptuous and the spices are evident but never overpowering.

For more casual dining, the all-day restaurant Sangkar is striking because it is located at the cliff’s edge, which means that your dining experience will have a one-of-a-kind, adventurous feel. Sangkar features a more classical Balinese menu. From the traditional bamboo cage lamps to the 10 metre-high ceiling, this is a casual dining setting that you will not only enjoy but will look forward to revisiting as often as you can.

The Spa at the Bulgari Resort Bali is splendid. A stunning pavilion that leads to a hand-carved teak wood Joglo House precedes the oceanfront spa. Inside, there is a spacious lounge, yoga pavilion and swimming pool. There are also six fully equipped treatment rooms and two royal pavilions with outdoor gardens, rain showers and plunge pools. Of course, a beauty salon and state-of-the-art fitness centre are available.  Because of the spectacular setting of the spa, another unique feature that can be found here is the offering of spa treatments and facial treatments on the beach, commencing either at sunset or at sunrise. This is an experience that will invigorate you, pamper you and make you feel at one with the exotic surroundings.

If you have never been to Bali, you owe it to yourself to visit one day. Not just for it’s splendour, but for the elements of mystery that shrouds the lush rainforests and its other beautiful, natural elements. Everywhere you look, you will experience the rich culture of Indonesia. And given the excellence and elegance that is expected when the name Bulgari is mentioned, all that is unique and beautiful about Bali has been captured in the luxurious Bulgari Resort Bali.