The sprawling tropical gardens punctuated by colourful bursts of blossom, perfectly manicured lawns and serene beauty of the surrounding landscape and private beach have all contributed to the Ritz Carlton Bali's reputation as the island's hotel of love.
Since opening its doors in 1996, the hotel has firmly established itself as one of the most romantic five-star escapes in Asia. In fact, so many guests either get married or enjoy their honeymoons at the property that the hotel has not only expanded the number of marriage venues available but also has a team of 17 wedding professionals on hand to make sure that all preparations go as smoothly as possible.
Spread over huge grounds with cliff top views of the savagely beautiful south Bali coastline, the resort has maintained its success by constantly adapting and improving the quality of its facilities and service. The opening of the brand new Ocean Beach pool and the recent renovation of the hotel's original villa complex are two examples. Following the global trend for travellers moving away from the more traditional hotel room in favour of a more private villa experience, the Ritz opened its new cliff villa complex in 2004 along the western part of the resort, overlooking the cliffs and Indian ocean beyond. An instant success, it offered the levels of privacy and personal service of a private villa with the facilities and standards of a five-star resort. Serviced by the outstanding Dava restaurant, a dedicated pool area and the popular Martini bar, the villas complex also offered easy access to the hotel's other restaurants and facilities.
The Ritz Carlton Bali Resort and SpaAs customers' expectations have increased over the past three years, the recent renovation has replaced the ethnic charm of some of the earlier ocean villas, opened at the same time as the hotel, with a more modern minimalist finish. Sporting marble floors, pastel fabrics and huge beds draped in mosquito netting, the new look villas also feature wi-fi internet access, huge plasma TVs and Ipod docks. The over-sized bathrooms (they must be the largest on the island) offer inside and out rain showers, enormous bathtubs and enough room to hold a small gathering. Outside, a private infinity plunge pool borders the garden where a thatched bale offers a shady space to lounge. Perfect for honeymooning couples, the villas are serviced by a team of dedicated butlers who tend to every request, be it a romantic massage at the spa, a picnic on the beach or a floating champagne brunch in the villa pool.
An equally decadent pool experience can be had at the resort's new Ocean Beach pool, which sits above the crashing surf with panoramic views of the cliffs and mountains beyond. This area offers a delightful shady terrace and free-form wave-shaped seawater pool from which to ponder the hotel's stunning sunsets while enjoying a well-earned fruity cocktail.
The Ritz Carlton Bali Resort and Spa
Jimbaran, Bali, tel +62 361 702 222, ritzbc@indosat.net.id - www.ritzcarlton.com
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