Alila Manggis: There Is More Side of Bali

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Nestled away in Bali’s east coast is the secluded, luxury resort of Alila Manggis. Experience a paradise of natural beauty, ocean views, culture, gourmet food in the garden and impeccable service.

You will never want to leave once you step foot inside the Alila Manggis. The details in the gorgeously landscaped and brightly green colored gardens are evidence of a paradise found. The 2.5-acre resort is a haven for pure relaxation. Engage the mind in ocean and Mountain View. Find yourself, or lose yourself, in this secluded sanctuary of Bali.

Few resorts are as easy to get to and yet so far from the bustle of the world as the Alila Manggis. The resort is an easy 90-minute ride from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is once you leave the highway and enter Manggis Area, however, that you’ll feel like you’ve truly escaped. A wall of lush foliage lines the narrow road that leads towards the sea. 



As we arrived on a rainy Saturday, we were welcome by Ms. Dewi the Operation Manager in charge and treated with a fresh-home-made Snake Fruit mixed with cinnamon welcome drink. The first feeling we had was, solitude. The resort’s 53 rooms are strung along the pool and overlook the Ocean. Their design is cool and contemporary, with details like marble floors, rustic wooden shade screens, and plantings that create an atmosphere suited to its location. 

The smallest room—a superior room—measures at 34 square meter, and that is almost doubled by an outdoor space, where you have the opportunities for stargazing as you lounge beneath the night sky. We stayed at the double deluxe room with the view to the pool and the ocean.

We had a couple hours to rest a bit while enjoying the tea and coffee break that delivered to the room before the massage appointment at the Alila Spa. We feel a bit devastated about the rain along the afternoon, but glad the room is comfortable enough for us to stay in the room. But then again, a small epiphany: What’s worst than living a life bent over traffic jam all day long?

The highlight would be a perfect massage by the sea on sunset. Even though the resort is not delivering direct sunset view, you will still see violet sky. Listened to the waves hit the reef, the whistling of ocean breeze, no it’s not your typical daily life. The 60 minutes of Balinese Massage seemed too short. But the ideas of having a sorbet after a massage is beyond believe, while knowing the 3-course-dinner awaited us.

Dinner at the SeaSalt Restaurant is meant to be romantic. With dim light, you can still hear the waves catching one another; you can feel the romantic vibes around you. Oh, the Avocado Chicken Salad with Black Rice is top-notch.

We were a bit over slept the day after; we woke up at 9, almost late for our breakfast. Coffee, fresh fruit and scrambled egg suited me just fine, because we are heading for brunch at the Alila Garden which an experience that is hard to forget.

A car was prepared for us with a driver to take us to the garden. It was only 10 minutes driving. A bicycle ride actually can be an option also, but it was very cloudy, so we opted the car transfer.

Bright green garden awaited us. So many plants intentionally planted to be consumed by guests. Lemon Basil, mint, chili pepper, mangosteen, eggplant and many more. We were so ready to enjoy an organic brunch that has been prepared. By the time we arrived, we were served with a fresh cold tea made from lemon grass, cinnamon, ginger and a touch of honey, which was marvelous.

It was a big brunch, 5 menus were set up for us. Variety of bread: garlic, cheese and red rice, tomato and bocconcini cheese, beef salami, pan sheared tuna and cheese, mushroom and beetroot quiche. Trust me, it was heaven. I feel like a vegetarian virgin, where I want to eat everything. And do not forget that you eat the whole food while you were enjoying the striking scenery in Bali which maybe you never experience before. Life has never been so beautiful. 

There are a few things you should keep in mind before booking a stay. If you are looking for a disco that goes late into the night, this isn’t the resort for you. If you’re looking for shopping area, this isn’t the resort for you. But if, however, those features sound like selling points—along with a serene spa and restaurant serving the best dishes and great garden excursion—then Alila Manggis is the right resort for you. The big pool in the middle of green grass, as well as the Alila Manggis staff, are all waiting to welcome you to their home.

Sure, I hate to end this journey, but it is the next journey I was seeking as Ernest Hemingway said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” 
















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