Located on a plateau overlooking the southern Indian Ocean,
Alila Villas have a sublime symmetry of old and new. Designed by renowned
Singapore-based architects and designers, WOHA, the resort reflects a hybrid of
cultural influences combined in a singularly sustainable approach that offers a
range of experiences for guests.
The passive solar design is attuned to the rhythms of the natural
environment, with a room-opening ritual taking place every morning. During this
daily routine all the sliding and pivot doors are opened, allowing a water
feature to capture air movement and cool the room during the day. This is
reversed at night, when each room is ‘closed’, retaining the temperate
environment indoors. This climate control ritual also has an overwhelming
effect of harmony and well-being – an opportunity to reflect on the symbiosis
of the environment and the human experience.
Custom journeys can also be created, with spa, wellness,
culture, arts and crafts and environmental tours available –
introducing the ideas and ethos of the resort directly from the site’s head
engineer. Here, the guests become acquainted with some of the arcane knowledge
of the site and local vegetation (which has been incorporated into the design),
the water-recycling systems and plans for alternative energy sources.
Finishes are both beautiful and appropriate, the black
volcanic stone used as a roofing material and throughout the site soaking up
heat and providing a connection to the local landscape. The sensitive design continues
to a minute level – beautifully designed in-house amenities include soaps
and aromatic products sourced from the locale, bookmarks that feature local
batik prints and stories, nightly ‘comfort cubes’ and cooled vanilla tea. These
traditional Balinese elements are combined with individual pools for each room
and a dedicated butler.
This resort offers total privacy within a detailed and
thoughtful design – the first in Indonesia to be awarded a Green Globe
certification through the use of recycled materials and protection of the
natural environment.
For more information and images click here.
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