Discover the Newest Star on Bali’s South Coast
The first Southeast Asian outpost of Hilton’s distinctive LXR collection of independent luxury properties, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a cliff-top gem perched above the golden sands of Melasti Beach on the island’s southernmost tip. Laid out in terraces that cascade down a hillside shaded by lush trees, the resort’s 72 spacious villas — they start at 403 square meters — are clad in natural materials like stone and wood and come with private pools with heated open-air hot tubs as well as indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas. The location is a winner, too. Nearby attractions include the 11th-century Uluwatu Temple and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, home to Indonesia’s largest statue. Most guests, however, will be content to remain on the grounds. Enticing inhouse activities range from Balinese dance experiences to cooking classes and astrology sessions with a local spiritual guru. One could just as easily spend a day lounging around one’s villa or lazing by Umana Bali’s gorgeous infinity pool, with its neverending views of the Indian Ocean.
If wellness is on the agenda, there are holistic workshops, hatha yoga classes, and rejuvenating treatments at Lohma Spa, where the signature massage utilizes specially blended oils and energized gemstones to revitalize the body. Those with more time on their hands will want to embark on the spa’s Tri Hita Karana Journey—a 60-minute body scrub and wrap followed by a halfhour bath ritual, a 90-minute massage, and an hourlong jade-roller facial. Another option is sound healing, in which the soothing tones of crystal and Tibetan bowls create a profound sense of relaxation.
The resort’s culinary offerings are just as inviting. Rijsttafel, a traditional Indonesian multicourse meal served with sambals and rice, stars alongside other Southeast Asian specialties at Commune, an all-day dining venue. For gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, cliff-side restaurant Oliverra serves everything from lobster tortellini in chardonnay sauce to grilled octopus and slow-roasted rack of lamb. Arak tastings are available at the more casual Pad Pool Bar, while the lobby-side Mer Lounge hosts tastings of Balinese wine and Indonesian coffee.
All in all, Umana Bali ticks every last box.