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f you are looking for a sequestered place for your vacation in Bali, Banyan Tree Ungasan is a picture-perfect resort to fulfill your quest of private serenity.

Located near the sacred site of Uluwatu Temple, the resort combines the best elements of a tropical getaway on the vibrant island and is blessed with the mystic charm of its natural surroundings.  

Perched 70 meters above sea level on the cliff of Bali’s southern peninsula, Banyan Tree brings definitive fine cliff top living to the island renowned for its panoramic beaches.   

This contemporary-designed resort, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler USA magazine as one of the 45 best new hotels to open in this year’s “Hot List”, offers 73 stunning pool villas on the pristine southernmost cliffs.

Just some 35 minutes drive by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport and the thriving beach of Kuta, the resort, which was officially launched in a star-studded event late last month, promises panoramic ocean views, effortless rejuvenation and unforgettable cultural discoveries for new and returning visitors to Bali alike.

“We offer five types of villas with different views and ambience: A pool villa, cliff edge ocean view pool villa, sanctuary villa, cliff edge ocean view sanctuary villa and the presidential villa,” Banyan Tree public relations manager Wike Trisnandhini said.   

To complete your comfort in the cliff-top haven, you can rejuvenate your senses with authentic treatments at the signature Banyan Tree Spa.

Enjoy a soothing pace of life, complete with indigenous cultures seen through Balinese-inspired architecture and exquisitely landscaped gardens at the award-winning spa offering an array of pampering massages, body and beauty treatments.

Featuring nine treatment rooms, the Spa focuses on a holistic approach to well-being, based on traditional Eastern healing therapies. The therapists receive formal training at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket in Thailand or Lijiang in China, ensuring that each spa experience is seamlessly delivered.

“Our signature therapy is the 180-minute Royal Banyan session using a herbal pouch massage dipped in warm sesame oil to improve blood circulation and muscular tension,” Wike said.  

“We also offer a rain mist experience, indulging a combination of a rain-mist steam bath to prepare the body for an invigorating body scrub.”   

For a gastronomic experience to complete your indulgence, three restaurants offering different ambiances are available at this resort.   

Guests wanting to experience novel cuisine, impeccable service and dramatic cliff-edge views of the Indian Ocean, you can try Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant.  

A winning combination of degustation meals, themed dining events and a stellar wine collection has drawn gourmands to regularly imbibe the modern ambiance tinged with Moroccan accents. Ju-Ma-Na itself is an Arabic word meaning “white pearl”.

The resort’s signature restaurant serves a gourmet feast of delectable fresh seafood with an Asian twist.

Chefs at Ju-Ma-Na use only the freshest ingredients to create a contemporary fine dining menu. See them cooking through a display kitchen which sits in the middle of the restaurant, exuding a vibrant atmosphere to the surroundings.

Also try the Tamarind Restaurant set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa. It serves a variety of delicious and “innovative delights where wellness meets gastronomy”, such as grilled prawns with tomato fondue, alongside a menu of Jamu herbal drinks inspired by traditional recipes.

The food philosophy here is inspired by Ayurvedic healing, the tri-dosha concept built from the five primal elements that make up life: Air, space, water, fire and earth.

The gastronomic and tantalizing dishes are thoughtfully prepared by the Banyan Tree’s culinary team, in consultation with Ayurveda practitioners to ensure that the light and healthy menu serve is an ideal end to an invigorating spa session and will please any palate.

Another dining place, Bambu Restaurant, presents popular international and Asian specialties, including Bali’s signature item, bebek betutu — the 25-spice roasted duck dish for two.

From indoor and outdoor cooking stations, sushi counters, grill and barbeque selections, Bambu is bound to whet your appetite with its wide array of dining choices.

For sun lovers, the Pool Bar is the ideal chill-out place. It serves light snacks, drinks and cocktails throughout the day. Located just next to the main swimming pool, this casual bar is full of exciting happenings. The Bar also offers a variety of games and entertainment options.

“Guests can also enjoy meals within the privacy of your villa. Our In-Villa Dining menu offers a great variety of breakfast, all day, dinner and late night selections,” Wike said.

“In-Villa Barbecues, prepared by a private chef, are available for poolside dining. Picnic Baskets are also available for you to take on your ventures outside of the resort.”

— Photos by JP/Stanny Angga