Bliss is the ocean, a towel on the sand, the sun out, the chance to swim in waves or walk dragging a stick behind you, a good book, and a cold drink.
Deb Caletti
Glorious days by the sea, listening to the surf break below our balcony, then soft evenings luxuriating in the jacuzzi on the balcony – could it get any better? YES! Just add IN-ROOM DINING under the stars, a good movie on the TV, and cosy jammies and you have the perfect end to a perfect day. Oh, yes this a wonderful getaway for Janiqueel and Mx C.
We, no strangers to Bali, Mx C and I have been before and loved it. Here, though, at Anantara Uluwatu was something else again. It’s about the surf and the ocean. Perfectly located in a cliff above the beach, the resort is near the waves, yet not SO close that the sound becomes insistent. Instead, hearing the surf from our private balcony and watching the barrels roll in become a background to the hedonistic pleasures of our Ocean Front Suite. Who could ask for anything more? Not us!
We were eager to explore the other dining options as the new day dawned. With ambience options aplenty, the resort offers dining for every taste:
- For breakfast, it is hard to beat the 360 ROOFTOP. As the name implies the open-air dining area offers magnificent views of the undulating cost below. As in our suite, the undulating waves talk of peace and contentment. Being on the Rooftop is an experience not to be missed. We didn’t! Excited to give it a try, Mx C knew that the Rooftop was open for brekkie diners at 7 a.m. We were at the entrance at 6:55 a.m. to make sure we had a table overlooking the beach and the omnipresent surf.
From the ‘Chef’s Live Station’ the aroma of fresh waffles wafted to Mx C’s eager taste buds. My young friend had chocolate sauce on his. I opted for a more restrained maple syrup. On our second morning, I couldn’t resist the eggs benedict. Mx C was back for another waffle.
- After a long surfside walk, we had an early-afternoon repast at the casually elegant BOTOL BIRU BAR & GRILL. It too was perched on the cliffside (we never tired of the views and the ambience of the cliff). Soft tacos with crispy fish met my desires; Mx C had the Margarita Pizza and a to-go box for a TV treat later, perhaps?
- We passed SONO TEPPANYAKI, a Japanese restaurant and considered it for a special – but not overly filling – evening meal. Hand-rolled sushi, grilled imported scallops, yellowfin tuna Who could resist? Follow that with tempura ice cream and you have had a meal to remember in a very special setting.
You can also find local Balinese Hatten wines and Breman beer at 360 ROOFTOP and BOTOL BIRU BAR & GRILL.
Although it is tempting to do so, we didn’t just enjoy our room and dining pleasures. One could, though, do so quite happily on a chill-out regimen. The resort has a full programme of activities every day. Many are geared toward the younger set, like Mx C. Does his energy level ever decrease? No! Nearby Padang Padang Beach the amazing Uluwatu Temple shouldn’t be missed. We took private car (or you can opt for daily shuttles) to both and were well-rewarded with a glimpse at the local historical culture and a magnificent swimming/sunbathing beach.
A Balinese lumbung is a rice barn on stilts. It is the inspiration for the sanctuary of the Spa and Wellness facility. Offering steam rooms, saunas and an array of massages and treatments the rooms guarantee tranquillity and balance. Sunrise yoga, anyone? I tried it. I loved it. While I indulged in the best massage I had ever had, mud wrap and facial. With Mx C patiently colouring and reading in the spacious spa room.
Glorious days by the sea! We couldn’t have asked for more on our Balinese retreat from the busy, big-city world. Soothed by the calming rhythm of the surf, we found peace, and pleasure at Anantara Uluwatu. “I wanna go back again.” Mx C confided to me on the ride to the airport. Me, too. We will.
Research and writing help from JKJ