Patrick Farrell (GM) – Viceroy Bali
Tag: luxury lifestyle
Teong Wah Kung (GM) – PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Enric Cugat (Dir. Ops.) – InterContinental Barcelona
Bambootel Sawah View – a magical place to be
In a recent visit to Bali my husband and I had the privilege of staying at this unique, tranquil resort.
From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the serene design and attention to detail. The bamboo-crafted architecture created a harmonious connection with the surrounding lush greenery.
The room was cosy and beautifully furnished with a luxurious bed draped in airy white curtains, providing a perfect balance of comfort and style. We were pleasantly surprised with a handwritten note on the bed, a thoughtful touch that made us feel so welcomed.
Waking up to the breathtaking view of the rice fields was an unforgettable experience.
The private pool overlooking the tropical landscape was another highlight. Relaxing there with the sound of the waterfall in the background felt like being in paradise.
The food was absolutely delicious and deserves special mention. Every meal was a treat for the senses, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and authentic flavors. The attention to detail in the presentation and the warm service elevated the dining experience even further.
The service at the resort was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring every need was met with a smile. This stay felt like a blend of eco-conscious living and luxury.
We highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a tranquil and rejuvenating getaway with mouthwatering cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Chanté van Rensburg.
For more information or to book your stay, visit: https://www.bambootel.com/sawah-view
Kanvaz Village Resort – nothing short of exceptional
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of spending a short stay at Kanvaz Village Resort in Bali.
We were personally welcomed by the General Manager and Marketing Manager on arrival which made us feel incredibly valued and set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Their warm hospitality was a clear reflection of the hotel’s dedication to guest satisfaction.
Our room was absolutely stunning – spacious, beautifully designed, and equipped with all the comforts we could need. Our room had direct access to the pool, allowing us to step right out from our room into the waters.
The pool was a stunning highlight – a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
The food was equally impressive; every dish we tried was filled with flavors that left us delighted and eager for more.
The buffet breakfast, in particular, was fabulous, offering an incredible variety of fresh and delicious options.
The staff at the restaurant and reception were absolutely outstanding. The restaurant team was attentive and friendly, always ensuring our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. Similarly, the reception staff went above and beyond, offering helpful recommendations and addressing our every need with efficiency and a warm smile.
The freshly baked pastries were a standout – light, flaky and divine, making breakfast a true indulgence each morning.
One of the most memorable aspects was the complimentary spa treatment. The spa staff ensured a rejuvenating and luxurious experience, adding the perfect touch of indulgence to our stay.
The attention to detail, outstanding service, and personalized welcome made this stay truly remarkable.
We cannot wait to return to this incredible hotel!
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Chanté van Rensburg.
For more information or to book your stay, visit: https://www.kanvazhotelbali.com
Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, a next-level lifestyle experience.
Last month my fiancé and I visited Bali for the first time and spent 3 blissful days relaxing at this modern, global award winning, five-star luxury lifestyle resort.
We arrived in the middle of the day to a very welcome refreshment and were kindly granted the opportunity to check in a bit earlier.
We were very pleased to arrive in our beautifully decorated, very smart room which was an Executive Suite on the ground level with direct access to a vast infinity lap pool, we also had the end unit which provided a bit of extra privacy.
The room was spacious with a work station, couch and table and a large walk-in dressing room. The bathroom was impressive too, with a large round bath that I indulged in every night; the shower was separate and the toilet, which was fully automated.
The mini bar station was well set up and the coffee machine with pods was easy to operate with plenty of fresh milk provided. We also received a very delicious chocolate and coconut welcome treat which thankfully I tasted before my fiancé swiftly tucked in 🙂
I was exhausted and finally taking a short break from some work deadlines and commitments, so for me comfort (and sleep) was key. Although the pillows were perfect for my other half, I requested a firmer option and for the first time in months I had the best night’s sleep without waking until morning.
On our first night we dined at the Chinese restaurant, Lion X. We were starving and not familiar with the menu, so started with a soup followed by Peking Duck with rice; while enjoying that we noticed a rather interesting dish being served at another table. We enquired and ordered the “Flying Noodles”. It was quite a spectacular presentation and totally delicious too.
Breakfast was served buffet style in the modern contemporary restaurant “Backstage”, it has an arty laid back atmosphere and we were very impressed with the many choices provided on display. On arrival we were offered coffee which was served at our table, one could also order items from the waiters if necessary. Although I was tempted by the diverse array of traditional Balinese cuisine on offer, I had to eat it with my eyes only because my Western trained palate always drew me to the chefs preparing eggs to order.
I enjoyed an omelette with mushrooms and spinach, grilled tomato, sausage and bacon. There was a vast selection of fruits, smoothies and yoghurts as well as cold meats, salad and every type of bread and pastry you can think of, even desserts! I wished I had a second stomach and right now just thinking about all that deliciousness is making my mouth water!
From the resort there are convenient complimentary hourly shuttles to the beach via a popular shopping area “Bali Collection”, where one can find souvenirs and Balinese as well as international fashion. We found these were very helpful to enable us to explore in the brief time we were there.
On our last night, after returning on the shuttle from a late afternoon of exploration and shopping, we decided to indulge in the option of relaxing in the room with room-service. The menu was full of variety and in my opinion, truly had something for everyone. We had vegetable spring rolls and Vietnamese rolls to start, followed by Nasi Goreng and Bebek Goreng, the portions were substantial, very good value and everything was a taste sensation that although I am sorry that I forgot to capture this divine food with images, I will always hope to enjoy those dishes again.
My fiancé, being on a mission to achieve 14,000 steps a day, in-between swimming laps in the infinity pool and walking all over the resort and even to the beach a couple of times, was extremely happy to enjoy some time each day in the very well-equipped gym. I went to visit the spa on our last day before our departure and while there he eagerly showed me around the gym, which is well laid out with the latest modern equipment; he even showed me that I could have a complimentary juice or smoothie, which was available from the fridge in the gym 🙂
Our first visit to Bali was merely a taste tease, and certainly a gem on the plate was the brief yet blissful time spent at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort.
We loved every bit of our stay and hope to return to experience more of the resort with its incredible dining venues and bars, and to explore more of Bali, next time it would need to be seven days, at least!
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Linda Cooper.
For more information or to book your stay, visit: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dpsnd-renaissance-bali-nusa-dua-resort
2024 World Luxury Awards Gala Ceremony – Galgorm
2024 World Luxury Awards Gala Ceremony – AYANA Bali
Viceroy Bali – An Opulent Jungle Paradise Awaits You
A Personal Review by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager
Nestled in the heart of Bali, in the jungle strewn Ubud, surrounded by striking green rice fields, lays a wonderous, lush and luxurious family-owned hotel, the Viceroy Bali.
The first thing you notice when walking into reception is the calmness. Everything about this place, the mannerism of the staff included, just whispers “time to unwind”.
Often when one thinks of their dream vacation, they think of island luxuries, beaches adorned with thatch roofs, perhaps a cabin on a snowy mountain or in a dark and far out forest. But the jungle, oh the mighty lungs of our earth, they breathe for you in Ubud! And suddenly, everything just seems a little easier.
When shown to our rooms, one word sprung to mind; “majestic” – ok, actually also “wow”! The Deluxe Terrace Villas we were accommodated in were not only like a room in a palace, but the backdrop of the jungle reaching down into the river gorge, behind your private pool, simply makes one gasp.
The rooms and bathrooms are lavishly large, and the high ceilings create a real feeling of spaciousness. The bed in and of itself speaks mounds for the feeling of royalty one has- I barely filled an eighth. The open plan bathroom is absolutely gorgeous, the tub being the highlight, located behind vanity curtains overlooking the splendid view of the jungle outside.
My day started each morning by having a glorious morning swim in my private infinity pool, followed with some yoga and meditation in my traditional outdoor balé seating area. Breakfast every day is served in the most beautiful setting. You take steppingstones over water to get into the CasCades restaurant and a Balinese fountain trickles softly in the background as you dine looking over the dramatic jungle backdrop.
Throughout the hotel and its grounds are statues, carvings and paintings that elegantly display that beautiful Balinese charm that everyone so desires when visiting this beautiful part of the world.
I was treated to a tour of the grounds with Surya, and got to meet the passionate gardener, Wayan, of the organic food garden that feeds the restaurants at Viceroy Bali. So much love is put into this garden. It not only serves the restaurants, but also provides a way for their team to develop their own farming skills which can be used at home and taught to their families.
On this tour, I was granted a visit to their renowned Elephant Villa – their signature one bedroom villa. Beautifully carved rockery outside leads you into a paradise of jungle views with the sound of the rumbling river below in the ravine.
I had a 60-minute Balinese massage at Akoya Spa. It was a truly luxurious and relaxing experience and definitely the right way to end my trip.
Although I will write more on this in a separate review for the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, the absolute highlight of my entire trip to Bali in fact, was dinner at Apéritif. Without doubt the most interesting and delightful culinary journey I have ever had the privilege of experiencing anywhere in the world, in my life. This comes out top of my list as a “must do” if ever you are in Ubud. The food was not made, it was designed, it was engineering, it was chemistry, it was art, it was magic. The entire experience was phenomenal, the staff being not only so knowledgeable about what they serve, but passionate. Every bite of that dinner was memorable. Chef Nic Vanderbeeken and his entire team have created a symphony for the senses, from design and décor to ambience and service.
The World Luxury Awards extends its grateful thanks to Amanda Syrowatka, General Manager, and her entire team for what was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
Viceroy Bali… we parted too soon…
It is a place of peace, tranquility, and self-reflection. It is truly a heaven on earth.
Reviewed by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager for the World Luxury Awards.
To book your stay at Viceroy Bali, visit their website: www.viceroybali.com
Hidden Hills Villas – A True Hidden Gem, in the Heart of Uluwatu
A Personal Review by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager
In December of 2017, I met Max Loong, Owner and Founder of Hidden Hills Villas, at our Hotel Awards event in St. Moritz. On this night, he invited me for a stay if ever I am “in the area”, to see what they do and how they do it. I never knew that this invitation would extend to 7 years later, or that I would ever, actually, even make it to Bali!
I am glad he is a man of his word…
In April 2024 while conducting a site inspection at our gala ceremony host property, Max held true on his word and we were afforded a 3-night stay, in what I call “the paradise-on-earth villa” – the Seychelles Villa!
It’s one thing to say Bali is hot, until you actually experience it with 100% humidity! On arrival, there were cold towels, face spritzers and cocktails being served at their Hidden Gem Restaurant which overlooks Uluwatu from the top of the hill, down to the seemingly never-ending horizon of blue. Max was there to personally greet us, give us some information on Bali, advice on where and more importantly, where NOT to eat and update us via a brief tour on the upgrades and renovations to the property.
I’ve always said, “the true heart of a hotel, and what makes your stay memorable, is the hospitality of the staff that surround you.”, and that echoes truth at Hidden Hills Villas. The small things counted more than even the absolute blissful and luxurious setting we found ourselves in. Arriving in 34 degree weather with 100% humidity, the first thing I noticed when taken to our villa was the swimming pool filled with floaties and loungers, even one to hold your drinks – that tells me personally, friends are coming! Let’s make this memorable!
To speak about service excellence and not reference Hidden Hillas Villas for the rest of my life would not make sense… every single member of their team has a warm, charming and most hospitable way of helping you with anything that you need. From the start of the reservation until the moment we left, we felt like we were at a home away from home. We wanted and waited for nothing, and all this while sitting in the lap of luxury in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Speaking of which, Hidden Hills Villas – being so centrally located, is a stone’s-throw from the bustling and beautiful nightlife that the famous Uluwatu boasts. It takes no time to take a transfer down to “the strip” where more than enough options of shops, clubs, pubs, restaurants and bars are available to choose from, for whatever you may be feeling for the night. Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach and Padang Padang Beach are also within a 10-minute drive and the shopping options are vibrant!
The World Luxury Hotel Awards would like to thank every member of staff for everything you offered in smiles, kindness and hospitality during our stay with you.
We would also like to give a very special mention and thank you to Tara for all your wonderful planning assistance and opportunities granted for us to experience Bali and Uluwatu in all her glory. The sites and visits you recommended will not be forgotten. Also, to Putu, the resident driver and tour guide while there, for your beautiful hospitality and time taken to explain everything Balinese to us as we spent, sometimes, hours in the car with you. You never made us feel like all our questions were too much.
Max, you and your family have built something magical and full of heart, a haven that one just does not often find in their lives.
The only part about Hidden Hills Villas that I would not recommend, is leaving!
Reviewed by Joanna Macdonald – Events Manager for the World Luxury Awards.
To book your stay at Hidden Hills Villas, visit their website: www.hiddenhillsvillas.com