Viceroy Bali

The Viceroy Bali delivers a five-pearl experience in a tranquil, rural setting that’s a 10-minute drive to lively Ubud city. Owned and run by an Australian family, the secluded atmosphere attracts couples and honeymooners, but also high-end travelers who want to vacation anonymously and take advantage of the resort’s private helipad. The property -- built by architect Ketut Mahardika and designed by Margaret Bainbridge -- showcases the lush backdrop of Petanu River Valley and distant Mount Batur volcano views. Palm trees frame the thatched-roof entrance that leads into a spacious open-air lobby, with an intimate front desk manned by traditionally dressed staff. Overall the atmosphere is serene, upscale, and romantic. 

Near Nagi village, the secluded Viceroy Bali overlooks the Petanu River Valley. With many hills on the property, golf cart transportation is conveniently provided. Walking tours of nearby villages with an English speaking guide can be arranged. It’s a 15-minute ride via the free car service to Ubud -- where there are markets, restaurants, the Ubud Palace, and the Museum Puri Lukisan. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 15-minute drive away. The Elephant Safari Park is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Helicopter tours are also offered on-site. The Campuhan Ridge Walk takes 15 minutes by car. It’s an hour and 15 minutes to the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Villas are traditional and luxurious with private pools, lush valley views, open-air sitting areas, terraces, stone tile floors, canopy beds, and pops of metallic textiles. There are five types of villas. All have flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, iPod docks, minibars, DVD players, espresso machines, bathrobes, slippers, wall safes, overnight shoe shine service, twice daily maid service, and 24-hour room service available. Marble bathrooms have twin vanities, hairdryers, toilet hoses, showers, and sunken or soaking bathtubs. 

Garden Villas have open bathrooms, gardens, and covered pools. Terrace Villas feature gazebos and terraces with lounge chairs. Deluxe Terrace Villas have gazebos and are wheelchair accessible. Vice Regal Villas have thatched roofs, gardens, outdoor showers, open dining rooms, and terraces, and some have elephant carvings. The thatched-roof Viceroy Villa, or the Presidential Villa, offers two-bedrooms, two bathrooms, showers with body sprays, carved stone details, a garden, a gazebo, and valley views. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

At the edge of the lush valley, the Viceroy Bali has a sleek infinity pool that features a fountain, lounge chairs, and umbrellas on a floating deck, plus cabanas and a swim-up bar. A sundeck offers more patio furniture. The two-level Lembah Spa is open-air, offering a hot tub and plunge pool on the ground floor. The second floor has treatment rooms, a hair salon, and a terrace with a forest backdrop. There’s also a gym, equipped with free weights, modern cardio equipment, and free energy drinks. Yoga classes are held in a tented pavilion. 

The thatched-roof CasCades Restaurant -- with traditional Balinese designs and a pond running through the middle -- serves French/Asian fusion cuisine. The Viceroy Bar is located poolside, with views of the valley. A conference room, which can be converted into a movie theater, can fit up to 15 people and offers a library with DVDs and books. Refreshments and modern audiovisual equipment can be requested. The on-site boutique sells clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. The resort has numerous activities, including rice terrace walking tours and Mount Batur volcano or coffee plantation trips. Cooking, kite making, dancing lessons, cycling, white water rafting, horseback riding, and elephant carving classes are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.