MEMORABLE MOMENTS AT ALILA MANGGIS, BALI

By: Christian Stan

Nestled beside the sea in beautiful East Bali, Alila Manggis invites guests to discover Candidasa’s spectacular natural beauty, rich culture and wellness traditions through its newest Alila Experiences.

Seaside Theatre

Staging evening performances twice a week, Seaside Theatre at Alila Manggis offers guests the pleasure of experiencing east Bali’s distinctive performing arts alongside a taste of its best culinary traditions. Crafted around the concept of Bale Banjar, the Balinese community hall where village members usually gather for ceremony preparations, music and dances as well as village galas, Seaside Theatre will excite guests with energetic Balinese dances performed under a starlit sky by talented children from the Manggis village.

Among the dances is Legong, the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Once performed in the royal courts, it is held in the highest esteem and is considered the most exquisite of Balinese dances, the quintessence of femininity and grace. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent the community as Legong dancers. Also showcased are the traditional Balinese dance of Genjek, which originated in the regency of Karangasem where Alila Manggis is located, and the gentle rhythms of the rindik bamboo instrument whose sweet sounds soothe the soul.

While being entertained and engaged by these wonderful cultural performances, guests can indulge in a sizzling East and West food theatre, savouring the authentic local ‘Babi Guling’ (roast suckling pig) and Western-style barbecued meats, or an elaborate local and international barbecue street featuring fresh organic produce from land and sea.

Mountain to Sea

East Bali’s scenic landscape and seascape offer memorable adventures. During the wet season from April and November, guests can hop on two wheels for Mountain to Sea, an exhilarating 42km crud to mud mountain bike ride from the forested slopes of Mount Agung down to the beach. The route passes through local villages, plantations, and spellbinding views – a great way to see the real Bali.

Navigating the Sun on Jukung, traditional wooden boat

This region is also popular among tourists seeking to catch the most amazing sunrises and sunsets.

In Navigating the Sun, guests can rent the resort’s own jukung, a traditional wooden boat, and head out to sea just before dawn, in time to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises across the whole island, catching the first light of day over majestic Mount Agung. Or as daylight wanes, watch the sky transform into a brilliant mural of sunset hues out at sea.

Balinese Healing Treatment

For guests who wish to enjoy their holiday at a more sedate pace, Alila Manggis has crafted a unique Balinese Healing Treatment, delivering the benefits of Bali Usada, or Balinese traditional healing – a practice that combines natural herbs and spices, holistic therapies and the ancient wisdom of traditional Balinese healers.

Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic traditions, the resort also offers Shirodhara, a 5000-year-old Indian therapy that involves gently pouring a stream of warm medicated oils onto the third eye to melt away stress and bring about a deep state of relaxation. Sheer heaven…

In September, rates at Alila Manggis start from USD 187 per night.