REVIEW: SUSTAINABILITY IS AT THE HEART OF ALILA UBUD!
Oh, what a start to the year it has been! Nestled amidst the tranquil hills of Ubud, yet so far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Alila Ubud is a sanctuary for those seeking to meditate, recharge, and reconnect with nature. A perfect blend of luxury and sustainability in the heart of the Balinese jungle, my six days spent here felt like a month I never wanted to end.

I recently had the privilege of spending six days in a Valley Villa at Alila Ubud, nestled amidst the tranquil hills of Bali. The experience was a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and sustainability—a retreat that transported me to a peaceful haven far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Location and Ambiance
Perched high above the Ayung River Valley, Alila Ubud is an oasis of serenity. Located just 5 kilometers from the vibrant cultural hub of Ubud, this resort is surrounded by lush landscapes that seem almost untouched. The design of the property masterfully combines sleek contemporary architecture with traditional Balinese elements, creating a harmonious balance with the natural surroundings.

With expansive terraces, private gardens, and secluded courtyards, the ambiance exudes intimacy and calm. You truly feel like you’re in a sanctuary, far from the demands of daily life.

The Valley Villa: An Immersive Experience
The Valley Villa was an absolute highlight of my stay. The villa’s expansive terrace overlooked the lush jungle, and I spent many mornings and evenings simply enjoying the view and the peaceful sounds of nature and animals.



The design of the villa, like the entire resort, was inspired by local Balinese traditions. The use of materials sourced from the surrounding environment—like local river stone and grass—enhanced the sense of connection to nature. These one-bedroom retreats include indoor showers and outdoor bathtubs, blending luxury with nature. In-villa amenities feature entertainment systems, curated coffee and tea selections, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a full range of Alila bath products. Personalized service ensures a seamless arrival and departure experience.

Sustainability at the Heart of Alila Ubud
One of the things that truly stood out to me during my stay was the resort’s strong commitment to sustainability. During a conversation with Dedi Yustirawan, the Cluster Digital Marketing Assistant Manager at Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis I learned about the deep roots of Alila’s sustainable ethos. As Dedi explained, “The DNA of Alila is rooted in sustainability. The brand’s philosophy is not only about luxury but also about minimizing its environmental impact. For example, the roofs of the villas are made from Alang-Alang, a species of plant grown locally, and the resort uses local river stones and yellow stone from East Bali in its construction”, says Dedi.

Alila Ubud is also deeply committed to reducing plastic waste, with a strict policy against single-use plastics in guest rooms. One of their key initiatives is the Alila Sustainability Lab, where materials like wine bottles are repurposed into drinking glasses and old candles are recycled to create new ones for public areas. They also work closely with local communities to recycle a range of materials, from cooking oil to glass bottles, ensuring that waste is minimized and repurposed as much as possible.

Dining with a Local Touch
Dining at Plantation Restaurant was a treat. The restaurant’s design, with its soaring coconut pillars and traditional thatched roof, perfectly complemented the surrounding nature.



Breakfast options are designed to nourish both the body and the soul, offering a variety of healthy choices to start your day. Enjoy the vibrant selection of fresh, locally-sourced fruits that are bursting with flavor and nutrients. For a heartier option, indulge in perfectly poached eggs, served with whole-grain toast or a side of sautéed vegetables. The creamy oatmeal, made with organic ingredients, is a comforting and energizing choice, while the delicate crepes, light yet satisfying, can be enjoyed with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
The dinner menu highlighted also fresh seasonal ingredients, many of which were sourced from the resort’s own organic garden. I particularly loved the farm-to-table concept, knowing that the food I was enjoying was grown right on-site. The highlight from the vegetarian options was Nasi Bakar, grilled rice with condiments in banana leaf with vegetables salad and grated coconut.

There is also Cabana Lounge, which overlooks the resort’s iconic infinity pool. It’s a great spot for light bites and seasonal drinks, offering a relaxed atmosphere to unwind and take in the views of the lush valley.

Immersing in Local Culture
Alila Ubud isn’t just a place to relax; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Bali’s culture. The resort offers guests the chance to participate in activities like yoga, Balinese dance lessons, and cultural treks. Dedi mentioned the resort’s initiatives to brings local experiences to life for guests, such as cycling tours or participating in local “blessing” ceremonies. This program is a beautiful way to connect with the local community while learning more about Balinese traditions.


What I found especially heartwarming was the resort’s dedication to the local community. Instead of importing performers from outside, Alila Ubud invites local villagers to showcase their talents. Dedi explained, “This not only supports the local community but also introduces them to the hospitality industry, offering great opportunities for many.”

Sustainability Beyond Design
Sustainability at Alila Ubud extends beyond its design and practices; it’s woven into every aspect of the resort’s operations. The water, for example, is purified onsite using a sustainable system developed in collaboration with a Norwegian company called Nordac. Instead of buying bottled water, which can be costly and environmentally harmful, Alila Ubud purifies its own groundwater, reducing waste and reliance on external suppliers.

During my stay, I also had the chance to see the resort’s dedication to preserving nature in action.


The property is home to a monkey community that has lived there long before the resort’s construction. Alila Ubud has carefully designed the property to minimize its impact on the natural environment, maintaining fruit trees at the front to ensure the monkeys can continue to thrive alongside the resort. As Dedi shared, “It’s not that the monkeys are invading us; we’re living with them in harmony.”

A Peaceful Retreat with Room for Exploration
While I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful retreat that Alila Ubud offers, it is also perfectly located for those wishing to explore Bali. Guests typically stay for 2-3 days, using the resort as a base to visit nearby cultural sites or beaches. I took advantage of this by exploring Ubud’s art galleries and temples, which are just a short drive away.


Final Thoughts
Alila Ubud is a place that beautifully blends luxury with sustainability and local culture. Whether you’re lounging by the infinity pool, exploring the nearby rice terraces, or enjoying a fresh meal from the organic garden, every aspect of this resort is designed to offer guests a unique, authentic experience of Bali. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to both the island and its people—an experience I won’t soon forget.
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