Alila Hotels & Resorts believes in curating immersive journeys, designed for memorable moments. In line with Alila’s philosophy, each experience offered has a sense of locality, which celebrates the community and each individual environment. Each property offers a range of experiences relevant to the destination and here are some of their best experiences; from swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia to gastronomy masterclasses in Goa and bird watching in Ubud.
BEST FOR ADVENTURE
ALILA PURNAMA, INDONESIA
Ideal for adrenaline junkies, Alila Purnama has launched a new Alila Experience – Diving with Whale Sharks. During this once in a lifetime experience, guests will be guided by the boat’s resident marine-biologist and master dive instructor to swim alongside these majestic mammals during the Cendrawasih Bay Expedition. The 46-metre-long Alila Purnama consists of three decks and has been built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from South Sulawesi in Indonesia.
The Alila Purnama’s ‘Diving with Whale Sharks’ experience is included in the package cost. A 7day/6-night Cendrawasih Bay Expedition costs from US$2,835 per night, based on two guests sharing. For more information or to book visit alilahotels.com/purnama
ALILA JABAL AKHDAR, OMAN
Alila Jabal Akhdar lies 2,000 meters above sea level and overlooks a dramatic gorge and spectacular mountain range. Making the most of its location, the mountainous scenery provides the perfect backdrop for stargazing.
Alila Jabal Akhdar now offers a guided geological walk through Oman’s ancient landscapes; a romantic dinner for two beneath the stars and a private photography lesson which will advise the best ways to capture images of the night sky – perfect for any budding astronomers.
The experiences can be booked individually at USD 335 for the Romantic Dinner, USD 90 for Geology Walk, and USD 90 for the Stargazing. Rates at Alila Jabal Akhdar start from US$468 per suite on the Mountain View Suite based on two people sharing, on a half-board basis. For more information or to book visithttps://alilamoments.com/jabalakhdar/en/home/adventures/stargazing-2/
BEST FOR GASTRONOMY
ALILA DIWA GOA, INDIA
Alila Diwa Goa, in the southern part of the region, sits amidst lush, verdant rice plantations and is a haven for foodies. With the Alila masterclass, families can spend quality time together whilst learning how to cook Indian and Goan specialty dishes. The hotel also offers a range of activities including cricket, board games, arts & crafts as well as family spa treatments for pampering with traditional treatments tailored exclusively for children – perfect for a family holiday. Additionally, the Family Terrace Rooms are brilliantly located on the ground floor near the club facilities and children’s pool.
A one-hour ‘Alila Masterclass’ for two adults and two children under the age of six costs from US$45. Rates at Alila Diwa Goa start from US$155 for a Terrace Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. For further information visit https://www.alilamoments.com/diwagoa/happenings/alila-masterclass/
ALILA MANGGIS, BALI, INDONESIA
Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali. Set amidst a coconut grove, the resort nestles between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain. Gastronomy enthusiasts will love the hotel’s ‘cooking in the organic garden’ experience which begins by picking fresh seasonal ingredients from the organic garden before creating a traditional Balinese lunch under the guidance of the hotel’s chef. Sous-chefs can then enjoy the meal overlooking the sea.
A four-hour ‘Cooking in the Organic Garden’ experience costs from US$75 per person. Rates at Alila Manggis start from US$185 for a Superior Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis, excluding tax. For more information, please visit https://www.alilamoments.com/manggis/discover/cooking-in-the-organic-garden/
BEST FOR WILDLIFE
ALILA UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA
Alila Ubud is situated 15 minutes outside of Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub, on the edge of the Ayung River valley. Ubud’s lush natural landscape is also home to a variety of tropical bird species, and Alila Ubud offers ornithologists a chance to enjoy morning bird watching experiences with a knowledgeable Indonesian guide. Guests are lead through the emerald green rainforest to the sound of birds singing in harmony, with binoculars and books to help with identification. Some might be lucky enough to spot the incredible Java Kingfisher and with its cobalt blue feathers and fierce red beak.
‘Morning Bird Watching’ experiences costs from US$18 per person. Rates at Alila Ubud start from US$230 a night per person based on two people sharing a Superior Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.alilamoments.com/ubud/why-ubud/
ALILA FORT BISHANGARH, INDIA
In the remote Aravalli hills of Rajasthan lies Alila Fort Bishangarh – a 230-year-old converted defense fortress, with panoramic views over the spectacular landscape. As well as offering guests cultural experiences, Alila Fort Bishangarh also offers the chance to enjoy a private wildlife tour through the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park. Witness tigers in their natural habitat, as well as colourful peacocks, monkeys, sambars, niglai, wild boars and an abundance of beautiful Indian flora and fauna. The journey continues to the mesmerizing town of Neelkanth, where there are a plethora of incredibly sculpted temples and ancient ruins to explore.
The 8-hour ‘Journey to Sariska’ experience starts from US$445 per couple. Rates at Alila Fort Bishangarh start from US$213 a night based on two sharing a Heritage Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.alilahotels.com/fortbishangarh/alila-experience
BEST FOR EDUCATION
VENTANA BIG SUR AN ALILA RESORT, UNITED STATES
Situated amidst one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes where Saint Lucian mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, guests will find Ventana Big Sur – An Alila Resort, Alila’s first property in North America which opened in October last year. The wilderness surrounding the hotel has captivated nature lovers for thousands of years and Alila’s photography hike workshop gives guests the opportunity to capture the natural beauty on camera, no matter what the skill set. Guests will be guided through hikes across some of California’s most picturesque trails, learning powerful image-making techniques as they go.
The 2-hour ‘Photography Hike’ workshop costs from US$225 per person, for two or more. Rates at Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort start from US$625 a night based on two sharing a Ventana Guest room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.alilahotels.com/ventana/alila-experience
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU, BALI, INDONESIA
Alila Villas Uluwatu is set in a jaw-dropping location 100 metres above sea level, on the edge of limestone cliffs in Bali. Uluwatu is a surfer’s paradise, brimming with stunning beaches, whilst at the same time exuding Indonesian culture. Alila Villas Uluwatu offers guests the opportunity to experience and learn about the indigenous Bali lifestyle. Guests will create their own Balinese offerings to God, indulge in traditional tea, dress in Balinese outfits for a visit to the breath-taking, cliff edge Uluwatu Temple and watch a beautiful performance of the traditional Kecak dance at sunset, set against Bali’s striking backdrop.
The half-day ‘Journey into the Indigenous Bali Lifestyle’ costs from US$100 per person. Rates at Alila Villas Uluwatu start from US$ 714 per night per person based on two sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa on a Bed & Breakfast basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu/journeys
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