Bvlgari Resort Bali: A Haven of Opulence and Authenticity

In September 2006, Bvlgari unveiled its 59-villa property in Bali. The secluded location’s breathtaking natural beauty is complemented by the exquisite design of Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts’ newest addition. This luxury group made its debut in 2004 with the opening of the Bvlgari Hotel in Milan. Situated near the village of Pecatu and the striking cliff-top site of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, on the island’s far southwestern tip, the Bvlgari Resort offers an unparalleled experience. Approximately 20 kilometers north of the resort lie Jimbaran Bay and the international airport, while Kuta, the bustling heart of Bali, is a 40-minute drive away. Positioned at over 150 meters above the sea shore, the resort provides stunning views across the Indian Ocean. Accessible only through the resort’s inclined elevator, a 1.5-kilometer-long beach is nestled between the cliff and the ocean.

Architected by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the resort’s layout and design incorporate the culture and natural elements of the location. Hand-cut volcanic stones, rich exotic woods, and refined fabrics adorn the hotel, with natural lava and palimanan stone used for the garden and interior walls, and sukabumi stone for outdoor showers, plunge, and swimming pools. Balinese antiques and exotic art pieces adorn the entire resort, while furniture and decorative details are designed and produced in Bali by local artists and designers in collaboration with the resort’s architects. The resort features 58 ocean-view villas, 5 mansions offering 3 to 5-bedroom accommodations, and the 1,300-square-meter Bvlgari Villa, all equipped with plunge pools, secluded tropical gardens, high-tech features, and a wide range of amenities. In addition to its natural setting, the resort offers sophisticated facilities including Italian and Indonesian restaurants, a lounge bar, a spa, and a cliff-edge pool designed to be the vibrant hub of the resort. Completing the resort’s unique features are a Bvlgari store, a Balinese arts and crafts store, as well as business, conference, and wedding facilities.

At the core of the Bvlgari Resort Bali project lies a meticulous exploration of the island’s history, religion, traditions, artistic heritage, and daily life. Both the design concept and construction process have been greatly influenced by Balinese culture and architecture. Island artisans, representing Bali’s vibrant artistic heritage, have contributed to the project. Every aspect of the hotel, from furniture to tableware and textiles, has been specially designed and crafted in Bali for Bvlgari. Tribal ceremonial antiques and exotic art pieces dating back centuries adorn the resort’s villas, gardens, and dining areas.

The resort’s antique collection focuses on local Indonesian art, spanning from the Stone Age to the present. It includes artifacts selected for their vibrant primitive energy and historical significance. Exclusive works of art from contemporary Indonesian artists adorn public spaces throughout the resort.

A contemporary design and international style characterize the fittings of the villa rooms and public spaces. Mahogany and glass doors and windows feature a Western design aesthetic, though locally sourced materials are used and handcrafted. Bangkiray, a type of mahogany wood from Java, is the dominant material, with a consistent tawny color throughout the resort. Solid mahogany wood in a dark hue, almost black, is used for specially made artifacts.

Each villa includes spacious bedroom and bathroom areas, with black Terrazzo flooring, a bathtub, and two showers—one indoors and one in the garden. The open-air living room, situated between the private garden and the small swimming pool, faces southwards towards the cliff and sea. Larger villas feature additional amenities such as a larger pool, separate kitchen, and studio.

The 1,300-square-meter Bvlgari Villa, located in the westernmost part of the resort, features three bedrooms, two living rooms, and a kitchen. Its garden hosts a 17-meter-long swimming pool surrounded by an extensive terrace. The resort also includes Il Ristorante, offering a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine, situated atop the cliff with a view of an artificial pond.

At the heart of the resort, the Spa is perched at the cliff’s edge, featuring a yoga pavilion, small pavilions open to the sea, and a floating wooden bridge stretching over a pond.

An Italian-inspired cuisine, infused with local influences, distinguishes the two poolside restaurants and the cliff-top bar at the resort. The Sangkar, an Indonesian restaurant, offers authentic Balinese dishes alongside a selection of international specialties. Meanwhile, the Italian restaurant serves a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine in a more formal atmosphere. The resort’s cuisine is characterized by superior quality produce, refined techniques, and creativity.

Overlooking a reflection pool, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant, Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin, pays homage to classical Italian specialties in a seductive ambiance enhanced by soft lighting. Open only for dinner, the 36-seat restaurant features creative interpretations of classical Italian cuisine, blending imported Italian ingredients with the island’s organic produce.

The menu includes a selection of Luca Fantin’s most famous dishes, characterized by constant research for new flavors, colors, and presentations. With more than six years of experience at various Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Italy and Asia, Fabrizio Crocetta carries on the Bvlgari tradition as the Sous Chef at BVLGARI Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin in Bali.

The second Italian restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Luca Fantin, BVLGARI Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin, opened at the Bvlgari Resort in Bali in 2017, infusing new flair into the resort’s distinctive style. Uniquely located on the cliff-edge, the all-day dining Sangkar restaurant offers a creative cuisine, combining regional recipes with modern culinary techniques. Inspired by seasonal selections of organically grown ingredients, the menu features Asian and international specialties, incorporating local delicacies such as mango blossom honey, Eastern Balinese sea salts, and cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil.

Perched cliff-side, the lounge bar exudes sophistication and comfort, offering a spectacular terraced lounge that provides an ideal setting to admire breathtaking ocean views and magnificent sunsets. The bar features an ellipse arch counter reminiscent of the black resin bar at the Bvlgari Hotel in Milan, with a massive stone, naturally chiseled by nature, serving as a sculptural centerpiece. This unique art-piece, shaped by the strong currents of a river, was discovered after a significant earthquake in North Sulawesi. The bar menu includes a selection of wines, cocktails, and appetizers for guests to enjoy.

In conclusion, the Bvlgari Resort Bali stands as a testament to luxury, artistry, and cultural appreciation. From its stunning cliff-side location overlooking the Indian Ocean to its meticulous incorporation of Balinese culture and craftsmanship, every detail of the resort reflects a commitment to excellence. Whether indulging in exquisite cuisine, admiring breathtaking views from the lounge bar, or immersing oneself in the tranquility of the spa, guests are offered an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends sophistication with the natural beauty of Bali. With its fusion of Italian elegance and local charm, the Bvlgari Resort Bali remains an unparalleled destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury and authenticity in equal measure.