Guilt-free fun
The resort is designed to stringent green principles
Those who fret about overdevelopment in Bali will appreciate Alila Villas Uluwatu, alilahotels.com, on the island's Bukit Peninsula. The resort is the first in Indonesia to win Green Globe certification, denoting compliance with principles endorsed at the 1992 U.N. Rio Earth Summit. Only local materials are used. The planting of indigenous vegetation like sweet lemongrass for landscaping keeps water consumption down, as does the deployment of rain gardens to collect precipitation. Cabanas are made with old telephone poles and railroad ties, while volcanic rocks used in villa construction absorb heat from the sun and keep interiors cool, minimizing the need for air-conditioning.
The presence of one of Bali's best chefs in the person of Stefan Zijta is another potent lure. If you're not staying at the resort, the fine-dining restaurant, Cire, is worth a visit in its own right. If, however, you have taken one of the 84 villas, then count it — alongside the design, location and wonderful spa — as another reason to remain in situ. Rates from $1,040.