If you have been following our Instagram account, you would have seen (and possibly be blown away) by our live feed during our week-long stay at The Mulia, Mulia Resorts and Villas last month. It was a good week of Heaven on Earth.

Bali is a familiar ground that we visit several times a year, and we have stayed at so many resorts and villas before, but nothing takes the cake like The Mulia does. “Sometimes, you have to believe before you can see,” a constant thought on our minds as we explored the large compound. Every area had something to impress, every landscape touched us like a fairytale.

It is nothing quite like what you would expect from Bali – it redefines stunning on a whole new level, much more than what you would think of from the Island of Gods. The sheer space, the grandeur of the Greek architecture, every single fine detail, the unrivalled luxury and unparalleled beauty; all these are but mere words until you set foot on this paradise – to believe, and to see for yourself what The Mulia Bali has to offer. Sitting at the coastline of Nusa Dua, the property boasts a beach front view, and life is awesome just lounging at the cabanas, sipping cocktails with our favourite books, and daydreaming while staring at the boundless skies and vast horizons.

Comprising three connecting grounds, the property is made up of The Mulia – an oasis of serenity, with luxurious suites and a classy tea room; Mulia Resorts – the main wing of rooms and its fleet of restaurants and deli; and Villas – various villas (up to 6 bedrooms) that are well-nestled in an abundance of greenery and coveted peace. And we lost count of the number of pools there are within the property because there will always be one for us to dive in no matter which part we were at!

We could stay there forever and be lost in paradise, and here are 12 reasons why you must stay at The Mulia, Mulia Resorts and Villas in Bali.

1. SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING SWIMMING POOLS IN BALI

We really lost count of the number of pools they have, but for all we care, every one is as enticing as honey is to bees, and we would give anything just to be back at one of those right now.

2. BECAUSE YOU NEED TO TAKE PHOTOS AT THE MULIA AND POST ON YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

The Oasis Pool is a clear favourite spot, and if you need any further convincing to come, well let’s face it – you need to take this photo and have it posted up on your Instagram.

3. THE GREEK-INSPIRED ARCHITECTURE MAKES IT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN GREECE

Forget all that Balinese style huts and whatnot. We say the stunning Greek architecture is the new royal identity. And it must have been God’s way to have us enjoy the experience completely because like a postcard, the skies were always perfectly blue, and we woke up to such picturesque sights every day.

4. HAVE A DRINK WHILE YOU SOAK IN THE POOL

Swim up to the bar (which sits within the pool) and order a Mulia’s signature cocktail. Or you could do with a fresh coconut while soaking in the pool, too! Now, we are talking.

5. SOLEIL OFFERS A SUPERB BUFFET SPREAD FOR ITS SUNDAY BRUNCH

What if we tell you to drink your fill and eat to your heart’s content at only US$56++? And we are talking about fresh seafood, endless ala minute steaks and foie gras, cakes and tarts… and of course, if you can down a crate of red wine, please, go ahead. Oh God, just how much goodness for US$56++! Soleil, the seaside restaurant at The Mulia Bali, is the place to head to every Sunday.

6. ONE OF THE BEST INTERNATIONAL BUFFET SPREADS AT THE CAFÉ

Pig out. Just pig out. Need we say more?

7. A STONE’S THROW FROM THE BEAUTIFUL NUSA DUA BEACH

Surf some waves, go on a parasail, or snorkel and say hi to Nemo. You get all your sea sports fix at the famous Nusa Dua beach that is just a stone’s throw from the property.

8. PAMPER YOURSELF AT THE MULIA SPA

The Balinese will do what they do best – to calm your senses, soothe your mind, and to pamper you with their wide range of specialty treatments. On a minute note, we really love the pre-treatment rituals, from soaking in the onsen pool to prepping your skin with the combination of ice and steam rooms.

9. THE MULIA DELI WILL BLOW YOUR MIND AWAY WITH ITS RANGE OF AMAZING DESSERTS

We don’t use ‘love at first sight’ very much, but when we do, we make sure we use it on something so mind-blowingly good. The Mulia Deli is yet another paradise. Helmed by a talented team of pastry chefs, expect nothing less than beautifully crafted eclairs, macaron assortments, sexy cakes and chocolates in the shape of Hermes’ and Chanels’.

10. INDULGE IN A LUXURIOUS AFTERNOON TEA AT THE LOUNGE

Sink in to plush white sofa seats, sip your favourite tea, treat yourself to either a Western or Indonesian three-tier desserts stand, and hum along with the beautiful live band as they belt out evergreen love ballads. This is quite simply one of life’s pleasures!

11. EIGHT RESTAURANTS AND BARS THAT WILL SATISFY EVERY PALATE

Yes, eight. All within The Mulia, Mulia Resorts and Villas. In other words, you do not ever need to step out of the resort at all. And the cherry on top? Nothing is exorbitantly priced, unlike how most hotels would put big price tags on their in-house restaurants.

12. THREE DIFFERENT PROPERTIES, THREE DIFFERENT MULIA EXPERIENCE

As we’ve told you, there will surely be a haven for whatever you are feeling. And there is buggy service for everywhere you want to go, so it is really no hassle commuting around the huge property.

The next time you are in Bali, make sure you book a stay at The Mulia, Mulia Resorts & Villas – you will have an experience of a lifetime!

The Mulia Bali
Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali 80361
Tel: +62 361 3027777
Note: This was an invited media stay.

Fancy restaurants, cool beach clubs, and chic lifestyle boutiques – that makes up Seminyak, perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Bali. But if you like partying or surfing, backpackers’ heaven in Kuta is the place for you. For those who are on a journey to seek solace and to hideaway in peace and calmness, the luxury 5-star beach resorts in Nusa Dua will be your cup of tea.

Couples on honeymoon should check out romantic villas in Jimbaran – a sleepy seaside village known for the freshest seafood and gorgeous sunsets. Ubud, the heart and soul of the real Bali, remains a popular spot for visitors who are seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural realisations.

Here is our Bali’s destination travel guide where we cover the five different areas on the island of Gods.

JIMBARAN: THE TRADITIONAL HONEYMOON SPOT

With many romantic villas and resorts in the area, Jimbaran is traditionally a low key honeymoon spot. The luxurious and spacious oceanfront villas at Four Seasons Resort in Jimbaran Bay is the destination if you are looking for a little privacy, and to escape from the world. Another villa that we like is Kayumanis Private Villa & Spa. The property only has 18 private villas, which explains its meticulous and personalised hospitality and service.

Jimbaran is also one of the best vantage points to watch sunset in Bali. Rock Bar at AYANA Resort is popular as a destination for sunset cocktails.

This sleepy seaside village is synonymous with the most delicious and freshest seafood in Bali. For the best seafood in Jimbaran Bay, go to Menega Cafe. Indonesians and tourists go there for a seafood feast while enjoying the marvellous sunset.

Two of our favourite restaurants in Jimbaran are Cuca Flavours – for its delicious and playful cocktails, and bold and refreshing tapas using locally-sourced ingredients – and Balique, a beautiful vintage restaurant which serves a good balance of Indonesian food and western food.

KUTA: HEAVEN FOR BACKPACKERS AND BUDGET TRAVELLERS

Developed in the 1970s to 1980s as Bali’s prime tourism spot, Kuta has always been known for a heaven for backpackers and budget travellers. It is the most heavily developed area in Bali, with plenty of hostels, motels, bars, clubs, eateries and cheap massage parlours. As compared to Seminyak which has many upscale clubs and bars, Kuta is the centre of lower-end partying on the island.

Kuta Beach is a surfer’s paradise in Bali. Many surfers from around the world flock here every year just to have a go at the waves. If you love surfing, I am sure

In recent years, big hotel brands such as Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Pullman Hotel, and The Stones Collection have opened in the area, giving Kuta a face lift.

NUSA DUA: POSTER BOY FOR 5-STAR RESORTS AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Promoted as the poster boy for Bali’s luxury 5-star resorts and beautiful beaches, Nusa Dua is where tourists flock to for a relaxing retreat. Besides being home to luxury hotels like The Mulia, St Regis, Westin, Conrad and Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua also houses the main convention centre on the island. Nusa Dua boasts the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Bring on your most fashionable swimwear, frolic by the pool and get ready for a tan, we’d say!

The Mulia Bali is our favourite hotel in Bali. It is nothing quite like what you would expect from Bali – it redefines stunning on a whole new level. The sheer space, the fine grandeur of the Greek architecture, and the unrivalled luxury and unparalleled beauty…

Tanjong Benoa, a popular water-sports destination in Bali, is in the same area. Go there for a day of fun and enjoy snorkelling, para-sailing, and other water sports.

SEMINYAK: THE HIPPEST AREA IN BALI, WITH LOTS OF FANCY RESTAURANTS, BEACH CLUBS AND BARS

Seminyak is easily our favourite area in Bali. If this is your first time to Bali, and you are looking for a fun and vibrant place to chill out with your loved ones, Seminyak is the place to head to. Jalan Petitenget is the culinary epicentre of Bali, and food lovers will be thrilled with the numerous options in the area.

Jalan Laksmana, the main street in Seminyak, is littered with boutiques, restaurants, and random shops.

There is also no lack of trendy drinking spots. From Ku De Ta, to Woo Bar and Potato Head, some of the best beach clubs in Bali can be found in Seminyak.

Our favourite restaurants in Seminyak include Biku, Mama San, Merah Putih, Metis, Petitenget, Sardine, Ultimo, Sea Circus and Sarong.

For more recommendations, read our guide on where to eat in Bali.

If budget is not an issue, stay at the swanky W Retreat & Spa. Another good option is B Villa + Spa. Its 3-room villa is perfect for families and those who are travelling in a big group.

UBUD: THE ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE OF BALI

The arts & cultural centre of Bali, Ubud has since been put on the world map by Julia Robert’s movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Paddy rice fields, white water rafting, Monkey Forest, and lots of arts & crafts shops are the main attractions in the area. There are two things that you must try in Ubud – the legendary ‘dirty duck’ and Balinese’s national dish, Babi Guling (Balinese suckling pig).

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka is a landmark in Bali, and it is known to serve one of the best, if not the best Babi Guling.

For the traditional Balinese deep-fried duck, Bebek Bengil – also known as the Dirty Duck Diner – rose to fame with its crispy dirty duck, and it is now a dining destination in Ubud. Another dirty duck place that you must try is Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant. It specialises in duck dishes, and it has a huge outdoor dining area with many pavilions perched atop paddy fields.

Other highlights include Sari Organik, a gorgeous eatery in the middle of paddy fields; Naughty Nuri’s, the best ribs in Bali; as well as Mozaic Restaurant – Bali’s fine dining temple. If you need more tips, we have a guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

For more recommendations, read our curated Bali’s food & travel guides.

We have been to several spas in Bali, and while there is a great disparity between the shabby ones and the ones with impressive architectures, there is also a differentiation between the ones with good and better architectures. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali boasts of one that is easily the nicest in the Jimbaran area, and the sheer space imprinted nothing but a fond impression and memory. The grandeur of its in-house spa is almost at the level of a destination spa, and though it is within the Four Seasons Resort Bali itself, stepping into the spa feels like stepping into a separate arena of luxury; a sanctuary of peace, relaxation and tranquility.

We settled for a couple villa that was complete with an outdoor bath tub and rain shower. Our therapists brought us to our villa after having us fill up a comprehensive form to better understand our basic health conditions, problem area(s) and strength preference. Very thoughtful, because a simple gesture like this makes a big difference to the overall experience of our massage session.

The room was well-furbished to the garden theme, and the atmosphere was set right to retreat into the much needed comfort – lavender and a hint of geranium burning and filling the air with an invigorating scent and soft spa tracks tinkling to a repertoire. Our thoughtful therapists went through the various ingredients that were to be used for our couple treatment, and had us choose from a selection of body scrubs and massage oils – all these while we soaked our feet in pans of warm water sprinkled with aromatic sea salt.

To kickstart the luxurious couple treatment, we had an exfoliating scrub that left our skin feeling clean and fresh, after which we were given some private time to soak in the lush bath tub covered completely with red rose petals. The floral bath was simple yet so rewarding for it served as a quiet time to take in all the marvels of the pampering session as we stared at the floating rose petals and listened to the birds chirp freely, all around us.

And the second half of the treatment was a relatively relaxing massage that sent us both to slumber. Our usual preference for massage is that of a strong and firm one to hit every pressure point, but because the couple treatment was meant to be an energising one for the souls, we were treated to a round of slow but long-strokes massage by the skilful Balinese.

Indeed, when at Bali, it is well worth the splurge to indulge in a holistic spa treatment. Take a little time off your holiday timetable, and dedicate a morning to restoring your soul. Place your faith in a professional luxury spa, and enjoy Four Seasons Resort Bali Spa.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010

Post-flight blues includes grouchiness, body aches and lethargy. And all we needed was some pampering at the spa house.

Stepping in to the quiet Celestine Spa at The Stones Hotel Bali, and being welcomed by cups of warm tea – the house brew ginger, lime and honey tea – immediately calmed our senses down by many notches. We were offered the signature The Stones Art Movement – a combination of long strokes, stretching and rocking.

Our session began with a foot bath, where we soaked our tired feet into a bowl of warm water filled with rose petals and lime. The therapists scrubbed and cleansed our feet and calves with in-house products (available for purchase at the reception), and further emphasized hygiene with a disinfecting foot mist before we stepped onto the therapy bed.

For the first-timers and everyone else who tend to be shy and conscious about baring your body to a complete stranger, you may cast your worries aside because the therapists are well-trained with the towels – they know just how and when to cover you transitionally so that the feeling of being exposed as they shift from one focal area to another is minimal.

The treatment itself was that of a relaxing one to restore the body, mind and soul. Having accessed our strength preferences prior to the massage, the therapists were firm with their strokes, and every pressure point was pressed hard to release the heat and stimulate blood circulation. My only two gripes were the missing bed warmer, and the long waiting time as the therapists walked around the room to fetch more hot stones.

Nonetheless, it was a rewarding hour-long indulgence and we left the spa without the aches we had when we stepped in. We were given fresh cups of tea, had a little privacy as we took warm showers before being bade goodbye by the very affable receptionist. A simple and fuss-free day spa like this is quite enough to have us prepped for a stay at the beautiful Marriott.

Words by Melody Yap

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection
Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta
Banjar Legian Kelod, Indonesia
Tel: + 62 361 300 5888
Note: This was an invited media session