The pool and jungle setting are the highlights of this resort. It is just as stunning as the photos. We spent most of today our time by the pool, where there were plenty of comfortable sun lounges with large towels and shade unbrellas, as well as beanbags. All the views were breathtaking.
We stayed in a hillside room, with a small balcony with equally stunning views to the jungle and pool. While the room was clean and comfortable, it was quite small by Bali resort standards. The aircon worked well but was very loud, impacting our sleep. We liked the bathrobes and slippers, but were relieved that we had brought along our own pool/beach bag, as there was no bag provided for taking a few items to the pool. This is rarely provided at resorts, but always a nice touch when it is eg Maya.
We booked a Luxury Escapes package, which included 2 90 minute massages (fantastic!), breakfast (delicious and changing daily, mix of buffet and à la carte) and daily lunch or dinner. The latter was where we felt let down. We had to order from a set menu of 4 starters, 4 mains (2 chicken, 2 fish) and 4 desserts - this was the same every day and the same at both restaurants, which got very boring very quickly, especially as I don’t eat fish. The food was tasty and a mix of local and Western, but just not enough variety. So much so, that we paid for an upgrade to one of their specialty dinners one night for some variety (although overpriced) and took their free shuttle into town one night for dinner at Nusantara (which was amazing - highly recommend). With the set menu, also including one cocktail from reduced list (fine), on two occasions we were waiting a ridiculously long time for our first course to arrive (up to one hour!!), and felt a bit like second class citizens. If we return to Alila, we would definitely avoid the lunch/dinner package in future, but are definitely likely to return based on the location, setting, staff and pool.
Shout out to the very friendly Kandi in the spa, who also taught me some Indonesian and answered all my questions about school and festivals while getting my mani pedi.