Alila Manggis Editorial Review

Alila Hotels and Resorts may seem like one of many other hotels from the outside, but if you look deeper you will see how different it actually is. Alila Hotels and Resorts believe that travelers nowadays are less self-centered and willing to take part in making the world a much better place. Therefore, all tourist destinations should pay attention to the sustainability factor. No wonder both Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis won awards at the Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards (presented by the environmentally-friendly and socially-beneficial tourism enterprises).

The first time I arrived at Alila Manggis, I was allured by the sound of waves breaking at the beach . At first, I thought going to Alila Manggis might take more than 2 hours from the Kuta area but thanks to the new road the journey now is only about an hour and 15 minutes. On the way there, there were not many activities to see nor were there many shops to visit. Along the way, you might see terraced rice fields, small villages, and forests which are the sights of East Bali , secluded in their own good way. Alila Manggis is about 1 km before Candi Dasa village and is on your right hand side.

The first ornament I was aware of upon my arrival was gecko carvings on the wall. This matter aroused my curiosity. When I asked the Front Office Manager of Alila Manggis, Mr. M. Hasan Karim, he replied, “There is a celebration for art, culture and education dedicated to the God of Saraswati/Wisnu coming every six months when all students and educational institutions celebrate the holy day. One component of the offering is a cake in the form of a gecko; considered as a wise and intelligent animal. But, in principle Geckos symbolize prosperity; by only mastering skill and knowledge human beings can then increase their prosperity." This symbol of wisdom can also be found at room entrances, as well as on the key chains for the rooms. The second thing I noticed was coconut palms covering most of the areas.

If someone asks for my first impression about Alila Manggis, I believe “Geckos and Coconut Trees" will be my first answers.

Purely beautiful is the exact word to describe Alila Manggis. The decor is mostly dominated by wooden colors such as beige, light/dark brown, soft orange for the rooms and kitchenette amenities, with a mixture of traditional Balinese architecture with moon orchids placed at every corner of the Seasalt restaurant. If you look more intensely at the design choices, the use of rattan seems to be an essential in most of the areas. They have rattan sofa chairs, rattan room bags, rattan day beds and even rattan room slippers.

Although it does appear as if you are in the middle of nowhere, you will not fall behind with the latest news if you need to catch it because Alila Manggis provides one computer connected to the internet and WIFI connection at the Seasalt restaurant and lobby for your usage. While the staff is preparing your room, relax yourself a bit with a cold towel provided and a thirst-quenching welcome drink (ginger lemonade). At the upper lobby, to kill any boredom you can play chess, or perchance, monopoly with friends.

Rooms at Alila Manggis:

• Superior Rooms
  Superior rooms are at the lower floor of each block with easy access to the pool from the private terrace.
  
• Deluxe Rooms
  Deluxe Rooms are on the upper lever providing you with breathtaking views from the day bed at each balcony.
  
• Suites
  Alila Manggis has two spacious suites with large balconies complete with outdoor dining tables under the sundeck.

I enjoyed my stay in the Deluxe Room. Go out to the terrace balcony and lie on the day bed and you will hear, not too far away, the singing crickets and other melodious little creatures chirping out to Mother Nature. From the inside of my room, I could see even see into the distance and watched as a boat waiting to anchor at the Padang Bai Harbor moved in. The reflection from the dancing lights on the ocean surface was simply magnificent.

A Word from Alila Manggis GM, Mr. Jork Bosselaar
Kindly meet Mr. Jork Bosselaar, the General Manager of Alila Manggis. You will not fail to spot his 190 cm tall figure, blue eyes and his warm smile. He explained about Alila Manggis' mission to support the local communities, how Alila wants the guests to be culturally aware. “We want the guest to have natural state of minds and do things back in the traditional way…", he said. He also explained how Alila Manggis practices natural methods, even to the very minute things. For instance the fish ponds in certain areas in Alila Manggis are not only for beauty, but also to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. He also convinced us that it was safe to surf at the beach in front of the hotel.

SD Verdict on Alila Manggis

• Two sceneries for the price of one. By coming here, you have both the companionship of the breezy ocean as well as the mists of the great Mount Agung.  
• Ocean Morning Greeting. Greeted by the ocean scenery every morning as all room terraces and balconies are designed to face the ocean.
• Supportive local community. Not all hotels and resorts pay attention to such matter.
• It's all about you. Great service and endless smiles from the staff make you feel as if you were the only guests here.
• Activities. Various kinds of activities provided for the single travelers, families and honeymooners, though all exchange is done in US dollars. Prepare extra cash to enjoy such activities.
• Not-partygoers friendly. Alila Manggis' location is definitely not for those who fancy the nightlife scene as none is available.
• Limited Adventures. In approximately 1 week, I would have experienced all of the activities provided and so might prefer to stay at other parts of Bali to venture to other things.
  

Buitan, Manggis, Tel : +62 363 41011