Viceroy Bali

I know all of our lives are at a standstill and we are not able to travel much due to this global pandemic. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to stop researching your dream honeymoon destination. Soon enough the boarders will open and our lives will go back to normal. In the meantime, I have written up a blog featuring one of my favorite places I have stayed at, the Viceroy Bali, in Ubud, Indonesia. Truly honored to have stayed in such an exquisite luxury hotel, and I know from experience that it is the ideal honeymoon destination. Here is why!

Here at the Viceroy, they take luxury to the next level; a level that many other 5 star hotels cannot meet because of its prime location. I had the honor of meeting both Anthony Syrowatka and his father who built this independent boutique hotel years ago. I am very happy that their vision of this boutique mountainside hotel came to fruition, because there is nothing quite like this place. Just by looking out into the jungle it instantly takes you to a place of serenity and peace. This hotel is now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), which thrive on unique touches that leave guests with an everlasting impression.

The Deluxe Villa

As I walked into the deluxe villa, I gasped in awe over this grand room’s beauty. With beautiful natural stone floors, walk-in closet, comfortable couch, flat screen tv, bath tub, waterfall shower, king sized bed, and private infinity pool with a gazebo’ I instantly felt right at home. Some of my personal favorite features about these villas are the built-in universal converters and fast wifi! In my experience, island wifi tends to run on ‘island time,’ but this was strong throughout the entire property. Granted, most people come to a location like this to disconnect, but when you’re a busy business woman like myself, high speed wifi is a bonus!

Aside from the amazing wifi, truly the best feature was the private infinite pool. There was almost no need to relax by the main pool because I had everything I needed right in my own deluxe villa. Everyday, I enjoyed a delicious and healthy breakfast in my personal gazebo as I looked out trying to find monkeys in the jungle. The private setup of Viceroy Bali villas takes romance to the next level, you truly feel as if no one is around! They even offer in-house spa treatments and massages from their Lembah Spa, where you can be pampered in the luxury of your villa.

The spa offers more than just facials and massages:

• Yoga with a two hour spa treatment

• Romantic couples treatment

• Cycling in the rice fields with a two hour spa treatment

• Trekking with a two hour spa treatment

• Spa lunch or dinner package

Even if you did go to the public pool, it’s still a stunning experience!

There is so much love at this property, where it should be meant to relax and be shared with a lover. For those of you looking for the perfect place to experience your honeymoon, you need to stay here! No questions asked! It is close to town, so the hotel can arrange a ride for you to see all that Ubud has to offer, such as the Sacred Monkey Forrest Sanctuary. Plus, you can arrange a helicopter to transfer you from Denpasar Airport to the property. Yes, they have there very own helicopter pad! TALK ABOUT BOUGIE!

Fine Dining at Aperitif

This is when I hate having dietary restrictions because I would have loved to try everything Chef Nic Vanderbeeken created here at Aperitif on the property of the Viceroy Bali. He has designed an 8 course prix fixe menu and combines flavors from Bali and other regions of the world in ways you couldn’t imagine just by reading this blog. I love degustation menus because the chef will test your senses, you can admire their culinary artistic designs, and you have the chance to taste small portions of chefs signature dishes in a fun environment.

As the grand doors open to the bar, you transport back in time to the roaring 1920’s with the colonial decor and architectural designs. I felt like I was walking into the Great Gatsby’s mansion for one of his wild parties. The decor here was over the top and every last detail made you feel like you were back in the prohibition era with the dark wood, brown leather furniture, and pool table. The ambiance here was calming and a great way to start the evening.

First, I enjoyed a specialty cocktail designed by 2017”s Bacardi Legacy world bartender of the year, Ran Van Ongevalle. My poison is tequila and went straight for the Bee Sting, which was delicious and beautifully decorated. You get a feel for his talent not just by the flavorful homemade infusions and artisanal spirits, but with Bali’s tropical edible flowers he uses as decor. As I sat and enjoyed my lovely cocktails, my first canap’s arrived with a shockingly unique display. It was fish crudo laying on top of shells and fish skeletons- I had never seen anything like it before. The next 4 bites, 2 each, were delivered on a beautiful silver tree. Each bite was different, colorful, and artistically created. I almost didn’t want to take a bite, it was so cute! This was a very interesting way to start the evening, I had no idea what else to expect.

Not only did the bar transport you back in time, but the grand dinning room as well. With beautiful chandlers, black and white checker floors, and ostrich features as a detail on each table, you really could get a feel for the 1920’s. I love a restaurant that has an open kitchen, not only to see how clean it is, but it’s fun to watch the Chef create each dish.

Before being seated, I have the honor of meeting head Chef Nic and pastry Chef Alexander. Chef collaborated with Michelin star chefs constantly, which introduces new flavors, styles, and designs to the menu. As I say hello, I am served my first bite right in front of them. Chef prepared a crisped brown rice chip with tofu cream and edible flowers the other is his signature dish, the coconut charcoal puff.

I’m sure by now the menu has changed due to seasons fruits and vegetables being used, but my experience was delicious and visually beautiful. Each dish was beyond flavorful and truly colorful. Chef had used unique bites and ingredients I had never heard of nor would ever consider putting together, but that is what makes him the expert. Overall this experience was one of a kind, and a must for your honeymoon experience!

‘ I told you it’s the ultimate honeymoon destination!! Be sure to book your stay with the Viceroy Bali and schedule a romantic dinner at Aperitif as well. You truly won’t be sorry!