The newly opened boutique hotel on the south coast of Bali, not far from Jimbaran Bay, works like a statement against rampant exotic-kitsch. It convinces with clear lines and ecological construction. The flat roofs of the 84 villas are covered with porous lava rock that holds moisture and lets plants grow. Each villa has an open pavilion that invites us to relax and offers a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. Bridges and piers leading to the private pools incorporate Balinese style elements. “Alila” is Sanskrit for surprise—provided not least by the excursions, called “journeys,” beyond all well-worn paths.
