EssEntial EssEntialsElEction sElEction||world’s world’sbEst bEst villas
AlilA villAs uluwAtu, BAli
mAlAkiyA royAl villA, uAe
Stood on a cliff top plateau faced with a seemingly endless horizon that sweeps across the Indian Ocean is a moment that’s sure to evoke an awestruck gasp: Which is exactly what you’ll do after making reservations here (pictured). Choose from one- to three-bed villas with a cliff or hillside setting – each with the kind of pool you’ll want to while away an entire sun-soaked day aside. Calm-inducing interiors make it easy to relax inside, too; an open-plan design is just made for meandering; lava rock roofs allow the sea breeze to caress you; and to die-for-beds are rivaled only by the vistas before them. Sleeps: Up to six in a three-bed pool villa. Best for: Those who don’t want to lift a finger: butlers tend to your every whim and restaurants CIRE and The Warung have meal times covered – be sure to try Indonesian dishes like Sate Lilit. www.alilahotels.com
It’s easy to mistake the castle-like turrets that decorate a slice of Dubai’s skyline for an ancient Arabian palace. But, these caramelcoloured rooftops in fact form the magnificent Malakiya Villas at Madinat Jumeirah: the sprawling resort which flanks a jewel-green river where guests are ferried from one point to the next on gentlycruising dhows (Step off to a giddying array of restaurants). The Royal Villa is the crème de la crème here: grandiose surrounds open onto private terraces and manicured gardens fit for a fairytale. Plus, of course, a private pool and Jacuzzi (just try and resist a dip). A private lift, meanwhile, will take you to ground-level in a flash. Sleeps: Maximum of six adults and two children. Best for: Arabian opulence. Rooms decked-out in rich red tones look fit for royalty and spacious layouts provide room for all the family. www.jumeirah.com
March 2011 Kanoo World Traveller 25