Hilton has announced the opening of Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, marking the brand’s first resort in South East Asia.
Perched on the island’s southernmost tip at Ungasan, the 72-key resort is laid out in cascading terraces atop limestone cliffs, reminiscent of ‘uma’ – or ancient rice paddy fields – after which it is named.
LXR has drawn from Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy and its three pillars – Nature, People and Spirituality – to create a meaningful, contemporary vision for Umana Bali. Authentic connections with nature, living crafts and rejuvenating holistic wellness rituals bring the destination to life. Each unique experience is inspired by traditional Balinese culture, then developed for today’s traveller.
Umana Bali prioritises both local community and the environment through partnerships with skilled local artisans to fuse luxury with responsibility. Through these partnerships, the resort has commissioned bespoke pieces of art, sourced local materials like Javanese marble and rattan, and developed eco-friendly amenities including vanity kits made from recycled banana leaf paper, coconut shell boxes and natural slippers woven from pandan and mendong fibres.
Architecture, landscape architecture and interiors by global design firm WATG | Wimberly Interiors reflect local legends, beliefs and customs, etching Bali’s living artistry into patterns and spaces to foster a sense of community. The design of Umana Bali stands as a balanced convergence of divine, communal and natural elements, inviting guests to partake in Bali’s culture. Contemporary sculptures of Balinese dancers are adorned with ancient coins used as offerings on important occasions and temple decorations. The striking metal and handblown glass chandelier in the lobby for instance is inspired by the fan-like movements of the Legong Keraton or Kraton – Dance of the Palace.
The resort’s spacious villas start from 403m2, with each featuring its own private infinity-edge pool and outdoor hot tub, while the three-Bedroom Umana Pool Villa sprawls across 1,200m2 for multigenerational families or groups.
Wellness and wellbeing are front and centre at The Lohma Spa, where a mix of personalised and holistic ancient healing traditions and contemporary therapies such as The Self resets physical energy and builds strength, while The Body encourages emotional release through deep relaxation techniques. Namesake treatment The Lohma Spa is a signature authentic Indonesian massage that utilises energised gemstones to revitalise the body, a trending alternative practice.
Lohma Spa offers a range of treatments designed to be conducted individually or collectively. Groups of various sizes can experience the power of collective sound healing; Holotropic breathwork for self-exploration and positive transformation; or cold-water immersion, which supports cardiovascular, immune and mental health, resulting in a natural high and deep sense of contentment.
Umana Bali also sources more than 80% of its produce from local farms and its own hydroponic herb and vegetable garden to ensure the freshest and most nutritious experiences for guests across its collection of restaurants and bars. Many of the wines featured at the resort are grown and produced in Bali too, each sip telling a story of the vineyards that dot the island’s diverse landscape.
Clifftop restaurant Oliverra takes guests on a journey through the Mediterranean, while Commune prepares the finest South East Asian cuisine with a local twist. Its interactive show kitchen houses a spit-roast grill to prepare Umana’s version of popular local favourite, Babi Guling. At the Pad Pool Bar, guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails while enjoying views of the Indian Ocean. Inspired by the ocean meanwhile, Mer Lounge is a tranquil space where guests can relax while creating their own drinks from its minibar. And finally, launching in April 2024 with Miami-inspired design influences and Peruvian flavours, Uma Beach House will be a surfside escape offering views of Melasti Beach’s clear turquoise waters and soaring limestone cliffs.
“LXR Hotels & Resorts presents a tremendous opportunity for Hilton’s Asia Pacific luxury growth,” says Alan Watts, President for Asia Pacific at Hilton. “Following the brand’s successful regional launch in Kyoto, welcoming another stunning LXR resort in Bali underscores our commitment to expanding our world-class luxury brands in the most sought-after destinations. With its coveted location and exclusive positioning, Umana Bali is set to shape a new generation of luxury travel in Bali.”
Umana Bali, owned by PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk and managed by Hilton, brings a new experience to the island paradise. Johannes Suriadjaja, President Director at PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk, comments: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Hilton to introduce South East Asia’s first LXR property in Bali, a destination beloved by domestic and international visitors alike and vital to tourism in Indonesia and the region.”
Feisal Jaffer, Global Head at LXR Hotels & Resorts, concludes: “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Umana Bali as the first LXR property in South East Asia. Umana Bali will showcase our commitment to creating exceptional story-worthy adventures for discerning travellers in the world’s most incredible destinations. We look forward to offering adventurers distinctive, immersive experiences that reflect the beauty and charm of this beloved Island of the Gods.”
