Island Oasis Found: Discovering Tranquility at Soori Bali
First Impressions: Unpacking the Charms of Soori
Nestled between the majestic Batu Karu mountains and the Indian Ocean, Soori Bali is a breathtaking retreat located on the southern coast of the Indonesian island of Bali. It is situated within the picturesque Tabanan Regency, where volcanic mountains tower over lush rice terraces and striking black-sand beaches. Providing a serene haven from the everyday noise and chaos, this resort boasts sleek and modern architecture, seamlessly integrated into the seaside foliage of its surroundings. With its transcendent private villas, world-class dining options, and soothing spa treatments, Soori is a true paradise for those seeking peace, tranquility, and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in unique experiences such as workshops, bike excursions, yoga, and revel in traditional Balinese music and dance performances. In addition, guests can embark on an array of activities including a visit to the iconic Tanah Lot temple, a private waterfall picnic, participation in turtle conservation efforts, or an exhilarating helicopter tour.
Soori Luxe: A Haven of Indulgence
The moment I entered Soori, it felt like I was in a dream. The resort’s design was amazing, using natural materials like driftwood, stone, and terra cotta in an artistic way that blended perfectly with the surrounding landscape. It was like the best parts of nature had been brought indoors. Everywhere I looked, there were beautiful details that caught my eye.
Soori Bali is a masterclass on how to achieve a seamless fusion of sustainability and elegance. Unlike other resorts that seem out of place; a disruption to the natural environment, Soori Bali feels grown from the very volcanic rock on which it is built. From interlaced vines that drape over the villa roofs and walls, to the leafy greenery that blends with the garden pools, every detail in the resort is a testament to its organic and natural design. This design sensibility promotes a sense of unity with nature, and it is this exclusivity that heightens the relaxation and rejuvenation that guests feel during their stay. Soori is a compelling case study that showcases how luxury, comfort, and environmental preservation can exist in perfect harmony, resulting in an unparalleled and awe-inspiring experience for guests.
The resort’s architectural style blends contemporary lines with natural textures, creating a visual interplay of stone, water, and flora that exudes both an ancient grace and a contemporary vibe, perfectly complementing the duality of the beach and mountain foot terrain. Styled driftwood accents punctuate the different entry and exit points throughout various sections of the property. Garden pools found throughout the resort extend the skyline or foliage that thrives in or near them, seamlessly integrating the natural surroundings and creating an immersive experience that magnifies the resort’s natural beauty.
Outdoor furnishings are strategically placed to accentuate breathtaking views, while maintaining a polished aesthetic. With an emphasis on elegant subtlety, the furniture is characterized by rounded shapes, solid hues, and sumptuous fabrics. Thoughtfully placed, these elements enhance the beauty of the natural surroundings without overpowering it. The landscaping is another unifying point between the stone and flora as concrete walkways are accented with cutouts, through which manicured grassy patches connect the main lawn and cabana areas. Expansive areas of meticulously manicured lawns are generously spread throughout the property, creating a sense of openness and tranquility that contrasts beautifully with the buildings and facilities. This abundance of greenery imbues the property with a sense of life and vitality, as if the entire space is breathing and flourishing.
The rooms at Soori offer a luxurious escape in a stunning setting. The villa interiors remain true to the natural color scheme of the exterior buildings, featuring soothing shades of cream, grey, white, and brown that facilitate a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The modern and simplistic designs are complemented using minimal decor and cabinetry, creating a clean yet intentional atmosphere. Behind the minimalist elements, there’s an organic feel that conceals the modern building mechanics.
Each villa features a private infinity pool, surrounded by a private patio and pavilion. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining and lounging in the comfort of their own space and with accommodation options ranging from a one-bedroom villa to a ten-person villa, ample space is provided for groups of any size. For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, a personal butler is on hand to attend to their every need. Staying connected is effortless with complimentary Wi-Fi, and entertainment is never far away with the 49-inch LCD TV and Bose Hi-Fi system. Guests can enjoy their favorite movies or TV shows with Plex movies on demand or Apple TV upon request. When it’s time to relax and unwind, 24-hour room service is available to cater to every craving. An in-room safe keeps valuable belongings secure. Comforts are abundant, with luxurious linens and Soori bath amenities, as well as Nespresso and tea making facilities. The gourmet mini bar is well-stocked with all the essentials, and the Soori turndown tea provides a soothing touch before bed. Every detail has been carefully curated to create a sense of peace and serenity, inviting guests to escape and lose themselves in the tranquility of Soori.
The Flavors of Bali: Dining at Soori
I loved the idea of having dinner under the night sky with the ocean waves in the background and the glimmering lights from the sea making it a magical experience. It felt like there was something for everyone, whether you were looking for a casual meal or a more luxurious dining experience, Soori had it all.
Soori is a culinary delight, offering discerning guests a cornucopia of dining experiences. The crowning jewel of Soori’s culinary offerings is undoubtedly Cotta, a covered yet still open-air restaurant situated on the breathtaking beachfront. With its rotating breakfast menus that showcase local fare and innovative twists on classic breakfast favorites, each day at Cotta promises a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Here, guests have the opportunity to indulge in a wide selection of specialty coffees and teas, including the coveted Kopi Luwak, as they bask in the tropical ambiance. At lunchtime, Cotta features a delectable spread of Asia’s favorite dishes, while dinner serves as a celebration of authentic Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago, with a strong emphasis on the rich flavors of Balinese cuisine. In addition to Cotta, Soori Bali also boasts two other dining locations of equal excellence.
Ombak, the resort’s signature Bar and Lounge, presents guests with a premium Western cuisine selection that has been selected by the resort’s highly-acclaimed Chef Alessandro. From the Lounge area, guests can watch the stunning sunsets of Bali’s southwestern coast while sipping on creative cocktails crafted from the island’s abundant fresh fruits and premium spirits. Meanwhile, the newest addition to Soori’s dining offerings, The Reading Room, invites guests to explore the world of Indonesian fine teas and single-origin coffees. This organic and fresh space offers a unique selection of single-estate green teas, white teas, oolongs, black teas, and loose-leaf teas, as well as the rich and smooth flavors of Flores coffee. For those seeking an intimate dining experience, Soori also offers a variety of private dining options. From romantic beachfront dinners and candlelit jungle suppers to private barbecues on the sand, dining at Soori is a truly unforgettable experience.
Unwind & Renew: Wellness at Soori
Soori Spa is a sanctuary of rejuvenation, offering a range of holistic treatments that are personalized to each individual’s needs. The spa’s dedication to natural and organic ingredients is unmistakable, as they exclusively use 100% natural products in all treatments, devoid of synthetic preservatives and additives. The experienced spa practitioners draw on a variety of Asian and European massage techniques to provide deeply transformative experiences for the mind, body, and soul. The spa’s attentive hosts are available to guide guests in selecting the most appropriate massage therapy and oils to suit their individual needs, ensuring a fully tailored and blissful spa experience.
Whether you are looking for a deep tissue massage, a warm stone therapy, or a prenatal massage, the spa has something for everyone. The signature Spirit of Soori massage is a tailor-made journey based on the Balinese concept of “taksu,” utilizing firm pressure and dynamic stretches to guide guests through a body and soul healing experience. The Balinese massage is an ancient therapy that combines long therapeutic strokes and skin rolling to relieve tension, while the Thai massage is an energy-based full-body technique that balances energies throughout the body using pressure point massage. The Four Hands Massage is a synchronized experience that brings harmony and balance to the body and soul, while the Back, Neck and Scalp Care uses a combination of techniques to loosen areas of deeply held tension.
Beyond their renowned massages, the spa offers a variety of facials designed to nourish, revitalize, and rejuvenate the skin with deep cleansing, hydration, and anti-aging treatments. Indulge in a range of body treatments, including salt scrubs, mud wraps, and hydrotherapy, all designed to detoxify, hydrate, and soothe the body. Nail care services, including manicures, pedicures, and gel polish, are also available to help keep hands and feet in pristine condition. And for those seeking hair removal, Soori Spa offers a range of waxing services for both men and women, including full body waxing.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the spa offers a range of spa packages that can include a combination of massages, facials, body treatments, and nail care services. And for those looking for additional wellness treatments, Soori Spa may also offer acupuncture, reflexology, and aromatherapy to complete your spa journey. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply some time to yourself, Soori Spa is the perfect destination for all your beauty and wellness needs.
Soori’s Spa was something else! They had this whole range of fancy spa treatments that drew on techniques from all over the world. They even had this cool shop where you could buy all sorts of products to take home with you.
The final thought
Soori Bali is a luxurious resort that exudes sophistication and elegance, with an idyllic location along the breathtaking black-sand beaches of Bali’s southern coast and intricately designed accommodations and top-notch amenities. It offers discerning travelers the epitome of luxury with impeccable service, sumptuous dining, and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. Soori Bali’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness is not just limited to its materials. The resort also has deep ties to the local community, supporting local businesses and promoting traditional arts and crafts. The resort also offers opportunities to explore Bali’s rich history and traditions through cultural activities. Soori Bali is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience of luxury, beauty, and sustainability. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Bali, Soori Bali is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos by Amin Brodie
Written by Valeryia Kalantayeva