There are some places where, the moment you step in, you immediately fall in love with. The happiness and kindness of the people here really is heartwarming. This is where you’ll experience true Balinese hospitality. Designed by Kerry Hill architects, the property has aged exceptionally. The beauty of the hotel is truly displayed during golden hour, when the sun lights up the facades with a golden hue. And the shadows dance on the polished floors. Our upgraded deluxe room had the most beautiful views of the ocean and pool area. We especially enjoyed the daybed on the balcony where we could simply laze on and relax for hours. The rooms are not luxurious however, had a clean, zen, aesthetic that we loved. The main pool area is mesmerizing, with such a peaceful design, and never got crowded. Sun beds were readily available and there were pool staff on hand to assist with any requests. Staff were seen cleaning the pool periodically and the water temperature was kept at a comfortable level for swimming. A stay at the Alila Manggis would not be complete without a visit to the next level spa. We spent hours trying different treatments and loved them all. Their spa treatment Balés are situated right in front of the ocean with the most breathtaking views. Having a massage while listening to the waves crash on shore, and enjoying the calm sea breeze really was heavenly. The massage therapists were experienced and had amazing technique. Breakfast at Seasalt restaurant is presented A La Carte style with an extensive menu to satisfy all palates. Every morning we started with a traditional Balinese Jamu, followed by fresh juices, fruit, egg creations, Indonesian favorites. We also had a private seafood dinner that was phenomenal, fresh red snapper, tiger prawns, lobster grilled to perfection served in Balinese style. The setting was by the ocean, and we were taken care by the executive chef himself and a dedicated group of staff. Exquisite. While the Alila Manggis advertises themselves as a four star hotel on their website, the service is definitely six stars. Everyone working here knew what they were doing and was extremely friendly and efficient. This is not the “systematic” service that you will find in mega resorts in Nusa Dua, but a more personalized, elegant and friendly service. Management checked on us twice during our stay to make sure that we were enjoying our stay and had everything we needed. The front office staff checked in with us multiple times a day to ask how our day was. The attention paid to detail was extraordinary. The resort manager saw that I bought some dragon fruit and asked if she could send them to the kitchen to have them prepared and served daily to our room. Was she required to go this extra mile? No, but she extended a kind gesture and these small details really make all the difference. When we inquired about a seafood barbecue dinner the front office immediately sent restaurant staff and also the executive chef himself to come chat with us and curate a special dinner menu to suite our needs. The service was overall so friendly, proactive yet unobtrusive and refined. Bali has a kaleidoscope of luxury hotel options and the Alila Manggis is a hidden gem. The hotel offers such great value, especially when all the staff work so hard to perfect your experience. The spirit and vibe of East Bali and the Alila Manggis is captivating. We will be back.

My wife and I decided to have a final holiday before the arrival of our first child (she was ~6 months pregnant at the time), and decided to splurge by booking a 5 night getaway through Luxury Escapes. Soon after booking our trip we were contacted directly by the resort regarding transfer details, and any spa treatments and/or experiences we'd like to organise. Brochures were emailed, and from that point we were able to easily and painlessly organise our trip. Responses were quick, informative and made us feel very much at ease. On arrival at Denpasar Airport we were greeted by a driver from the resort, and transferred in a clean, air-conditioned car; cold water and towels were also provided - appreciated given how you may feel getting off the plane and feeling the heat. I should add that the return transfer from the resort to the airport was just as accomodating and hassle-free. At the resort, our bag was taken to our room and we were sat down with refreshments to confirm our inclusions. Staff were polite and first impressions of the resort were that it was clean, well run and the helpfulness of the staff gave us the confidence that we would have no problems having any issue attended to during our stay. Our suite was was immaculate, and every day it was cleaned and turned down for the night without fail. Additionally the bottled water in the room was replenished each day, and the balcony was also swept and kept tidy as part of the daily housekeeping service. The enormous bed was comfortable and we had no issue drifting off to sleep peacefully each night after a delicious meal at the Sea Salt restaurant. Meals at the restaurant were amazing, with staff being friendly, courteous and more than happy to chat about our trip and tell us more about the resort and the surrounding area. During our time at Alila Manggis we used the Alila Spa extensively. Every treatment was professionally done and we felt ever so relaxed after every one. My wife felt especially comfortable given her pregnancy, and so we're thankful that the spa had the treatments and arrangements to accomodate for her. Additional to the spa, we can highly recommend the East of Bali and Authentic Balinese Spices experiences! I did see another review mention ants, and yes there were some but we could also see people carrying out sprays around the complex. We also spoke to reception who took the matter seriously, and when we returned later that day the room was clean and free of ants! :)

I recently spent 5 nights at the Alila Mangiss and would return again tomorrow if I could. Although it's a little dated and the rooms are a little on the small side, the boutique resort feels like a home away from home. It's very quiet and peaceful, set amongst a coconut grove, and gives you the feeling that you're away from it all. The service here is impeccable, with lovely welcoming staff and also at the Seasalt Restaurant. Breakfast was a delight each day with a full a la carte menu and even Jamu (traditional Indonesian medicine drink). We also enjoyed Balinese Megibung at Seasalt Restaurant, a share platter with a variety of dishes served on a timber stand that gave us a great sample of the local cuisine. There is a Yoga pavilion located right near the seaside so most mornings you can do a yoga class with the gentle sea breeze keeping you cool. The swimming pool is amazing with gorgeous palm tree reflections. I indulged in a divine massage in a seaside bale at the Day Spa. My room was on the ground floor with a terrace that opened up onto the pool area. There were day beds both inside the room and out on the terrace. The bathroom had a large shower and separate toilet, with a good sized vanity basin outside. The bathroom offered beautiful locally made natural toiletries that were absolutely beautiful. The hotel is located only a short distance from the town of Candidasa and offers a shuttle service on a regular basis. There is also another Day Spa situated across the road that offer cheaper prices than the Spa at the hotel.