After a peaceful drive through lush plantations and emerald green rice fields we arrive at the serene coastal resort Alila Manggis. Situated in a sleepy village of Manggis near Candi Dasa on Bali’s South East Coast, Alila Manggis is the perfect hideaway for those who want to explore more than Bali’s southern highlights.

Staff were super welcoming and our luggage was whisked away, a cold hand towel and face spritz was offered alongside a thirst quenching juice.

The word that kept resonating through my mind about Alila Manggis was ‘sublime’. This peaceful oasis is blessed with the constant sound of the ocean lapping up against a pebble beach below. The grounds are expansive and dotted with tall swaying palms and a gigantic swimming pool capable of accommodating the entire resort sits as a central feature.

After swimming length and breadth several times and wandering around the resort perimeters it was time for some lunch in Seasalt. I’d heard that Alila Manggis is famed for it’s organic fruit and vegetable garden and cookery school for guests (must do that next time!) so I was excited to taste the menu.

First up Goat Curry Soup; flavorsome and very tender using the freshest of ingredients. Favoring spicy dishes, I chose a ‘Sambal Udang’ (spicy prawns) for my main course. I like to think of myself as a bit of an ‘Udang’ expert and this dish did not disappoint. Tiger prawns bathed in a tomato sambal with crunchy mange tout definitely satisfied my appetite.

The afternoon was spent at Alila Spa experiencing a two-hour seaweed farm wrap treatment. This heavenly treatment began with a mineral drenched lava stone footbath followed by a full body exfoliate of sugar and sweet almond oil. I was given the option of receiving my treatment either inside the spa room or in the outside bale next to the shore. With the gentle lapping of waves against the beach, I took my position horizontal outdoors. During a fifty minute Balinese massage I drifted off feeling totally relaxed. My body, by now feeling rather like putty, was covered in a hydrating mask of volcanic clay, seaweed and kelp and wrapped up burrito style. Finally fresh young coconut milk was poured over me to re-hydrate the skin.

Floating back to my room, I realized it was time for happy-hour cocktails. Oh joy. Lanterns were lit throughout the grounds of the resort giving it a magical atmosphere with traditional gamelan players tinkling bamboo tunes near the restaurant. After an apple mint martini, dinner was served. Lamb loin with cous-cous, a definite taste of Morocco followed by my new signature dessert ‘Drunken Chocolate Fool’. How could I resist a dessert containing my two favorite vices!

For more information on Alila Manggis http://www.alilahotels.com/manggis