#YellowtraceTravels: Alila Seminyak Bali, designed by URBNarc.

Alila Hotel Seminyak, Bali. Photo by Nick Hughes | Yellowtrace

On sunny days, the arrival lobby of Alila Seminyak is bathed in the most beautiful dappled light. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Slatted timber canopy over the arrival lobby at Alila Seminyak. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Designed by URBNarc, the resort is a distinctive blend of contemporary architecture woven through with vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

There’s an abundance of luscious plants and gardens at Alila. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Pretty, even on a cloudy day. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

The resort incorporates a functioning Balinese temple that forms part of the perfectly manicured grounds. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Bali is one of those places you’ve either visited plenty of times or you’ve never been before. There seems to be very little middle ground when it comes to this magical little place, often referred to as The Island of the Gods. I, clearly, fall into the second group. Many of you would be well aware of my enduring love of Bali and its people, which is well documented around here, so I feel excited to share with you another fantastic place where Team Yellowtrace was very lucky to stay at a few months back.

Alila Seminyak Bali is the younger, more approachable sister of Alila Villas Uluwatu we previously talked about here. Immersing guests in a spectacular beachfront experience, Alila Seminyak presents as a lush secret garden. Designed by Gaurang Khemka at the award-winning Singapore architectural firm URBNarc, the resort is a distinctive blend of contemporary architecture woven through with vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs and landscaped terraces. Green spaces abound, replicated in corridors, lobbies and all public spaces, naturally ventilated by ocean breezes.

Entry to Seasalt, Alila’s beahfront restaurant. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Architectural minimalism meets tropical lushness. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Instagram vs Reality (shown below). Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Our 5-year-old ruining that perfectly serene sunset moment. Bless. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Waiting for our drinks. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Mama Yellowtrace in holiday mode at Alila Semnyak. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Magical twilight moments at Alila Seminyak’s beachfront bar. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Beyond the visible aesthetics, Alila Seminyak is wholly committed to minimising its environmental footprint. Sensitive site planning, use of local building materials, along with environmental, energy and resource-efficient systems are all integral to its design and construction, executed in accordance with the rigorous standards of the internationally recognised EarthCheck benchmarking and certification programme.

Senses spoiled, wellness stimulated, occasions celebrated, there’s plenty to experience across the entire resort and its beachfront restaurant and bar, the spa offering Asian-inspired treatments, five infinity swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, plus a whole series of indoor and outdoor venues. Most importantly, allow me to share two magic words for the parents amongst us – Kids Club. Oh, yeah baby – I’m talking a space your littles simply won’t want to leave, while you’re left deciding if a massage or a cocktail/ swim/ nap sequence (or both!) is your preferred itinerary for the day. Bliss.

If all that relaxing gets a bit much, streets of Seminyak – famous for its cafes, shopping, fine dining and nightlife – are only a short stroll away. For those keen to discover local hidden treasures, Alila’s Leisure Concierge offers activities tailored to your personal interests.

Down to the beach. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

One of several infinity pools at Alila Seminyak. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Seasalt restaurant deck, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Nutella crapes got the thumbs up. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Strolling through the luscious property. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Some of my favourite visual delights from Alila Seminyak. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Corridors, lobbies and all public spaces are naturally ventilated by ocean breezes. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

The view from our room. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Take me back! Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, the resort supports two worthy causes. Alila’s financial aid for two local elementary schools in Kerobokan helps support curriculum development, student participation in competitions, and the development of school’s creative spaces. Alila also supports Anak-Anak Harapan Children’s Home – a refuge for 80 less-privileged children, founded in 1974. The home provides a hopeful future for economically disadvantaged children of all ages, from toddlers to university students.

Yes, there’s certainly a lot more than meets the eye in this gorgeous beachside resort. In fact, Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, describing the refreshing character of their properties, and its Seminyak outpost positively lives up to the name.

Accommodation at Alila Seminyak Bali starts from $385 AUD per night. Team Yellowtrace were guests of Alila Seminyak during our trip. All related thoughts, ideas and text in this article reflect our genuine opinion.

Sweet anticipation of a perfect Bali sunset from Alila Seminyak’s beachfront bar. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

There’s nothing quite like the experience of a perfect Bali sunset while standing at the edge of the ocean. It makes you feel like anything is possible. Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.