Viceroy Bali’s Dramatic Perch Above the Petanu River Is Pure Theatre
Published by ellecanada.com
A family-run sanctuary blending Balinese heritage, bespoke service and unrivalled views raises the bar for Southeast Asia’s ultra-luxe retreats.
Positioned on a secluded ridge overlooking the Petanu River gorge, Viceroy Bali commands attention with panoramic views of emerald rice terraces and the silhouette of Mount Agung. International travellers consistently fill this exclusive hideaway to high occupancy year-round, a testament to the irresistible allure of the Asia-Pacific’s luxury resort scene, which is forecasted to grow by an impressive 7 percent annually through 2028. Family-owned since 2005, the resort captured Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted title of the World’s #1 Resort in 2018 and was later crowned a Global Winner at the 2025 Global Recognition Awards. Exceptional-service scores consistently hover around 4.9 out of 5 on top review sites, exceeding the standards of even the most prestigious global hotel groups.
Guests retreat to 40 exquisite private pool villas, each featuring a heated infinity pool, marble terrace and alang-alang roof. The coveted Deluxe Terrace Villas offer 150 square metres of luxury, framing sweeping views of lush river gorges from every vantage point. The revenue per available room (RevPAR) surged by 12 percent over the past two years, significantly outperforming regional luxury-market averages. STR analysts project this upward trend to continue, forecasting a further 9 percent increase in RevPAR among Bali’s luxury resorts by the close of 2025. This is a clear sign of flourishing demand amid the island’s limited inland supply.
Global culinary trends tilt toward experiential dining, and Viceroy Bali’s Apéritif restaurant holds Indonesia’s Best Restaurant title from the 2020 World Culinary Awards. Its 1920s art deco setting and seven-course degustation menus, plus a wine cellar housing more than 180 labels, generate rave reviews.
The wellness offerings at Akoya Spa deliver additional appeal. Swiss-trained therapists pair Western techniques with Balinese healing practices, producing repeat bookings of 65 percent.
FROM FAMILY VISION TO GLOBAL ACCLAIM
Margaret Bainbridge, the resort’s owner, envisioned a sanctuary where authentic Balinese hospitality would outperform urban crowds. She chose Ubud’s Valley of the Kings for its mythic name and untamed jungle surroundings, constructing hand-carved timber doors and stone pathways by local artisans. Daughter Amanda Syrowatka now leads Viceroy Bali, alongside General Manager Patrick Farrell, for its daily operations, often greeting guests by name when they arrive in private helicopters at the resort’s helipad.
Cultural-immersion programming includes weekly Balinese dance performances, Balinese offerings and visits to an on-site greenhouse. Guests harvest heirloom vegetables for cooking classes and then sample rijsttafel platters served under candlelight. A recent survey of high-spend travellers indicated that 82 percent prefer resorts offering genuine cultural activities, positioning Viceroy Bali ahead of its peers. Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice and World Travel Awards have reaffirmed that authentic encounters yield higher guest loyalty and advocacy.
Local recruitment remains a cornerstone. More than 75 percent of the staff hail from surrounding villages, and most of them have been employed since opening day. Ongoing professional workshops refine language skills, hospitality techniques and spa therapies. A dedicated sustainability officer reduced water usage by 18 percent in 2024 and aims for cuts of 20 percent by the end of 2025. Solar panels now help power common areas, while a Plastic Exchange initiative funds community recycling projects.
Forecasts from Euromonitor highlight that Bali’s luxury segment is growing faster than its mass-market counterpart, driven by wealthy travellers seeking curated experiences. With just 40 villas and over 200 staff members, Viceroy Bali maintains a near four-to-one staff-to-guest ratio—a rarity among independent properties. That ratio underpins prompt service delivery and contributes to average nightly rates that exceed $900 on peak dates, placing the resort in the top decile worldwide.
Each private pool villa becomes a miniature amphitheatre, where dawn-to-dusk dramas unfold against a backdrop of lush greenery. Guests carry home stories of aperitif flambés under starry skies and spa rituals atop cenote-like terraces.
Visit viceroybali.com to learn more.
