BALI — Poised dramatically above the lush jungle‑cloaked gorge known as the ‘Valley of the Kings,’ Viceroy Bali is more than a five‑star sanctuary – it’s a family‑owned, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), where authentic Balinese charm meets high‑end sophistication.

For Canadian travel advisors seeking unparalleled luxury retreats for their clients, this boutique resort offers serenity, exceptional service and deeply immersive cultural experiences.

Travelweek had the opportunity to experience the Viceroy Bali – and talk with the resort’s GM, Patrick Farrell – on a recent press trip hosted by SLH and Cathay Pacific.

Viceroy Bali’s hilltop setting – just minutes from Ubud’s lively centre – is ideal for guests craving both tranquility and convenience. Not surprisingly, its private helipad sets the tone for a truly elevated arrival. Road transfers from Ngurah Rai International Airport are also smooth and seamless.

The property offers guests effortless access to Ubud’s rich cultural offerings and the entire island of Bali. Travellers can spend their days exploring centuries-old temples, visiting traditional Balinese art galleries and browsing bustling local markets filled with handcrafted wares and vibrant textiles. From yoga classes and cooking workshops to nature walks through lush rice terraces, the area offers no shortage of immersive experiences that highlight the spirit and beauty of Bali.

Aerial view of Viceroy Bali’s main pool

OPULENT VILLAS: A PRIVATE OASIS

With just 44 private pool villas, the property promises intimacy and seclusion. Whether clients choose a Terrace Villa or one of the expansive Vice Regal or Viceroy Villas, each suite-style space features a heated plunge pool, marble-clad bathroom with rain shower, espresso machine, and premium sound system.

Indoors flows seamlessly into the outdoors, with Balinese design details juxtaposed against panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

“Our villas are designed to feel like a personal sanctuary,” says Patrick Farrell, Viceroy Bali’s GM. “We want guests to experience the essence of Bali from the moment they open their eyes in the morning to the sounds of the jungle, to when they wind down in their private pool at sunset.”

Deluxe Terrace Pool Villa accommodation

A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY

Culinary excellence is integral to the Viceroy experience. CasCades restaurant serves Asian and European fusion cuisine in an open-air pavilion overlooking the valley. Apéritif Restaurant & Bar, a 1920s-inspired fine dining venue, earned multiple World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2024, including ‘Best Fine Dining Cuisine in Indonesia’ and ‘Best Wine Selection in Asia.’

Combined with 24-hour in-villa dining, these venues deliver a world-class gastronomic journey.

“Our food philosophy is about storytelling through flavour,” Farrell tells Travelweek. “Each dish at Apéritif and CasCades is crafted not only to satisfy the palate, but also to celebrate local ingredients and global culinary techniques.”

CasCades serves Asian and European cuisine in an open-air pavilion overlooking the valley, plus there’s the 1920s-inspired Apéritif Restaurant & Bar

HOLISTIC WELLNESS

The serene Akoya Spa offers a curated menu of treatments blending European techniques and Balinese healing, administered by local therapists trained by Swiss wellness professionals. Spa facilities include a steam room, hot tub, and a lounge with tranquil valley views.

Viceroy Bali’s wellness offerings extend to …

• Tailored Yoga Sessions: Private classes led by experienced Balinese instructors, held in serene gardens or within the villa, can be paired with meditation or breathwork. Complimentary group classes are also available.
• Transformative Sound Healing: Guided sessions using gongs, chimes, and singing bowls help foster deep relaxation and inner clarity.
• Sacred Temple Visits for Water Purification (Melukat): Guests can participate in this ancient Balinese cleansing ritual at nearby temples, washing away negative energy in holy spring water while engaging in mindful reflection.
• Balinese Offering Ceremony (Canang Sari Making): Guests learn to create intricate daily offerings from natural materials, deepening their appreciation for the island’s spiritual rhythms and cultural heritage.

Fitness-focused guests can take advantage of a full gym and complimentary squash court, while those looking for more exploratory experiences can join guided rice field walks, sunrise treks, or cycling tours.

Helicopter tours over Mount Batur and Uluwatu’s cliffs are available for those wanting a bird’s eye view.

“We see wellness as an essential part of the guest journey,” says Farrell. “From the spa to the spiritual experiences, everything is designed to reconnect guests with themselves and with the spirit of Bali.”

“REAL SERVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE”

Viceroy Bali excels in personalized guest experiences, from complimentary shuttles into Ubud to welcome refreshments to evening social hours that build a sense of community.

Nearby cultural landmarks – like the Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and Tegallalang Rice Terraces – are all easily accessible. Guided by its philosophy of “real service from real people,” the resort delivers genuine, attentive hospitality praised frequently in guest reviews.

“Our guests are curious travellers,” notes Farrell. “They’re looking for more than just a beautiful room. They want to connect with the place and its people, and we do everything we can to facilitate that.”

Buggy service with a smile

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT

Community and environmental stewardship guide Viceroy Bali’s ethos. The resort filters water through an 18‑step system, returning it clean to the river, and sources tap water from a deep bore well. Staff take part in monthly clean‑ups with Nagi village, while a long‑term land lease ensures rainforest protection, benefiting landowners for decades.

“Luxury today isn’t just about comfort—it’s about responsibility,” says Farrell. “Our sustainability practices ensure Bali’s beauty endures for generations.”

Eco‑sensitive architecture uses local stone, bamboo, and reclaimed wood. The resort sources ingredients from nearby farms, supports coral‑reef restoration, and hosts a sanctuary for the endangered Bali Starling.

Terrace Villa bathroom

AWARDS & ACCLAIM

Viceroy Bali’s commitment to excellence continues to earn international recognition. The resort holds a Forbes Five-Star rating for the third consecutive year (including 2025) and is regularly listed in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice rankings for top luxury and romance hotels in Asia.

“Receiving these accolades is incredibly rewarding,” says Farrell. “But the most meaningful recognition comes from our guests who return year after year and recommend us to their family and friends. That’s the heart of our success.”

Hotel details can be found at slh.com/hotels/viceroy-bali.

Vice Regal villa accommodation at Viceroy Bali

SLH’s TRAVEL ADVISOR RESOURCES

Of course Viceroy Bali is just one of SLH’s hundreds of member properties. The group’s curated collection counts 500+ independent, boutique hotels in more than 90 countries, offering discerning travellers distinctive, one-of-a-kind experiences.

For travel advisors, SLH offers a comprehensive support system designed to help them better serve luxury clients.

Agents get access to competitive commissionable rates through the GDS using the chain code LX, along with exclusive promotions and value-added amenities at participating properties.

Plus, through the SLH Travel Agent Hub (slh.com/travel-agents), advisors can access detailed hotel profiles, marketing toolkits, digital brochures, and ongoing training opportunities.

There are also opportunities for FAM trips, webinars and direct connections to hoteliers.

GETTING TO BALI WITH CX

Travellers from Canada heading to Bali can take advantage of long-haul expertise with Cathay Pacific. With convenient departures from YYZ and YVR, Cathay Pacific offers one-stop service to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar on the island of Bali via its Hong Kong hub.

For travel advisors booking luxury travel to Bali, Cathay Pacific’s Business and Premium Economy Class options provide added comfort for the long journey, including lie-flat seats in Business Class, gourmet inflight meals, and access to premium lounges in Hong Kong.

The airline’s through-checked baggage and well-timed connections make it an efficient and comfortable choice, particularly for clients combining Bali with a stop in Hong Hong, or extended travel in Asia.

More information is at cathaypacific.com.

Cathay Pacific debuted its all-new Aria Suite Business class on select flights between Vancouver and Hong Kong on June 5. Flights will be progressively introduced, starting with three flights per week. For more on CX and SLH, read Travelweek’s recent coverage here.

The very definition of an infinity pool, at Viceroy Bali