Aqva Luxe
Traveling is a luxury. There is always that thrill and surge of excitement when one flies across the miles. Luckily, I received an invitation to attend the launch of Bulgari’s Aqva Pour Homme Marine at the ultra-luxe Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali. Considered as one of the best designer boutique resorts in the world, Bulgari is the latest addition to one of the ultimate paradise vacation destinations in Southeast Asia.
Landing in Bali felt like a breath of fresh air that’s so close to home. The 20-minute drive to the resort reminded me of familiar road trips I’ve taken to vacation sites in the Philippines. The sight and beauty of an undeveloped countryside was a breather from the maddening city landscape. Upon arriving at our destination, I felt I was living the dream holiday of paradise perfection. Perched atop the breathtaking Pura Luhur Uluwatu near the village of Pecatu, the resort opens to a panoramic and picturesque view of the Indian Ocean. Magnificently designed by architects Antonio Citterio and Partners, this oasis that boasts of 59 exclusive ocean view villas that echo modern fusion of contemporary design with traditional Balinese style is overwhelming. Inspired by a traditional Balinese village, this grand habitué of world leaders, international superstars, celebrities and personalities is set on a 150-meter high plateau, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity.
As soon as I got to my villa in the afternoon, I was welcomed by a courtyard garden that leads to an open-air living area pavilion with an inviting plunge pool and a private sundeck beside it. The stunning and unrivalled 180-degree view of the ocean, the terraces and natural terrains blend with state-of-the-art entertainment audio-visual systems, first-class amenities and five-star services of the famed resort, which includes having a personal butler.
The chic boutique resort reflects Balinese design translated and recreated with a vision of distinctive Bulgari Italian fashion. The magnificent display of multi-cultural aesthetics is an amazing exposition to admire in this haven of style. Indigenously chic, the landscape is a tropical sanctuary that astoundingly displays a variety of stones, flora and fauna to create modern fusion of design, cultural and natural elements. This modern-day Garden of Eden is a sight filled with lush tropical vegetation, grand terraces and plush pools, creating the perfect tropical setting for your most memorable vacation. One can’t help but marvel at the exquisite collection of art pieces and Balinese antiques that complement the indigenous design of this world-renowned resort.
At dusk, press from the most prestigious glossies and newspapers in the Asia-Pacific region gathered to witness the launch of Bulgari’s latest fragrance for men, the Aqva Pour Homme Marine.
The evening sparkled with refinement and crystals overflowed with bubbly delights to quench the thirst of the most discerning of taste. The impeccable presentation of this newest scent for men and its unveiling in this luxurious hideaway were complemented by the essence of true Bulgari style. Aqva Pour Homme Marine is an original discovery of the aquatic realm that presents the vibrance, freshness, vitality, and aromatic scents for the modern man. Inspired by the bounty of nature and the beauty of the sea, the fragrance is a masterpiece of natural notes such as crystalline water color, top notes of neroli bigarade and grapefruit, posidonia note (transparency and watery accord of the fragrance), rosemary flower, white cedar wood. All these notes are combined into a spherical bottle with aqua green accents as homage to the colors of the ocean. Capturing our most intimate scent-sations, the fragrance created by Jacques Cavallier is a masterpiece inspired by the color and transparency of water. It is the ultimate homage to the sea. Naturally, it evokes a casual yet alluring scent that embodies the sophisticated man of style. The evening was a multi-sensory experience and a celebration of Italian luxe at its finest.
Nestled 150 meters above sea level, the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali boasts of a grand hotel, a Bulgari villa, a spa, a private beach club with a 1.5-kilometer-long beach accessible only through the resort; and restaurants notably Il Ristorante (classic Italian cuisine) and Sangkar (a fusion of Balinese dishes), the lounge bar, a cliff-edge pool, a Balinese arts and crafts store, a Bulgari store, a Hindu temple (located at the highest point of the property) as well as business, conference and wedding facilities. The easy elegance of spaces, unique indoor and outdoor settings, and exotic beauty of the location is a sight to behold.
Behind all this lies one more quality that distinguishes the resort from the rest — high quality service. Definitely a cut above the rest, the personal attention begins at the moment of reservation and upon arrival. Where convenience is at the top of the list and comfort is the tallest order, the impeccable service surpasses all great expectations.
The paradisiacal Bulgari resort is a feast for the senses, a toast to luxury. It is truly an unforgettable experience that presents a whole new meaning to Italian style.
(Aqva Pour Homme Marine is available in leading department stores. For more information on Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali, visit www.bulgarihotels.com)
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E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com
