A Festive Escape to Uluwatu: Where to Stay, Relax & Eat This Holiday Season
The festive season in Bali is unlike anywhere else — sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliffside views, and long summer nights under the stars. Once a quiet surfer’s enclave, Uluwatu has emerged as Bali’s most coveted destination, offering a perfect blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design, and world-class dining. Trendier and more exclusive than Ubud or Canggu, it’s where the island’s creative crowd now gathers for sunsets, slow living, and unforgettable celebrations. For those looking to swap snow for surf this Christmas and New Year, Uluwatu is the ultimate holiday escape — here’s where to stay, relax, and indulge.
Stay – Lyvin Melasti
Perched high above Bali’s iconic Melasti Beach, Lyvin Melasti is the newest name in barefoot luxury. The boutique resort offers a collection of cliff-top villas (each with private pools) and upcoming suites (Dec 2025), all designed to merge with the dramatic limestone terrain.
The architecture is striking yet serene: green rooftops that double as terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows framing endless ocean views, and infinity pools that seem to spill into the horizon. Inside, the palette is textural and calm — marble floors, teak furnishings, and soft neutral tones that invite stillness. Select villas even come with private workspaces, perfect for longer “work-from-paradise” escapes. Families are welcomed with thoughtful services, while couples will find the kind of uninterrupted sunsets Bali is famous for.
As co-founder Victoria Sokovykh puts it: “We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive — a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection.” This is not just a stay; it’s a chance to reset for the year ahead, suspended between cliff, sky, and sea.
Eat – A Taste of Uluwatu
Uluwatu’s dining scene is thriving, with both newcomers and cult favourites serving up some of Bali’s most exciting food and drink.
MASONRY. Uluwatu — A modern restaurant by Chef Ben Cross, celebrating Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with local produce. Expect house-made charcuterie,wood-fired breads, curated wines, and handcrafted cocktails — all guided by the mantra: “Made by hand, from scratch.”
KALA Uluwatu — Minimalist and stylish, this modern Greek–Mediterranean restaurant pairs speakeasy-level cocktails with a lively, good-time spirit. Think wood-fired dishes, coastal flavours, and laid-back sophistication — where long lunches drift into sunset drinks and late-night energy.
YUKI Uluwatu — A modern Japanese restaurant with Balinese roots, led by Chef Yudha Permana. The menu blends Japanese techniques with local ingredients — from wood-fired yakimono and inventive sushi to bold, share-style plates — all served in a refined, coastal setting.
Osteria Luna Uluwatu — From the team behind YUKI, this coastal Italian restaurant celebrates handmade pasta, sourdough pizza, and grilled seafood over open flame. A vibrant space for long lunches and golden-hour dinners, paired with natural wines and warm island hospitality
Relax – Atmos Spa
The holidays are also a time to recharge, and Atmos Spa offers a sanctuary away from the festive buzz. Treatments combine Balinese healing traditions with modern wellness rituals — from restorative massages to holistic therapies.
