Is Uluwatu the New Seminyak? Anantara Resort Leads the Charge
In partnership with Miss Investigate
By Mae Cornes
Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, has always attracted those in search of sunshine, waves, and spiritual connections. For years, Seminyak has been the top pick for luxury travellers and trendsetters, but things are shifting. Uluwatu is rising as a rival to Seminyak’s popularity, and at the heart of this change is the Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort. This stunning getaway is changing how visitors experience Bali by providing a fresh alternative to the traditional Bali holiday.
Situated on Uluwatu’s famous limestone cliffs, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets and packed beaches of Seminyak. Its layered architecture allows for sweeping ocean views, making it a perfect choice for travellers seeking calm and natural beauty. As more people look for quieter, more genuine experiences, a new question has emerged: Could Uluwatu be the next Seminyak?
Two Unique Destinations
To understand Uluwatu’s rise, it’s helpful to look at what makes it different from Seminyak, Bali’s longtime hub of sophistication. Seminyak is well-known for high-end shopping, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. Its beaches are lined with stylish clubs, while its streets buzz with chic cafes and designer stores.
Uluwatu, by contrast, has a unique charm of its own. Located on the Bukit Peninsula’s southwestern edge, Uluwatu offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and famous surf spots. The area has a more relaxed, nature-focused vibe with outdoor activities and breathtaking views.
“What’s better, Uluwatu or Seminyak? It really depends on what you’re after,” says Dady Primady, Public Relations & Marketing Manager at Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort. “For a laid-back experience that feels like the ‘real’ Bali, Uluwatu is ideal. For non-stop action and a lively scene, Seminyak is still the place to be.”
More travellers are looking for peaceful escapes, and this shift is boosting Uluwatu’s popularity. With its scenic surroundings, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is perfectly placed to cater to this trend, offering a luxurious base to explore Uluwatu’s growing appeal.
A New Take on Luxury
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is redefining what luxury means in Bali. Moving away from Seminyak’s traditional layout, the resort’s cascading design takes full advantage of Uluwatu’s natural beauty, blending modern style with stunning ocean views.
The resort features 72 rooms, villas, and penthouses, all designed to showcase Uluwatu’s scenic landscapes. Rooms range from 84 to 100 square metres, each with private balconies and Jacuzzis for uninterrupted views. The larger pool villas offer private pools and separate living spaces, creating a truly exclusive feel.
Primady notes, “We wanted to create a space where guests feel fully immersed in Bali’s beauty. Every design choice, from the cascading layout to floor-to-ceiling windows, aims to highlight the amazing surroundings.”
The penthouses are the resort’s highlights. Positioned at the ends of the main building, they offer unparalleled views of the peninsula. The Dedari Penthouse has an outdoor Jacuzzi, while the Dewata Penthouse includes a private infinity pool, creating a seamless connection to the horizon. Anantara’s attention to the landscape provides more open views than many Seminyak resorts, which often face space constraints.
Dining and Views Combined
Seminyak has long held the title of Bali’s culinary capital, but Uluwatu is catching up, thanks to Anantara’s innovative dining options. The resort features several restaurants, each designed to pair well with its surroundings.
At the 360 Restaurant, guests enjoy local and international dishes with panoramic ocean views, perfect for watching the sunset. Primady explains, “We believe dining should engage all senses, and here, we combine incredible flavours with a stunning setting for an unforgettable experience.”
For more private dining, Anantara offers its “Dining by Design” program, where guests can create a custom menu and choose a unique location, like a candlelit beach dinner or a private meal in their villa. This personal touch is a refreshing alternative to Seminyak’s lively restaurant scene.
The resort also offers SONO Teppanyaki, where chefs prepare Japanese fusion dishes in an interactive setting, and Botol Biru Bar & Grill, which specialises in Mediterranean fare and sunset views. As more acclaimed restaurants open in Uluwatu, the area is becoming a destination for food lovers, challenging Seminyak’s culinary dominance.
A Taste of Adventure
While Seminyak is famous for its shops and nightlife, Uluwatu offers a different kind of appeal. Close to Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff 70 metres above the sea. Visitors can experience the mesmerising Kecak fire dance against a sunset backdrop, creating an unforgettable moment. For surfers, Uluwatu’s beaches, like Padang Padang, are a dream.
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort takes full advantage of these natural attractions with activities such as guided temple tours, surf lessons, and traditional blessing ceremonies. The resort also offers cooking classes and local market tours, giving guests a deeper taste of Bali’s culture.
Primady adds, “Uluwatu offers a more relaxed pace. Here, guests can enjoy a more authentic side of Bali while still having access to top-tier amenities. It’s this mix of luxury and authenticity that’s drawing people to Uluwatu.”
This emphasis on cultural experiences and natural attractions sets Uluwatu apart. While Seminyak offers urban luxury, Uluwatu allows travellers to connect with Bali’s spirit and nature in a way that’s harder to find in developed areas.
What’s Next for Luxury Travel in Bali?
As Bali’s tourism scene evolves, Uluwatu’s rise highlights a shift in traveller preferences. Seminyak’s urban appeal remains strong, but there’s a growing interest in destinations that balance luxury and nature. Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort leads this trend, offering a type of luxury that feels both high-end and closely connected to its surroundings.
Primady observes, “We’re seeing travellers who want unique and meaningful experiences, not just comfort. They want a genuine connection to the place they’re visiting, and that’s exactly what we offer in Uluwatu.”
This change doesn’t signal the end for Seminyak; rather, Bali’s luxury market is diversifying. While Seminyak attracts those seeking a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, Uluwatu appeals to those looking for Bali’s natural beauty and cultural richness alongside luxury.
Looking forward, Uluwatu seems to be carving out its own space in Bali’s luxury scene. With its dramatic scenery, exceptional resorts like Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, and a growing reputation for cultural experiences, Uluwatu is quickly becoming a favourite. While Uluwatu may not yet rival Seminyak in every way, it’s clear the area offers a compelling alternative.
In the end, whether Uluwatu or Seminyak is “better” will always be a matter of taste. But with the rise of Uluwatu, Bali now offers more choices for luxury travellers, giving each visitor the freedom to find their perfect Bali experience.
Rolling Stone UK newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this featured content