Our third destination to feature in our four-part series on weddings in Bali, is the UNESCO world heritage site of the south-west coast, Tabanan. This is where the contemporary property of Alila Villas Soori sits, perched on the edge of a sparkling black beach.
Alila Villas Soori is a design enthusiasts dream. Low lying modular architecture in a grey and neutral palette, sets the tone for beautifully designed, spacious villas. The villas are all ecologically sound and blend seamlessly into the surrounding rice paddies and coastline. Couples looking for a modern style beach wedding will fall in love with this hotel from the start.
The location of Soori is quite remote and so tranquillity reigns at this resort, with only the sound of the ocean interrupting the peace. As always with Alila, we are warmly welcomed with beaming smiles on arrival at Soori. Lush gardens and water courts give an immediate feeling of ‘zen’ as we are taken through the hotel to our Ocean Pool Villa. As we walk through our own private entrance, what greets us on the other side is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
A tropical outdoor space complete with private cabana and infinity pool looking directly out onto the ocean. Inside the villa, the bed also looks out onto the beach and the pool can be accessed directly from the lounge patio doors – it is the ultimate indoor/outdoor living.
As we move through each of the Alila hotels, the ‘his and hers’ designated bathroom areas seem to get bigger and bigger, as do the range of Alila Living toiletries ‘for him’ and ‘for her’. The Soori bathrooms can only really be described as grooming zones where two of you can bathe, dress and make-up in a palatial space. It is very luxurious and would suit any bride and groom getting ready for the big day.
Other accommodation options include two bedroom villas, three, four and five bedroom residences and the Soori Estate which is a ten bedroom stand-alone property. The larger residences are perfect for big families or wedding parties. The villas that are not by the ocean afford postcard-perfect views across rice paddy fields extending to the volcanic mountains.
Then there is The Soori Estate – a tropical haven unto itself. Designed to accommodate larger groups, this property is filled with all the modern luxuries but surrounded by exotic Balinese landscaped gardens and furnishings. The elevated position of the estate provides views across the island’s southwest coast. Private Pools, outdoor pavilions and jacuzzis, high spec technology and furnishings give this pad the edge and offer wedding guests a place to party all night long if they want to. A favourite with celebrities, The Soori Estate would make a very glamorous statement to any wedding.
Soori Weddings
The expanse of Alila Villas Soori means it is an attractive option for large weddings and would appeal to a number of different couples; the modern couple who want to be married by the ocean; the partying couple who have lots of friends or the couple who want their whole family to stay with them. Likewise, Soori organisers are excellent at producing intimate weddings and can create a beautiful ceremony for the bride and groom alone.
As luck would have it, we were invited to see a real wedding during our stay at Soori. A small affair of around forty people who took place on the sunset lawn right in front of the beach. This simple but stunning ceremony at sunset, soaked up Bali’s kindred spirit on this balmy evening, where local couple’s strolled hand in hand on the beach whilst the bride and groom took their vows.
Christine is the astute wedding organiser at Alila Soori and she doesn’t miss a trick. I was observing her during this wedding and her attention to detail was unsurpassed, from ensuring the volume of the music is absolutely right to make sure all guests stand at the correct time and seeing that the overall look of the wedding is working for everyone…on top of this, she was also looking after us very well.
It was very impressive, to say the least. Christine tells me about some of the elaborate weddings plans she is proud to have been a part of since being at Alila and how her team have been called upon to hide in bushes or around the hotel in order for grooms to create the perfect surprise for their bride-to-be. One story is so romantic we both find ourselves teary-eyed at the end. It seems nothing is too much for the Soori wedding organisers.
There are a wealth of options in terms of where you can have your ceremony than the reception at Soori, from the glamour of the helipad and the Soori Estate to the cool Cotta restaurant and its pretty lawn. Food choices are also in abundance with buffet, BBQ or fine dining to choose from or the traditional Indonesian sharing plate – Nusantara Megibung.
Alila prepared a Megibung especially for us and personally I couldn’t think of a better dish to serve wedding guests who have made the effort to travel to Bali. An authentic mix of Asian flavours, spicy enough but not overpoweringly so, the Megibung is presented on a round dish with a cone of rice at its centre – it makes a stunning centrepiece.
Alila Villas Soori is for contemporary couples who love beachside cocktails at sunset, a range of modern and spacious villa accommodation, a contemporary backdrop of the hotel and unique wedding photos on the sparkling black beach.
5 Reasons to Marry at Alila Villas Soori
- Unique World Heritage Listed location
- Oceanfront setting with modern design-led accommodation
- Option to hire out the vast Soori Estate for partying until late
- A relaxed and tranquil beach resort perfect for a honeymoon afterwards
- A great hotel for wedding families with villas accommodating up to five
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For more information on weddings at Alila Villas Soori visit alilahotels.com
