Vegan fine dining, luxury living and innovative wellness in Bali

The magical island of Bali is a place that has welcomed us many times, and our latest visit reminded us just why that unique Balinese hospitality keeps us coming back for more. We’ve stayed in every type of accommodation across the island from boutique guesthouses and private villas to luxury hotels and resorts, always on the lookout for something unique and experiences that will further fuel our desire to return yet again. During this recent trip, we intentionally slowed down and focused on two award winning destinations that perfectly combine multiple elements of vegan fine dining, luxury living and innovative wellness. At Viceroy Bali which is located close to Ubud we found elegant private pool villas, jungle valley views and vegan fine dining at its most creative. Whilst at REVÏVÖ Wellness Resort on the outskirts of Nusa Dua we indulged in mindful movement, healthy cuisine and peaceful surroundings. Each of these resorts delivered truly unique experiences that were luxuriously indulgent and exactly what vegan luxury travel should feel like.

Luxury living at Viceroy Bali

Arriving at Viceroy Bali was like entering a sanctuary where escaping from the pressures of life outside was made possible. Perched high above a verdant valley just five minutes from Ubud, the MICHELIN One-Key resort comprises 40 private pool villas, each boasting sweeping valley views and the ultimate in privacy. Our Deluxe Terrace Villa offered refined elegance including a magnificent stand alone marble bathtub and a private infinity pool that seamlessly connected us to the jungle clad valley below.

Our mornings began on the terrace as the sun awakened over the valley, whilst our evenings found us in the same wonderful location with a mocktail in hand, listening to the sounds of nature in the distance. The whole team treated us like family, yet were attentive and discreet throughout, they were clearly passionate about inviting us into their home. The aerial view of the resort with the meandering valley below, and the impressive infinity pool vista capture the Viceroy vibes perfectly; this was the perfect place to relax, recharge and rejuvenate which is exactly what we did.

Vegan fine dining at Apéritif

Dining at Apéritif was a memorable culinary journey that we never wanted to end. They offer a vegetarian and vegan degustation menu that celebrates Indonesian ingredients with creativity and flair that was truly inspirational. Each course amazed us with beautiful plating and presentation, before satisfying us with delightful flavours and textures.

The cocktail trolley set the tone, seeing bespoke mocktails prepared at our table prior to the multi course plant based extravaganza that was to follow. From vegetable gardens and heirloom beetroot to watermelon tataki with yuzu ponzu and coriander, each dish was creative, deeply flavoured and beautifully presented. The experience was enhanced with Chef Jason and the team describing ingredient provenance and vegan technique with passion as the dishes were presented, whilst remaining on hand to answer any questions we may have. The setting, the service and the cuisine created an elegant experience that will most certainly impress anyone who enjoys the finer things in life when it comes to plant based vegan fine dining.

The vegan food at Cascades

Both breakfast and lunch were enjoyed at Cascades, the open air restaurant overlooking the valley, which offered more relaxed yet still still delicious plant based food options. We started each day with dishes including scrambled tofu, vegan nasi goreng and vegan French toast, whilst our lunches were even more impressive and even more indulgent. Healthy and vibrant salads of pomelo, papaya and mango were followed with a trio of dips served with freshly baked pitta breads.

Main courses included a flavour packed truffle mushroom risotto made with coconut cream and a whole roasted cauliflower with romesco and mixed nuts which were both first rate. But it was the vegan chocolate cake with coconut sorbet that we still talk about today, moist rich and totally indulgent, it was absolutely perfect. Our vegan cooking class added another layer of engagement with the wonderful staff team; starting in the garden we picked fresh herbs and vegetables with Ibu Wayan, before heading to the kitchen where under the expert guidance of Chef Suryani and Chef Koming we prepared our very own Balinese vegan feast.

Luxury living at REVIVO Wellness Resort

Located in the serene countryside on the outskirts of Nusa Dua and just a 30 minute drive from Denpasar airport, REVÏVÖ Wellness Resort welcomes discerning guests to enjoy innovative treatments and eco luxury wellness that are unlike any other. The sanctuary like resort features a selection of luxuriously appointed suites and villas, each designed to blend indoor and outdoor living in symbiotic harmony. Our one bedroom private pool villa had a canopied day bed to escape from the midday sun, a lush garden and an open air courtyard shower that further combined the harmonious dual living styles.

The resort entrance was minimalistic and stylish whilst the reflections in the main pool reflected the calmness that we felt during our stay. At REVÏVÖ Wellness Resort every detail emphasised understated luxury and restorative wellness in equal measures making for an energising and replenishing stay.

Innovative wellness at REVIVO Wellness Resort

Wellness is the foundation of everything they offer at REVÏVÖ, not just an optional extra as it is often treated at other wellness resorts. We joined MOVEÖ yoga classes each day before breakfast, practicing both hatha and vinyasa (depending on the daily schedule and teacher) in a light filled hall. We embraced treatments including hot stone massages at the on site spa, REMISSIÖ where vegan skincare products from Balipura and Serasense alongside plant based leather accessories from Feodora Bali underlined a commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.

The modern and cutting edge Vitality Centre is where we were introduced to therapies such as neuro relaxation therapy with sound waves and brain wave stimulation which further enhanced our holistic wellness journey at REVÏVÖ. Everything about this Balinese luxury wellness resort helps you reboot your body and mind, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an elevated and immersive wellness experience.

The vegan food at NŪTRIO

Dining at NÜTRIÖ was one of the highlights of our stay. Whether is was breakfast overlooking the pool, where our mornings began with banana porridge, scrambled tofu with kale and beet dressing, and avocado on toast, all accompanied by freshly squeezed tropical juices and turmeric lattes. Or our long and lazy al fresco lunches with dishes including the sublime vegan cheese board featuring artisanal and aged cheeses from the team at TreeNut Cheezery and fully loaded vegan burgers, we were constantly impressed by the plant based food on offer.

There was pincho tempe satay, Aceh-spiced aubergine and gado-gado packed with protein powered tempe and tofu, also a delightful dessert called ‘Golden Jackfruit Delight’ with jackfruit, coconut ice cream and coconut espuma that was simply show stopping. Each and every dish at NÜTRIÖ was thoughtful and creative, whilst being nourishing, memorable and delicious at the very same time.

Our latest Balinese vegan luxury travel adventure brought together two distinct styles of luxury travel, the refined escapism offered at Viceroy Bali and the transformative wellness on offer at REVÏVÖ Wellness Resort. Both delivered in their own way, with both being impressive and unique. At Viceroy we soaked in the jungle covered valley views, private pools and gourmet vegan dining. Whilst at REVÏVÖ we immersed ourselves in wellness rituals, restorative therapies and plant based cuisine with purpose. For travellers seeking luxury, wellness and vegan dining, either (or both) will leave you full of memories that will last a lifetime. This trip most certainly left us feeling inspired, refreshed and already planning our return to Bali, the Indonesian jewel that keeps on giving.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.