Bali has long been a favourite holiday destination for Australians because of it's proximity and of course, it's stunning tropical beauty! More and more brides and grooms are flocking to Bali for their honeymoon and even for a destination wedding. Bali is among one of the many islands in the Indonesian archipelago surrounded by crystalline waters and filled with flourishing rainforests. What sets it apart is the established tourism industry which makes it a breeze for couples planning their dream destination wedding or honeymoon.

Couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for resorts in Bali, but when it comes to hidden sanctuaries, the award winning Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis are hard to go past. Both make the most of their relatively untouched surroundings to create serene pockets of resort magic for their guests to enjoy. Modern Wedding gets all the must know info for couples planning their dream Balinese escape!

MW: Where are Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis located?

Alila Ubud is located in the traditional hill village of Payangan and on the banks of the mystical Ayung River, just five kilometres from Bali's artistic centre of Ubud, the place where artists, painters, writers and musicians from around the world have long found their inspiration. Alila Manggis is located on the tranquil Buitan Beach within the regency of Karangasem, close to the town of Candidasa - the perfect base from which to explore the unspoilt East Bali. This area of the island is renowned for its spectacular beauty where the steep rise from coast to mountain creates magical scenery.

Alila Manggis pool / Alila Ubud Infinity Pool MW: What facilities and activities can guests enjoy at the resorts?

At Alila Ubud, adventurous couples can enjoy the Payagan Countryside trek, explore Kintamini volcano or even raft the wild Ayung river; take in beautiful Balinese history with the 'Cultural Temple Treasure' tour; visit the markets of Sekardadi or indulge in a culinary walk. If a bit of tranquility is needed, guests can spend the day exploring the rice terraces of Tegalalang, relax and rejuvenate at our Spa Alila, join in on Tai Chi and Yoga classes or simply sleeping and swimming the day away at the pool.

Guests at Alila Manggis can make the most of the sparkling ocean with traditional Balinese fishing, deep water fishing, snorkelling or diving. They can also get into the wild with water rafting at Telaga Waja, cylcle East Bali or trek up one of the many mountains; feast on the local offerings in a cuisine market tour or a catch and cook experience; or try their hand at organic soap making or explore nearby jungles to pick herbs, roots and fruits used for traditional Balinese treatments. There are also many community, culture and temple tours, Balinese dance classes and Yoga, Ta Chi and a spa to help guests relax.

For a full list of activities and packages see Alila Experiences - Alila Ubud and Alila Experiences - Alila Manggis.

Beachside sunset at Alila Manggis / Romantic dinner for two at Alila Ubud MW: What are your top 5 most recommended tourist activities that the bride, groom and guests can enjoy?

Alila Ubud:

1. Ubud Market
2. Art Museum & Galleries
3. Tegalalang rice terraces
4. Goa Gajah temple
5. white water rafting

Alila Manggis:

1. Candidasa Village
2. Waterpalace
3. Amed & Tulamben dive sites
4. Tenganan village
5. Besakih temple

Whitewater rafting at Alila Ubud / Rice fields at Alila Ubud / Mount Agung / Cooking class at Alila Manggis Diving at Alila Manggis / Balinese Dancing / Spa Alila at Alila Manggis MW: Do you offer honeymoon packages?

Alila Ubud: Our 3-day, 2-night 'Hillside Romance' package starts from USD $350++ per night. It includes:

• Private return airport transfers
• Superior room accommodation at Alila Ubud
• Couple celebration signature room set up
• A bouquet of white or red roses placed in the room prior arrival
• Daily a la carte breakfast at our restaurant or in-room dining
• A 3-course chef's tailor-made candle light dinner - 180 minutes treatment time at Spa Alila with therapies of your choice
• Exclusive Alila departure gift
• In residence Alila hospitalities: free shuttle service based on hotel schedule to Ubud Central, daily afternoon tea from 16 h 00 to 17 h 00, complimentary lifestyle experiences based on schedule: morning tai chi and yoga, children Balinese dance class.*

There is also a special ' Terrace Tree Villa' honeymoon suite that overlooks the Ayung Valley and rainforest and is set up for honeymooners with a flower bath and Spa Alila treatment. Please contact Alila Ubud for more information.

Alila Ubud - Terrace Tree Villa

Alila Manggis: Our 3-day, 2-night 'Seaside Romance' package starts from USD $225++ per room per night. It includes:

• Superior room accommodation at Alila Manggis
• Daily a la carte breakfast at our Seasalt restaurant or in-room dining
• Couple celebration signature room set-up
• A bottle of Alila sparkling wine placed in the room upon arrival
• A 3-course chef's tailor-made candlelight dinner
• Daily afternoon tea poolside
• Exclusive Alila departure gift
• In-residence Alila hospitalities: In residence Alila hospitalities: free shuttle service based on hotel schedule to Candidasa & Tenganan, daily afternoon tea from 16 h 00 to 17 h 00, complimentary lifestyle experiences based on schedule: morning tai chi and yoga.**

There is also a special 'Seaside Suite' honeymoon suite with a breathtaking ocean view that is set up for honeymooners with a flower bath and Spa Alila treatment. Please contact Alila Manggis for more information.

Alila Manggis - Seaside Suite MW: What is included in your wedding packages?

• Blessing ceremony (traditional Balinese or commitment ceremony conduct by a celebrant)
• Ceremony venue with standard flower decoration, flower bouquet, boutonniere
• Sound system with iPod connector or CD player
• Balinese traditional Rindik with flute, a beautifyl style of soft bamboo gamelan ceremony marking the beginning of the ceremony
• A tier of wedding cake
• Romantic dinner for Bride & Groom
• Spa indulgent 2,5 hours treatment for Bride & Groom

Alila Manggis:

• Blessing ceremony (traditional Balinese or commitment ceremony conduct by a celebrant)
• Ceremony venue with standard flower decoration, flower bouquet, boutonniere
• Sound system with iPod connector or CD player
• Balinese traditional Rindik with flute, a beautifyl style of soft bamboo gamelan ceremony marking the beginning of the ceremony
• Spa indulgent 2,5 hours treatment for Bride & Groom

Reception at Alila Ubud / Ceremony at Alila Manggis MW: Do you have special wedding planners that can help Australian couples plan their destination wedding at Alila Ubud or Alila Manggis?

We have a dedicated wedding concierge on site at each resort who will assist the Bride & Groom with the preparation of their wedding and on the day. Consultations are done via phone, skype and email. We also have list of preferred wedding vendors such as photographers, videographers, band, dancers etc that we recommend to couples.

MW: Are the special rates for wedding guests?

Yes, a special wedding group rate can be arranged at either resort.

MW: When is the best time to get married or have a honeymoon in Bali?

Between June and October the weather is generally dry with cool breeze.

For more information honeymoons or destination weddings, be sure to check out Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis online and don't forget to stay up to date with the latest by following each resort on facebook, instagram and twitter. To enquire about your dream destination wedding or honeymoon contact Alila Resorts now!

MW x

*Terms and Conditions: rates are per room per night subject to 11% government tax and 10% service, applicable for both single and double occupancy. Rates are for minimum two-night stay, all benefits inclusion is for maximum of two persons.

**Terms and Conditions: rates are per room per night subject to 11% government tax and 10% service, applicable for both single and double occupancy. Rates are for minimum two-night stay, all benefits inclusion is for maximum of two persons. Alila Manggis 3D/2N Seaside Romance starts from USD 225++ per room per ningt Inclusions: * Superior room accommodation at Alila Manggis * Daily a la carte breakfast at our Seasalt restaurant or in-room dining * Couple celebration signature room set-up * A bottle of Alila sparkling wine placed in the room upon arrival * A 3-course chef's tailor-made candlelight dinner * Daily afternoon tea poolside * Exclusive Alila departure gift * In-residence Alila hospitalities: In residence Alila hospitalities: free shuttle service based on hotel schedule to Candidasa & Tenganan, daily afternoon tea from 16 h 00 to 17 h 00, complimentary lifestyle experiences based on schedule: morning tai chi and yoga.