Back in the city after life on the edge my body is luminous, I can still feel the warm breeze of the Indian Ocean on my skin… and the cheeky addiction to Apple and Mint Margaritas which I developed isn’t going anywhere either!

Bali’s The Edge, offers luxuriant relaxation on a whole new strata. After a week having our every need anticipated and catered for by our private butler Padma, spa treatments I can only describe as six star, food fit for the Gods and a location to impress even the most seasoned island-hopper, the word stress is no longer in my vocabulary! Seriously! Returning to the office and a mountain of overdue deadlines – that would ordinarily send me into pressurised panic of productivity – I feel a deep-set serenity as I calmly consider and tackle each task.

Hat’s off then to my husband, who, in an uncharacteristically lavish fit of spontaneity, booked 7 nights at The Villa (The Edge resort’s one bedroom, 800sqm chunk of paradise) as a surprise present for our three year anniversary. Back in our youth we backpacked in Bali, surfing the wild beaches of the south, so whilst this trip was laced with nostalgia for those carefree days it was a very definitely a totally different kind of escape we were now seeking! The Edge delivered on romance and indulgence, through the fantasy surroundings, which are immaculate to a point of perfection and the subtle but attentive service of every single member of staff, but notably Padma. Bliss!

The ‘edge’ of The Edge has got to be the 24hour personal butler service that is included. Whilst this may initially seem like an over-indulgent or intrusive idea I can assure you that it really sets the resort apart from other luxury spas. Discreet and respectful of our privacy, Padma made our stay drift past like an effortless dream. Everything is arranged for you down to the rigmarole of packing after a long day in the spa – life is hard!

We arrived in the late afternoon and on being shown to the heaven we would call home for the following week, became quite childlike in our excitement- it seems the kids that bummed their way around Bali’s beaches all those years back are still capable of rearing their over-excited heads! We had hardly got over the ornate king-sized bed with it’s crisp linen, the freestanding stone-bath with panoramic views of the ocean and the glorious plunge pool when Paul and I made respective discoveries of the sound and lighting system. Paul exclaimed in satisfaction, blasting out some obscure folk album (not entirely attuned to our glamorous getaway!) on the sharp surround-sound, and I was still amusing myself fiddling with the extraordinary range of mood settings (I’m a sucker for sexy lighting – what can I say!) when our collective attention was stolen by lighting of a more natural kind.

Watching the sun drop into the sea, the sky all vivid and unworldly pinks, purples and yellows from our secluded and enormous outdoor terrace would become a daily highlight for the whole trip. The Edge is called thus because it is, very literally, perched at the crown of a 80 metre high cliff that drops straight down into the teal-coloured, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This makes it one of the best spots for sunset I have ever visited. Sunrise is no doubt just as impressive, though I confess we didn’t get up early enough for me to confirm that! For all the attentive service and on hand amenities, the villa’s location gives it a feeling of real remoteness. It is easy to sink into the thought that time and the rest of the world does not exist here, making it an ideal resort for honeymooners and other romantic getaways.

Not diehard spa junkies, having access to the range of treatments on offer was a rare delight for us and boy oh boy did I go to town! The spa itself affords the same mind-blowing views we enjoyed from our villa. Remedies and treatments draw a lot from local ingredients and the island’s spirituality. For example I would highly recommend the Sacred Flower Ritual, which nods to the Balinese deities and uses the essence of their precious flowers in a body wash, scrub, steam wrap and dreamy massage. I also have to highlight the truly invigorating Coffee and Pandan Body Wrap that I opted for because it helps with cellulite, but did so much more, leaving my skin and tissues feeling ten years younger.

Four days in, we had almost forgotten that we were there to celebrate our anniversary, it being difficult to muster consideration for anything real when you are so relaxed! The day before Padma asked us about our all time favourite food and on the evening a candlelit table was set up on our terrace and we dined on a sumptuous five-course menu. Dishes were based on the regional meals we had enjoyed in our backpacking days, but snazzed up with the signature Edge finesse. The gingery fresh lobster cooked over charcoal and to perfection, had to be one of the highlights  of our stay. Tip: It is a ‘Must have’.

As a whole, the world-class food at The Edge will genuinely cater to any palette. Their Pan-Asian dishes are exquisite and the local delicacies expertly prepared. Having guiltily opted for straight-up New Zealand lamp-chops on one evening, I can also attest to the quality of the food for those who prefer to stick to Western flavours. Oh and I already mentioned the Mint and Apple Margaritas right? The cocktail menu is to die for!

Will we be back? Most certainly, I could get used to the upper strata of luxury with pleasure!

http://www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/mesakara/

Attractions Nearby:

• Jimbaran Bay: 20mins from The Edge and not as brash as nearby Kuta and Legian, this beach has clean white sands and where the locals get their seafood.
• New Kuta Golf: A swing from the resort, this is a world class 18 -hole course for if you need to stretch your legs and do something a little more strenuous than the spa has to offer.
• Ubud: A little further afield but worth a few hours in an air-conditioned car, is Bali’s centre of traditional crafts and performance. Set amongst forest and rice fields strewn with temples this is a must for the cultural visitor.