Clifftop pool inspires travellers

It is not unusual to build a clifftop swimming pool. Sydney’s eastern suburbs, for example, boast a number of exciting examples of high-end swimming pool projects taking excellent advantage of a premium view.

Refreshing as an ocean breeze, exciting as dangling over the sea

IMAGE CREDIT: Evan Susanto

But the views tend to be out towards the horizon. What is different about this swimming pool is that the view is also down, allowing swimmers to capture the power and glory of the sea through an 80mm thick glass floor, hanging 6.5 metres over the Indian Ocean.

Floating in the sanctuary of the luxury pool, guests can watch the waves crash and the sea roil, 170 metres below them.

The pool is part of Bali’s renowned luxury villa resort, The Edge in Uluwatu. The Edge defies both convention and gravity, giving a reputation as one of Bali’s new breed of super villas, promising its guests a chance to experience luxury at the very edge of the world.

Swimmers are separated from the rocky shore by an 80mm-thick sheet of glass

IMAGE CREDIT: Evan Susanto

A series of cascading ponds spill into the pool, part of the resort’s cliffside oneeighty° bar.

Guests of oneeighty° can relax on the cliff-side VIP deck, recline on a sunbed in the sand lounge or take a table at the enclosed bar, all overlooking the breathtaking 180° panorama.

By day, the menu reads like a playful ode to classic beachside food, prepared by renowned Balinese executive chef Nyoman Suasa, previously sous chef at The Beverley Wilshire on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. By night, the mood changes and oneeighty° transforms into a tranquil oasis, complete with a chilled soundtrack, fire pits and uplit coconut palms. At the bar, a tempting array of stellar cocktails from the all-star mixologist team back up a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, presented by 2016 Best Sommelier Bali, Nyoman Suwinda Yasa.

The pool window hangs out 6.5 metres, 170 metres above the Indian Ocean

IMAGE CREDIT: Evan Susanto

The oneeighty° pool is one of several pools on the resort, including The Villa, a private one-bedroom villa that includes its own cliffside plunge pool, ideal as a bridal suite and even for the wedding reception; and The View, which includes two stone pools overlooking the ocean. There is also the award-winning, glass-enclosed Spa, inspired in shape and design by the island’s famous rice-paddies.

Contact: www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/theedge/oneeighty