COMO Canggu

A property whose infinity pools and collection of exquisite freestanding suites seem to cascade down these green cliffs to a private beachfront, also benefit from glorious views over the Lombok Strait.

With a backdrop of Mount Agung to boot, Amankila is one of Bali’s finest resorts combining exotic and understated Balinese elegance with flawless service. All connected by raised walkways, take a dip in the three-tiered infinity pool or head down to the Beach Club and make the most of the private beach. Outside the secluded grounds explore the royal palaces of old Bali, Klungkung and Karangasem, walk through the traditional villages of East Bali or the ancient religious community of Tenganan and visit some of the island’s most important temples, Luhur Lempuyang and Besakih.

There are several categories of suites to choose from, each featuring canopied king-size beds, sweeping windows views and a private outdoor terrace furnished with comfortable day-beds.

Surround yourself with contemporary luxury at this exotic getaway on the shores of Nusa Dua. Set in over ten acres of lush tropical gardens, the resort features a large lagoon swimming pool, restaurants and ten private villas set in a secluded area away from the main hotel.

The villas are furnished with indigenous teakwood furniture and jewel-tone accents add a splash of colour. Take a dip in a private plunge pool, soak in a sunken tub, stroll through perfectly manicured gardens and dine outdoors.

When it comes to dining, there are five restaurants and bars offering choices from Japanese to Spanish cuisine, and light snacks.

Active guests may want to make use of the resort’s water sports facilities, gym, tennis and basketball courts, while those simply looking to relax will find luxurious treatments and rituals on offer at the Yhi Spa.

Bordering the private Medana Beach in northwest Lombok, the Oberoi Lombok is a spacious, romantic and relaxing hotel with excellent service.

Fifty thatched villas and terraced pavilions are dotted around the 24 acres of landscaped gardens giving a sense of privacy and tranquillity. All villa and pavilions come with flat screen TVs and a BOSE sound-deck while an open air sunken marble bath is set in private stone walled garden. Villas, some with their own pool, offer walled terraces with sunloungers and a raised dining terrace with ocean or garden views.

Oberoi Lombok is centred on expansive infinity pools and terraces with sun loungers and shady cabanas to while away the day. Yoga classes are performed on the lawns at sunrise and add the list of wellbeing activities. The hotel also happens to have an onsite water sports centre for snorkelling and diving. Boat trips to the nearby Gilli’s can be easily arranged and are highly recommended.

Just a thirty-minute light aircraft flight from the north coast of Java, the Karimunjawa archipelago is a collection of 27 verdant islands in a sparking blue sea, each ringed by white sand and azure lagoons. A short speedboat journey delivers you to the most exclusive of these: Kura Kura Private Island Resort.

Covered in tall palm trees swaying in the breeze, Menyawakan Island is home to Kura Kura. This luxury, barefoot-chic resort has no Wi-Fi or televisions, which makes it the perfect place to shed everyday stresses and distractions, and completely unwind.

The pool villas afford space and privacy, with large outdoor living rooms, which are perfect for unwinding in after watching the sunset and before you stroll off to the pool restaurant for a candle-lit dinner. For those who prefer to wake to the sight of the sea, the Superior and Superior Deluxe rooms are just a short hop from the crystal-clear water.

Snorkelling, diving and island-hopping are the order of the day here, and there are daily trips that leave from Kura Kura that take guests to nearby islands and reefs where they can swim with shoals of tropical fish and laze on ice-white beaches. Guests can also make use of the kayaks that are lined up along the island’s shore.

‘Kura Kura’ means ‘sea turtle’ in Bahasa Indonesian, so it is no huge surprise to find a turtle sanctuary here during hatching season. Over the summer, you can watch them grow stronger in their safe haven just by the shore, until they’re released into the open sea.

About forty minutes away from Kura Kura, Krakal Island presents your chance to be a ‘castaway’ for a night. This stunning, virtually untouched island has three simple cabins on the beach, each ornately carved in a traditional Indonesian fashion. The island is booked on an exclusive basis for adventurous travellers keen to experience true seclusion.