COMO Uma Ubud

Imitating a traditional Balinese village in thirty five acres of manicured oceanfront grounds, the Four Seasons’ 156 villas gives you sumptuous individual seclusion in the lap of luxury. Positioned on the island’s southern coast of Bali on the Jimbaran beach, the resort is also close to nearby cultural attractions such as the spectacular Uluwatu Temple. The superior services that are synonymous with the Four Seasons reputation means you are spoilt for choice with active pursuits including: surfing, cycling, boat rides and dolphin watching, to more relaxing ways to pass the time, with cooking lessons to an extensive list of spa treatments. Choose from eight categories of villa, varying in size and services. The standard One-Bedroom Villa offers over 2,000 square feet of spacious indoor and outdoor areas, and a private plunge pool. Similarly take your pick from four different restaurants at this resort, from Thai to Indonesian and eclectic international cuisines.

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.

Munduk Moding Plantation is nestled in a working coffee plantation and surrounded by jungle. It consists of just nine villas and three suites that blend features of traditional Balinese architecture with more modern design. The resort, which was built by locals, was carefully designed to maximise privacy and minimise the impact on the environment. Munduk Moding Plantation also has a strict sustainability plan in place, with a waste management programme and several projects to support and uplift the local community. Enjoy a meal at MiMPi Restaurant (which takes its name from the Balinese word for ‘dream’), where the menu offers Balinese, Indonesian, Asian and fusion dishes, which use homegrown organic vegetables, fruits and spices from the garden. There’s also a spa where you can relax and unwind with a massage or beauty treatment. For a swim with one of the world’s best views, take a dip in the 18m infinity pool that looks out over the rolling hills, Bali’s central mountains and the Java Sea.    

Experience the raw beauty of nature at Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa, set in West Bali National Park. The eco-retreat features a collection of luxurious forest, ocean and mangrove Joglo villas. Each is elegantly decorated and comfortable, and some boast outdoor bathrooms. The resort’s main dining venue, The Octagon Ocean Club, with 360-degree views of the park and ocean, serves fresh seafood, Asian-inspired dishes and international comfort food. Treat yourself to Balinese and Indonesian meals made using fresh local ingredients at Wantilan Open Kitchen, or enjoy a romantic dinner with views of Menjangan Island and the Java mountains on Wantilan Deck. Located in the national park, there are plenty of outdoor activities that allow you to truly appreciate your surroundings. Go trekking through the jungle, kayak along a mangrove canal, go diving, or sunset cruise. To take the relaxation to the next level, spend a couple of tranquil hours at the Padma Spa, nestled in a mangrove and looking out over the ocean. There are a range of treatments available to balance the mind, body and soul.