Alila Uluwatu

A feast for the senses and eyes, the Como Shambhala Estate is a health spa retreat and an exotic wonderland that is truly arresting in its outstanding service, Balinese design and tropical isolated setting. Every facet of this hotel, from the architecture to the facilities, is intended to make lasting improvements to your body and soul (and my, do you feel it). Choose from a variety of luxury rooms and suites seemingly suspended in the jungle treeline. All are of course indulgently spacious, featuring king-sized beds and private bars. However they go on to boast lounge areas, shaded pavilions and infinity pools that appear to drop off into the lush rainforest. The activities at the Como Shambhala are geared towards ultra revitalization. There is a wealth of resident experts plus a comprehensive wellbeing program to choose from which tailors your meals and activities as well as your spa treatments. If you feel like venturing out, there are plentiful activities to get you well acquainted with the adventure, culture and nature of the region.

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.

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.

Perched on high above the winding Ayung River gorge overlooking the contoured rice terraces, this luxury hotel is the perfect place to indulge in Ubud’s laidback pace of life. The resort is built with your privacy in mind with just thirty suites and villas available, each walled and freestanding with classic Balinese thatched roofs. All enjoy a garden courtyard, living area and wall-sized sliding doors, making them especially spacious. One of our favourite features is the large outdoor, sunken marble tubs, allowing you to bathe underneath the open sky in peace and private. There are many guided excursions for you to embark on during your stay at the Amandari. Visit Gunung Kawi, an 11th century temple, or nearby Mount Agung and its famously steeped rice terraces. Alternatively, explore Ubud itself with its wealth of arts and crafts, as well as a huge range of unique shops and galleries.