An In-Depth and Deluxe Bali Getaway

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.

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.

Looking out across a green sea of rice shoots springing from the field in front with views of Gunung Agung volcano, the Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah in the heart of Ubud’s calming countryside, is a palatial boutique hotel with a ‘clubhouse’ type atmosphere and only twenty rooms. Just three kilometres from central Ubud, choose between its roomy suites or ample pool villas scattered throughout the Chedi’s traditional gardens and terraces populated with: lily pad ponds, Hindu limestone sculptures, open-sided palapa buildings, organic kitchen gardens, an outdoor pool and spa, all connected by an immaculate network of pathways. Also really attuned to the serenity of this part of Bali, at the Chedi you can join in with daily walks, cooking or yoga classes within the hotel’s grounds or perhaps go further afield with innumerous tours to local villages, temples, markets and beaches.

Discover a breath taking symmetry between the lush local topography and the legendary, empathetic luxury of the Four Seasons here. Its sixty suites and private villas sit within its very own 18-acre sanctuary of gardens and rice paddies mimicking the surrounding landscapes of this cultural heartland. The Four Seasons Sayan is designed to reflect the Bali’s natural beauty, from the surrounding tropical gardens, right down to the two-tier pool built to mirror the shape of the nearby river. Expect your room to be an extension of this concept with wide open-plan spaces, sweeping views and total privacy at all times. Outside of the resort, there is a wealth of activities to engage in, from shopping at the nearby artisan boutiques or art galleries to ancient Hindu temples and volcanoes to explore. We will help you find the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

Set into the lush tropical hillsides of Ubud and crossed by narrow winding pathways, this small hotel is enchanting, quietly contemporary and decidedly tranquil. Its 46 rooms and villas blend traditional Balinese design with modern architecture; all are spacious and airy with king-sized beds and luxuriously large baths. The Pool Villas come with private swimming pools, sundecks and fantastic views across the valley below. Whilst Ubud is renowned for its laidback pace, there is more to life here than simply lounging by the infinity pool. There are complimentary yoga sessions each day at Uma, and once you’ve re-energised head out into the surrounding area and bike, hike and explore your way around the various temples, markets and cultural landmarks.

Tucked away in the verdant rice terraces that surround Ubud, the Alila has a truly enviable location in central Bali. Perfect for travellers in need of some R&R, the Alila Ubud is a peaceful retreat, ten kilometres outside Ubud, with great service and a beautiful setting. A real highlight of the Alila is the glorious infinity pool, full-sized at 25 metres long, so you can swim lengths while overlooking the wonderfully lush countryside. The sun-loungers invite more sedentary activity, if swimming lengths sounds like too much hard work, and the spa offers a range of treatments, many of which can be enjoyed outdoors. The traditionally designed rooms are refreshingly uncluttered and simple, while retaining a welcoming vibe and a natural look with exposed-stone walls and lots of polished wood. Each of the rooms and villas have sublime views across Bali’s volcanoes and the Ayung River. Plantation Restaurant presents Asian, Balinese and French cuisines under a thatched roof, accompanied by their signature selection of seasonal infused vodkas, and the Alila’s wonderful views. If you fancy a poolside cocktail or a casual lunch without having to leave your sun-lounger, the Cabana team will be at hand throughout the day and into the evening.

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.

The Alila Manggis is a shining example of modern architecture blended with traditional Indonesian influences. Set to the magnificent backdrop of Mount Agung the hotel comprises of four cool stone buildings with low thatched roofs, each room presents a view of either the sea or the resort’s huge central pool. The resort’s restaurant, Seasalt, takes its name and design from the nearby Goa Lawah salt pans and true to style, serves a contemporary menu peppered with Balinese favourites. Choose to eat in house and sample their signature meal, the traditional Balinese ‘Megibung’. For this intimate experience, share platters of excellent food served on wide banana leaves and traditionally eat with your hands for an authentic Indonesian experience.