photography courtesy of Amandari

Amandari

Secluded and perched above Ubud’s rice fields, the Amandari is a love letter to old-school Bali. This peaceful retreat smells of incense and sage, with traditional wooden design and a spa that floats serenely on water. Stay in a duplex suite, perfect for couples or families, and start the day with local fruits, fluffy pancakes, and Indonesian favourites. This hotel has a reputation for going above and beyond: each day for example, little ones receive a new indigenous animal plushie, and the resort’s Balinese dance school offers performances you can watch – or join in to truly tap into the island’s rhythm.