What it is

A lush, rice paddy-fringed hideaway on the Ayung River, with 60 airy suites and villas plus a jaw-dropping lofted lotus pond entrance footbridge.

What it isn't

Off the celebrity circuit. Everyone from the Obama family to Julia Roberts have stayed here.

What we think

This is what Balinese dreams are made of. Take the spa, where chakra ceremonies, a former Buddhist nun turned wellness mentor, and yoga pros await to bring you into your best version of yourself. Rooms are equally geared towards R&R, thanks to carved wood Balinese touches meet open-air designs; all you’ll hear here is the breeze dancing in the palm trees, and abundant birdsong. To get the full celeb experience, opt for a Two Bedroom Villa; they’re fitted with outdoor infinity plunge pools that seem to meld into the emerald palm forests beyond, plus al fresco living rooms ideal for reading a book to the sound of the rushing river below. Don’t miss taking a class at their Balinese Sokasi cooking school, set in a bamboo structure tucked on the water between their own herb gardens.

You're here because

Your whole family is coming with you, and kids are every bit as doted upon as blockbuster movie stars. On their amenities list? Balinese dance and art classes, a tree house turned play area, and a kids club where they’ll learn age-old Balinese crafts.

The Moment

You’ve been to your share of unforgettable restaurants, but none quite so movie-worthy as Ayung Terrace, lofted into the trees. You order the spiced pork belly with sauteed pumpkin, sip your lychee martini, and let out a contented sigh. Bali is even better than you ever could have dreamed.

Restaurants & Bars

Ayung Terrace - Indonesian cuisine

Riverside Cafe

Jati Bar

Location

A pristine patch of jungle on the Ayung River, a quick drive from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to frisky macaque monkeys.