Stay here: Jumeirah Bali

Strains of gamelan welcome you to the Jumeirah Bali in Uluwatu: this villa-only hotel has been designed to evoke a royal palace in the glory days of the Majapahit Empire.

What’s the deal?

The Jumeirah Bali’s lavish interiors come courtesy of starchitect Jean-Michel Gathy. Touches of Hindu-Javanese architecture suffuse the property, which boasts the island’s first hammam, with heated marble slab for treatments. It’s also just 30 seconds from the lush double-tiered swimming pool to the white-sand Dreamland beach, which is a favourite among Uluwatu’s surfers.

Why stay?

Each private villa at the Jumeirah Bali has its own private pool, offering either views of the ocean – and spectacular sunsets – or private garden retreats. Carved stonework summons up the glamour of empires gone by, while the pale blues of your daybed pavilion pick up pool and sky alike. Inside, the villas are spacious: towering ceilings are beautifully presented in blues and lime-washed greys. And would it be a Balinese villa without an outdoor shower?

Don’t miss

The flagship Akasa restaurant, perched cliffside above the rest of the resort, is a stunning place to catch the sunset. Young French chef Joan Achour merges Japanese, French and Balinese techniques and flavours, with everything cooked over an open flame.