Luxury Bali, Lombok and Java Explorer

Overview

The Samaya Seminyak provides everything you would expect from a luxury Balinese experience; lounge by the Indian Ocean, dine al fresco under swaying palm trees, and generally just acquaint yourself with paradise.

Their 52 villas, are coloured in neutral tones with touches of dark grey, built with natural materials, and are undeniably Indonesian in style yet contemporary in furnishing. Each villa comes with its own private swimming pool within their secluded, tree-lined stone walls and a butler service as standard.

The rest of this intimate hotel is inspired by traditional Balinese architecture yet constructed in a modern design, based upon space and light. The hotel has an open-plan design that allows natural light to flood its communal spaces, plus a landscaped pool area leading to the beach in front. At night, carefully positioned lamps give the hotel a soft-lit ambiance.

Overview

On Seminyak Beach, The Legian’s excellent service makes it a fabulous choice for visitors to this area of Bali. With a good balance of chilled beachside vibes and the buzz of the town surrounding this sleek resort, The Legian will appeal to a wide range of discerning guests, from couples to families.

From dining out on the beachfront terrace to sipping champagne by the pool, there are plenty of wining and dining options at The Legian. The restaurant serves an international selection of dishes, including French toast for breakfast and lobster ravioli for dinner. Everyone is catered for: if you’re on a gluten-free diet, for instance, you’ll only have to mention it at check-in and the waiting staff will remember your requirements for every meal. The service really is a highlight of staying here.

If you’re travelling to relax, you’ve got the choice of the infinity pool, the spa, and the health club, which includes a yoga studio, but Seminyak also holds plenty of options for travellers with itchy feet, with its bustling shopping scene, superb surfing, and lively nightlife.

Overview

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.

Overview

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 Tanah Gajah’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 hotel 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.

Overview

Named after the Sanskrit word for temple, this elegant resort continues the tradition in style, surrounded by verdant rice fields, forested hills and the sound of the Ayung River.

60 spacious suites and one, two and three bedroomed pool villas are a contemporary showcase of Balinese architecture and craftsmanship. All enjoy views over the river or lush valley, as well as large bathrooms with a sumptuous tub.

Guests can experience Indonesian cuisine, alongside international dishes, at four distinct dining venues, or opt for a more private event within the reserve.

As well as being well located to explore the temples of Ubud, relax at the resort with yoga classes, spa treatments or a good book from the library, perhaps heading out at a leisurely pace on bicycles through the nearby villages.

Overview

Located on the pristine, white sand beach of Sire in the north of Lombok, Tugu Lombok is surrounded by green fields, rainforest and looks out over the azure Bali Sea. The sight of Mount Rinjani makes an impressive and imposing backdrop too.

Its traditional thatched huts are set within six hectares of mature palm plantations making up nineteen rooms, suites and villas in total. Tugu Lombok features hundreds of original artworks and beautiful antiques collected and assembled by the owner as a loving testament to the long forgotten, original culture of the isle of Lombok.

This is one the best places to stay in all of Lombok, and the room types range from the intimate, deluxe and naturally-styled rooms to the private villa with a rooftop terrace and pool. The Aloon Aloon villas prove popular with sunken copper baths and their own garden. In contrast to the traditional furniture and natural decor, all rooms provide contemporary creature comforts with flat screen TV’s, iPod docking stations, air con and WiFi.

Overview

Bordering the private Medana Beach in northwest Lombok, the Oberoi Lombok is a spacious, romantic and relaxing hotel with excellent service.

Fifty thatched villas and terraced pavilions are dotted around the 24 acres of landscaped gardens giving a sense of privacy and tranquillity. All villa and pavilions come with flat screen TVs and a BOSE sound-deck while an open air sunken marble bath is set in private stone walled garden. Villas, some with their own pool, offer walled terraces with sunloungers and a raised dining terrace with ocean or garden views.

Oberoi Lombok is centred on expansive infinity pools and terraces with sun loungers and shady cabanas to while away the day. Yoga classes are performed on the lawns at sunrise and add the list of wellbeing activities. The hotel also happens to have an onsite water sports centre for snorkelling and diving. Boat trips to the nearby Gilli’s can be easily arranged and are highly recommended.

Overview

Escape to The Lombok Lodge, an oasis of tropical elegance where luxury is delivered with Hermès bath products, personal service, a renowned fine dining Indonesian chef and Bang and Olufsen gadgets.

Alongside decadent amenities, the stylish suites are designed with a feel of tranquil modernism fused with Asian touches. Soft greys and crisp whites dress the interiors which look out to the turquoise waters of the Medana coral bay – though without a sandy beach, it is the pool that is the centrepiece here. Poolside lodge suites boast direct access to the deck and its infinity pool, as well as a private terrace where you can sink into plump armchairs and laze on your L-shaped sofa.

While the glittering pool and complimentary day trips to the Gili Island’s most secluded slice of paradise, Gili Air, are highlights, the dining is the icing on the cake. Talented chef, I Wayan Jiwa Raga, brings his experience of fine dining from across the county to create mouth-watering local and western cuisine, marking the The Lombok Lodge as a dining destination in its own right.

And when you’re not feasting, you can learn how to re-create these delicious dishes at the property’s cooking class. Plenty of activities are offered here from diving to mountain biking to trekking and sailing, however a peaceful spa ensures those craving some R+R will also be blissfully satisfied.

Overview

Start your day watching the sun creep over the ornate beauty of Borobudur Temple from the deck of this peaceful hotel. Enveloped in lush forests and mountains, Plataran Borobudur is found in central Java just five minutes from the renowned ancient temple, boasting spectacular views.

This tranquil escape is designed with Indonesian style. Dark, polished wood and traditional pieces of art grace the spacious rooms which house lavish four poster beds, while villas enjoy private pools and gardens.

With a soothing mood, Plataran Borobudur encourages its guests to truly relax with its concept of detoxification which is chiefly carried out at the spa and yoga club. Dining is also well taken care of here with the Patio Lounge and Restaurant serving a range of Indonesian and international cuisine.

Overview

The luxurious and decadent Amanjiwo hotel is quite simply mesmerising.

Furthermore across the Kedu Plain, Amanjiwo looks out to Borobudur, the 9th century Buddhist sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site: the sole reason many come to Java.

Taking this site as inspiration, the shape of Borobudur is very much reflected in the architecture and style of Amanjiwo with its 36 suites set in two graceful crescents around a central rotunda. The suites feature high ceilings with domed roofs, outdoor sunken stone baths within a high walled garden, marble floors and a raised four poster bed. Some of the spacious sun terraces come with their own private pool offering ultimate privacy. High limestone walls give shape to the walkways that link the suites to the main building, and that winds down to the forty-metre infinity pool.

In spite of your privileged views, a private tour to Borobudur cannot be missed. Watching the shadows of the Buddha’s shift and the sky burn as the sun rises over Mount Merapi is truly a magical experience. We can arrange entry to the temple before dawn, avoiding the crowds, allowing plenty of time to reach the summit in relative peace.