There’s no doubt that Indonesia, with its bluer-than-blue seas, powdery sands and wildly wonderful landscapes, is an explorer’s dream. But in between the surfing, snorkelling, hiking, horse-riding, cooking, and temple-visiting, you’ll need somewhere to lay your head – and boy does Indonesia have some goodies in store, be it designer clifftop dens or jungle-enveloped hideaways. Read on for our pick of Indonesia’s best properties and start daydreaming now…
Como Shambhala Estate
Ubud, Bali
On a jungle-hugged hillside, 15 minutes from Ubud, Coco Shambhala Estate is a five-star destination spa for weary travellers looking for the ultimate in shoulder-sinking R&R. The design of the five residences is minimal but beautiful leaving the emphasis on the surroundings – and of course, well-heeled wellbeing. Guests have access to a sauna, steam room and infinity pools, chakra healers, yoga classes, hydrotherapy, and tennis courts. In the Ojas Spa, treat yourself to traditional Ayurvedic therapies, anti-ageing treatments or a Thai massage and leave floating on a cloud.
Amanjiwo
Magelang Regency, Java
With a unique central area, stupa-like in its design, curved colonnades, and plenty of silver-gilded ceilings, there’s no doubt that Amanjiwo takes a certain amount of inspiration from Borobudur, the stunning ninth-century Buddhist temple complex that sits mere metres away. In fact, the enormous terrace overlooks the temple, the intricate curves framed by Amanjiwo’s elegant coral limestone and an uber sleek 40-metre swimming pool. Flawless service is a given, and the exquisite open-air restaurant complete with black marble bar and traditional gamelan players is the cherry on top of a inimitably luxurious stay.
Alila Villas
Uluwatu, Bali
An icon of contemporary Bali, Alila Villas is all sleek, modern lines and striking latticework. Perched high on a clifftop on the Bukit Peninsula, guests come here as much for the incredible architecture – complements of uber-trendy Singaporean architects, WOHA – as the jaw-dropping setting. Picture wow-factor villas with a touch of Balinese charm; panoramic views over the Indian Ocean from the poolside balés; discreet butler service; and a spa that takes blissful to another level with a modern take on centuries-old Asian wellness rituals.
Nihi Sumba
Sumba Island
An undiscovered, barefoot beach idyll doesn’t even begin to do Nihi Sumba justice. Clinging to a mountainside on the remote isle of Sumba, you’ll find completely private golden sands, rugged jungle, and Occy’s Left, the iconic surf wave that prompted owners Claude and Petra Graves to build here. But only for surfers it certainly is not. Today, the stunning frangipani-framed villas each have their own infinity pool and personal butlers for the ultimate in laidback pampering, Nihi-style. There’s also a wealth of activities from sunset horse rides and full day ‘spa safaris’ – try the Sumbanese Dream for maximum bliss – to visits to a nearby chocolate factory. Settle in, soak in your surroundings, and prepare to never want to leave…
The Lombok Lodge
North Lombok, Lombok
There are boutique hotels – and then there’s Lombok Lodge, a sent-from-heaven designer bolthole that instantly make you feel very, very special. The team are astonishingly good and as well as producing flower garlands and sorbets by the pool at the perfect moment, they’ll help you plan a snorkelling trip to the nearby Gili Islands or a trek to the top of the famed Mount Rinjani. Back at base, the chic, milk-white rooms are a balm for the soul; think flittering curtains, bleached floors, curvy bathtubs and open-air showers, and private outdoor chillout decks with squishy white sofas, the perfect place to sit and just be.
Munduk Moding Plantation Resort
Munduk, Bali
In a country of spectacular views, the one from Mundunk Moding might just edge into top place. Set high in the cool, waterfall-dotted hills of north Bali, the property is 12-acres of luscious coffee plantation surrounded by organic vegetable gardens and glorious rice paddies, a prominent feature of every vista. On a clear day, the Java Sea is visible, shimmering on the horizon and the very best spot to take it all in is from the infinity pool that hangs over the fields, seemingly suspended on the edge of the world. Escape here for a peak into rural Balinese life and enjoy the feeling of being far, far away from the stresses of modern life.
Four Seasons Resort
Jimbaran, Bali
The 147 villas of the Four Season are strewn down the hillside at the end of Jimbaran Bay, the sleepy beach town in southern Bali that’s famous for its feet-in-the sand barbecue seafood restaurants. The resort’s design mimics a traditional Balinese village – albeit a very swanky one – and the villas are adorned in frangipani and jasmine, hidden behind high stone walls for privacy. It’s tempting to simply lounge around your private pool and visit the Spa Village for a flower-infused treatment, but there are plenty of thoughtful activities on offer, from yoga to Balinese dance workshops, and every water sport under the sun.
Oberoi
North Lombok, Lombok
Lombok is a pulse-slowing antidote to bright lights and bling, and the relatively undiscovered northeast coast, home to the Oberoi, is about as serene as it gets. Featuring one of everything of Indonesia’s most beautiful elements – volcanic mountains, rainforests, rice fields, multicoloured tropical gardens, lotus flower ponds, and the brilliant blue of the Bali Sea beyond – the resort is shoulder-sinkingly blissful. The emphasis is firmly on R&R and with chic, palm-vaulted rooms fit for a King, a shimmering pool with plenty of loungers, and two achingly good restaurants, it’s pretty easy to do…
Plataran Borobudur
Magelang Regency, Java
Named for its proximity to the famous Borobudur Temple, the largest and most impressive Buddhist temple complex in the world, the Plataran is style, spirituality and stupendous scenery all wrapped up in one. Scenery-wise, you’ll spend a lot of time gazing at the beautiful teak forests and hills of Central Java, but the real treat is the Menoreh Open Air Deck where early risers can watch the sun rise over the temple itself. There’s a real focus on wellness here too, and the Padma Spa offers everything from volcanic stone baths to massages and facials to aid R&R.
