WHY GO?
Blessed with a warm climate and beautifully green volcanic landscape, Bali is a holiday island that is also deeply spiritual. Serene hotels, delicious food and the graceful charm of the Balinese people make it easy to relax, yet there’s also plenty to do, including good hiking, diving and surfing. Avoid the main resort of Kuta, as the real charm of Bali lies when you explore inland, visiting extraordinary Hindu temples and palaces, walking through emerald paddy fields, then chilling out in exquisite designer hotels.
STAY AT...
Ubud Hanging Gardens (020-7960 0500), a heavenly retreat set high above the rainforest in Ubud, the island’s cultural centre. All 38 villas come with their own private infinity pool and there’s an excellent Asian-French restaurant, plus a spa offering indulgent Balinese therapies. In December, deluxe villas for two cost from £220 including breakfast, and you can also book cookery, painting and yoga classes. For a stay by the sea, check in to the Spa Village Resort, a restorative hideaway in Tembok, on the northeast coast. Double rooms cost from £267 full board, including a spa treatment.
DINE AT...
Ibu Oka’s Warung food stall on Jalan Suweta in Ubud, for a traditional lunch of babi guling (roast suckling pig). At night, head to Ku Dé Ta in Seminyak, which has a great beachfront location, superb fusion cuisine and top DJs. For more hot restaurants, get a copy of Luxe Bali (£4.99, Luxe City Guides).
EXPLORE...
The profusion of high quality arts, crafts and furniture shops – including some that even offer ‘antiques made to order’ – reflecting the skill and creative energy of the Balinese. Check out the galleries of Ubud, the silver workshops of Celuk and Denpasar’s produce market, while Kuta has branded surfwear at good prices. Ask your hotel about hiring a car and driver to tour the island – two sights not to be missed are the Tirtagangga Water Palace and Pura Meduwe Karang, a peaceful and intricately carved stone temple in Kubutambahan. For guided hikes, mountain-bike rides and adrenalin sports, click here.
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