Cool places to stay: Bali, Borobudur & Nihi Sumba

Indonesia is the first port of call for so many holiday-makers, and with good reason: it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet, with fantastic resorts and experiences to indulge in. Here are just a few.

VILLA BAYU

Location: Perched in the Bukit area of South Bali.

Lowdown: If you’re looking to escape the mayhem of downtown Bali, head skyward to this hilltop retreat. Surrounded by nature, and with endless ocean views, Villa Bayu is three floors of tropical elegance – a hidden gem that avoids the madding crowds of Kuta and Seminyak, while still being within minutes of great bars, shops, restaurants and world-class beaches and surf spots.

Every group dynamic will fit at Villa Bayu; it consists of two private villas (one four-bed and one 2.5) that can be combined to create a luxurious home for 12 guests, complete with two infinity pools, two living areas and ample area for leisure and play. Most bedrooms come with their own private verandah, while the kids will be kept entertained in the huge garden or TV room.

The team at Villa Bayu includes a private chef, security guard and villa manager who can help with every need, from booking a family excursion to an evening massage.

Special offer: Quote “Expat Living” and enjoy 15 percent off your first stay.

Logistics: For more information and bookings, call +852 6100 1749 or visit villabayubali.com.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY

Location: Spread across 14 hectares of oceanfront on Bali’s Jimbaran Bay, with direct access to the beach at sea level.

Lowdown: The award-winning Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has completed a two-year renovation, launching Bali’s most exclusive beachfront villas and upgrading facilities and services across the resort.

All 147 pool villas have received new landscaping, interiors, décor, furniture, electronics, thatch-roofing, wooden flooring and customisable beds. The Deluxe and Premier villas now have 50 percent bigger bedrooms, additional living rooms, and bigger plunge pools, while the impressive three-bedroom Imperial Villa offers an ocean-edge venue for hosting private celebrations and weddings for up to 80 people.

There’s also a new ocean-front venue for spa treatments and yoga; an artists-in-residence programme for guests to learn woodcarving, weaving, painting and dance; heli-surfing, sunset cruise and water biking adventures; and a unique dining concept at restaurant and beach club Sundara. Existing programmes such as cooking classes, spa rituals and temple tours continue to be available.

Logistics: For more information and bookings, visit fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay

BOROBUDUR & AMANJIWO

Location: Central Java

Lowdown: From Mount Bromo’s smouldering summit to the ancient temples of Borobudur, and from lush green coffee plantations to the frenetic capital of Jakarta, Indonesia’s island of Java is a land of contrasts that are best explored at a leisurely pace. The temple complex of Borobudur will no doubt be a highlight with its 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues that for centuries were covered in volcanic ash. Complement your visit to Borobudur with a stay at the magnificent Amanjiwo. This stunning property rests within a natural amphitheatre boasting a picturesque backdrop of the Menorah Hills. The swimming pool, built from smooth limestone blocks, also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding paddy fields.

Special offer! Book your stay at Amanjiwo with luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel, and receive an exclusive complimentary upgrade when travelling between 1 September and 21 December 2017.

Logistics: Call 6690 3252 to speak to an Indonesia specialist, or visit lightfoottravel.com/offer/complimentary-upgrade-amanindonesia/ to start planning your bespoke journey now.

NIHI SUMBA ISLAND & THE LEGIAN BALI

Location: Various island locations.

Lowdown: Scott Dunn has been creating luxury tailor-made holidays for over 30 years to incredible destinations all over the world and it currently has some amazing offers for those wanting to travel to unique destinations in Indonesia, from the picture-perfect beaches of Bali, to the smouldering volcano-embossed peaks of Java, and the world-class surf along the west coast of Sumba.

For the ultimate Indonesian adventure, begin your trip at remote, luxury eco-lodge Nihi Sumba Island, set in one of the most stunning locations in the country. Enjoy the many water sports and land activities on offer, from fishing and yoga to horse riding along the beach at moonlight. Combine your trip with a stay at The Legian and enjoy the magic of Bali in a relaxed setting, and you’ll make memories that you’ll never forget.

Logistics: For more information and to tailor a trip, call 3163 0434 or visit scottdunn.com.

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This article first appeared in the September 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Michaela Bisset

Michaela is the youngest member of the Expat Living team and therefore the best one. She's London born but Singapore grown. Third culture kid. She’s always on the lookout for the best drinking deals and latest vegetarian bites.