Hoshinoya Bali A Resort Village Nestled In The Jungle.Sitting atop a verdant hill, the property looks out over terraced rice paddies and ancient rainforests dotted with temples and shrines, while the low rush of gently flowing water rises up from the sacred Pakerisan River in the valley below. A network of water canals runs through the resort, stemming from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subak irrigation system which has inundated Ubud’s terraced fields for over 1,000 years.

All villa interiors reflect a design balancing Japanese minimalism with Balinese culture: sleek, spacious rooms are punctuated with elaborately carved furniture and wall hangings depicting Ubud’s folklore. The influence of traditional Japanese hospitality can be further seen in the inclusion of a sunken bathtub and automated toilets in each villa, while large windows overlooking the jungle fill the space with pure light and air.

Utilising a smorgasbord of fragrant and colourful local ingredients to full effect, the chefs at HOSHINOYA Bali serve up an innovative collaboration of Balinese-Japanese cuisine. With a selection of over 30 traditional Indonesian dishes—including a delectable Ayam Betutu, or Balinese roast chicken—as well as inventive prix fixe dining, lunch and dinner are always a treat.

Breakfast is a-la-carte rather than buffet-style, with a choice between Indonesian, Western or Japanese fare comprising an assortment of small plates and condiments. One experience not to be missed is a morning picnic in one of the seven private gazebos. Suspended among the forest canopy, guests can recline on comfortable sofas and graze on seasonal fruits and traditional terang bulan while basking in untouched nature.

The spa is located halfway down the hill from the resort and accessed via a small elevator that travels on rails using a pulley system. Thus, firmly embedded in the sounds and energies of the Pakerisan river valley, guests enter a world of deep relaxation. The experienced therapists deliver a soothing Balinese massage, applying revivifying herbal medicines and skilfully easing tension.