Ijen Resort & Villas, East Java

Situated in the remote foothills of the Ijen Plateau, over 600 metres above sea level, this top-end resort offers 30 rooms with stone floors, open-air bathrooms and breathtaking views of thriving rice terraces and thunderous volcanoes. It makes a great base for a few days in the clouds away from the crowds, from which to explore the unspoiled beauty of East Java.

Spectacular nearby sights include the turquoise crater lake and working sulphur mine of Gunung Ijen, and Gunung Bromo, an active volcano set among the bubbling peaks of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Both are an easy and worthwhile climb after a 4WD drive through rainforest, lush green valleys and coffee plantations. The best time to view the Bromo landscape is at sunrise, when the bare rock takes on an ethereal glow. Gunung Bromo belches a continuous stream of sulphurous white smoke, while Gunung Semeru, the conical volcano that dominates the landscape, announces its presence roughly every 20 minutes with a burst of smoke and steam, occasionally interspersed with ash and stones.

Resort staff will organise all local tours, after which you can take a massage at the spa, take a dip in the pool, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning garden and views.

We like: The 90-minute hike to sulphurous Ijen Crater arouses all the senses.

Best for: A luxurious base for exploring natural spectacles on a broader tour of Java and Bali.