St Regis Bali Resort

Nestled between a superb beach and the Bali Golf and Country Club, the immaculate St Regis Bali Resort offers a range of grand suites and villas set among perfectly manicured grounds. A huge swimming lagoon and an on-site water sports centre with windsurfing, kite surfing and canoeing equipment are other top features, as well as a swim-up pool bar with sweeping views over the ocean.

The resort is a short drive away from Ubud Art Village, a centre for fine arts, dance and music. Slightly further afield, but well worth a day’s excursion, is the Pura Besakih Temple, the largest and holiest of Bali’s 11,000 Hindu temples on the south slopes of Gunung Agung, the island’s highest mountain. The resort concierge can arrange local tours and activities including a dawn dolphin watch, and short trips to the best diving and snorkelling sites.

We like: The white sand beach is picture-perfect for lounging, picnicking and bathing.

Best for: Adventurers who also wish to explore their comfort zone.