AMANDARI

Inspired by a traditional village Amandari is framed by jungle and rice terraces in Balis cultural heartland. Alang-alang-thatched houses some with pools - all with private tropical gardens - cosset guests under bamboo ceilings their suites elegantly decorated with teak and coconut-wood. The grounds are both sacred and essential to local families children attend dance classes here and religious processions pass through regularly leading down the steps that spill below Amandari to a 7th-century stone tiger - a motif repeated throughout the property. Follow the road out of the village to hike or bike the emerald-green landscape or head further afield for artisan villages - hidden temples and the palaces and boutiques of Ubud. Overlooking a tranquil lily pond the Spas offerings range from massages and manicures to traditional Balinese treatments. Both Indonesian and Western dishes are specialities at the open-air Restaurant or dine intimately in the rainforest with a private chef. Set amid aromatic frangipani trees and the enveloping warmth of a Balinese village Amandari is perfectly suited to special occasions of all kinds.