HOSHINOYA BALI
Perched above the sacred Pakerisan River in a forested area east of Ubud, this intimate retreat by Japan’s Hoshino Resorts immerses guests in Bali’s natural beauty and rich artistic heritage. Just 30 villas have been carefully arranged in a villageinspired setting, where resort architect Rie Azuma has seamlessly blended traditional Balinese craftsmanship with a Zen-like aesthetic.
Japanese design elements such as shoji screen doors create a pleasing contrast with intricate woodcarvings made by local artisans. Each villa offers direct access to three canal-like swimming pools recalling the island’s traditional subak irrigation system, and features a private terrace with a thatched-roof gazebo. All guest accommodations provide at least 198 square meters of wellappointed living space.
Elsewhere on the verdant grounds—the creation of talented landscape designer Hiroki Hasegawa—a boardwalk leads to
Café Gazebo, a series of breezy pavilions that appear to hover above the jungle. It’s an alluring spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the surrounding forest awakens, as well as afternoon tea treats served with Indonesian herbal drinks. Close by, the open-air restaurant tickles the palate with a 10-course set menu that combines French and Balinese flavors with a Japanese twist. Dishes include tofuand-sesame fruit salad and chicken confit with black olive sambal matah.
Deep relaxation awaits at the spa, located just down the hillside from the main resort and accessible via a custom-built funicular. Here, travelers can soak up the soothing sounds of the jungle as gifted therapists deliver Balinese treatments, including a variety of body scrubs and massages that make use of organic ingredients.
Complimentary on-site activities range from sunrise stretching sessions and guided walks through nearby paddy fields to workshops in making traditional batik and canang sari
offerings. For those wanting to step out, the resort runs a free shuttle service to Ubud, putting guests in easy reach of the art galleries, boutiques, and myriad other attractions of Bali’s cultural heart.