Amandari
Ubud, Bali

The second Aman resort to open after the flagship Amanpuri, Amandari is perched high above the rushing water of the Ayung River Gorge in Ubud, overlooking the lush forests and an emerald green cascade of rice paddies.

Designed in the same style as the charming local village within which the hotel is located, Amandari's thirty free-standing thatched suites, some with private plunge pools, are separated by traditional Balinese-style gateways and private gardens. Local teak and coconut wood, as well as Javanese marble and volcanic stone, has been used throughout the design of the suites, creating cool and contemporary spaces with all the warmth of a traditional Balinese home. The muted palette of honey, cream and white on simple fine lines, with hand-woven batiks, provides a soothing, relaxing and appealing place to unwind. All suites offer a private garden courtyard, a spacious living area and wall-sized sliding glass doors that open on three sides to the lush surroundings beyond.

The open-air Restaurant serves both Western and Indonesian dishes using locally grown organic ingredients with a distinctive, and delicious, Indonesian flair. Beautifully crafted largely of teak wood, the Restaurant has impressive views over the Ayung River Gorge and Amandari's signature 32 metre infinity swimming pool, which is lined with glittering emerald-green tiles. At sunset local Gamelan Players perform, joined by a heavenly dusk chorus of birds – it is the perfect setting for a serene tropical sunset, surrounded by the sights and sounds of rural Indonesia. Other facilities at Amandari also include a 'jungle' tennis court and gym, as well as a signature Aman spa.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson