Alila Ubud
Ubud, Bali

Alila Ubud set in Bali's central foothills on the banks of the mystical Ayung River, just five kilometers from Ubud, Bali's cultural heart where artists, painters, writers and musicians from around the world have long found inspiration. Located high above the Ayung River, Alila Ubud has been laid out as a Balinese hillside village. The resort's rooms and villas stand above a ravine on stilts like tree houses and are set into the banks of the river valley. The hills and valleys surrounding Alila Ubud contain a number of traditional villages and family compounds as well as some of the most spectacular scenery in Bali. It is the ideal base from which to visit a number of art galleries and museums, see dramatic and opulent temple festivals and dances, and take in the magic of the real Bali. Various tours are available from the resort featuring treks through the stunning local countryside away from the tourist crowds. Not-to-be-missed tours include a trip to the island's central volcanoes, the village of Kintamani and the beautiful scenery of Lake Batur.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson