The Amala

Seminyak isn’t exactly synonymous with seclusion, given its reputation as Bali’s mecca of upmarket tourism. The Amala undercuts that stereotype; these twelve private villas are serviced by butlers, which, it hardly needs to be said, is not exactly the norm around here. This level of service extends to the chefs, nutritionists and wellness experts that compose the rest of the resort’s staff. With all this one-on-one contact it’s easy to forget the bustling scene elsewhere around Seminyak.

The spacious interiors and Japanese-inspired décor are finely executed, and each villa offers a private pool inside the walls of a personal courtyard. Larger villas ramp up the living space with kitchenettes, while the massive three-bedroom Amala Residence offers a fully equipped kitchen and a more expansive pool, complete with outdoor daybed. Locally sourced Balinese wood and marble contribute to a decidedly eco-friendly experience, and mineral water filtration and solar panels make renewability tangible.

In the spa your Masters in Residence offer customized wellness programs; the holistic-spa equivalent of getting a private architecture lesson from Frank Gehry. Al fresco dining at the Bamboo restaurant is similarly wellness-oriented, with an abundance of healthy juices to complement the organic ingredients. Guests are provided with a list of ingredients and detailed nutrition information, but there’s no pressure if you simply want to kick back and enjoy a few drinks. As a retreat it’s as secluded as you want it to be, no small feat in one of Bali’s most popular destinations.

How to get there:
The Amala is located only 15 minutes by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport.