Alila Ubud

Think of Bali and you almost certainly think of idyllic white sand beaches, thatched-roof villas open to the sea breeze, and maybe a bit of snorkeling. Alila Ubud, then, will confound expectations, as it shows a different side of Bali. The town of Ubud is Bali's arts capital, and is well inland, surrounded by lush valleys and volcanic hills no less spectacular than the island's beaches.

The Alila resort is about fifteen minutes from Ubud, in the traditional hillside village of Payangan, on the banks of the Ayung river, an ideal location for experiencing the authentic Bali — traditional villages and family compounds dot the hillsides, a far cry from the beachfront development and tourist throngs of the more common seaside resorts.

The architecture, by the Australian firm Kerry Hill, mixes economical modern design with just enough traditional Balinese influence to blend in; the result is refreshingly miles from South Pacific kitsch. Of particular note is the swimming pool: by now, the notion of an “infinity pool” is all too familiar, but this one looks out over the valley and into the jungle below, a much more soothing panorama than the typical distant ocean view.

If escape is what you're after, this is the place — between the distractions of the Mandara Spa and the unspoiled beauty of the natural surroundings, it would be easy to feel more like a villager than a tourist. And there are some distinctly untraditional touches, like the in-house art gallery and the Mediterranean-inflected cuisine. Not at all the typical Bali getaway, and depending on your tastes, that might be a good thing indeed.

How to get there:
Alila Ubud is a 75-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.