Bali
Indonesia


The Experience

Even if you never venture farther afield in Bali, the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay is an ample introduction to the island's ancient culture, customs and style. Just 10 minutes from the airport, the sprawling resort (which requires golf carts to crisscross) is built to resemble a traditional Balinese village, with temples, gardens and stone architecture overlooking Jimbaran Bay and Mount Agung. Granted, most visitors are honeymooners, but it’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience beachside romance with a healthy dose of Indonesian flair.

The Rooms

The thatch-and-teak villas are constructed in traditional Balinese style around 20 different squares, each with an appointed village chief to service guests' every whim. Even the entry-level one-bedroom villas are incredibly sumptuous, with 2,000 square feet of privacy, including a garden, plunge pool and bale for al fresco dining, all surrounded by a weather-beaten stone wall. Nine additional estates have enough rooms for the whole clan -- as well as a bodyguard or nanny.

The Service

Rather than nickel-and-diming guests, the resort has a lengthy list of freebies that go beyond the expected (and delivered) gentle, attentive service. Some nice surprises: sunrise yoga, daily fruit baskets, traditional Balinese dance performances and a ball boy to eradicate sweating on the two tennis courts (sneakers and rackets also included, of course).

The Highlights

Since this is honeymoon central, the spa suites (each with its own oversize soaking tub) offer not only Asian therapies, but also a raft of couple's treatments. Afterward, dunk into your plunge pool or spend the night on your daybed beneath the stars (though planes landing at the nearby airport detract from the romance factor). Stroll the manicured grounds over fragrant bougainvillea-lined stone walkways to the Taman Wantilan restaurant -- all teak, thatch, and candles, with Indonesian dishes that compete with the Pacific sunsets. Or book an in-room dinner served in your outdoor bale: The meal of galangal soup, broiled lobster and sticky rice with mango arrives in four lengthy courses and comes with a private butler and a bottle of bubbly.

-- Heidi Mitchell

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