Luxury minimalism at its best. This is Hoshinoya’s first property outside of Japan, and the rooms are larger while the room count is smaller (30 villas total) than most of their properties. The resort was designed by Rie Azuma, who spent considerable time researching Hindu temples and traditional Balinese culture. Bali is home to numerous ancient palaces and water temples that create an atmosphere of elegant majesty. Their designs are rooted in Balinese Hinduism, a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes balance between the human and the natural–even the supernatural. It is this balance that defines the wondrous delights of Hoshinoya Bali, a resort village nestled in a Balinese jungle that flourishes atop a hill, which drops off to a sacred river flowing below. You dip your foot in the cold pool, and a pleasant tingle runs up your body. Three canal-like pools connect the villas of this resort village, offering aquatic bliss to all those who enter their waters.

Balinese massage is an ancient art that started in the courts of the Javanese King. Veteran practitioners of this technique apply herbal medicine, rice flour, and other natural ingredients to revive the skin’s vitality, while easing muscular and spiritual tension and realigning the ki without applying too much pressure on the body. Spa rooms are located halfway down the hill from the resort, so guests become more attuned to the sounds and energies of the jungle, as well as the Pakerisan River below–an environment more conducive to deep relaxation. A yoga gazebo that overlooks the Pakerisan River Valley offers guests opportunities to relax twice a day. Morning sessions are designed for awakening; night sessions are for meditating in the moonlight.