The landscaping around the grounds is outstanding. In the main courtyard area there are about 4 award winning bonsai trees which are over 100 years old, and 2 frangipani trees which the owner has merged together with great skill, to symbolize unity.

From the moment we were picked-up by our butler, Eric, in one of the hotel’s luxury Chryslers, we knew immediately that we would be treated like royalty during our stay at Awarta. Indeed, after a short 30 minute drive (during which we were served champagne), we were not only warmly greeted by Awarta’s friendly staff at reception, but also by an extravagant Balinese dance, fresh and colourful flower garlands and a fresh, thirst-quenching welcome drink. We were then guided along bamboo-lined passageways through the hotel grounds, designed with rich and bold Indonesian furnishings and artwork, and then shown to our impressive and secluded private villa.

The beautiful fusion of traditional Balinese and Chinese architecture felt a world away, yet possessed all the modern conveniences you could desire. The indoor-outdoor flow in the villa is lovely, though you’ll find yourself spending most of your precious time at Awarta outside, wandering blissfully between the covered daybed, the outdoor entertainment lounge and the sumptuous plunge pool with its impressive and soothing waterfall feature.

The buildings and vegetation were wonderfully curated by the owners themselves, who have a great passion for interior and landscape design. Rich teak and rosewood timbers feature throughout and are showcased with excellent craftsmanship. There are two restaurants at the resort – The Long Table which offers a range of traditional Balinese and Western food, all of which is cooked to perfection, and the Ru Yi Chinese fine dining restaurant which offers some of the most exquisite Chinese food we have ever had. We were treated to a romantic 5 course meal underneath the married frangipani tree – an unforgettable experience.

The spa experience is outstanding. We had a 2.5 hour couple’s massage and spa treatment which was the best we had during a month on the island: soothing, relaxing and simply divine. The spa itself was, again, thoughtfully and uniquely designed. We also made full use of the hotel’s excellent gym facilities.

When we reluctantly checked out, all the staff that had looked after us so well, bade us farewell, and we were kindly driven to our next destination on the island.