Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali

Popular with vacationing couples and families alike, the Banyan Tree Ungasan has a quiet, secluded vibe, with discreet, low-rise villas that do little to hint at this property's top-of-the-line luxury. Spread across lush, cliff-top grounds overlooking the hotel's beach, this is a low-key but elegant resort, and the airy lobby has off-white marble floors, minimalist hardwood furniture, recessed seating, and quintessentially Balinese teak screen-work. Patches of grass and gardens overflowing with local flora are spread across the property, adding to the secluded feeling here, and public areas throughout the property feature a mix of sleek, ultra-modern design elements with traditional touches, such as Balinese Hindu statuary and hardwood ceilings. Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant is a particularly chic setting for a meal overlooking the ocean from its outdoor terrace to its sophisticated, window-lined dining room.

The Banyan Tree is located on Bali's southern coast, a half-hour drive from Kuta town's nightlife. The hotel sits atop a cliff overlooking the beach, though there is ongoing construction along the shore. There's little of interest within walking distance of the hotel and guests should be prepared to rent a car or take a taxi to get around the area. The slightly over-the-top Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the stunning seaside Uluwatu Temple takes closer to 25 minutes to reach. It's a 35-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, and Ubud is about an hour and 20 minutes away. 

The Banyan Tree offers a range of massive villas, all of which are luxurious and many of which look out on the ocean. The smallest villas here have 315 square meters (3,391 square feet) of space, making them ideal for families or couples looking for a romantic bungalow-in-the-tropics escape. From dark hardwood floors to teak screens, marble accents, and vaulted wooden ceilings, villas feel a world away, with a blend of contemporary and traditional furniture as well as modern art and traditional sculptural elements. Pool Villas feature private infinity pools and jetted tubs and have ocean or garden views, while Sanctuary Villas have similar view options and also come with pools and jetted tubs along with two bedrooms. The Presidential Suite has three bedrooms, a 25-meter long infinity pool, and even its own private gym complete with a weight-training resistance machine, a treadmill, and a stairclimber. All villas have terraces and full kitchens, mini-fridges with minibars, wine coolers, safes, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, as well as large flat-screen TVs and BOSE stereo systems. Bathrooms are huge and elegant, with separate walk-in showers and bathtubs, double-basin sinks, bathrobes, and luxury toiletries, with rattan blinds, marble floors, and hardwood vanities.

Like many properties across Bali, the ocean features largely here and the resort provides buggy service throughout its grounds. However, the beach is only accessible via stairs, which could be problematic for guests with mobility issues.

Breakfast is included with every booking and there are several bars and restaurants throughout this resort, though a stand-out is Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant, which has a bright, arabesque feel, with Middle Eastern dishes and shisha (hookahs) available with ocean-facing views. Sangkar is open throughout the day and features a mix of international and Balinese dishes while Pepenero Restaurant specializes in Italian food -- namely pizzas and pastas. Bambu Bali is traditionally Balinese and features regular cultural entertainment programs and themed buffet nights. Adjacent to the spa, Tamarind focuses on fresh, local food and lighter post-spa treatment- friendly meals that can be taken inside or overlooking the spa pool. There's also a pool bar and room service and in-villa barbecues can be arranged. 

For adults, the hotel's opulent spa features a variety of treatments and massages; parents can drop their young ones off at the kids' club ahead of time, which runs organized activities like arts and crafts. The beautiful infinity swimming pool is also an excellent place for lounging and has views out onto the sea. Other features include a library and a fitness center with modern cardio and weight-training equipment. The property also offers three meeting spaces. The Lotus Boardroom seats 12 and has gorgeous picture-window views out on the green grounds. Melati seats up to 50 people and has a darker, but still pretty, look. Nusa Indah seats 40 and has high ceilings with chandelier lighting. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.