The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali – a GHM hotel

With its slightly removed location, the general vibe at The Chedi Club is upscale but chill. Guests respect one another's privacy, and are there to enjoy the beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Upon arrival guests are greeted with a cold towel and a free drink -- a welcome refreshment after the hour or so drive from the airport. The open-air lobby has soaring wooden ceilings, ornamental figurines and statues, and intricately carved teakwood chairs and tables.  

The grounds are lush and well-manicured. Interesting sculptures, stone paths, and stairways are interspersed among the greenery, giving the whole property a tropical oasis feel. 

Guests can stay to themselves here, or choose to participate in a variety of activities (the concierge can arrange cooking classes, Balinese dancing lessons, and rice trekking). Customer service is a priority here, and little details are important, such as the staff learning the names of guests or bringing out fresh water and sunscreen to those lounging by the pool. 

At night, the resort becomes twinkly, with 1,000 candles lit around the property and in the paddies. 

The Chedi Club is situated in the hills of Ubud on nearly 14 acres of land, including authentic rice fields and landscaped gardens. It's less than two miles from the center of town, with its shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and a little more than a half mile from Elephant Cave and two miles from the Ubud Monkey Forest. The Rudana Museum -- with its collection of fine Balinese art -- is also within a mile. The closest airport is the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta, which is about a 45- to 60-minute drive. The hotel offers a free daily car service to Ubud daily and will help schedule rides for other excursions.

There are a variety of villa options at The Chedi Club. Some villas have private pools (all but the entry-level One-Bedroom Suites), others overlook lotus ponds, and still others are large enough for an entire family or large group. Every villa has a personal butler assigned to it, who is there to not only meet guests' needs but help them navigate the Ubud area if desired. Daily housekeeping as well as laundry services are included.

The villas are decorated in a traditional Balinese style. Interesting regional art pieces, teak and rattan furnishings, and tiled floors are juxtaposed nicely among the flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and BOSE sound systems. There's also free Wi-Fi. The fully stocked minibars in the rooms are replenished daily, and all items are free; villas also include a selection of alcohols -- like whiskey and vodka -- gratis. Fruit baskets are a nice touch upon arrival. 

Beds have premium bedding and linens, and rooms are quiet (no traffic noise reaches this hotel). Most villas include separate sleep and living quarters, and there is no shortage of places to sit and relax. Bathrooms have indoor/outdoor components, including deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, and come with quality toiletries, robes, slippers, and high-powered hairdryers. 

Rooms are air-conditioned but also include ceiling fans. The Spa Villas also include couples treatment rooms.

The infinity pool -- surrounded by a wooden deck with sun loungers and lush vegetation -- leaves guests with the impression that they're swimming in an outdoor lake. The Chedi Club Pool Bar also serves terrific cocktails, such as the Tanah Gajah Purple Basil, along with a menu of Western snacks. Owing to the small number of guests, it's never overcrowded here and very serene.

The full-service spa offers a wide variety of treatments. The two spa suites offer a calming view of the rice paddy fields. Signature services include The Chedi Jade Massage and classic Indonesian cream bath, which deep conditions the hair while incorporating massage for the scalp, shoulders, arms, and hands.

The fitness center -- which has large windows also overlooking the paddies -- has several cardio machines along with dumbbells and circuit strength equipment; free yoga classes are also offered.Tennis is also available. 

A boardroom with audio-visual equipment seats about 10 people.

Weddings can be planned in the Balinese Garden Pavilion watched over by stone Ganeshas; larger affairs can be held in the grassy amphitheater surrounded by tropical paradise. 

A fresh made-to-order breakfast is included in the room rate, and can be eaten in one's private villa or in The Restaurant (also open for lunch and dinner), which offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding rice fields under a thatched-roof for al fresco dining on gourmet Western and authentic Indonesian cuisine. High tea and happy hour are also offered daily, and are free for guests. Room service is available almost all day, and dinner-for-two by the paddy fields can be arranged.