Breakfast and dinner can be served in your private gazebo, but of course also in the restaurant. We were allowed to try the 8-course Harmony Set Course: a Michelin-level dinner, although those stars are not officially handed out here, otherwise this restaurant would have deserved one without a doubt. Traditional Balinese dishes with a European twist, each with its own story linked to Balinese traditions. Then last but not least: the spa. Wow. You go down here with an elevator, where you are then received by beautifully dressed Balinese women. We even got a massage and scrub in the couples room, after which you step into the jacuzzi, again with a beautiful view, and a cup of tea. One thing is for sure: you will completely relax here.

Hoshinoya Bali

It's like being glamping in South Africa, but with a view of the sea and a touch of Bali - that's the feeling you get at Arna Suites & Ocean Lounge. Think: luxurious safari tents in earthy tones, with chocolate brown leather buckles and interior details that look straight out of a Balinese interior design magazine.

Nusa Ceningan is the small, quiet island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, where you can walk or scooter from Lembongan via the famous yellow bridge (tip: leave your suitcase at home, it will make your trip across the island a lot more relaxing). Arna is located on top of a cliff, so every tent has a view of the ocean (yes, really every one). It is not for nothing the sunset spot of the island.

During the day you can explore the island, walk along the cliffs or just relax on a daybed by the infinity pool (guilty). Lunch here is a feast of small shared dishes — the gyozas and tuna tataki are top favorites, as are the poké bowls and yes — charcuterie and cheese (!) platters. During the day, you can listen to relaxed lounge music from the bamboo restaurant, which slowly transitions into cozy cocktail atmospheres towards golden hour. The cocktail menu? Absolutely gorgeous.

Joining us for dinner in the evening is a black, and then you can roll right back into your glamping tent. Or just relax with a book on your lounge sofa in front of the tent, with a view of the moon and stars reflecting in the sea. And believe us: waking up here is definitely not a punishment.

Arna Ocean Suites & Lounge

Sleeping at Ume's Weapon in Sidemen feels like you're entering a magical world you didn't know existed. Sidemen itself is one of the most enchanting places in Bali - think endless palm trees, green rice fields, bird sounds, flowing rivers, a clear starry sky and most of all: complete tranquility.

At Wapa di Ume you sleep in the Wapa Lux Tent (luxury glamping), with a view of the river and the famous Sleeping Gajah, which is reminiscent of a sleeping elephant (elephant means elephant in Indonesian). And yes, you wake up with that view.

There is plenty to do during the day. You can start with morning yoga, an early walk through the rice fields or stroll through the morning market. During the day you can, among other things, follow a silver workshop where you make your own rings, take a tour of Sidemen, go to one of the waterfalls. For the fanatics there is even a gym on the premises. Yes, with that view. Believe us: even exercising feels like a holiday here. Or you can just plop down at the infinity pool. And the restaurant? Also with a view of the Sleeping Gajah, the sound of the river in the background, and a mix of Western and Asian flavors on your plate. You start your evening with a sunset cocktail on the rooftop, and end it with the lava cake. People come from far and wide for that alone.

Wapa di Ume Sidemen is one of those places you want to keep a secret… but secretly want to tell everyone about. If you are anywhere near Bali, you have to visit this place.

Weapon of Ume Sidemen

Not unimportant: the feeling that you are staying in an architecture magazine. “Perfect for a relaxing and exotic getaway”, because nothing says “relaxation” like earth tones, the lush greenery under a clear blue sky, rippling pool water, everything you need within reach and the best of Canggu within walking distance. Because that is indeed the case: although we mainly use scooters in Bali, from Abu x Abu you can walk to some of the nicest restaurants and coffee shops or to the beach (it is a twenty-minute walk to Batu Bolong Beach, past rice fields and design villas).