The Mansion

"The term palatial gets loosely bandied about, but it literally describes the opulent Mansion, set amid the dazzling green countryside near Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. Originally built as a private manor, The Mansion consists of a rambling three-story Italianate villa and a constellation of individual residences, each with small, balconied rooms that can be booked separately. All 24 suites are sumptuously finished in teak, brass, and finely carved plaster and are outfitted with contemporary Balinese paintings and gilt Indonesian interpretations of Empire classics. An array of terraces and balconies makes the most of the gorgeous gardens, which twinkle with fountains and pools. The range of amenities is spectacular, including a helipad, a lovely garden-pavilion spa, a billiards room, a personal butler, and transport in a sleek Mercedes limousine. The restaurant is adequate, with a limited menu, but it can prepare a traditional Balinese banquet with only a day’s notice."