"Remember 'The Dress'? That black-and-blue or white-and-gold brain-twister that sent the internet in a frenzy back in 2015? Hoshinoya Bali has a similar feel. Some will see this hotel, flanking a subak irrigation canal east of Ubud, as decidedly Balinese, with a swirling temple-like entrance and roofs from wooden shingles. Those familiar with the architecture of Hoshinoya's native Japan, though, will clock distinctively Japanese features: floor-to-ceiling windows inspired by shoji–screens, and futon-like beds in the two-storied villas lining three pools that cross the property like rivers. The food, similarly, is a delicious Bali-Japanese mash-up, with tasting menus blending the best of both cuisines and breakfasts (in birds' nest-like gazebos overlooking the valley) of furoshiki-wrapped picnic baskets with meticulously carved fruits, tiny Japanese bowls of gado gado, and coconutty red bean porridge. A free shuttle to downtown Ubud makes exploring the area a breeze, while a host of complimentary activities—from matcha-whisking workshops to batik-dyeing sessions—make staying within the resort's lush confines just as worthwhile." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman
