The Damai, Lovina, North Bali - Explore & Book

"You get a fantastic view when you're tucked up high on this mountainside. Surrounded by lush upland forests, overlooking the North Coast by Lovina Bay, these Balinese-style villas let you hide away from frantic southern Bali. Lovina is famous for its dolphin watching and laid-back tropical charm. And if you're into organic gardens, you'll love The Damai's orchards full of tropical fruit and veg, ranging from vanilla to dragon's-eye fruit; they've also opened an organic farm. With all this to hand, people make special trips just to the restaurant.If you want a break from its massage treatments and gentle ocean breeze, Danish-owned The Damai gives you more ideas than days: treks to waterfalls; diving and snorkelling excursions; local markets; bird-watching and painting. Or if you want to laze away the pre-cocktail hour watching films, there's a huge library to choose from. Damai means 'peaceful', and sitting beneath the crimson bougainvillea, looking out to sea, that's just what it is. Highs Immense hypnotic views of the bay, plantations and mountains - poolside cocktails at sunset are fabulousJust 15 villas in a peaceful verdant setting, and all are butler-serviced 24 hours a dayScouting out the different exotic fruits in their organic garden - they are passionate about the hotel's eco-projectsNorth Bali is far less commercialised than the south - up here, you get a much better insight into the local way of lifeWide range of cultural and nature-based trips and activities on offer Lows A 3-hour drive from Denpasar airport (and thankfully off the beaten track) so best combined with an overnight stay in the south (eg. Jimbaran Bay)No direct beach access (this is more of a rural retreat although the hotel offers a free shuttle for the 10-minute drive to Lovina)The lava sands of the northern beaches are dark grey but the snorkelling and diving nearby are excellentNot for those seeking nightlife - most guests head back to their rooms after dinner" - Aidan Forestier-Walker