HOSHINOYA Bali

"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

"Accommodations at the all-villa Hoshinoya Bali are set around the resort’s pool, but guests can dine high up in the jungle in the property’s lofted Cafe Gazebo. Comprising three private teahouses, the cafe is available for picnic-style breakfasts as well as 10-course dinners." - Ann Abel

"How did it strike you on arrival?The discretion and serenity of Hoshinoya sinks into you from the start, at a property where you're more likely to hear the sound of the jungle than the occupants of your neighboring villa. Nice. What's the crowd like?Stylishly-dressed Japanese tourists, both young and old. There's a mixture of friends, couples, and even multi-generational travelers. I'd expect to see Sting here, or any celebrity who wants the VIP treatment in a zen-like setting where near anonymity can be achieved. The property is currently aimed at Japanophile Bali travelers, but I think they'll soon break out from this pigeon-holing as the resort has a much broader appeal for anyone in love with Balinese culture, but who is over the congestion and overrun tourism of the island's more beaten paths. Hoshinoya is a quieter, more tranquil place with an emphasis on immersing oneself in nature's beauty rather than a party or art scene. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Luxury minimalism at its best. This is Hoshinoya's first property outside of Japan, and the rooms are larger while the room count is smaller (30 villas total) than most of their other properties. The resort was designed by Rie Azuma, who spent considerable time researching Hindu temples and traditional Balinese culture. It was important for them to keep an aspect of Japan in the design as a Japanese group, but they integrated it seamlessly with local design—beautiful wood and stone carvings can be found throughout the private and public areas of the resort. After getting used to such calm, I found the idea of going into town a bit daunting! My villa (Jalak) had the best views of the jungle and sunrise. What's on offer food-wise, for room service or elsewhere in the hotel?Room service was impeccable. The management staff has worked diligently to balance Balinese warmth with a Japanese hands off approach. They deliver the full dining set-up to your room with the meal, and there's also a nice traditional tea service in suspended gazebos over the jungle in the afternoons, where you're enveloped in nature despite being so close to your bed. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Water is an important element to the property. The villas are arranged around three canal-like pools—different from a typical resort situation where each room has its own. However, there were private sections of the pool off of each villa, so guests could experience both the more typical/secluded swimming environment or venture beyond into a long, river-like pool to do laps or explore the property from the water's edge. And this is all contributing positively to local sustainability: the pools feature a subak channel (Bali's UNESCO designed irrigation system) which runs down to neighboring rice paddy fields. Also, there's a no-tipping policy! Service charges are included in your stay and they've asked staff to flat out refuse any tips. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Luxury minimalism at its best. This is Hoshinoya's first property outside of Japan, and the rooms are larger while the room count is smaller (30 villas total) than most of their properties. The resort was designed by Rie Azuma, who spent considerable time researching Hindu temples and traditional Balinese culture."

"Hoshinoya Bali is another one of the exclusive retreats managed by the Japanese luxury hotel brand Hoshino."