Amandari

Mr & Mrs Smith have a trip to this luxury resort in the diary, and just as soon as they’ve unpacked their Ambre Solaire and Paris Hilton-style sunglasses, a full account of their stay in Bali will be with you. In the meantime, just to whet your wanderlust, here’s a quick peek into this verdant retreat…

You know you’re going to be pampered at an Aman Resort, so a stunning pool, beautiful  suites built in a traditional Balinese style, a gourmet restaurant and a spa abutting a lily pond merely meet your expectations. What nothing can prepare you for, however, is the eye-soothing sight of fields and forest just over the lip of the infinity pool. Set in the middle of rice paddies, Amandari sees itself as part of the wider community, and local villagers criss-cross its grounds, occasionally coming into the resort proper to perform traditional dance routines. Guided treks are very much part of the experience, and guests are encouraged to explore the environs and even pay a visit to local healer Pak Cok, who promises to chase away aches and pains with canny combinations of herbs and leaves. The excellent Amandari cookery class gives you the opportunity to visit a nearby market and purchase ingredients that you will turn into a full Balinese meal at the home of one of the resort’s staff.