Hanging Gardens of Bali

Perhaps best known for its scenic pool suspended over the jungle and river gorge below, this luxurious resort fully immerses guests in nature and the surrounding wilderness. Situated on a steep hillside and comprising private villas perched on terraces, the gravity-defying property is aided by a funicular system that ferries guests around the slopes. Open-air pavilions with thatched roofs allow the outdoors to creep inside, with scenic views and spectacular panoramas unfolding all around. 

Balinese-style interiors are furnished with simple, elegant rattan and teakwood pieces, but the piece-de-resistance here is the splendid jungle backdrop. Though the show-stopping swimming pool can get crowded with both guests and outsiders vying to capture its jaw-dropping nature (it was even named The World’s Best Swimming Pool by "Conde Nast Traveller"), overall, this secluded hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere that attracts many couples and newlyweds seeking a quiet romantic getaway.

The resort sits in a secluded location on a steep slope overlooking a gorge and surrounded by lush, tropical jungle. Though perched on a hillside, with villas spread across terraces, a funicular makes navigating around the property much easier. Guests should note that there’s nothing within walking distance beyond rainforest and rice paddies, and Ubud is about a half-hour drive from here, though the hotel does offer a free shuttle to the town. The Penataran Dalem Segara temple sits right across the gorge and guests can hike there if they please. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about an hour-and-a-half away from here.

The hotel offers a range of spacious suites and private villas, featuring contemporary Balinese-style decor that includes teakwood furnishings and four-poster beds. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of lush jungle scenery, though Riverside Villas are set lower on the hillside and close to the river, so for the best views, guests should request villas higher up on the slope. All suites and villas have private terraces with infinity pools as well as outdoor dining areas and traditional Balinese pool pavilions. Suites have separate lounge rooms, while the duplex Family Villas add a second bedroom and bathroom. All suites and villas include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, welcome fruit baskets, and free bottled water. Chic bathrooms have deep terrazzo tubs with overhead rainfall showerheads as well as luxurious touches such as high-end toiletries and fluffy robes.

The main highlight here is undoubtedly the stunning cascading pool that sits at the center of the property, dramatically suspended over the gorge and jungle below. 

The hotel’s main restaurant, The Garden, serves international fare with an emphasis on organic, locally sourced ingredients, while The Garden Bar is a partially open-air lounge that overlooks the pool and offers a creative menu of cocktails. Food is pricey, however, and gets mixed reviews. There’s also a cafe by the spa that serves a variety of fresh fare like salads, wraps, and cold-pressed juices, as well as afternoon tea and cocktails. Gourmet coffee and pastries can also be indulged in at the Library, along with a wide collection of books. A buffet breakfast is included in the rates, as is afternoon tea service. A number of private dining experiences can also be booked, such as a romantic temple dinner, a gourmet picnic on the banks of the river, and a candlelit dinner on a floating island in the pool. Other activities available here include Balinese cooking lessons and yoga in the jungle.

The hotel’s luxury spa offers a wide range of treatments using organic ingredients (some grown on the estate), and there’s also a hair and beauty salon. The hotel offers free guided morning walks through local villages and rice fields, and free use of bikes. Other amenities include free shuttle service to Ubud (but it doesn't run in the evenings), a business center, an on-site shop selling local arts and crafts, clothes, and jewelry, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.