Bulgari Hotel & Resort, Bali
What is it? The second of only two exclusive properties opened by Bulgari, the luxury jeweller, in which a discerning, moneyed clientele can hang its collective, tailor-made hat. Bulgari Hotels and Resorts arrived in southwest Bali, near Pecatu, in September and Milan in 2004.
Luxurious? If you're looking for luxe, try this: traditional Balinese design is married to Italian style in this brainchild of architect Antonio Citterio; lava and hand-cut volcanic stone, tropical hardwood and fine fabrics are used throughout; and exquisite Balinese antiques and works of art can be found around the property, which features 59 Indian Ocean-view villas, including three with two bedrooms, and the 1,300 square metre Bulgari Villa. Butlers stand by, ready to anticipate guests' needs - some, one might say, by telepathy.
What's on the menu? As you might expect in a place with Mediterranean origins, food is a major feature. Italian inspired and Balinese influenced, the cuisine at Indonesian restaurant Sangkar, teetering on a cliff, and the more formal Il Ristorante, overlooking a reflecting pool, is the result of combining the finest European ingredients with Bali's best organic produce. Signature dishes at Sangkar include bamboo curry and shredded duck; among Il Ristorante's highlights are saffron risotto with Balinese five-spice seasoned ocean scallops and a wine list peppered with some of Italy's finest vintages.
What else is there to do? When you've walked the cliffs (the resort stands 160 metres above the ocean), explored the 1.5km beach (reached by Bulgari's inclined elevator) and worked your
way through the Bulgari Signature Experiences at the spa, with its yoga pavilion, rain showers and plunge pools, you may return to the real world with a day trip to perennial tourist draw Kuta, a 40-minute drive away.
Anything else we should know? The highest point of the resort is crowned by a Hindu temple, designed as a place of worship rather than a photo opportunity. Less symbolic purification is available at the cliff-edge swimming pool.