national geographic: “10 of the best hotels in Bali, Indonesia’s spiritual island heartland”

From luxury beach resorts with spas and infinity pools to tented lodges tucked away in the rainforest, Bali has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

There really is nowhere like Bali. Its sense of spirituality is evident in the blessings offered daily and the non-stop festivities and ceremonies. This fertile, volcanic island is exceptionally beautiful, too. Profusions of frangipani add explosions of colour to forest canopies, white-sand beaches are shaded by coconut palms and lapped by turquoise waters, and country roads run between verdant rice paddies. It’s understandable these qualities draw huge crowds, but as the island’s economy recovers from long lockdowns, responsible travellers’ expenditure can do a lot of good. The welcomethey’ll receive remains as warm as ever.

3. Potato Head Bali Best for sustainability

Stylish and social as can be, this remarkable hotel in Seminyak is also a sustainability superstar — and it often conveys its values by stealth. Mention you like your room’s rainbow-flecked chair and you’ll be told it was formed from 30kg of waste plastic; comment on the candles that illuminate the property and you’ll learn they’ve been moulded from repurposed cooking oil. Guests can find out more at the resort’s recycling lab or join workshops in regenerative farming, while other thoughtfully delivered offerings feel completely indulgent. Ijen, which claims to be Indonesia’s first zero-waste restaurant, serves superb seafood, while spiritually minded wellness sessions are offered at the Sanctuary and complimentary morning yoga takes place in sight of the sea. Rooms: From 2.5m IDR (£137)