Blissful Bali

Go from a lush Ubud oasis in Bali’s cultural heart to a remote retreat in a protected reserve, followed by a pool villa in surfy-cool Canggu, with all travel, massages and more

For an authentic, lightly treading Bali experience, put yourself in the hands of homegrown hotel group, Plataran. With five boutique properties in Indonesia - each with a unique sense of place - the group specialises in breathtaking and secluded locations, away from the tourist thrum.

Your first stay will be at the restorative Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa, overlooking working rice fields. There are no two ways about it: green reigns supreme at this lush retreat, where even the poolside daybeds are in jungle-camouflaged shades. It’s a pared-back take on luxury, with guestrooms featuring local artworks, regional fine dining and the sort of service that small hotels have the edge on. Rise early if you can - it’s worth it for the guided morning walk around the grounds and neighbouring village, followed by a cooling mid-morning swim in one of the two magnificent swimming pools.

Next, transfer to the protected West Bali National Park for another step into nature. All about preserving the beauty of its landscape, the villa-only Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa offers unforgettable excursions that educate and give you a glimpse of places few have seen. Trek through the jungle to learn about the wildlife, scuba dive in colourful reefs, and kayak through mangroves with a guide to discover more about the island's diverse ecosystem.

The third instalment in your trio of stays is the acclaimed Plataran Canggu Bali Resort & Spa. Here, you'll hunker down in a spacious, thatch-roofed villa with a private pool. Winner of a World Luxury Travel Award, this romantic retreat is a pocket of tranquility in a previously under-the-radar area recently dubbed by Condé Nast Traveller as "the Bali beach hotspot everyone's talking about". Expect dreamy, soft fabrics draped over a four-poster bed and traditional Balinese massage treatments in Padma Spa - the perfect place to round off an incredible trip.