High above the Ayung River Gorge, near Bali’s arts capital of Ubud, Amandari, or ‘peaceful spirits’, is ideal for hiking, biking and cultural excursions.

Designed as a Balinese village, Amandari has river-stone walkways and high paras-stone walls. The open-air lobby was designed after a wantilan, a village meeting place. The pathway that runs through Amandari and down the valley to the river below is considered sacred. Every six months for hundreds of years, local Balinese have taken the path down to a pool of holy water.

The 30 spacious suites each feature a large, outdoor sunken marble bath, marble flooring, three wall-sized sliding glass doors opening onto gardens, and in 11 suites, private pools.

Amandari’s signature 32m green-tiled swimming pool lies close to the lip of the gorge, providing scenic views.