The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The Apurva Kempinski is built into the hillside at Sawangan, just south of the Nusa Dua enclave, and steps down in grand terraces from the lobby to a stretch of beach. The design draws on Balinese and Javanese temple architecture, with a central open-air staircase framing the view of the sea. Rooms and suites are spacious and many have ocean views; villas and suites with private pools are available.

Facilities are extensive: several pools, a spa, kids' club, fitness centre and a choice of restaurants. Koral is a seafood restaurant set inside an aquarium, and Selasar Deli serves coffee and pastries. The beach is reached through the terraced gardens, and the water here is generally calmer than on the west coast of the Bukit.

It is a splurge, but the scale of facilities suits families and anyone who wants everything on site. The airport is about 30 minutes away. Book through Kempinski's website and reserve Koral well ahead.