"Teetering on a cliff on Bali's rugged southern tip, Bulgari Bali is as splendid as you could expect from a brand known for its diamonds and gold. But that's not to say the look is all-out-opulent: the hotel's 59 villas, each with a plunge pool and gardens frothing with bougainvillea, tastefully blend sharp Italian design with Indonesian materials such as mossy volcanic rock, Javanese mahogany, and kaleidoscopic ikat weavings. It's all laid out like one of those small Italian cliffside villages, with cobblestoned pathways connecting the villas to the restaurants—chef Luca Fantin's fine Italian Il Ristorante, and international all-day diner Sangkar—spa, and frangipani-fringed infinity pool. There's even a wedding chapel, and, of course, a Bulgari boutique selling exclusive silks and swimwear. Down at sea level, the rocky beach (accessible via a hair-raising steep Inclinator) is a lovely spot to spend a few hours on the mattress-thick daybeds. Apart from the stunning Uluwatu temple, a 20-minute drive away, there isn't a whole lot to see or do in the area—but considering the hotel's hefty price tag, you might as well make every minute count." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman
