Damai

Situated on the north side of Bali, high up on a hillside overlooking Lovina Bay lies a hidden resort called the Damai. The meaning of damai is peace, and this beautiful hotel doesn’t disappoint. Three hours away from the crazy south coast, fifteen Balinese villas, some with private pools, pavilions and butler services, are dotted around amongst the lush and fertile gardens. If you don’t bag a villa with a view, no problem. The award winning restaurant is situated on a gorgeous roof terrace and breakfast is a rather elegant affair ranging from goodies like homemade chocolate spread and light as a feather fluffy pancakes to nasi goreng. The views from up here are simply breathtaking. You can see from the old capital, Singaraja, in the east to the sun setting behind the volcanos of Java in the west. When the rainy season ends, dinner is taken amongst twinkling lights around the swimming pool, and the menu is a delight of home grown produce from the grounds of the hotel and their small farm across the road. There is a lovely spa and many trips are laid on, but it’s the wonderful staff that will keep you longing to return to this unspoilt piece of Bali.