Resorts We Love

Bali, The Four Seasons Sayan and Jimbaran Bay

I’m not a huge fan of Bali but the two Four Seasons there are both great spots.
Jimbaran Bay is around 20 years old and does feel slightly tired in parts but its location, smack bang on the water, makes it unbeatable. Swim at the beach or in your plunge pool in your own villa. On the down side the last time I was there they were checking for bombs in and under cars coming into the complex which reminds you that Bali isn’t the safest place on the planet right now and can be a little off-putting.

Jimbaran, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 80361. + 62 (361) 701010;
http://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/

The newer Four Seasons in Sayan is very 90’s minimalist but the villas are well planned - spacious, opening right out onto a large terrace with your own generous plunge pool and surrounded by rain forest. The service is impeccable as it always is in Four Seasons but on the down side, best not to leave the villa open when you sleep - the stray dogs in Bali are everywhere and will quite happily come into your room at night if they can smell an empty crisp packet. Also don’t leave your favourite shoes outside. It’s not unheard of to find them chewed up and spat out by the same dogs come morning.

The Four Seasons Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar 80571 Bali, Indonesia. + 62 (361) 977577; http://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/

Indonesia, The Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree Bintan on Bintan Island is a wonderful spot reaching from the beach up a steep mountain covered in rain forest. It’s modern but still comfortable and homely. The views from the villas are all sensational and the food’s great. The easiest way to get there is by ferry from Singapore just one hour away.

Jalan Teluk Berembang, Laguna Bintan, LAGOI 29155, Indonesia. +62 770 693 100; http://www.banyantree.com/bintan/

New Zealand, Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious (and expensive) resorts. It’s isolated enough that it feels special and super private. Its spot on the beautiful Lake Wakatipu makes it unforgettable, the food’s sensational and the beauty therapist is pretty good too. On the down side, it can be a little old fashioned in its stuffiness and, when I was last there, they still had no Wi-Fi and no plug in even except for under a small table in the basement map room, which meant crouching under the table on the floor which didn’t really fit with the whole lifestyles of the rich and famous vibe. They carry on about Tom Cruise having stayed there but I can’t imagine him crouching under the table in the map room to clear his emails.

Blanket Bay, PO Box 35, Queenstown 9197, New Zealand. 64 3 441 0115; http://www.blanketbay.com/