Villa Alta Vista

High on a forested ridge at Wanagiri, in the cool highlands of north Bali, Villa Alta Vista looks out over a sweep of green hills that turns gold and violet at sunset. The air up here is fresh enough that evenings around the fire pit feel natural rather than decorative, and mornings often begin with mist drifting through the trees below the pool.

The villa is laid out as a series of pavilions stepping down the hillside. At its heart is a semi-open living and dining pavilion with a carved wooden table for twelve, deep sofas and an open kitchen with a breakfast counter, all facing a freeform infinity pool of around fifteen by seven metres. A Jacuzzi sits at the far end of the water, a sunken fire pit warms the pool deck after dark, and a two-storey treehouse-style tower above the house makes a superb spot for sunset and stargazing.

The five bedroom suites are spread across separate levels so each has its own view, balcony or terrace and garden space, with a sitting area, dressing room and en-suite bathroom. A large team looks after the house and breakfast is included each day. Lake Tamblingan, with its kayaking, and the waterfalls of the north are close by, making this a peaceful base for exploring a quieter side of Bali.