Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa ★★★★★

The setting is simply sublime. It had always been a dream of mine to set sail for some remote island, and plunge myself deep into the jungle, cutting myself off completely from the world I know. A landscape so beautiful and so different to anything we have at home, I had always felt the trees calling out, appealing to the intrepid explorer inside me. I am, however, no David Livingstone and certainly no Mowgli, so I would have to enlist the help of VeryChic to provide me with all the bare necessities, home comforts and luxuries that an amateur explorer like myself would require on my first jungle adventure. This was how I ended up at the Nandini Bali Jungle resort and spa.

I had, of course, seen plenty of photos of the hotel and its spectacular setting before my arrival, but they could not possibly do it justice. This is an environment that really has to be experienced. You cannot possibly imagine the peace of the location, with all that you hear being the chattering of monkeys and bird calls. Nor could you ever picture the scale of the landscape, as tall trees tower high above you for miles and miles in every direction, and the valley falls away at your feet, plunging towards the bubbling stream at the bottom of the gorge. And it would be impossible to anticipate the friendliness of the staff, who treat you as a long lost friend as they welcome you after your long journey, plying you with cool towels, baskets of fruit and refreshing cocktails, and massaging your weary feet.

Surrounded by such unspoilt beauty in every direction, the challenge for the hotel was how to match up to its superb setting. Against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, it would be easy for the hotel to come as something of a disappointment in comparison. However, this is not the case here. A collection of picturesque villas made from entirely natural materials, winding their way down the hillside and barely visible above the treetops, it feels like an authentic, traditional village and heightens the guests’ sense of seclusion and privacy.

On the inside, the decor of the bedrooms and common areas is stylish and traditionally Balinese. The beds with long canopies are understated and elegant, while the rainforest showers in the bathrooms are simply luxurious, and the wooden balconies are simple, allowing the stunning views to do the talking. Little touches like the rose petals on the bed and in the spacious bathtub made this a perfect romantic retreat for my wife and me, a budding Tarzan and Jane.

The tranquil location is ideal for relaxation and revitalisation, with the spa providing the ultimate serene and refreshing experience. It offers you the chance to totally unwind and enjoy a range of rejuvenating treatments, right at the water’s edge beside a natural lagoon, surrounded by waterfalls and springs of holy water which attract local pilgrims. Alternatively, the idyllic location of the swimming pool, nestled at the bottom of the hill just 15 metres above the river, is the perfect setting to soak in the sun, admire the views and take a cooling dip. To complete this energising process, a yoga class in the middle of the quiet jungle is pure bliss.

Once suitably refreshed, there is plenty to do to keep you occupied. As well as providing a shuttle service to the fascinating nearby town of Ubud, the hotel will help you to organise treks, cycling, elephant safaris, white water rafting, golf, village tours, bird watching, cookery classes, and picnics or snorkelling on the scenic beaches. All this means that the Nandini resort is never boring, despite its isolation.

At the end of a busy (or relaxing) day, when the sun starts to go down over the treetops and the light becomes atmospheric and mysterious, dining at the hotel is a memorable experience. The Wild Ginger Restaurant is a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy some traditional cuisine made from fresh, local organic produce, much of which is grown and harvested in the resort´s own gardens. Or, for an amazing, romantic evening, enjoy a sumptuous meal with butler service in your own villa, enjoying the views (which remain spectacular even in the dying light) from the unique vantage point of your balcony. The hotel also offers an exquisite breakfast and picnic to keep you going through the days.

At the Nandini Bali Jungle resort and spa, you feel so far away from reality that it is hard to imagine yourself ever going back. When the time finally came for us to swap the Indonesian jungle for the concrete jungle that we call home, it was certainly a melancholy occasion. However, the resort had provided me with memories to take back that would last a life time. Not that they need to last that long – with the VeryChic discount I see no reason not to return very, very soon!