The Purist Villas & Spa

Boutique villas with meal service and a spa, set in lush tropical gardens outside Ubud; some with private pools, all with exceptional design

A half-hour walk from Bali's bustling cultural hub, Ubud, and you can find yourself in this quiet haven set against a vibrant jungle backdrop. It's a small-scale yet super-stylish resort where you can flop, drop and treat yourself to spa and yoga. There are just 7 villas, each sleeping 2-5, with indoor/outdoor style living, and a wonderfully private feel. Half have their own pools; four can be booked in pairs to make a base for friends or families.

What sets this place apart from Ubud's other offerings is its exceptionally beautiful design and attention to detail. Expect a fusion of traditional and modern. Wood carvings from Java and Timor blend with minimalist white limestone, and cushion-strewn pagodas. We especially liked the pebble-stone flooring, fantastic four-posters and use of designer furnishings. Owners Alberto and Yvonne Cortes already run a super-stylish hotel in Morocco, and collection of villas in Ibiza, plus a brilliant interiors' business - so they have all the knowhow, and Purist is their best-yet design effort. Enjoy the soundtrack of crickets, watch the bees buzz, and gaze at butterflies fluttering across the tropical gardens. We felt we were living in a Rousseau painting.

Highs

• Excellent fusion food - order from the butler and have meals delivered to your villa
• Beautiful design: from the layout of villas to the interior design - the whole place feels special (or in their words, Pure Unique Relaxing Irresistible Stylish Tempting)
• Pampering spa, with ayurveda treatments and yoga classes
• Striking main pool with lime-cusioned loungers, overlooking the verdant forest
• Friendly welcoming service, and staff who really look after you

Lows

• No restaurant as such, but if you want a change of scene they can set up a table in the main 'Living Room', which doubles as a dining area
• Don't expect far-reaching views - though the forest backdrop brings you closer to the 'tropical'
• Lots of insects, particularly at night, but beds have mosquito nets and we weren't bitten once. And we enjoyed watching a stand-off between a praying mantis and gecko