Indonesia is a fascinating destination that is rising in popularity among tourists. The island nation is setting new records each year for tourism and development.

Indonesia is best known for the exotic resort island of Bali and the business capital of Java, especially the cities Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Accommodations run the gamut, from homestays (losmen) to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts on the planet, which are still rising and evolving rapidly. If you are looking for a taste of luxury, mixed with adventure, here are some of the most popular destinations today. Please let us know about your favorite destinations.

Amanjiwo, Borobudur, Java

Amanjiwo lies within view of the mystical stupas of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Buddhist monument directly informs the design of Amanjiwo, a temple-like hideaway with a towering domed roof, colonnades and walls built of local blush-beige paras stone. Here, guests intersperse days of sightseeing – at serene Borobudur, bustling Yogyakarta or any number of vibrant villages – with spells of relaxation at Amanjiwo’s spa, the 40 m (130 ft) pool, and the majestic open-air restaurant.

Nihi Sumba

Awarded the Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2016 and 2017, Nihi Sumba is for travelers who seek a new type of luxury: activity-driven experiences, cultural immersion, freedom and fun. Located on Indonesia’s remote Sumba island, the resort offers private access to one of the world’s best left-hand breaks for surfers. The 28 villas, crafted by local artisans using native teak and rattan, feature expansive outdoor rooms and private plunge pools. Excursions take you to villages and ancient sites. Here, you can go on a spa safari, go horseback riding or swim beneath a waterfall. Dining experiences include beach picnics, dinner under the stars and weekly themed events.

Amankila Bali

Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila (peaceful hill), a secluded seaside resort overlooking the Lombok Strait. The 34 freestanding thatched-roof suites offer exceptional views from their hillside locations, and are connected to the resort’s facilities by raised walkways. Guests can relax around the signature three-tiered pool or at the beach club on Amankila’s beach, with its black sands and turquoise waters. What separates Amankila from other luxury Bali hotels is that it is situated in Karangasem, one of Bali’s most traditional regencies, offering easy access to untouched rural countryside, local crafts and the region’s royal past.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Designed as a traditional Balinese village, this luxurious all-villa enclave spreads across 14 hectares (35 acres) of oceanfront in Bali, giving resort guests direct access to the beach right at sea level. The resort offers 147 villas set amid lush tropical gardens. The luxurious villas each feature a private plunge pool. Immerse yourself in local island culture, unwind with holistic spa treatments and enjoy a wide range of dining options, including the beachfront Sundara restaurant. Find more sensory delights at the open-air Taman Wantilan restaurant, whish features theatre-style dining and a brigade of specialty chefs.

Mandapa Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Fronting the Ayung River near the Ubud jungle, the hotel replicates a traditional Balinese village, complete with working rice paddies. Showcasing the architecture and craftsmanship of the area, each of the 60 luxury suites and villas features a private outdoor space (some of them with pools) with views of the river or surrounding scenery. Four restaurants serve health-conscious cuisine sourced from the organic garden, although you can also arrange a romantic dinner overlooking the river or rice terrace. The spa offers a variety of programs focused on physical and spiritual well-being.

Bawah Island

Located just 150 nautical miles northeast of Singapore, and easily accessible via private seaplane, this untouched beauty of 6 islands offers a whole new destination to discerning travelers. A playground of over 300 hectares, three crystal blue lagoons, 13 powder white beaches, lush jungle canopy for trekking and more importantly a philosophy of environmental and conservation policies, Bawah Island is a project of love to integrate people with nature and sets the benchmark for future destinations around the region. Taking the route that “less means more”, Bawah Private Island only accepts a maximum of 70 guest at any one time; The 35 safari-style tented villas offer the privacy of your own home but also invite you to enjoy the nature that surrounds Bawah Island.

Amanwana Moyo

Mother Nature is allowed full reign across the 36,000 hectares of nature reserve that make up private Moyo Island, in the coral-rich Flores Sea. Here in this wildlife lover’s paradise, Amanwana has set up camp, with 20 safari tents amid the rainforest or on the shore. Low-impact and eco-friendly, the tents are nonetheless equipped with hardwood floors and soaring, air-conditioned canopies sheltering sumptuous daybeds, en suite bathrooms and net-draped king size beds. Visits from friendly macaques and deer are not uncommon, and hint at the abundance of nature further inland and out to sea. Amanwana is also the ideal base for sailing expeditions to find the Komodo dragon.

Six Senses Uluwatu Resort

This resort is set near Uluwatu temple, which overlooks the cliffs and the Indian Ocean. The beautiful resort offers stunning ocean views from every angle. The resort comprises 103 suites and villas, inspired by local design, embracing nature and offering every creature comfort. The Six Senses Spa features locally inspired specialty treatments, multi-day integrated wellness programs and complimentary morning yoga sessions. The resort features multiple swimming pools, an open-air event venue, function space, three restaurants including a chef’s table, a cooking school and an extensive organic garden and farm.

The Alila Purnama

This is one of the most luxurious ships in Asia (also try the Adellar) and an ideal choice for those looking for an exciting cruise in Indonesia. This floating property provides ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests. Handcrafted in the traditional style of a Phinisi, the Alila Purnama features three decks, four double deluxe suites and a master suite with a private deck. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia.

The Oberoi Lombok

Located on the enchanting Medana Bay, with exclusive beach access and sunset views of Bali’s volcanic Mount Agung, The Oberoi Lombok is unique amongst luxury hotels in Lombok. Spanning twenty-four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the resort is abundant with towering indigenous trees, flaming bougainvillea and also boasts a spectacular infinity pool. Accommodation is divided between thatched villas and pavilions, all of which are afforded breathtaking ocean and lush garden views. The resort’s open air, thatched dining spaces serve fine international cuisine, local delicacies and Lombok coffee, complemented by live, traditional music and Balinese dance.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

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