Five best resorts in Bali for five different types of travellers

FOR FOODIES

Como Uma Ubud: Whether you want to treat your tastebuds to rustic Italian at the Uma Cucina restaurant or help them discover the authentic flavours of Indonesia at Kemiri, this luxury resort has you covered. If you don't want to stray too far from your wellness goals, you can even pick from the hotel's Como Shambhala menu, loaded with healthy, nutritious meals made using local, seasonal produce. And when it's time to explore, some of Ubud's most happening restaurants are just a short drive away. Make a beeline for Scottish celebrity chef Will Meyrick's Hujan Locale for local specialities such as soft shell crab spiked with curry leaves and red chilli. Or book a table at Locavore, which prides itself on sourcing 95 per cent of its ingredients from within the country. From $369 per night; comohotels.com

FOR COUPLES

Six Senses Uluwatu: Even the smallest rooms at this cliff-top retreat perched on the southernmost tip of Bali are 108 square metres in size and feature discreet outdoor decks where you can sink into deep bathtubs and soak up uninterrupted sea views. Of course, if you want to turn up the indulgence factor, opt for the floating breakfast, which will have all your early-morning favourites delivered to your pool villa on a floating tray. Just don't forget to pay a visit to the onsite spa, where rituals range from personalised couple's yoga classes to indulgent face and body treatments. From $1077 per night; sixsenses.com

FOR WELLNESS

Nirjhara: Most premium resorts in Bali have spas, but for a truly elevating wellness experience, check into Nirjhara, located near Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most iconic temples. Simply arriving at the resort with lush gardens, swaying palms and chirping birds can instil an instant sense of calm, but wait till you visit the spa, where a certified reiki master can help you expunge pent-up stress and negative energy, and an experienced yogi can introduce you to the timeless principles of yoga. And if you want to take the Zen factor to the next level, go for the resort's A Day of Spiritual Healing experience, as part of which you can learn to or advance your ability to meditate in the middle of Bali's lush rice terraces, with nothing to disturb your reverie but nature's own soundtrack of trickling waterfalls and whispering winds. From $500 per night; nirjhara.com

FOR LUXURY

Amankila: Take a deep breath and have a good look at the world outside before you enter this resort, as you may never want to leave. Located all over the world, Aman hotels are the last word in luxury and truly embrace the cultural significance and atmosphere of their setting; be it the ochre-hued Amanjena in Marrakech, inspired by the colours of Moroccan souks, or a centuries-old canalside palazzo in Italy, which has been transformed into Aman Venice (fun fact: it was also the site of George and Amal Clooney's 2014 nuptials). Amankila is no exception. Take in breathtaking Lombok Strait views from the three-tiered infinity-edge pool that cascades down a steep hill, then make your way - through frangipani-lined walkways - to your suite with thatched roofs and lashings of natural wood. From $2174 per night; aman.com

FOR FAMILIES

InterContinental Bali, Jimbaran: Located in Jimbaran Bay with mesmerising sunset views over the ocean, this five-star retreat inspired by the design of a traditional Balinese village is home to 430 well-appointed rooms, suites and private villas. Young families can make themselves at home in a 49-square-metre Classic room, while larger groups can opt for sprawling villas that can accommodate up to six adults. When it's time to fuel up, there's a range of family-friendly eateries on site, too - from Taman Gita restaurant where you enjoy eat-all-you-can buffets to the relaxed Jimbaran Gardens where you can feast on regional specialities. From $217 per night; bali.intercontinental.com

Australians love Bali - we get it. But once in a while, it pays to go further... past a well-trodden holiday haunt... to an island called Sumba that most people somehow forgot to explore. Particularly, when the island in question is home to a resort called Nihi, with just 27 villas, each with its own plunge pool, private gardens and breathtaking Indian Ocean views.

Swim, snorkel or go spearfishing in the ocean; trek to waterfalls in hypnotic shades of blue; or tour the property's organic gardens and learn about local herbs and spices, before turning them into lip-smacking meals as part of an Indonesian cooking class. Of course, if that's too much work, just rock up at the onsite Kaboku restaurant for an unforgettable seven-course omakase feast. nihi.com

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