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Magia de Uma, a reimagined 150-year-old Balinese residence in Umalas, is the vision of husband-and-wife owners Jacopo and Rosa Sertoli. The name, ‘Magia’ meaning ‘magic’ in Italian, and ‘Uma’ meaning ‘rice field’ in Balinese, is less a reflection of the dichotomy of this hidden oasis, and more a display of unison – how unexpected things can come together to create something incredibly memorable. Preservation is at the heart of the property: of Indonesian craftsmanship, the working rice fields upon which the hotel sits, and perhaps most importantly, of the local culture. There are just eight villas here, and behind each intricate restored door lies a surprise: a substantial fish pond in a foliage-framed Balinese bathroom, an Indonesian carved wooden bed frame, a huge sunken bath big enough to fit every resident of Magia de Uma in, and checkerboard bathroom counters. While dining is relaxed and informal with a communal feel, the execution is more finesse than familial. Breakfast and dinner is hosted in the property’s central building where the a la carte menu reads as a blend between Indonesian staples.

A large jogo building houses the spa, consisting of a treatment room, sauna and ice bath, and a yoga shala (with private lessons available) overlooking the rice fields. The treatments lean into the Balinese heritage of the location with a focus on body, from wraps, to scrubs, to the traditional massages. There is also a host of complementary holistic activities on offer including sound healing, a monthly full moon ceremony, and meditation in the onsite temple. Billie Bhatia

Address: Jl. Umalas Tunon No.14, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Price: From about £160 per night