The Big Six: Balinese beach retreats

Jiva Puri, Cemagi

This luxurious and private residence opened this week, with five whitewashed villas overlooking a black, sandy swathe of beach on Bali's south-west coast. Perfectly primed for a family or group holiday, each villa is self-contained, with private decks, peaceful pools and floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of the Indian Ocean. Communal spaces include a living room with a dining table for up to 20 guests, library, gym and pool.

Jiva Puri, Jalan Pantai Mengening, Desa Cemagi, Kecamatan Badung (00 62 361 848 3319; jivapuri.com). Nightly rental of the whole property starts at £3,145, including breakfast. Sleeps 10.

Alila Villas Soori, Kelating

This all-villa resort of 44 residences strikes a refined chord with its contemporary Asian design. Each suite has a private pool with butler service on hand to ease guests into their stay. An infinity pool and a spa offering Asian-inspired massages adds to the sybaritic feel. Dining needs are covered by two restaurants: try Cotta for a breezy, open-air setting and light Indonesian meals; or Coast for sunset cocktails overlooking the rhythmic wash of Kelating beach.

Alila Villas, Banjar Dukuh, Desa Kelating, Kerambitan, Tabanan (00 62 361 894 6388; alilahotels.com). Double rooms start at £575, room only.

The Oberoi, Seminyak

Traditional thatched villas form the centrepiece, with 14 beachside abodes scattered around lily-covered rock pools and walled gardens. There's a free gym, daily fruit baskets in the rooms, complimentary yoga, and a relaxing open-air spa.

The Oberoi, Seminyak, Jalan Kayu Aya, Denpasar (00 62 361 730 361; oberoihotels.com). Doubles start at US$355 (£223), room only.

Amankila, Manggis

Enveloped by tropical foliage with views towards the island of Lombok, Amankila is a maze of stilted villas, linked by wooden walkways. Guests can relax beside the three-tiered central pool or attempt the rugged trails that snake upwards to Mount Agung, the island's highest point.

Amankila, Manggis, Karangesam (00 62 363 41333; amanresorts.com). Doubles start at US$1,029 (£686), room only.

Bulgari Hotel, Uluwatu

This clifftop retreat by heritage fashion house Bulgari merges sleek Italian style with Balinese design. Inside, rooms are rich and inviting, with plump beds, hand-woven throws, mahogany chests and framed views of the southern coast. A lift whisks guests down to the beach and the shore-side La Spiaggia restaurant, where freshly grilled seafood is the speciality. The Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu is close by, while the surf offshore is renowned.

Bulgari Hotel, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu (00 62 361 847 1000; bulgarihotels.com). Doubles start at US$1,210 (£807), room only.

The Conrad, Nusa Dua

Landscaped gardens and lagoons lead towards a pristine shore at The Conrad. Spacious rooms with cool, marbled floors offer sanctuary from the bustling resort of Nusa Dua. There's also a jogging track, tennis courts, gym and spa, plus three restaurants.

The Conrad, Jalan Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua (00 62 361 778 788; conradbali.com). Doubles start at US$285 (£190), B&B.