Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat

Set on lush grounds in a traditional Balinese village, the upscale 10-room retreat follows an eco-conscious philosophy that revolves around respect for the local community -- the retreat supports local farmers so they can grow organic produce using traditional Balinese agricultural methods -- and minimizing its impact on the environment through energy saving measures, harvesting rainwater, and recycling. In addition, the retreat’s design incorporates living green walls and roofs to shield the property from heat and capture moisture. Balinese sculptures, colorful decorative touches, and bamboo elements throughout contribute to the stunning design. 

The main building is flanked by first- and second-floor circular villas, and features a lobby and restaurant, as well as an attractive rooftop garden, complete with cabanas and hidden spots for quiet contemplation. Given that the hotel sees a lot of meditation and yoga retreat groups, the open-air yoga studio and secluded seating areas are popular areas. Guests can expect to interact not only with the friendly owners, but other travelers, as all meals are served on a communal table.

The retreat is nestled in the quaint traditional Balinese village of Sukawati on the eastern shores of Bali, overlooking the Indian Ocean and Mount Agung. While the hotelis not directly on the beach, it is a 5-minute drive to Purnama volcanic black-sand beach or 10-minute drive to Keramas surfing spot. Meanwhile, the closest beach is a 15-minute walk away. The isolated location means there is not all that much to do nearby or within walking distance. Cafes, restaurants, and bars in Ubud are a 20-minute drive away and Sanur can be reached in 15 minutes. Ngurah Rai Airport is a 40-minute drive away. 

The resort's 10 chic rooms and villas are decorated in warm tones and come with marble floors, wooden furniture, and Balinese touches. Guests can opt for one of the six Pool View Villas or one of the four Garden Rooms, each of which can accommodate up to three people. The upstairs rooms come with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Mount Agung, and the surrounding paddy fields. Significantly, the airy Pool View Rooms have a circular design to relax, inspire, and heal (according to some neuroscientists smooth contours have a positive effect on the brain), as well as increase energy efficiently by up to 30 percent due to smaller exterior surface area. They also come with floor-to-ceiling windows, earthy colors, and striking headboards with built-in sculptures. Meanwhile, the Garden View Rooms, located by the koi pond and permaculture garden, come with private terraces, pastel-hued furniture, and colorful Balinese antiques. 

All rooms feature amenities such as air-conditioning, ceiling fans, high-end Sweet Sleep beds imported from Belgium, safes, solar charging stations for electronic devices, free Wi-Fi, a DVD library, and free tropical fruit and drinking water. The semi-open garden bathrooms come with upscale organic toiletries, plush towels, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. All have showers and some add bathtubs. Since unplugging is the point here, there are no TVs. Villas and rooms also lack mini-fridges and coffee- and tea-making facilities. 

The intimate resort provides a range of features, most centered on health and wellness.The open-air Yoga Sanctuary, a well-equipped 2000-square-foot (186-square-meter) space with striking views of the ocean and Mount Agung, is used for yoga classes, lectures, and weddings. The area comes complete with yoga mats, blocks, and hammocks for well-earned relaxation time. Group yoga classes on the beach or in the Yoga Sanctuary and surfing lessons can be arranged, but there's no gym. The 56-foot (17-meter) partly saltwater pool comes with lotus platforms, striking Balinese-style sculptures, and built-in water hammocks. Melati spa offers massages, Ayurvedic treatments, herbal steam therapy, and traditional skin exfoliation in its two treatment areas -- an open-air poolside spa and a more private enclosed spa. 

The raved-about restaurant’s meals are prepared using organic vegetables and fruit grown in the retreat’s on-site permaculture garden (guests can take part in gardening classes or even pick produce for their own meal). The kitchen can make both Western and Indonesian dishes, including raw, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. The kitchen serves preservative- and hormone-free chicken, but no pork or beef. All rates include breakfast.