Puri Mangga Sea View Resort & Spa

The hotel's setting is perfect for those looking to trade the crowds of Bali's busy tourist hubs for a much more quiet, low-key destination. Lovely views of terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and the distant ocean can be seen from many points on the property. Although most popular with couples, the hotel is also well suited for singles and families, and the two-bedroom villa units offer plenty of space to sprawl out. Guests tend to congregate around the pool throughout the day and can order cocktails and food directly to the pool area. The views are most dramatic from the restaurant, and there are plenty of comfy couches and chairs laid out for guests who want to take in the view or relax with a book.

To reach Puri Mangga Sea View Resort, guests drive along steep semi-paved roads and through traditional Balinese villages. The hotel is located on a scenic hillside property, around a 10-minute drive from the beach and downtown Lovina. Lovina is a sleepy tourist town, with few dining, shopping, or nightlife options -- especially when compared to the much more developed tourist hubs of Bali, like Seminyak and Kuta. But, Lovina's peaceful and laid-back beaches are one of the main attractions in the area, and one of the most popular ocean activities here are the morning dolphin watching tours. This stretch of coastline also has some nice reefs for snorkeling, diving, or fishing. The surrounding areas offer some great outdoor activities and waterfall trekking and hiking tours are popular. Gitgit is one of the island's largest waterfalls and is around a 45-minute drive away. Singsing Waterfall is smaller, though usually quieter, and is only around a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Plan on around a three-hour drive along scenic mountain roads from Kuta, Seminyak, and Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The guest rooms at Puri Mangga Sea View Resort feature a traditional Balinese aesthetic. Both one and two-bedroom units are available, and each unit has a different overall design. Bright and airy interiors are styled with eclectic traditional decorations and quality wooden furniture. Rooms have canopy beds, work desks and chairs, and large wardrobes. Standard room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, mini-fridges, kettles, safes, and hairdryers. The two-bedroom Jungle House features a contemporary aesthetic, and is the only unit that has a private plunge pool and kitchenette. Lumbung Bungalow is the most affordably priced room available -- it's the only room that that isn't outfitted with air-conditioning and it only has a ceiling fan. The bungalow design is based on traditional Balinese rice barns and features a thatched roof and solid wood construction. Bathrooms are semi open-air and tropical, with natural stone tiles, roomy vanities, and outdoor rain showers surrounded by greenery. All rooms feature balcony areas with comfy seating. The units, though clean and well maintained, are somewhat dated.

One of the best attributes at the hotel are the spacious grounds and stunning views. The grounds are lined with flowering bougainvilleas, tall trees, and dense tropical greenery. The swimming pool is centered in the property and has a laid back setting, plus plenty lounge chairs laid out. A range of beauty and massage treatments are offered in the charming spa. It features elegant semi open-air treatment rooms that have gorgeous bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The restaurant specializes in Indonesian and Italian cuisines. The menu changes daily depending on what's in season and fresh at the morning markets. Freshly caught seafood is often a highlight on the menu. There are lots of comfy couches and chairs to relax on, plus a long wooden bar with seating. The bar serves a range of cocktails, wine, and beer. An a-la-carte breakfast is included in most room packages, and is served all day. American, continental, and Indonesian breakfast options are available and the breads and jams are homemade. Room service is available all day and cooking classes are offered for a fee. Guests can borrow books or DVDs from the small library in the restaurant. Free daily shuttle services operates to downtown Lovina and the beach, and hotel staff can arrange vehicle rentals, tours, and airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.