The Menjangan

The resort was created with a goal of working in harmony with nature, and its setting is spectacular. The 27-meter-high Bali Tower, where the lobby and restaurant are found, was crafted from gigantic Benkirai trees from Kalimantan. The owners did not want to clear land for large trucks to transport the huge logs, so 200 people carried each one into the reserve. Jungle and ocean views from the tower are breath-taking, and the only sounds to be heard are of the wildlife. The lobby is an open-air space, and there are wicker sofas and chairs where guests can hang out to enjoy the beautiful setting. The style is simple, with lots of dark wood and wicker coming together with a touch of traditional Balinese style. This unique property draws all sorts of guests who enjoy nature, wildlife, and a peaceful setting away from the frenetic tourist areas of Bali. Keep in mind that the resort is extremely spread out and requires buggy trips to navigate.

This hotel is located on 382 hectares (944 acres) inside the Bali Barat National Park on the northwest coast of Bali. The park is a nature reserve filled with wildlife including deer, monkeys, and birds, and guests are able to coexist with the animals. Only dirt roads are allowed in the nature reserve, and they are rough. There's little in the way of development in the area, and no other restaurants within walking distance, which is exactly why most guests make their way to this spot. Given the sprawling layout of the property, it can take a while to navigate between the lobby, the beach area, and the Monsoon Lounge are all spread apart. Double-decker safari-style buggies are used to transport guests from one area to another. The hotel is four hours away from Ngurah Rai International Airport through winding but well-maintained mountainous roads. 

Room categories at The Menjangan are based on location, but all are spacious, with the lowest category offering 50 square meters for guests to spread out (538 square feet). The Monsoon Lodge is in the forest, the Beach Villas are on the beach, and the three-bedroom Residence is perched on the cliff with dramatic views overlooking the bay. Although the hotel is rustic and constructed with natural materials, rooms are polished and attractive, and the rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and safes. 

Rooms in the lodge feature Bengkirai wood floors and traditional alang-alang grass roofing. Decor is simple and modern, with a soothing neutral color scheme, clean-lined furniture, and traditional Balinese artwork. Bathrooms feature natural stone and come with hairdryers and upscale toiletries using local ingredients. Suites are larger, have more ornate furniture, and add a wooden deck. All rooms in the lodge look out onto the outdoor pool and hot tub. 

Beach Villas are designed in the Joglo Javanese style and are directly on the beach. King-size beds are positioned to look out onto the beach through large windows. Bathrooms are indoor/outdoor and have deep soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads, Decks and the adjacent private beach are furnished with a daybed, lounge and bean bag chairs, and a cafe table with umbrella. These rooms are especially popular with couples looking for secluded privacy right on the beach. 

The three bedrooms in the 1,000-square-meter (10,764 square feet) Residence each have their own bathroom and private balcony. There's a fully equipped kitchen, living area, and an outdoor dining table for six with stunning views of Bajul Bay. The private infinity pool is a lovely shaded space with six cushioned wood lounge chairs on the stone and wooden decks. This beautiful rental also comes with butler service and is ideal for families or small groups traveling together.

Many guests are drawn to the Menjangan because of the multiple activities it offers, both on land and water. Guests can explore the park on foot or bike, and birding tours are available as well. There's a horse stable, and horseback riding is available on the beach or through the jungle. Kayaks also are available, and there's a dive center. Almost all guests take advantage of the snorkeling trip to Menjangan Island, a 30-minute boat road away -- it gets rave reviews. 

The hotel's pool is compact and much of the seating -- on platforms in various areas near the pool -- is shaded. While the hotel sits right on the beach and provides wooden beach lounge chairs, the sand is very rocky, and the area is subject to tidal variations, so sometimes rocky ocean floor and coral are left exposed. Ultimately it's not ideal for swimming, which may disappoint some guests.

Three meals a day are served at the Bali Tower Bistro situated on the second and third floors of the Bali Tower. Diners are treated to gorgeous views of the jungle while dining on Mediterranean and Indonesian fare in the open-air restaurant. In addition to the dining chairs, bean bag and wicker chairs provide comfortable seating for taking in the views on the viewing platforms. Breakfasts are served a la carte, with a wide selection of options, all included in room rates. Deer frequently come for visits during the morning meal. Pentai Restaurant is down by the beach and serves seafood and barbecue, and there's also a bar there. 

Three open-air gazebos make up the Mangrove Spa, and guests can view the ocean through well-placed mirrors while they get a massage. All guests are provided with metal water bottles that are refilled to minimize waste. A business desk in the Monsoon Lodge lobby has a computer and printer for guests to use, and there's also a library with books to borrow.