Walking into Bali’s ‘Kamar Kamar’ is like entering another world. Heralded by a large reception area under a trapezium-shaped glass roof – inspired by the roof of a Javanese joglo-house – this intimate, 10-suite, boutique hotel welcomes guests with a breath of fresh air. The unexpected oriental design theme introduces a bold palette of lacquer-black and Chinese-red. Black and red lamps decorate the tables and hang from the ceilings, while the region’s rich heritage is celebrated with an impressive collection of Indonesian antiques, including a “nothing is too much trouble” display of circular serving-trays. Charmed by latticed screens and the melodic songs of yellow canaries, visitors will be drawn towards a central courtyard complete with a 12-metre swimming pool, cascading plants and flowering frangipanis.

Kamar Kamar is hidden down a quiet side street in North Seminyak, 2.5km from the sweeping Seminyak Beach, which is famous for its world-class surf breaks and legendary sunsets. Seminyak lays claim to the island’s highest concentration of international fine-dining restaurants, and is also known for its colourful cafes, Euro-style bars, designer boutiques, day spas, beach bars and lively nightspots. Kamar Kamar is 10km from Bali’s international airport, while most of the island’s best-known tourist attractions can be reached on daytrips.