THE FACTS ABOUT UMA UBUD

Indonesia Bali

Laid-back Ubud may be Bali's arts-and-crafts centre, but the island's hipper south has traditionally outdone it in terms of hotel design. Now the new Uma Ubud hotel, just five minutes' drive from Ubud town, has introduced a contemporary sense of style to the area. Owner Christina Ong's typically understated design features streamlined, uncluttered lines and fashionable furnishings (mostly in creams and whites). But the simple, 29-villa hotel is much more than a good-looking shell: the beds are luxurious, the yoga class is professionally run, the Shambhala spa offers sublime therapies, and Chris Miller at Kemiri restaurant whips up Indian-influenced meals to swoon over. All this at reasonable rates, and with fine service thrown in courtesy of genuinely friendly staff. The three-hectare resort is centred on a wonderful, 25-metre swimming pool, and guests are constantly reminded of where they are: some rooms are at the edge of Tjampuhan Valley, where the sounds of the forest and river are your early-morning wake-up call. WHEN TO GO February-April for colourful ceremonies leading to the Balinese New Year ROOM TO BOOK Any of the Uma Pool Suites; each has an infinity-edged pool overlooking the valley CONTACT Uma Ubud, Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali (00 62 361 972448; fax: 972449; www.uma.como.bz). Doubles from US$248; Uma Pool Suites from US$436