The Legian, Bali, Indonesia

At the swanky end of Seminyak, beyond the Oberoi and Kudeta, this year's place for a sunset cocktail in Bali is The Legian. Built on the principle that the sort of people who stay in this hotel might be the sort of people who liked each other if only they were to meet, the ground floor is a labyrinth of bars, lounges, swimming pool, beach, gardens and restaurants - all intertwined to provide a large communal living space lubricated by a management team who spend most of their time in ‘hospitality’. The focal point of it all is a fabulous swimming pool, which viewed from ground level seems to merge with the ocean and the horizon in a neat architectural trick that creates a true infinity pool.

This main building houses the all-suite hotel in a clubby atmosphere. Choose a room on the top floor for the best views of both the beach from above the palm trees and your fellow guests unwinding on their balconies. If you’re not so keen to be viewed relaxing on the generous daybeds as the sun goes down, ask for a room in one of the wings at the extreme ends of the property for a bit of privacy. The rooms are big with pleasing design in a circular motion, allowing you to walk through the bedroom to the bathroom to the living room and vice-versa, but partitionable with sliding doors. Interestingly almost everything in the room is on-sale in the well curated shop lest you’re tempted to pack a few ‘extras’ into your suitcase when you leave.

The villas across the road, behind the main beach-fronted building, are among the best in Bali. They are big and have all the details that count. Again, sliding doors let you partition the villa as you like, with the addition of being able to open it right up onto your private pool and outdoor living area. Regular fogging ensures that mosquitoes are not a problem here. Inside, candles, a selection of CDS and DVD’s, free mini-bars and laundry all add up to a fabulous value proposition. The outdoor bathtub is beautiful, romantic and addictive.

The kind of people you’ll run into here are those who generally have big careers and fit bodies to fuel a high energy life, so the spa and its services are top notch. The yoga instructor when Travel Intelligence stayed was world class as were the facilities. Doing an Iyvengar class with both the view and sound of the ocean was energising and the signature tonic served afterwards effective. The gym has all the latest machines and the spa treatments themselves also benefit from the close proximity of the rooms to the sounds of the ocean – infinitely more satisfying than yet another Enya soundtrack.