RTFULLY recreating a traditional Balinese village with its manicured gardens, whimsical statuary, and breezy alang alang thatch-roof villas, The Oberoi Bali is local designer chic at its affordable best. The sunken grey-stone swimming pool follows the style of a Balinese water garden with the sound of crashing breakers in your ears. There is no cookie-cutter twaddle here. The keen attention to detail has created a sense of authenticity that has endured and endeared this hideaway to its legion of fans.

Basking in the glow of über cool Seminyak Beach – a party haven for the well heeled, the sand traversed by sashaying lovelies, kite-sellers and ponies – this is a big sunset oceanfront haven with 15 acres of tropical garden and welcoming smiles. One of the best Bali villa resorts, popular with honeymooners and AWOL conferencing CEOs alike, The Oberoi serves up 60 Lanai Rooms and 14 floral-themed Luxury Villas. Expect a TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi access, electronic safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Ranging from 200sq m to a whopping 400sq m, the handsomely spacious Luxury Villas serve up landscaped garden courtyards for romantics and BOSE iPod docks for techie travellers. Nine offer the added indulgence of a private pool. For more sensory pampering head to the open-air massage pavilions of the Oberoi Spa. Pick from Balinese deep-pressure massage, aromatherapy, or Javanese mandi lulur among others. The more energetic can burn calories at the sauna, gym or tennis court while a raft of outdoor distractions and water sports will deal with any lingering bulges.

Honeymooners and families alike will savour the experience of a candlelit buffet dinner accompanied by Balinese dance performances in the open-air amphitheatre. After hours, take in sweeping ocean views and iridescent sunsets from the Kayu Bar. While The Oberoi conjures up an away-from-it-all atmosphere, this retreat – one of the top Seminyak luxury resorts on the strip – is just nine kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport. No jarring journeys. It’s a quick ride to Bali’s loveliest stretch of sand.