There is something special in the air of Bali. Maybe it is the humidity, hot from the sun and sticky from an afternoon of rain, or perhaps its being surrounded by nature with the smell of frangipani and sandalwood incense lingering. One hour north of the frenzy of Kuta Beach and the overcrowded Seminyak, is a place of calm surrounded by a canopy of trees, stacks of rice paddies and holy sites. This is Ubud and where you’ll find the romantic oasis of The Kayon Resort.

Many parts of Bali are now far too common, crowded beaches, a moshpit of tacky night clubs and have sadly lost their allure. Ubud still has places that offer the Bali of old, such as you’ll find at The Kayon Resort. Arching out over the bend of the Petanu River, surrounded by a tropical rainforest is The Kayon Resort. Kayon translates to “tree of life” and refers to the principle of healing, wellness and harmony with nature.

Since 2014, The Kayon has welcomed guests with open arms and award-winning Balinese hospitality.  Guests arrive at the stunning stone wall façade of intricate design and step into the lobby, completely open to the elements, with no walls but a domed wooden hatched roof of carvings and browned palm tree leaves. A smiling hostess greets guests and offers a refreshing welcome drink atop are fresh mint leaves. With less than 25 rooms, the resort is small but packs a punch, particularly when it comes to acute attention to detail and unrivalled warming hospitality.

Ten minutes’ drive from the peaceful oasis of The Kayon Resort is the centre of Ubud – a small town located in the jungle land of Bali in Indonesia. Don’t be fooled by its size though. With little in the ways of major development, Ubud is still a whirring metropolis in its own way. Scooters and cars whiz past, the marketplace electric as vendors haggle over locally crafted wood carvings. The Kayon Resort offers daily transfers between the resort and the centre of town, so guests can come as often or as little as they like.

Stepping away from the marketplace, there is a spread of holy temples and shrines sprinkled with offerings of palm leaves as the smell of incense waifs through the air. The nearby Saraswati Temple is a holy place celebrating water with incredible Hindu stone carvings and sprawling ponds filled with lotus flower and lily pads. Stone pavilions are complemented with golden statues of holy figures, which impress and astound all who behold these splendours at the same time.

The intricacies of such consecrated places are mirrored in the careful design of The Kayon Resort. Located on a hillside, overlooking the river, the space of the resort is considered holy grounds. Frangipanis are delicately placed on steps around the courtyards and the winding pathways that divide rooms from the infinity pool and spa area. High stone walls offer privacy between the rooms, suites and villas, and provide a delicate sense of intimacy.

One of the most surreal spots of the resort is the jetty, which overhangs the river with a vista of stunning rainforests and a small spring waterfall. The staff at The Kayon Resort are no stranger to using this spot for special events either, like romantic movie nights or proposals, where flower petals are scattered along the wooden floor of the jetty, and a bottle of champagne is popped and ready to be toasted in celebration.The romance does not end there. Back upstairs and across the winding paths, the rooms, villas and suites are dispersed throughout the resort and each offer unique views depending on the room type.

The Valley Deluxe rooms – of which there are just six – are tucked away in the north wing of the resort, overlooking the valley. Large, wooden and glass sliding doors separate the room from a balcony, overhanging the forest. The splash of the river can be heard from the lavish four-poster stilted bed, draped with flowing white nets and linen. The bathrooms are large and totally opulent. The signature terrazzo bathtub overlooks the jungle, and guests can request bespoke flower baths for optimal relaxation. Slip into the warmth of the bath, and let your muscles relax while surrounded by floating lotus, jasmine and frangipani flowers – the wildlife of the jungle providing a natural soundtrack to add to the ambiance.

In the southern wing of the resort, is a three-story building comprising twelve Kayon River Suites. Like that of the Valley Deluxe rooms, the design is contemporary Balinese, with incredible locally curated artworks and bamboo. The balconies off of each room offer an intimate space with a comfortable sofa – a sanctuary for personal reflection or an opportunity for a romantic moment between lovers, overlooking the bend of the Petanu River below. In the bathroom, the signature bath overlooks the riverside jungle, and the rainfall shower drops a steady flow of warm water over a beautiful smooth stone basin. It’s like taking a shower in the rainforest itself.

Jutting out over the river bend at the edge of the jungle are the River Edge Pool Villas. And, as suggested by the name, these secluded villas offer private plunge pools – the perfect place to slip away from the real world, immersing oneself in complete wellness and reflection whilst dipping in the welcomed coolness. The open deck provides an intimate location for private dining, ideal for honeymooners, or for special events. As the sun sets, the evening setting adds even more romance. Carefully lit candles are placed around the pools’ edges, and the ever-so-helpful staff arrange flowers over the deck.

Aside from in-room (or on-deck) private dining, The Kayon Resort also plays host to the Kepitu Restaurant. Located at the head of the resort, overlooking the infinity pool, the Kepitu offers up a range of exquisite, local cuisine and fresh drinks to match.

Each week, Kepitu hosts a cultural dining night for local food to be accompanied with authentic song and dance, and for a good charitable cause in supporting local communities. The evening is the perfect opportunity to sample authentic cuisine while live music is performed and 180-degree views provide the finest of settings.

This is no cliché “home away from home” – The Kayon Resort is pure heaven on earth, a place of total sanctuary and wellness. The Serayu Spa at Kayon offers an incredible range of specialised treatments. Natural, organic oils scented with the national flower of Bali, the Melati are lathered. Hints of fresh aromatic sandalwood create a soothing ambience. The skilful staff of the Serayu Spa provide the perfect atmosphere of total respite; a place to recharge and relax.  All treatments can be tailored to personal needs and couples are duly catered to, sharing in a tranquil experience together as one.

The Kayon Resort feels like a world away from ordinary reality. In this deep wilderness, where monkeys and birds sing and call to one another across jungle branches, and rice paddies provide food for communities filled with astonishing artworks, culture and customs, The Kayon Resort is the perfect destination for those who wish to escape reality and slip into a world of wellness, relaxation and comfort – indulging in the quiet safety of the forest and its marvels.