From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

The sweet-natured staff seem accustomed to seeing guests' jaws drop upon arrival at this contemporary resort a five-minute drive from central Ubud. The 44 rooms face dense jungle and rice paddies, and come with a cozy living area, a 42-inch flat-screen TV with more than 200 movies on Apple TV, and a walk-in closet. A long infinity pool perches at the edge of the Camphuan River, and contemporary Balinese art hangs in public areas. (A complimentary tour of the nearby Neka Museum, founded by the hotel owner's father, is available.) No air-conditioning in the restaurant can mean stifling midday meals. But other details—a soft cotton tunic (perfect over a bathing suit), freshly baked cookies, and a detailed weekly schedule of Ubud's dance and gamelan performances—go the extra mile. And you'll eat well: The menu ranges from indigenous dishes to wafer-thin pizzas from the outdoor wood-fire oven.—2009 Hot List

When to go: Gentle breezes cool the Camphuan River Valley from June through August.

Which room to book: Ultra-private villas with jungle-facing pools and butler service are worth the premium.