The Hotel: Swiss-Belhotel Rainforest

Swiss-Belhotel Rainforest is a four-star rainforest-themed hotel boasting a greenish interior decked out with swinging trees, flourishing plants and hanging gardens. Nestled a few minutes from Kuta Beach, but comfortably away from the noise and bustle of Kuta, Swiss-Belhotel Rainforest acts as a quaint retreat from city life while still being close enough to a selection of local restaurants, markets and shops. Visitors can spend the day cooling off in the swimming pool or sweat off yesterday’s dinner with a gym session at the fitness centre.

• TripAdvisor: 4 / 5

Room Details

Deluxe Queen or Twin Room

• Bed size/type: Queen or twin bedding
• Standard occupancy: Two people
• Maximum occupancy: Two adults and one child (up to 12 years old)
• This room features a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a 32” LCD TV with cable/satellite channels, IDD telephone, laptop size in-room personal safe deposit box, air conditioning, mini-bar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, work desk with accessible multi power plugs and an electronic door lock

The Area: Kuta, Bali

Sunsets over sea temples tiered emerald rice terraces and mountain monkey sanctuaries are all part of what makes the island of Bali one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Imbued with a mystical quality that flows through the nature and culture of the Indonesian holiday hub, Bali is a basket of arresting scenery, colourful markets and pulsing nightlife. The locals are genuine and friendly, and more than willing to give a recommendation on the best place to get quirky nail art, a tropical cocktail or handmade vase.

The tourist hub of the island lies in Kuta, a bright, brash and vibrant centre where narrow laneways throng with bars, shops and offerings of flower petals, while incense wafts through the air. Walk down to the main beach for a surfing lesson with one of several schools, where equipment and instruction are provided to turn Groupies into grommets in no time. Then wander up the Poppies Lane One and Two to haggle for a bargain pair of sunglasses, a vibrant sarong or handmade tourist keepsake.

As one of the biggest water parks in Asia, Waterbom is worth a visit for kiddos and adults alike for its fun slides, lazy rivers and swim-up bars. By night, visit Seminyak for Bali’s classy core, where fine dining restaurants in myriad styles sit aside glass-walled boutiques and luxury day spas. Day-trippers keen for adventure journey into the middle of the island to Ubud to snap photos of green rice paddies, meet the monkeys at a crumbling forest temple or shop for art at the market. See volcanic peaks and valleys or instead go west to view the cliff top temple of Tanah Lot by sunset.