Bali is a tough market for luxury and boutique hotels, with so much competition on this popular island, but the fact that 85% of Nirjhara’s 25 suites and villas – many with pools – face waterfalls, terraced rice paddies and a gently meandering river give it a foot up.

This little treasure is in Tabanan on the island’s southwest coast and as well as having that cascading waterfall – after which it is named – the hotel aims to blend into nature as seamlessly as it can. 

Of course it’s also heavily based on sustainability, as any self-respecting higher-end new hotel is these days. It was constructed to make as little impact on the environment as possible, using reclaimed hevea wood, natural stone and traditional sirap roofing.

Interiors thankfully celebrate Indonesian design, from the traditional woven furniture handcrafted by local artisans, to the coconut panelling and wood carving, and of course, contemporary art from up-and-coming local artists. 

For those who can tear themselves away from a tranquil haven like this, nearby are volcanic sand beaches and the popular towns of Canggu and Ubud.

But if we were in one of the seven playful treehouse “canopy suites”, we’re not sure we’d make it off the property – these unique little one-bedroom structures come with a private rooftop deck perched among the coconut trees and overlooking rice paddies.

The main dining option is Ambu, where 95% of ingredients are sourced from neighbouring farms and trusted local suppliers. And for wellness, the Retreat – with four treatment rooms – at Nirjhara celebrates age-old healing practices and rituals, offering everything from sound healing and reiki, to massages, body scrubs and reflexology. Meanwhile, The Shala is a riverside bamboo-clad yoga pavilion designed by eco-architects Ibuku.   

And from spring, the smart cookies at Nirjhara will also introduce Vela, a six-cabin yacht available for private charter, which promises to take guests to some of the most remote corners of the Indonesian archipelago.