STAY

After your long flight to Denpasar, transfer to the Alila Villas Uluwatu or Bulgari Resort Bali for three nights. The properties are both situated on the southern Bukit Peninsula, which is connected to the main landmass of Bali by a narrow isthmus. At its southern edge, the land falls abruptly into the Indian Ocean in a series of 300-foot-plus cliffs. The accommodations at Alila are an ideal place to recuperate. Each is a self-contained world with a pool, private walled garden and relaxation pavilion. At Bulgari, the individual villas have spectacular sea views.

DINE

At Alila, enjoy a cocktail in the extraordinary Sunset Cabana Bar, which is cantilevered over the edge of the cliff. Afterward, have dinner outside on the terrace at Cire, which serves delicious international and pan-Asian cuisine. And at the clifftop Bulgari Bar, guests can enjoy Italian aperitivo while watching the sunset.

EXPLORE

Each property has an idyllic private beach and a spectacular infinity pool with views over the ocean. Spend an afternoon at the spa, where you can indulge in a variety of treatments to help recover from jet lag. Much of the Bukit Peninsula is arid and sandy ­— ideal golf course terrain. It’s possible to play a round within sight of the Indian Ocean, an excursion that can be arranged by the Travel Office. Although most of Bali’s cultural monuments are found on the north side of the island, the 11th-century Uluwatu Temple, overlooking the sea from a 250-foot cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, is regarded as one of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the six holiest places of worship on Bali. A traditional dance performance, based on the Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana, is performed daily.

STAY

The flight from Denpasar to Tambolaka on the remote island of Sumba takes about 90 minutes. Passengers seated on the left side of the plane will see the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa slide past. The transfer to Nihi Sumba, in one of the resort’s air-conditioned vehicles, lasts about two hours. The road is bumpy in places, but it passes through an unspoiled landscape of forested hills. Nihi Sumba is set on a 550-acre wooded estate that slopes down to the sea. It was originally a simple surfing resort, but in 2012 it was acquired by New York billionaire entrepreneur J. Christopher Burch, who invested a reported $30 million to build 28 villas, each of which comes with a private garden and pool.

DINE

Visit Nio Beach Club for a light lunch of grilled fish or meat, or perhaps a wood-fired pizza. In the evenings, have dinner at Ombak, the resort’s main restaurant, which has a large deck overlooking the ocean. The menu offers a mix of exceptional Indonesian and international dishes.

EXPLORE

Enjoy a “spa safari,” which begins with a guided three-hour hike through villages and paddy fields to the resort’s separate wellness complex. On arrival, have a light breakfast in an elevated pavilion, overlooking the crashing surf. Then head to your private spa pavilion for a range of treatments. Afterward, you may wish to swim in the ocean and spend time lounging beside a horizon pool before being driven back to Nihi Sumba in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Consider trying your hand at sportfishing aboard one of the property’s two boats. There is no commercial fishing in Sumba, and the waters near the resort are full of wahoo and Spanish mackerel. Nihi’s large and impressive equestrian complex — horses are an extremely important part of Sumbanese culture — offers rides through local villages to a nearby beach for a gallop through the waves. And take a guided hike to one of the local waterfalls. The “Blue Waterfall” excursion includes a 90-minute walk through a national park, to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by cliffs up to 900 feet high.

STAY

Fly from Tambolaka back to Bali. A driver will be waiting to take you to Ubud, where you’ll check into either Como Shambhala Estate, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan or Capella Ubud. Como Shambhala has the atmosphere of a Zen-like wellness retreat while Four Seasons is more family-friendly. Capella Ubud is our highest-rated resort on the island, offering a whimsical rainforest escape with 23 tented villas decorated by legendary hotel designer Bill Bensley. Although much of Bali has been affected by overdevelopment, the area surrounding Ubud is relatively unspoiled, and the properties are within easy reach of the island’s impressive sculptured rice terraces.

DINE

At Como, have dinner at Kudus House, an exquisite 150-year-old wooden Javanese residence that features a menu of regional dishes. Ayung Terrace, the authentic Indonesian restaurant at the Four Seasons, has treetop views. (Guests can also sign up for cooking classes there.) Don’t miss the theatrical dining experience at Api Jiwa, Capella’s intimate omakase restaurant featuring delectable pan-Asian dishes.

EXPLORE

Each resort has an impressive spa program that offers a range of services, including temple blessings and Ayurvedic medicine consultations. After an indulgent day of treatments, explore the countryside. Set out early with a private driver and guide for a full-day cultural excursion to visit some of Bali’s most important temples, all of which feature intricate carving and decoration. The north of the island is dominated by volcanoes, the highest of which, Mount Agung, rises to nearly 9,500 feet. You will also be taken to see the spectacular Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Ubud, shop for local textiles and crafts or browse galleries displaying the work of Bali’s leading artists.

STAY

From Denpasar, fly to the central Javanese city of Yogyakarta. A driver will be waiting to transfer you to Amanjiwo. The resort enjoys an exceptional setting, backed by the Menoreh Hills with a view of distant volcanoes. Enveloped by rainforest, it is set within a natural amphitheater. Suites come with a four-pillar platform bed, an outdoor sunken tub and a thatched garden pavilion.

DINE

In the evening, try the resort’s signature soursop martini and then enjoy dinner in the colonnaded restaurant, with views over rice fields to Borobudur. The menu features Indonesian and Western dishes, with most of the ingredients coming from the resort’s garden or nearby farms. The hotel can also arrange a private traditional barbecue served in the privacy of your suite.

EXPLORE

The resort will arrange a guide to take you to see nearby Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its six platforms are decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 life-size Buddha statues. Afterward, visit some of the venerable Hindu temples on the Dieng Plateau, dating from the seventh and eighth centuries, plus the ancient Hindu complex of Prambanan. Go on a guided trek through the memorable landscape, ascending the steep flanks of Mount Merapi. The walk to Selogriyo, an eighth-century Hindu temple high on the slopes of Mount Sumbing, passes through some of Java’s most sensational rice paddies. Alternatively, venture into the lush Menoreh Hills, to visit local villages and clove plantations.

Indonesia is vast, and much of the archipelago is still best explored by boat charter. The luxurious Celestia, a traditional Phinisi sailing and diving vessel, offers an exceptional way to experience remote islands, combining modern comforts with authentic Indonesian craftsmanship. Consider adding on a private five-day journey through Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park or the Spice Islands to explore more deeply.