Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, Bali

The five-star Tanah Gajah resort comprises 20 private villas, each with a pool and a personal butler, gorgeous grounds, a restaurant, an Olympic pool and tennis courts. It was once the home of Indonesia’s legendary designer Hendra Hadiprana and his collection of sculptures, antiques and artworks still liven up each room. The airy Bird Lounge pergola—built in dedication to Bali’s Birds of Paradise—boasts a dynamic menagerie. And look up at the ceiling of the Huiyam villa, with its chic tapas lounge, to see traditional depictions of Hadiprana’s life story. While living at Tanah Gajah, Hadiprana conjured up a new estate, on the edge of the nearby Petanu River. Boasting brilliant style and views, it too it is now under the hotel’s aegis, allowing guests to experience the designer, and the town, times two.

As well as turning to local farmers for its produce needs, Tanah Gajah gives back to the community in several ways. The Balinese Kecak fire dance has been performed for generations in this region. Tanah Gajah collaborates with Tengkulak village to preserve this local tradition, hosting a regular Kecak performance at the resort’s amphitheater, where some 60 men chant and dance to the Hindu epic of Ramayana. Tanah Gajah supports two Tengkulak schools, providing writing materials to students and also supplies hard-hit local residents with basic provisions such as soap, tea, and cooking oil.