#1 Hotel in the World

Imagine a three-bedroom treehouse villa on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, private plunge pools, day-long spa treatments, picnic lunches, sunset horseback riding. Now you get the picture.

Indonesia’s Nihiwatu resort was recently named the number one hotel in the world by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Visitors to the remote island of Sumba in the country’s southeast get a chance to mix luxury and wilderness in a very enticing way. “Activity-driven experiences” to local villages and rice fields gets people out of the cushy mode, and gives them something to talk about when they get home. Mountain excursions featuring a bush-cooked meal truly takes you outside your norm.

A new beach club adds to the glamour. Sumba is a noted surfing spot with its own private wave, Occy’s Left, named after Australian surfer Mark “Occy” Occhilupo and reputedly one of the best left-hand breaks in the world. Visit Nihiwatu.com.