The second W Retreat to open in Southeast Asia (after Koh Samui) resides in the hopping Petitenget area of Seminyak, within easy reach of some of Bali’s best restaurants and beach clubs.

Designed with a sleek, flirtatious aesthetic that barely glances at traditional Balinese motifs, the resort is awash in cheeky details like an illuminated resin lobby bar and a spa equipped with a 24-hour detox lounge. The pool villas out back are plush and private, but for Indian Ocean views you’ll want to stay in the main building, where the top rooms come with skylights.

And if the young staff works a little too hard at being cool, there’s nothing to detract from a meal at the hotel’s beachside restaurant Starfish Bloo, where California chef Jack Yoss turns out nifty sashimi appetizers and crispy Thai-style pork ribs

Jl. Petitenget; 62-361/473-8106; starwoodhotels.com; doubles from US$300

See more from The Luxe List 2011.

Registered users of DestinAsian.com can also enjoy a free copy of ‘The Luxe List, 2007-2011: Five Years of Excellence.’ (Click to register—it’s free. Registered users, click to download.)