If there is such a thing as the epitome of cool then the Slow would be it. The hotel has clearly drawn inspiration from the Bali surf world but has reimagined and updated it to feature trendy, cutting-edge, minimalist design.

Stay at one of Bali’s most beautiful best-kept secrets: Villa Merci, a four bedroom luxury villa located in Umalas between Seminyak and Canggu.

With jet lag setting in after a four hour drive from Colombo airport, our early morning arrival at PALM was a little blurry but I do remember feeling at home straight away - perhaps it was the juice laced with vodka (recommend this to anyone struggling with timezone trickery), or maybe it was owner the Miriam, her smile and the fact that she let us snooze uninterrupted on cushions whilst she quietly fast-tracked our cabana.

Tucked away in the peaceful jungle hinterlands of South Sri Lankan coastal town Ahangama, The Kip is a place of tranquility and ease, inviting guests to pause their fast-paced lives for a while and tune into the rhythms of an island that seems to know how to take our breath away. Aiming to kindle a sense of soothing serenity, the boutique hotel is designed to immerse in slowing down and experience fulfillment through spending the day with mindful intention.