In a secret Kaba Kaba jungle valley a mere twenty minute drive from the bustling tourist centre of Canggu, lies Bali’s newest gem - Ulaman Eco Retreat. Offering a luxurious, tranquil and picturesque getaway from urban life, the 11 room eco sustainable resort had its soft opening at the end of May of this year, which is when it fell at the top of my radar of places to visit.

These days Lovina is empty of tourists, much like the rest of Bali. Solitary fishermen and dolphin guides roam the streets adjacent to the beach vying for a client among merely a handful of visitors who come down to the shore to catch a glimpse of nature at play. At Lovina Beach, a tall statue of a dolphin made of stone towers above the neighborhood reminding everyone of why they’re here.

The landscape looked almost surreal, sprawling green fields and plantations laid out for miles below us. Towering above them and overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Danau lake was the Batur Volcano.