What looks like a nondescript monstrosity dominating Petitenget's surf beach is actually Indonesia's first W Hotel, Starwood's flagship W Retreat, one of Bali's most glam and ultra-contemporary hotels. In palm tree-dotted beachfront gardens at the epicenter of Seminyak-Petitenget partyland, the vibe at this award-winning upscale playground is irresistibly sociable and all about fun, from choosing your own personal mug at breakfast to plastic ducks in the bathrooms—even the public restrooms are designer wonderlands. The W's unconventional, open-air lobby sets the scene for mingling, doubling as a chic bar-lounge edged by a lower outdoor terrace with ocean-facing daybeds (have the whacky afternoon tea here). All 158 Retreats and Suites feature high-energy design, cutting-edge technology, and sexy open bathrooms, some with skylights over deep-soaking tubs. Most offer ocean views from generous-sized balconies. For ultimate privacy, 79 lavish Villa retreats (one to three bedrooms) with private pools and entrances are tucked away in their own vast, exclusive garden compound beside the main resort.

Definitive destination options include the acclaimed AWAY Spa, which is spaceship-like and open round-the-clock with a bar; seaside fine-dining spot Starfish Bloo; and WOOBar, a triple-level beachside bar and nightspot for sophisticated partying. Other notables include 24-hr. signature "Whatever/Whenever" service, savvy staff that covers roaming W INSIDER guest relations, and a three-tiered pool paying homage to Balinese terraced rice fields. A favorite of the party crowd and celebs, including Paris Hilton, this is probably the most fun you'll ever have at a five-star resort.