Desa Seni is a village resort in the rice fields of Canggu, Bali, Indonesia, that blends traditional art, food, architecture and culture with contemporary five-star amenities. Nate talks to the resort's owner, Tom Talucci, about what makes Desa Seni unique and how he's bringing his creative vision to life.

A longtime resident of Bali, certified chef and international restaurant owner, Tom says building Desa Seni gave him the opportunity to combine all his passions—food, art, people and culture—in a part of the world where he feels right at home. "I settled in Bali because of the people and the acceptance and the willingness of people wanting to do what my vision was," he says.

Desa Seni's philosophy of working with its community and being a completely green hotel is what makes it so unique, Tom says. His team collected 23 original antique houses from various parts of the country and relocated the entire structures to the resort, where they were restored and refurbished. Many of the resort's offerings—including yoga classes, an organic farmers' market and a swimming pool—are all open to local residents.

Tom says the fact that his resort has been embraced by the local community and travelers alike is evidence that when you follow your heart, success will follow. "That dream, that vision—can it really happen when it's out of true honesty, out of your integrity and your values and morals?" he asks. "Absolutely."