Oh, we love Bali so much. We’d love to live there. But since we can’t, we asked our resident writer for the luxury hotels around the island that offer the best Bali experience — with a sense of place, adventure and opulence. Read on, and start planning your next trip to Southeast Asia’s favourite Eden. T+L Tip: It’ll be hard to choose just one of these stunning places to stay, so we say activate your ‘out of office’ for a while.
Simply utter the word Bali and it’s likely your mind will instantly be filled with a swirl of verdant greens and tropical blues, the paradisiacal palette embodied by the Indonesian island. Synonymous with golden sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, sculptural rice terraces, ornate temples and sparkling surf, the beloved destination is a favourite of sun-seeking travellers from every corner of the globe. As an equatorial destination with a balmy climate year-round, it holds such love in our collective consciousness that tourists flock during both the dry and rainy seasons. Fortunately, there are plenty of resorts and hotels ready to accommodate the millions who journey to Bali each year.
When seeking the perfect property for your escape to the Hindu island, consider that there are many sides—and vibes—to Bali. It’s equally known as a rejuvenating wellness retreat with yoga, meditation and spa treatments readily available, as it is a destination for thrilling, adrenaline-fueled adventures such as surfing, whitewater rafting, volcano climbs and mountain biking. There are as many places to go for peace and quiet as there are for a raucous party scene, which makes it a place everyone from families and couples to friend groups and solo travellers can and do enjoy. The many exceptional hotels in Bali, meanwhile, range from cosy pensions in the living compounds of local families to deluxe five-star resorts embedded in lush jungles, perched on clifftops and commanding oceanfronts.
When it comes to the best beachfront hotels, Amankila, Raffles Bali and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay are uber luxury, while Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa and COMO Uma Canggu cultivate community. Sustainable luxury can be found at Potato Head Suites and Alila Villas Uluwatu. For an authentic Balinese experience, there’s Amandari or Tanah Gajah. When adventure is the theme of the holiday, Capella Ubud and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, stand out for being some of the most unique and nature-immersive getaways in Bali.
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Here are 25 of the best luxury hotels in Bali for an exhilarating stay
Perhaps we should start with the accolades: No. 1 Upcountry Hotel in Indonesia in the T+L Luxury Awards 2023, and the World’s Best Awards No. 1 hotel globally in 2020, Capella Ubud is one of those beautiful Bali hotels that perfects the amalgamation of nature and adventure with luxury. Ultra-exclusive yet down-to-earth, the 22-accommodation tented camp is resplendent in Technicolor Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley’s signature flair, which means hand-selected antiques, fanciful custom furniture and evocative textiles galore. Each one has its very own pool as well.
The property sprawls and soars across a steep, lush site that dips down to the sacred Wos River and its show-stopping main pool seems to hang over the humming jungle. After camp breakfast at Mads Lange—the main restaurant with an intricately painted Balinese ceiling—mornings can be spent in a plethora of ways, say on bike rides, fitness classes, spa treatments… or planting baby trees if there’s a little one with you. Complimentary afternoon tea is served daily in the Officers Tent and s’mores are a nightly occurrence by a bonfire and movie screen. Api Jiwa is an intimate omakase experience foodies shouldn’t miss.
Attractions: Tented camp, private saltwater pools, indoor games, spa
Must-try experiences: Curated cultural tours, hikes up Batur with private guides and butler for a sunrise breakfast picnic, local village visits, Keliki wood-carving session, deep sleep therapy
Best food to try: Beef Rendang at Mads Lange
Nearby tourist spots: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 45.6 km away
By road: Puri Ubud bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 9.6 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.7/10
(Image Credit: Capella Ubud)
- Address Jl. Raya Dalem, Banjar Triwangsa Desa Keliki, Kecamatan Tegallalang, Ubud
If well-being is the goal, COMO Shambhala Estate is the place. This award-winning health-focused resort near Ubud is a five-star escape where Ayurvedic treatments, nutritious food, and a choice of outdoor activities coalesce. It’s appropriate for wellness immersions but is also a place where any type of traveller can find peace, though it’s definitely best navigated by fit types.
Tucked between two rivers, this laidback heaven is styled to reflect Indonesia’s rich culture. It would be easy to never leave, thanks in part to Kudus House, the breakfast and dinner restaurant that serves flavorful cuisine that will bring back your glow, and a robust daily schedule of activities including yoga, meditation and Pilates. Considering the healthful theme of the retreat, a visit—or several—to the spa and its talented healers should be a non-negotiable part of every stay.
Attractions: Multi-suite residences and standalone villas, a sacred spring, an extensive spa
Must-try experiences: Hikes, estate walks, Pilates
Best food to try: Sate lilit ikan at Kudus House
Nearby tourist spots: Bali Zoo, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Pura Tirta Empul
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 19.9 km way
By road: Puri Ubud bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 11.1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.5/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: COMO Shambhala Estate)
- Address Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod - Payangan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80571
The definition of paradise may very well be by this luxury hotel perched atop spectacular cliffs on the southern coast of Bali, where turquoise waves lap at the rocks below. The property prides itself on its uncommon design, which is in large part in service to sustainability. Low structures with heat-absorbing roofs live in harmony with the surrounding environment and each of the standalone pool villas offers unique vistas.
Even beyond those spacious, sleek accommodations, there is a supreme sense of privacy to be found, even around the showpiece infinity pool whose long edge melds into the brilliant blue ocean. For its relatively intimate room count, there are plenty of culinary options, which include The Warung for authentic, mouthwatering Indonesian and Balinese food, and Sunset Cabana Bar, where cocktails are mind-blowing both in ingenious flavour combinations and also gorgeous presentation.
Attractions: Private pools, spa, Sustainability Lab
Must-try experiences: Learn to cook local flavours taught by the in-house chef, Balinese cultural dances and performances, yoga classes
Best food to try: Soft shell crab curry at The Warung
Nearby tourist spots: Uluwatu Temple, Suluban Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 16.8 km away
By road: Garuda Wisnu Kencana bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 7.4 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: Alila Villas Uluwatu)
- Address Jl Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia, 80364
Dense tropical gardens welcome guests to this restorative Aman idyll ranked among the best hotels in Bali that is particularly well known for its impeccable service. Ideal for both grand and intimate celebrations, this picturesque resort makes a lovely backdrop for dreamy tropical events. In keeping with the high standard of hospitality, guests are assigned a personal butler to help with virtually any task in and around their expansive villas, each with a large private pool.
This is an especially attractive destination for golfers, being nearby one of Asia’s best courses, where hotel guests get priority reservations. But spa lovers are also treated thanks to a comprehensive spa menu of scrubs, body wraps, massages and facials. All dining experiences are private with totally customised market-fresh menus and are served across a slew of Edenic settings on the property.
Attractions: Private beach club, access to Bali National Golf Club, spa
Must-try experiences: Sailing adventure aboard Amandira yacht, snorkelling, surfing, cooking class
Best food to try: Coconut husk barbecue grilled seafood
Nearby tourist spots: Geger Beach, Pacifika Museum, Geger Temple
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 15.1 km away
By road: Bualu 2 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 6 km away
User Ratings:
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Makemytrip: 4.5/5
Google: 4.6/5
(Image Credit: www.aman.com)
Set on Bali’s serene eastern coast, above a dramatic black-sand beach, this property is beyond picturesque with bougainvillaea and frangipani—and a three-tiered pool—tumbling down the cliffside. Architecturally it’s dotted with an elegant, European-tinged take on Balinese beach villas that use local materials and glamorous seaside details—think the mother of pearl—and boast generous terraces, ocean views and private pools.
Luscious views make for photo ops around every turn, and that includes the beach where special dinners can be set up and also a special hillside bale for sunrise breakfasts in view of stunning Mount Agung. There are opportunities to sail a traditional outrigger in Lombok Strait, take in a massage in a beach bale with waves crashing beneath you, try a cooking class, and savour a romantic destination dinner of Western or Balinese specialties.
Attractions: Three-tier infinity pool, black-sand beach, beach club, spa
Must-try experiences: Volcano-view breakfast picnic, Laughter Yoga classes, snorkelling, beach massage
Best food to try: Adam bakar taliwang
Nearby tourist spots: Goa Lawah Temple, Ujung Water Palace
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 59 km way
By road: Public Safety Centre bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 38.1 km away
User Ratings:
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Makemytrip: 4.5/5
Google: 4.6/5
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address P.O. Box 33, Manggis, 80871 Candidasa, Indonesia
This serene haven just outside bustling Ubud is a retreat for quiet reflection and understated elegance. It offers an authentic Balinese experience from the design, modelled after a traditional village, to the vistas of rice paddies, the shapes of which are echoed by the infinity-edge swimming pool. The intimate villa count, some with private pools and all with beautiful bed canopies, also reflects Aman’s brand of sophisticated luxury.
Offerings very much give interested guests an immersion into the arts and cultural traditions of the island, while the spa offers wellness therapies that are directly inspired by them as well. While there is just one restaurant and one bar, the resort’s diverse Western and Indonesian menus plus private dining opportunities—using locally sourced ingredients and produce from Amandari’s organic garden—ensure there is plenty to savour throughout every stay.
Attractions: Curved swimming pool, Balinese natural healing therapies
Must-try experiences: Temple tours, treks, local healers, art classes
Best food to try: Babi guling
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 34.4 km away
By road: Puri Ubud bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 5.7 km away
User Ratings:
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Makemytrip: 4.5/5
Google: 4.6/5
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Kedewatan, Ubud, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia
Though it’s a relative newcomer among resorts in Bali, this graceful property with grand grounds and an incredibly exclusive number of standalone villas has made its mark, already ranking among the best. Set on what’s essentially a private beach in Jimbaran Bay, the Raffles makes every guest feel like the only one, thanks in part to excellent and wonderfully detailed well-being butler service and the plethora of special-feeling spaces to hide away.
From every perch, the panoramas are striking, including from each of the sophisticated pool villas and the spa bales. Unsurprisingly for the Raffles brand, the food and beverage programs—which include the fine-dining Rumari Restaurant that takes diners on a true journey—elevate an already fantastic experience. Book some of the Balinese healers or wellness experiences for a transformative trip.
Attractions: Beachfront, customised well-being retreats, private butlers
Best drink to try: Midnight Affair cocktail
Nearby tourist spots: Jimbaran Beach seafood barbecue, Pura Ulun Siwi
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 9.1 km away
By road: Udayana 5 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 3.1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.7/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera 1A, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali , Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
Tucked between rice paddies is this lush jewel of Indonesian art and culture. Calm and beautifully curated, it’s considered by those in the know to be one of the best boutique resorts in Bali. There are only 20 villas spread across five hectares, and each comes with a private butler and many of them have pools, too, not to mention intricate decor and original art.
There are active pursuits such as bicycles to ride around and tennis courts to play on, but the property’s art gallery, holds a spectacular private collection of Balinese paintings by collector Hendra Hadiprana (the resort is situated on his former private estate, after all), is unmissable. The hotel also offers a hot-air balloon experience that soars far above and beyond standard Ubud tourist fare.
Attractions: Kecak dance performance, original Balinese artworks from Hendra Hadiprana’s collection
Must-try experiences: Hot-air ballooning, indigenous cooking class, five-course romantic dinner overlooking rice paddy fields, Jungle Buggy Adventure
Best food to try: Beef Noodles at The Tempayan
Nearby tourist spots: Besakih Great Temple, Pura Tirta Empul
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 38.2 km away
By road: Public Safety Centre bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 1.5 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.6/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Goa Gajah BR, Tengkulak Kaja Kauh, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80571
This opulent five-star resort cascades down a cliff-front into a massive central pool area, including a super fun kids’ section (think waterslides and plunge buckets), that stretches all the way to the lengthy Nusa Dua beachfront. The overall theme seems to be decadence, and it leaves a lasting impression. From the 475 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, many with their own private pools or access to lagoon pools, to the wedding-ready chapels and even a one-of-a-kind aquatic dining experience, Koral Restaurant, it’s a property that is out to wow.
Apurva Kempinski Bali is one of the best hotels for over-the-top events but it’s also well-suited to a romantic getaway or family escape since it is large enough to have offerings—and breathing room—for everyone. There are plentiful F&B outlets spanning Japanese izakaya, hot pot, and what’s dubbed Bali’s best brunch, as well as a vast luxury spa and modern fitness centre.
Attractions: Private plunge pools, Conference and Ballrooms, aquarium restaurant
Must-try experiences: Indigenous spa treatments, rooftop bar
Best food to try: Wagyu steak at Koral
Nearby tourist spots: Nusa Dua Beach, Geger Beach
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 15.6 km away
By road: Bualu 2 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 6.5 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
Making up possibly the largest footprint on Bali, and certainly the best example you’ll find of a private town on the island, AYANA Estate contains a collection of four hotels: the original AYANA Resort, featuring intricate wood carvings; AYANA Villas, for those seeking luxury and privacy; rainforest-themed RIMBA, towering in the jungle; and the brand-new AYANA Segara, a more minimalist-chic seaview spot. Fear not, there’s an efficient tram system to get around easily—try to spot the monkeys at feeding time.
AYANA guests have priority access to the famed Rock Bar, overlooking iconic Jimbaran Bay. It’s a place to recharge and reset, relax and rejuvenate in luxury with a side of wellness thanks to a truly comprehensive spa that was voted best in Indonesia in the T+L Luxury Awards 2023. The massive oceanview aquatonic water therapy pool is a workout in itself, and two of the treatment shalas are perched over the sea so that waves literally crash below your massage bed.
The resort’s many swimming pools could take days to explore, but there’s also a beach reachable by a scenic inclinator. For dining, the estate is your oyster, with dozens of restaurants and bars, many using produce from the new, organic AYANA farm, featuring permaculture and hydroponic cultivation. Kids can spend days going to camps led by Bali’s Green School or Hong Kong’s Guidepost Montessori.
Attractions: Rock Bar, AYANA Farm, ocean beach pool, Spa on the Rocks, educational day camps for toddlers through tweens
Must-try experiences: Kampoeng Bali cultural dinner theatre, Thalassotherapy Pool at the spa, sunrise yoga, sunset beach picnic
Best food to try: Orzo with lobster tail at Rock Bar
Nearby tourist spots: Jimbaran seafood market, Dreamland Beach
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 11.9 km away
By road: Udayana 5 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 6 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 8.9/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda: 8.9/810
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Karang Mas Estate, Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia, 80364
For a dramatic arrival, there’s no better place than this glamorous yet authentically Balinese–styled designer resort, which is not too big and not too small but just the right size. Currently ranked second best upcountry hotel in Indonesia in the T+L Luxury Awards, and 12th globally in the World’s Best Awards 2023, Mandapa snuggles up to the Ayung River—from your villa, you may spot rafters on occasion—and draws so much inspiration from Bali’s natural environs that even the kids’ club and Kubu restaurant are made of bamboo.
Drawing further influence from Balinese temples, the rooms and villas are plush and beyond pretty, while the handful of dining opportunities leave nothing to be desired except more stomach space—especially the Sunday brunch at Sawah Terrace, which hits all the mouth-watering Balinese and Indonesian highlights. Pool days are accompanied by cold coconuts and fresh fruit plus rice terrace views while spa visits incorporate herbal elixirs and river vistas, but there’s plenty to do offsite, too, thanks to a robust array of activities and tours.
Attractions: Villas with private gardens and pools, riverside spa, butler service, Balinese Sunday brunch
Must-try experiences: Chakra meditation, curated village tours in vintage Volkswagen convertibles, rice field visits, temple tours
Best food to try: Bebek betutu at Sawah Terrace
Nearby tourist spots: Bali Swing, Monkey Forest, John Hardy workshop
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 40.2 km away
By road: Puri Ubud bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 5.3 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.7/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.5/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80571
The Italian jewellery brand delivers a whole new level of luxury with one of the most sumptuous resorts in Bali, set atop soaring cliffs for the best views on the southern coast of the island and featuring its very own beach club—and funicular—at which to savour the secluded seas and sands. There is no question it’s a respite for elite travellers who value privacy and exclusivity.
In terms of design, traditional Bali meets refined Italy in a seamless marriage that makes for a super-posh stay. One could simply stay in the villas and residences and be happily pampered, but there is a spa to experience, shopping to do, and oh so many impeccable meals to savour. With a degustation menu full of the finest imported Italian ingredients, Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin is a stunner.
Attractions: Lavish pool villas and mansions, private beach club, five-star dining
Must-try experiences: Helicopter flights, local market visits, Kecak dance performances, Balinese cooking class
Best food to try: Spaghetti alla bottarga e burro affumicato at Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin
Nearby tourist spots: Nyang Nyang Beach, Suluban Beach, Pura Luhur Uluwatu
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 17.6 km away
By road: Ungasan bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 7.6 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.6/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address JL. Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia, 80364
The definition of luxury is this dreamy Four Seasons with iconic architecture by John Heah in the form of a floating rice bowl–inspired reflecting pool that greets you upon entry. It’s a spectacular sight that’s equalled by the generous and warm hospitality of all staff. Bonus for you adventurers: It’s possible to arrive via river rafting adventure, which—hello!—definitely one of the best ways to launch your stay in any of the hotels in Bali.
However you arrive, the rooms, suites and standalone pool villas provide a palatial setting for experiencing all of the wild nature and refined luxury the resort offers. The riverside pool is particularly Instagram-worthy, while Chef’s Table dinners at the undulating bamboo structure Sokasi are unforgettable. The resort’s fine cuisine ranges from Western to Eastern styles, all delectable. For more indulgence, there’s The Sacred River Spa, while the wellness lineup includes sessions such as aerial yoga and laughter yoga.
Attractions: Spa, bamboo yoga shala, Chef’s Table at Sokasi
Must-try experiences: Rice field visits, Batik painting workshops, private rafting, chakra spa treatments, Sacred Nap
Best food to try: Gurita Panggang at Ayung Terrace
Nearby tourist spots: Threads of Life, Ubud Centre, Tirta Empul
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 36.5 km away
By road: Monkey Forest bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 7 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 8.9/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80571
An idyllic blend of traditional village life in Bali and opulent luxury, this world-class resort voted best of all Indonesia’s beach resorts in T+L’s 2023 Luxury Awards occupies a prime location on iconic Jimbaran Bay, with a long stretch of beach and sparkling sea in front of it. The property offers plenty of engaging ways to enjoy it, from surfing lessons to water bikes, and many opportunities to learn about Balinese culture as well as the resort’s Hindu priestess and other talented team members.
Private villas and residences—all with swimming pools and lovely outdoor living spaces—are terraced à la rice paddies for enhanced views leading down to the ocean. Lush public spaces give way to open-air restaurants such as a zero-waste bar, Telu, and Sundara, the beach club. No stay is complete without a trip to the freshly revamped Healing Village Spa, with its comprehensive menu of locally inspired and state-of-the-art treatments.
Attractions: Three outdoor pools including oceanfront infinity pool, spa, beach club, kids club
Must-try experiences: Telu Sustainable Bar workshops, cultural activities, traditional cooking classes, Balinese painting class
Best food to try: Whole Jimbaran–style snapper at Sundara
Nearby tourist spots: Tanah Lot Temple, Goa Gong, Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 9.1 km away
By road: Udayana 5 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 3.2 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan , Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
Storytelling is at the heart of this new uber-luxurious resort of all-pool villas inspired by water temples, the Majapahit Empire of Indonesia, and the country’s Hindu-Javanese history. With a serene blue-and-white palette that subtly pays tribute to the Dutch and intricately detailed architecture and design the resort offers a multi-sensory experience from the moment of arrival into the grandiose entry.
Set above picturesque Dreamland Beach, the property is posed to give guests sorbet-hued sunsets—and, of course, boasts plenty of places to enjoy a well-crafted sundowner alongside it. There are multiple dining offerings, including Akasa, for Asian-inflected flame-grilled cuisine, as well as a thoughtful spa that includes Bali’s first hammam and a fun-filled kids club.
Attractions: Spa, ocean views, private swimming pools, kids club
Must-try experiences: Hammam, sound therapy, sunrise and sunset meditation, Balinese Melukat ceremony
Best food to try: Flame-grilled tuna tartare at Akasa
Nearby tourist spots: Bingin Beach, Suluban Beach, Jimbaran fish market
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 17.4 km away
By road: Ungasan 2 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 7.3 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.6/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Raya Uluwatu Pecatu Kuta Selatan Kabupaten Badung, 80361 Uluwatu, Indonesia
In the luxe-never-stops hub of resorts that is Nusa Dua, this five-star ranks among the best thanks to its 124 suites and villas resplendent with aquamarine ocean views and golden sands. Equally wonderful for couples as it is for families and special occasions, the sprawling resort with its matchless facilities and friendly service is perfect for beach lovers who want to feel the influence of Balinese culture.
Guests will hear traditional music played in the lobby and can gather to watch an amazing fire dance performance each night at sunset. Signature to The St. Regis brand, they also get 24-hour butler service, which means assistance with things like activity bookings and reservations at the restaurants, including Boneka, known for having an epic multifaceted Sunday brunch.
Attractions: Fire dance performances, villas, spa, butler service
Must-try experiences: Sunrise picnic, floating breakfast, evening outdoor cinema
Best food to try: Lobster Omelette
Nearby tourist spots: Nusa Dua Beach, Sanur
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 12.7 km away
By road: Ubung Bus Terminal is the nearest bus terminal, 25.7 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.6/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, 80363
When it debuted in mid-2022, this new, sustainable concept from Banyan Tree brought with it one of the best, most immersive ways to experience off-the-beaten-path Bali, and one of the most original examples of what next-generation luxury hotels can be. With a “no walls, no doors” concept, the retreat 40 minutes north of Ubud features just 16 open-to-nature villas, each with a private pool, hammered copper bathtub, living room and cloud-like king bed draped in a romantic curtain cocoon at night and cooled by an innovative air-flow machine. The hum of the jungle is a soundtrack to every stay.
The funicular can somewhat help guests navigate the steep terrain, but otherwise, it’s a place for active and adventurous adults (no children allowed)—and those who appreciate creative, hyper-locally sourced cuisine that celebrates plants and produce. The chef, himself from Buahan, is a passionate leader of The Open Kitchen where multi-course meals are prepared within view of seven mountains and a dramatic cantilevered swimming pool. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a zero-waste cocktail or a jam you made yourself from the permaculture garden after a hike down to the resort’s own waterfall or a deep-tissue massage in the cliffside, open-air (of course) spa suite.
Attractions: Nature, nature, nature! Besides that: private pool “villas,” lush mountain and rice paddy views, Instagram-bait pool, waterfall
Must-try experiences: Firefly conservation, hiking, biking, foraging and cooking class, jamu making
Best food to try: Seven-course tasting-menu dinner at The Open Kitchen. Breakfast is a tasting menu, too. And most of the food comes straight from the hotel’s gardens or nearby farms
Nearby tourist spots: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Nungnung Waterfall, Neka Art Museum
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 53.5 km away
By road: Puri Ubud bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 23 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.8/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 8/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jl. Banjar Selat, Buahan Kaja, Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar,, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80572
White sand and azure water, seven lagoon-style swimming pools, and expansive tropical gardens. This five-star property embraces nature but also incorporates all the plush creature comforts you’d expect of a gorgeous resort. There are no bad guest rooms, but those with lagoon access are definitely worth the splurge.
Weddings, engagements and honeymoons all make perfect sense at this luxury resort, where the beach is one of the best in Bali, and you probably want to book a romantic dinner. Kulkul Beach House has an emphasis on zero-waste dining and drinking, while Arwana features grilled seafood and dry-aged cuts. There’s a spa and tennis courts but for more adventurous types the resort offers a slew of intimate cultural tours to hidden pockets of Bali.
Attractions: Lagoon-shaped swimming pools, spa, lagoon access suites and villas
Must-try experiences: Snorkelling, blessings from Balinese healers, cultural tours
Best food to try: Babi Gulling at Banyubiru
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 34.8 km away
By road: Mody Road Bus Terminus is the nearest bus terminus, 550 metres away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, 80363
Not exactly in the mood for a peaceful Bali vacation? Let loose and focus on fun at the vibrant W Bali resort right on the beach in the centre of throbbing Seminyak. Located in the heart of the fashion, nightlife and food scenes, this is where the party is. The resort features vibrant rooms and residences, none of them exactly quiet, for folks who thrive on music, excitement and colour.
Contemporary, cool and art-filled, with a winding set of infinity pools stocked with floats, this is one of the best resorts in Bali for walkable convenience: lots of shopping, nightlife and restaurants are just steps away. But W also has two of its own dining destinations, Starfish Bloo and FIRE, the first offering a popular brunch featuring locally sourced seafood. A 24-hour spa and fitness centre speak to the round-the-clock party scene, too.
Attractions: Spa, swimming pool, gym, private pool villas
Best food to try: Tenderloin Steak at Fire
Nearby tourist spots: Masceti Temple, The Flea Market
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 13 km away
By road: Pulau Galang Barat bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 8.1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
If balancing fun with feel-good vibes is your kind of holiday, Desa Potato Head is the destination of your dreams. Evidence? This Bali institution was voted second-best of all beach hotels in Indonesia in T+L’s 2023 Luxury Awards. The nearly zero-waste property that encompasses the legendary Potato Head Beach Club, as well as Potato Head Studios, a streaming radio station, library, spa and multiple restaurants, has an inspiring motto: “Good times, do good.” That is evident throughout the experience at Potato Head Suites (formerly Katamama), a 58-room boutique hotel designed to celebrate Indonesia’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and artisan work.
The suites are indeed gorgeous and are stocked with thoughtful amenities and even a customisable bar per guests’ intentions: detox or retox. The hotel has its own fabulous swimming pool tucked amid greenery but anyone staying also has free reign of the oceanfront infinity pools by the beach. For the ambitious, there are jamu-making classes, Follow the Waste tours, Rising Sun energy activations, sustainable kids workshops and Desa workouts. For the less so, a rooftop bar for incredible cocktails at sunset and deep Balinese massages. Or stay in one of the duplex suites with your own rooftop up a spiral staircase to flex on everyone else with your private sea views.
Attractions: Rooftop and pool suites, library, swimming pool, rooftop bar, spa, co-working space
Must-try experiences: Guided mediation, group workouts, experimental music sessions, sustainability workshops, ice baths
Best food to try: Lobak at Tanaman
Nearby tourist spots: Petitenget Beach, Petitenget Temple
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 12 km away
By road: Pulau Galang Barat bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 8.1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jl. Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
Well beyond the typical tourist track, this fresh new eight-room boutique brings to light a part of west coast Bali that most don’t see, and is one of the best hotels to stay for surfing or learning to surf. It is, indeed, a place to get lost, but in the best possible way. It’s about connections, not necessarily with others—though that may happen around the gigantic communal dining table—but with self.
Snag a treehouse-ish wooden tower accommodation hidden in the green canopy and prepare for bright stars at night and quiet days spent on the long black sand beach—or surfing the waves of nearby Medewi. The property offers offbeat experiences such as beach cleanups and bonfire dinners, and the onsite restaurant is earth-consciously vegan.
Attractions: Vegan restaurant, spa, swimming pool, low-waste generation and sustainable practices, poolside bar
Must-try experiences: Surfing at sunrise, bonfires dinners on the beach, yoga, beach clean-ups
Best food to try: Coconut pancakes
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 76.3 km away
By road: Terminal Pesiapan is the nearest terminal, 43.4 km away
User Ratings:
Google.com: 5/5
(Image credit: www.thelindenberg.com)
- Address Banyar Yeh Kuning, Jl. Ngurah Rai, Pekutatan, Kec. Pekutatan, Kabupaten Jembrana, Bali 82262, Indonesia
This under-the-radar paradise in Jimbaran strives to offer its guests the very essence of Bali. It’s exclusive, with thatched-roof cottages and pool villas on its expansive grounds, and feels protected from anything touristy. The exceptional service is worth noting, especially the way staff go out of their way to make guests feel special.
Expect views for days from the ocean-view cocktail-focused Puri Bar, and opportunities to savour both Western and Indonesian food at the resort restaurants, Nelayan and Tunjung. From serene moments at the onsite temple to fragrant night market visits and gourmet cooking classes, there are sure to be zero dull moments.
Attractions: Airy cottages and villas, infinity pool, spa
Must-try experiences: Market explorations, gourmet cooking class, sunset cruise, surfing, kayaking, hiking, meditation, Tai Chi
Best food to try: Seafood grill at Nelayan
Nearby tourist spots: Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran Fish Market
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 6.2 km away
By road: Mody Road Bus Terminus is the nearest terminus, 1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Uluwatu, 80361 Jimbaran, Indonesia
The tony region of Nusa Dua, on the sunrise side of Bali, is home to many large resorts but also this wonderfully intimate one, one of the best-considered uses of space with just 20 private pool villas starting at a sprawling 300 square metres. To make life on holiday even easier, they come with 24-hour butler service, private local car transfers and breakfasts and, of course, give guests access to the verdant grounds.
Fitting for high-profile guests and those seeking privacy and romance, this beachfront property makes it easy to relax. Tetaring restaurant serves market-fresh Indonesian fare that highlights the catch of the day from the waters just beyond, and there is also an onsite spa offering beauty and body treatments inspired by Indonesian healing rituals.
Attractions: Spa, swimming pool, wedding venue
Must-try experiences: Sunrise beach breakfast, beach picnic lunch, cooking classes, market visits, cycling
Best food to try: Crispy Duck at Piasan
Nearby tourist spots: Bhagawan Garden, Bali Museum, Nusa Penida fast boat
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 11.9 km away
By road: Nusa Dua 2 bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 1.1 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
It doesn’t get closer to the sand and surf than this beachfront resort where it takes only minutes to walk from one of 119 rooms and suites to some of Bali’s best waves. The energy here is electric, especially at COMO Beach Club, where you’re in the heart of buzzing Canggu and can dine on appropriately healthfully, tasty, colourfully grid-worthy food with your green elixirs and pink Champagne on the side.
Though the accommodations are all chic and contemporary, accented by Balinese stylings, there is truly nothing else on the island like the 12 three-bedroom penthouse duplexes, which feel like spaceships and have their own rooftop swimming pools. But even when bunking in one of those, you’ll have to leave eventually. And the resort offers lots of fun to get into, including surf coaching with Tropicsurf and next-level wellness treatments at the spa, a signature of every COMO.
Attractions: Penthouses with pools, lagoon pool, private butler service
Must-try experiences: Surfing, purification ceremony at Tirta Empul, e-biking, Ubud Discovery Tour, archery class
Best food to try: Tuna sambal matah at COMO Beach Club
Nearby tourist spots: Canggu Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Tanah Lot Temple
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 21.3 km away
By road: Tiara Gatsu Utara is 7.8 km away from COMO Uma Canggu
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, Echo Beach, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia, 80361
Location, location, location is one of many things this Ubud area escape has going for it. It’s just five minutes from the downtown area but hidden away enough to feel totally secluded. The family-run resort has just 40 pool villas tucked into the emerald jungle, each with a prized view of the gleaming flora.
The sense of hospitality is famously immaculate, and the staff will happily delve into whatever interests a guest to make their experience perfect. There’s even an option for a helicopter transfer from the airport—for a pretty penny! There are free shuttles to Ubud as well, and activities include rice-field trekking, swings and Balinese dance lessons. The exercise room, squash court and spa are appealing reasons to stay onsite, as are Aperitif fine dining restaurant and CasCades Restaurant, where dishes incorporate freshly picked produce from the property’s garden.
Attractions: Spa, fitness centre, pool villas, heated infinity pool
Must-try experiences: Yoga, cooking class, romantic candle-light dinner, cycling, rice paddy trek, sunrise trekking, Balinese dance lesson, traditional kite-making lesson
Best food to try: Balinese Rijsttafel at CasCades
Nearby tourist spots: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Fields
How to reach:
By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport is the nearest airport, 40.9 km away
By road: Pura Dalem bus stop is the nearest bus stop, 2.3 km away
User Ratings:
Booking.com: 9.4
Tripadvisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: Booking.com)
- Address Jl. Lanyahan, Br. Nagi, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 80571
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(Hero and featured image credit: Booking.com)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
Related: 22 Best Things To Do In Bali — From Volcano Treks To Luxe Spa Days
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
– What are the best stay options to explore in Bali?
Bali has varied stay options. Indulge in a luxurious getaway at Capella Ubud or enjoy a spa cation at COMO Shambhala Estate.
– What are the top tourist attractions in Bali?
Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest, Bali Swing, and Bali Zoo are some of the top tourist attractions in Bali.
– What are the best things to do in Bali?
Aside from seeking wellness and relaxing in luxury, culture and Instagram overlap a lot on the Island of the Gods. To that end, swinging on the Bali Swing, trekking, and visiting temples, beaches and rice fields are some of the best things to do in Bali.
– What are the in-budget stay options in Bali?
Ubud Tropical, The Vasini Smart Boutique Hotel, Villa Pondok Massas, and Sunset Hill Cottage are some of the in-budget stay options in Bali.
– What are the most expensive stay options in Bali?
Four Seasons Bali Resort at Sayan, Bvlgari Resort Bali, and Jumeirah Bali are some of Bali’s most expensive stay options.
– Are there any luxury resorts in Bali?
Yes, Alila Villas Uluwatu, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, and Amandari are some of the luxury resorts in Bali.
– Are there any private homestay options in Bali?
Yes, loads! Odika Lovina House and Villa, Santun Homestay, and Villa Mandi Ubud are some of the many homestay options in Bali.
– What are the best foods to explore in Bali?
Indonesian and Balinese food is delicious. Nasi ayam, ayam betutu, lawar, babi guling, klepon, fish head soup, durian are some of the best foods to explore in Bali. Don’t forget the sambal!
– What are the best workcation options in Bali?
Apurva Kempinski and Potato Head Suites are some of the options for a workcation in Bali.
– What are the best hotels near the airport in Bali?
Raffles Bali, AYANA Resort, and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay are some of the best hotels closest to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpsasar).
Written By
Kathryn Romeyn
