From the pristine white sands adorning Jimbaran Bay to the lush rice paddies of Ubud, it’s little wonder Bali is affectionately referred to as the Island of Gods.
Whether you are craving luxury, romance or wanting an island getaway while on a budget, this part of Indonesia definitely has you covered. The only question left is: where to stay in Bali?
I see you watching me, watching you…this is how you’ll feel once you’re floating in a rooftop pool, gazing over Bali’s vibrant streets. All of this and more is possible at The ONE Legian. Although only 15 minutes from vibrant Kuta, The ONE is certain to keep you so entertained you’ll probably never want to venture out of the front door.
With 299 rooms and a stellar mix of services and facilities, this is THE kind of place to let your hair down. If you’re celebrating a hens do, bucks party, or simply want to unleash your inner wild side, why not head to one of the Sky Pool Parties. These raucous soirees take place three times a week where you can make use of BBQ facilities, dance the night away to urban tunes from the resident DJ, and find love for a night.
If this all sounds a little much, head to The ONE Movie Night at Rooftop, which showcases box office hits four nights a week from 7pm -10pm. Recline on one of the day beds and munch into a hefty portion of free popcorn. Then retreat to your New Urban DESIGN concept room, which comes with a king-sized bed and luxury toiletries.
After your night of frivolity with the mates, roll back into bed at nearby Anemalou Villas & Spa. Luxurious in style, but super chilled in vibe, Anemalou boasts a mix of one- and two-bedroom villas.
If you’re wanting to escape the crowds for the day and recharge before night number two on the town, take a dip in your very own pool or simply lounge in your private gazebo. Rooms are tasteful in design, pairing splashes of contemporary lilac alongside more local touches.
Bali is a reliable destination for cheap, decent tucker, but if you’d rather cook up a storm at home, the villas also feature super well-equipped kitchens. Now all that’s left to organise is the 12-pack of Bintang beer and you’re sorted for the night!
For muscles that are just that touch too tired after a night of dancing, head to in-house Violette Spa. Various treatments are available which all draw natural plants, herbs, and botanical products to create a healing and peaceful experience from start to finish.
If choosing a hotel was a little like musical chairs, you would certainly hope the music stopped once you arrived at Poh Manis Lembongan. Situated on the Lembongan Island, just a short 30-minute ferry trip from the mainland, Poh Manis is where to stay in Bali for those seeking a touch of respite. Oh and did we forget to mention it’s pretty well-priced too?
Boutique in size, yet grand in style, you’re certain to get bang for your buck at Poh Manis. The seven air-conditioned bungalows feature four-poster beds, high thatched ceilings, and glass sliding doors which open to stunning rainforest views. The furnished balconies mean your afternoon ritual of lounging with champagne is sorted.
Gorge on Western and Indonesian dishes at the in-house restaurant, Ceningan, and then burn off all those carbs in the sparkling outdoor infinity pool. Since you’ve been able to save a couple of pennies on accommodation, why not splurge for the afternoon and book a heavenly massage treatment at the hotel’s spa?
A little like that fairytale castle we all imagined when we were young, poised on a cliff-face above crashing waves, Banyan Tree brings out our inner-child fantasy – albeit in a very luxurious sense! Positioned on Bali’s southernmost tip and within easy reach of the revered Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, Banyan Tree Ungasan firmly puts the L in luxury!
In the afternoon, sip a signature Banyan tree cocktail, float in the dramatic infinity pool, and bask in the panoramic views of the sparkling Indian ocean. Could things get any more luxurious? At Banyan Tree, indeed yes! Each of the villas blend a neutral palette of stone, timber, and marble, reflecting Balinese architecture and design at its best. The bedroom features gluttonous red, black, and white linen, and opens out onto steps that flow into your very own 10-metre infinity pool.
To ensure a dreamy slumber, a pillow selection service is available, and to create a touch of ambiance make use of the sophisticated BOSE stereo system.
If you came to Bali with the intent of experiencing full luxury, a treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa goes without saying. Adopting a philosophy of physical, mental, and spiritual harmony, the spa indulges guests with a range of ‘high-touch, low-tech’ Asian healing therapies.
When it comes to the contest for luxury accommodation, Jamahal Private Resort & Spa is clearly a gold medalist. This adults-only boutique guest house is all too familiar with winning luxury awards, and it’s easy to see why this is where to stay in Bali! Eight garden and pool villas are available, which each boast high airy ceilings, glass sliding doors, and carefully selected antiques which add an elegant local touch. As night falls, feel like a king on your dreamy four-poster bed, draped in luxury linen.
Located in Jimbaran Bay, the resort is within easy reach of the vibrant beach restaurants and cafes. If you’d rather have your tucker a little closer to home, the in-house restaurant certainly won’t disappoint. Vegetables are sourced from the Highland Gardens near Bedugul, and all fruit and freshly caught fish come from local markets.
For a sprinkling of relaxation, head to Jamahal Spa. Feel like a new you with one of the many treatments on offer that use high-quality, organic ingredients from NENEQ. Think hot stone massages, facial peels, and body masks – divine!
If you’d rather soak up some sun and sand, the resort boasts its very own enclosed beach club, which is just a five-minute walk from the resort and offers sun lounges, umbrellas, and light refreshments.
The Kayumanis hotel group has certainly made a name for itself when it comes to luxury accommodation in Bali, and Jimbaran Private Estate & Spa is no exception to this. Although just a short walk from lively Fisherman’s Beach in Jimbaran Bay, Kayumanis feels like an isolated oasis where luxury is key. When you arrive, be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail and chilled towel, before being ushered to your very own private villa.
Both one bedroom and group villas are available, but all seamlessly pair optimal comfort with aesthetic appeal to ensure a decadent stay. A palette of black and white is offset by patterned throws and cushions, while glass sliding doors open onto your very own private timber terrace and swimming pool.
If you want to take things even more slowly, recline in the outdoor bath, listen to some of your favourite tunes from the BOSE entertainment system, and make use of the 24h butler service. Hello perfection!
In the afternoon, channel a touch of English refinement with the high tea assortment of sandwiches and sweet morsels served in either the in-house restaurant or directly to your villa. As night falls, embrace Indonesian fare at Kayumanis Resto Jimbarin, where Chef Oka brings inspiration from his grandmother’s cooking and showcases Indonesia’s rich cuisine.
Ever thought you could frolic in a breathtaking 33-metre lap pool, positioned in the middle of a tropical rainforest? At Komaneka at Bisma, this romantic fantasy becomes an even more romantic reality. Set on the hillside of the Campuhan River Valley, yet only a ten-minute walk from Ubud’s main street, this is THE kind of place to unwind with your special someone.
Built in 2008, the 32 rooms and villas echo a sophisticated and contemporary design. For some much needed R&R, go for the one-bedroom pool villa, which comes with a king-sized bed, an ‘oh-so-indulgent’ bathroom, and as the name would suggest, a private 12 x 2.5-metre swimming pool all to yourself!
With all of this luxury, you’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave your villa. But please do! Every morning, kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast which is served in the rooftop restaurant. Then treat your partner to some pure indulgence at Komaneka’s Wana Jiwa Spa.
The spa is named after its location and its wisdom, with Wana meaning forest, and Jiwa translating to ‘soul’. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit in this sanctuary of healing with one of the many treatments including oil massages and body wraps. Hello bliss!
This is where to stay in Bali if romance is on the cards. With a name like Amori Villa, it couldn’t get any more obvious what this place is about. Dreamy-eyed lovebirds will be smitten with this secluded boutique retreat, snuggled in the green hills of Ubud. Owned by two Australians who split their time between Bali and Perth, guests are guaranteed a personalised stay from start to finish.
The seven villas and suites are dotted throughout the jungle, with each reflecting unique architectural characteristics. Feel like a Class-A celebrity in the marble indoor/outdoor bathroom with free-stranding tub, and settle in for the evening on your king-sized bed topped with an American KingCoil pillow-top mattress – need we say more?
Wake up to an American, Asian, or health lovers breakfast, or better yet, take one of the cooking classes with your partner and prepare your own specialty together! If you’re feeling guilty about gorging on a few too many carbs, burn them off in the spectacular 14-metre infinity pool, and experience exercise at its best. If you’d like to soak up some of Ubud’s charm, a free-shuttle service takes guests into the town centre in ten minutes.