Offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious amenities, Bali is a popular travel destination for holidaymakers from around the world.
Known as the Island of the Gods, its pristine beaches, lush green forests, and picturesque rice terraces make Bali an ideal place to unwind, relax, and recharge.
There are countless resorts scattered throughout the island, each offering a unique experience and catering to different types of travellers.
In this article, we have handpicked 20 of the best Bali resorts you can stay at that are sure to provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience, no matter what your preferences or budget.
From intimate boutique hotels to deluxe five-star properties, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to discover the best Bali resorts to stay at for your next holiday.
Where is Bali?
Bali is an island province of Indonesia. It lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Sitting roughly 8 degrees south of the equator, it covers an area of 5,780 km². The island is home to around 4.3 million people, many of whom live in the capital of Denpasar, making it the most populous province in Indonesia outside of Java.
What is Bali known for?
Bali is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. It is also famous for its vibrant culture, which is evident in its traditional dance performances, ancient temples, and local markets.
Additionally, Bali is synonymous with luxurious accommodations, which range from private villas with ocean views to five-star resorts with world-class amenities. The island is also highly regarded for its traditional cuisine, which combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with unique spices and flavours to create dishes that are both delicious and unique.
As a travel destination, Bali has something for everyone. So, regardless of whether your idea of a perfect holiday is a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-packed trip filled with culture and outdoor activities, Bali has well and truly got you covered.
How To Get To Bali
Getting to Bali is relatively easy, as the island is well-connected to major cities around the world.
The primary gateway to Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in the southern part of the island near the capital city of Denpasar. The airport serves many international airlines, including major carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates, as well as low-cost airlines such as AirAsia and Jetstar.
Visitors can also travel to Bali by sea, with several ferry services operating between Bali and neighbouring islands such as Java and Lombok. Additionally, Bali is accessible by road, with buses and private cars available for hire from major cities in Java, such as Jakarta and Surabaya. Once you arrive in Bali, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or private car to reach your final destination on the island.
Best Resorts in Bali
Bali is home to some of the most luxurious and breathtaking resorts in the world, each offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly resort, or a wellness retreat, Bali’s resorts provide an ideal spot for some R&R.
Here are 20 of the best Bali resorts you should stay at on your next holiday there:
The Edge Bali
Nestled atop the highest cliffside in Uluwatu, The Edge Bali is a plush all-villa resort that offers unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
The resort’s crown jewel is its premier five-bedroom villa, aptly named The View, which is equipped with an infinity pool that overlooks the stunning surroundings. It also has a wine cellar and private cinema.
Additionally, the resort’s Oneeighty beach club has a fantastic glass-bottom pool which seems to float above the ocean, providing guests with an unforgettable experience.
With its exceptional amenities, stunning location, and unmatched service, The Edge Bali is undoubtedly one of the best resorts in Bali, perfect for those seeking a truly luxurious and memorable holiday experience.
Bulgari Resort & Spa
Bulgari Resort, situated in Uluwatu, is a stylish and sophisticated retreat that exudes luxury from every corner.
The resort’s theme is all-charcoal, which creates a unique and striking aesthetic. It also provides guests with access to a private beach, while Balinese-style pool villas provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Bulgari Resort is also home to Il Ristorante, an acclaimed restaurant helmed by Luca Fantin, an Italian-born Michelin-starred chef.
The restaurant offers contemporary twists on traditional Italian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients to create delectable dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Sofitel Nusa Dua
The Sofitel Nusa Dua is a lavish resort in Bali’s family-friendly Nusa Dua area, that caters to families seeking a memorable holiday experience. With a whopping 415 rooms available, there is ample space for the whole clan to enjoy.
The resort’s kids pool, complete with water slides and fountains, provides endless hours of
entertainment for young guests, while the kids club offers a range of engaging activities such as crafts, baking, and yoga.
Adults are not left out, with the resort boasting a swim-up pool bar and pampering facilities for both parents and children.
Alila Manggis
Nestled on Bali’s tranquil East Coast, Alila Manggis offers guests an understated yet luxurious retreat for guests to enjoy.
The resort’s subtle touches create a refined and serene atmosphere, from its stunning swimming pool to its landscaped grounds and beachfront bar.
Guests can also indulge in spa treatments by the ocean and savour top-notch Balinese and Indonesian gastronomy. Alila Manggis has also recently launched specific yoga retreats, further enhancing the resort’s focus on wellness and relaxation.
Katamama Hotel
Katamama, a luxury hotel placed within Seminyak’s wonderfully named Desa Potato Head village, is a unique and exquisite retreat that truly captures the essence of its surroundings.
The hotel has been curated entirely with the location in mind, utilising Indonesian artisans to create a strong sense of place throughout.
From the textiles and contemporary artworks to the custom-made furniture and hand-pressed bricks that line the facade, every aspect of Katamama has been thoughtfully crafted using locally sourced materials. The result is a stunning and authentic experience that celebrates Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Como Shambhala
Como Shambhala, a highly acclaimed resort in Bali, is renowned for its comprehensive wellness programs that cater to mind, body, and soul.
This popular retreat is a favourite of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, who appreciate its luxurious amenities and focus on holistic wellness.
Overlooking the lush jungle landscape of Ubud, the resort’s pool bungalows offer a serene escape, while healing therapies like hydrotherapy, Ayurveda, restorative skincare, raw cuisine and massage are designed to nourish guests from the inside to their out.
Hotel Indigo
A trendy and modern resort located in the heart of Seminyak, Hotel Indigo is designed with millennial travellers in mind.
This chic and stylish hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Balinese artwork
and details, creating a unique and authentic atmosphere.
One of the resort’s standout features is SugarSand, a newly opened pool club that offers guests the ultimate in dining, sunbathing, and entertainment experiences.
Four Seasons Sayan
Nestled in the heart of Ubud’s verdant jungle and rice paddies resides the tranquil oasis that is the Four Seasons Sayan.
A luxurious resort, it offers a range of culturally inspired experiences, including Balinese culinary classes, guided walks through nearby villages, and trips to hidden ancient temples, which take place in a vintage, convertible VW.
The resort’s bamboo yoga shala also provides the perfect setting for a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga practice, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
W Bali
Situated within the trendy Petitenget area, W Bali boasts one of Bali’s most magnificent entrances and a stunning pool that exudes glamour and sophistication.
The resort’s attention to detail is impeccable, with sleek design elements and a vibrant atmosphere throughout. Beach ambassadors are always available to provide towels and assistance, while the 24-hour concierge ensures that guests have everything they need to enjoy their stay.
With lively bars and impeccable service, W Bali is the perfect destination for those looking for a chic and stylish retreat in the heart of Bali.
Capella Ubud
At Capella Ubud, an opulent jungle glampsite, renowned designer Bill Bensley masterfully transforms clutter into a cool and chic aesthetic.
The colonial-inspired tents are adorned with unique and intricate details such as stretched-batik ceilings, copper baths, and plunge pools. Each of them is themed, and even everyday objects like Balinese baking pans and vintage cameras are displayed as unexpected works of art.
This makes Capella Ubud the ultimate destination for those seeking an unparalleled glamping experience that seamlessly blends luxury and adventure.
The Slow
A boutique stay in Canggu, The Slow, is a destination that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
With only 12 rooms, the hotel provides an intimate atmosphere for guests to immerse themselves in. Its brunch-style breakfast and open-air dining options also provide a calming environment to start the day.
Additionally, the hotel offers wellness tonics, an inspiring art collection, and a playlist that sets the
mood for a truly peaceful stay. The Slow is also in close proximity to yoga spaces, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and recharge.
Como Uma Canggu
For those seeking a bohemian, yet luxurious experience in Bali, Como Uma Canggu offers a perfect blend of both.
Located in the trendy surf town of Canggu, this sister property to Como Shambhala features a laid-back beach club, yoga and pilates classes, and a TRX-style fitness studio.
Their penthouses offer private pools, and the on-site Glow eatery serves healthy salads and smoothies for those on the go.
Amankila
Amankila, a luxurious resort on Bali’s eastern coast, is a stunning gem with a breathtaking three-level pool perched on stilts to maximize the panoramic sea vistas.
The resort offers 34 suites with private pools overlooking lush gardens or the ocean. Guests can escape the pressures of their daily life by indulging in luxurious spa treatments while gazing at the majestic Mt. Agung in the distance.
Rimba Jimbaran Bali By Ayana
Rimba Jimbaran is an ideal destination for those who want to experience Bali’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Situated in Jimbaran, the enormous family-friendly resort offers sprawling tropical gardens, numerous swimming pools, and a staggering 403 rooms.
It also has plenty of on-site amenities, including Balinese-style afternoon tea in the glasshouse-like Orchid Lounge and traditional Mexican dishes at Unique, which offers stunning rooftop views as you dine.
Ayana Resort & Spa
Perched on a cliffside in Jimbaran, Ayana is renowned for its iconic Rock Bar and boasts a collection of three properties with 775 rooms and 12 stunning swimming pools.
Occupying 90 hectares of land, a shuttle service is available to transport guests between the stunning cliff-top Kubu Beach Club and the spa’s incredible Thallassotherapy pool, which overlooks the ocean.
Fairmont Sanur
The Fairmont is an exquisite resort with 120 rooms located on the serene Sanur beachfront. It offers a tranquil retreat with its spacious private pool villas and peaceful gardens for guests to enjoy.
Should you wish to stay here, you can savour the mesmerising sunrises and relish some of the best seafood you can get on the island. Additionally, the resort provides bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding area.
Four Seasons Jimbaran
Four Seasons Jimbaran is a top-rated all-villa resort, featuring a breathtaking beachfront infinity pool and a prime location in one of Bali’s most authentic areas.
The resort is situated close to bustling markets and a charming fishing village, making it easy for guests to explore and discover some of the best seafood on the island.
Komune Bali
Komune Bali in Bali’s east is a must-visit for anyone who loves the ocean. This laid-back resort has everything that surfers and water enthusiasts could wish for, including access to a world-class swell all year round, a trio of swimming pools, and deluxe villas and suites.
In addition to surfing, Komune Bali offers fitness, yoga, and bespoke health retreats. Guests can also indulge in tasty vegan and raw food while enjoying the resort’s stunning ocean views.
Karma Kandara
The all-villa Karma Kandara in Uluwatu is renowned for its Karma Beach Club, which can be reached via a private inclinator.
The resort offers one of the most breathtaking views in Bali, with every corner of the property featuring stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can enjoy the pool, indulge in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the restaurant, and rejuvenate at the treatment rooms, all while surrounded by the vivid blues and greens of the sea.
Alila Uluwatu Villas
Alila Uluwatu Villas is a resort that exudes an intimate and modern atmosphere, with its villas discreetly arranged to give you the feeling of staying at a friend’s mansion instead of a hotel.
The resort features an infinity pool that seemingly hovers at the edge of the cliff, yoga classes held each morning in the gravity-defying yoga shala, and a restaurant that serves a fusion of local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Conclusion
Bali has no shortage of breathtaking resorts, each with their unique style and offerings.
Whether you’re seeking a glamorous pool experience, a peaceful sanctuary in lush gardens, or a surfing paradise, Bali has it all.
From luxurious cliffside villas to beachfront infinity pools and jungle glampsites, there’s something for every type of traveller.
The 20 Bali resorts outlined above offer exceptional service, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences that make for an unforgettable stay on this magical island. Whichever one you choose, it is sure to leave you refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.