Are you planning a holiday to Bali, Indonesia, but aren't sure where to stay? Look no further! In this article, we'll look at some of Bali's best hotels, which guarantee an unforgettable stay for those seeking elegance, comfort, and excellent service. From spectacular beach views to lush tropical settings, these hotels provide the ideal balance of relaxation and excitement for your next holiday.
Bali's greatest hotels have something for everyone, whether you want to unwind at a spa or participate in adventurous outdoor activities. Prepare to go on a tour of the island's most prominent and sought-after hotels.
Raffles Bali
The property is situated on the Bukit Peninsula. It views out over Jimbaran Bay and southern Bali and is surrounded on one side by a steep, heavily overgrown valley, adding to the sensation of isolation and serenity. The property, located 20 minutes from the airport, features a quiet beach.
Raffles Bali exudes a rich sense of calm and tranquilly, thanks in large part to the resort's ample area. The 32 contemporary Balinese-style pool villas are situated on 57 acres (23 hectares) of land, which boasts a wonderful ocean view and is adorned with lush tropical plants.
The expansive ocean-facing villas, which come in a variety of sizes and have one or two bedrooms, are private oasis furnished with batik fabrics, rattan furniture and Indonesian hardwood flooring. Each is set inside a groomed garden and leads onto an alfresco dining area and infinity pool, with a sun deck on one side and a plush-cushioned gazebo on the other.
Each villa has a walk-through dressing space, a work desk and a wide bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a large bathtub. The minibar contains imported liquor and an espresso machine.
Prior to arrival, guests are assigned their own butler, who ensures that their preferences are met. The butler, the guest's primary point of contact throughout their stay at Raffles, is available to make any necessary plans and reservations, as well as to transport guests about the resort by buggy.
The amenities include a beachfront infinity pool, two restaurants, Raffles' distinctive Writers' Bar and library, a spa, meditation terrace, fitness facility, yoga room, gift shop and two tennis courts. A modest limestone cave on the site is utilised for meditation and intimate dining.
A lunch at Raffles Bali is incentive enough to plan a journey to Indonesia. Rumari's cuisine (designated as the country's first Krug Ambassade) celebrates traditional Indonesian gastronomy with a contemporary twist; every course is a work of beauty, from the beef rendang curry to the babi guling (roast suckling pig) and red snapper ceviche. The Sunday brunches are magnificent and not to be missed.
Breakfast (included in the rate) is available in-villa or at Rumari, where the menu includes fresh pressed juices, an incredible assortment of teas, cheeses, and charcuterie, as well as organic eggs, tuna poke, and lobster omelette.
Hoshinoya Bali
Hoshinoya Bali was deliberately planned to stand between trees along the edge of the densely jungled Pakerisan River valley; it offers stunning views across the treetops, which are visited by a variety of birds. While it feels like a world apart from city life, the resort is a lovely 20-minute drive from Ubud.
This is a tranquil, simple, and authentically Japanese house that blends seamlessly with the lush surroundings. Birdsong pours over the tree canopy, and the sound of running water is constantly nearby, as the home is centrally located on an irrigation channel that is part of Bali's Unesco-recognised subak system.
Unlike most resorts, the facility lacks a focal centre pool. Instead, each house opens onto one of three canal-like swimming pools that, despite their length of 230 feet (70 metres), have been artistically arranged to enhance calm and privacy. The stilted gazebos hidden amid treetops are breathtaking.
Guests may experience the island's culture firsthand with daily classes such as producing batik prints and temple offerings, as well as learning Balinese dancing. The library is reasonably well-stocked, and there are numerous peaceful areas on the campus where you can read.
The spa, surrounded by jungle, provides a tranquil environment for massage. There are free transfers to Ubud for those who want to explore. The personnel is attentive but discreet, and the service is great.
The three villa types range in size rather than level of luxury (the smallest is around four times the size of a typical London flat).
All are identical in style and feature a separate living room that overlooks a lengthy pool. Shoji doors define the natural-light-filled interiors, while hand-printed batiks and stunning hand-carved wooden panels add a particular Balinese touch to the villas. The bed is a futon, which is typical of Japanese design.
Meals at Hoshinoyo Bali are a fantastic experience, not only for the food, but also for the setting. The nine-course supper served in a café gazebo is a must-see, followed by the picnic breakfast served in the same gazebo.
Meals, like the rest of the hotel, combine Japanese and Balinese elements; classics include ayam betutu (a Balinese favourite) and wagyu beef, as well as sushi and sandwiches.
Alila Seminyak
Located on Seminyak's beach, this Alila property's suites, swimming pools, restaurant and beach bar all provide visitors with unobstructed ocean views. While Seminyak is a major tourist destination, the stretch of beach that this hotel surrounds is peaceful, with no beach umbrellas or sunbeds in sight.
The hotel is conveniently located near the stores and restaurants that Seminyak is renowned and adored for, and it is around 45 minutes from the airport.
Alila Seminyak's spacious spaces and unbroken ocean view provide a sophisticated tropical lifestyle. The resort's modern design is dominated by powerful horizontal and vertical lines, which are balanced by huge horizontal planes - think rim-flow swimming pools, glass roofs, and verdant lawns - and softened by dishevelled palm trees and shimmering green curtains of hanging plants.
Alila Seminyak's business approach is based on a commitment to social, cultural, and environmental responsibility, and this fashionable facility operates with zero waste to landfill.
The spacious, simple rooms at Alila Seminyak mirror the resort's modern style. The ocean view, seen through wide glass doors that lead onto a tiny patio, is the focal point of the space, and the dark wood wall panels and seamless walls and ceiling ensure that nothing detracts from it.
The bathroom, which spans almost the entire length of the room, is concealed behind a sliding screen artfully fashioned to resemble stylised bamboo, and the shower provides breathtaking views of the beach.
Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay
It has a beautiful location at the end of Jimbaran Bay, a relatively quiet coastal hamlet famed for its silvery-gold sands and magnificent BBQ seafood shacks. There isn't much more nearby, but Seminyak's boutiques and bars are only a 30-minute taxi trip away.
The 147-villa complex, which cascades down the hillside, was built to resemble a native Balinese hamlet, although a very sophisticated one complete with swimming pools and sun loungers.
The volcanic stone edifice fits nicely into the vibrant tropical gardens; curving stone walks lead to emerald lawns and thatch-roofed pavilions that look out to sea; and a magnificent infinity pool overlooks the beach. All extremely intimate yet still feeling very much a part of this lovely little town.
Everything about the hotel appears to be in fantastic working order thanks to the wonderfully pleasant, welcoming staff.
The laid-back atmosphere makes it an appealing fly-and-flop destination, but there is also a wide range of thoughtful complimentary and paid-for activities to choose from, such as morning meditation overlooking the ocean, half a dozen different yoga classes (try the fantastic nighttime fire yoga), Balinese dance performances, and fascinating temple tours.
Sundara Beach Club offers water-based activities such as water-biking, stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and a surf school. Whatever you do, don't miss the magnificent Spa Village, one of the island's finest spas. The menu includes a variety of exquisite treatments like as Balinese massages, pearl and jasmine scrubs, and rose-scented ila facials, as well as an intriguing selection of holistic options such as three-hour chakra-opening rituals, emotional healing, and psychic readings.
High lava-stone walls adorned with hibiscus, jasmine, and frangipani conceal sprawling homes. Rooms are brilliant white and cream, with exquisite Balinese art, romantic netted beds, and glass doors that lead onto private pools. Bathrooms are spacious, with double sinks, indoor and outdoor showers, and stand-alone tubs large enough for two. Nod off to a natural lullaby of crashing waves in the Indian Ocean, chirping cicadas, and beeping gekkos, accompanied with a frog call baseline.
Breakfast, served in the open-air pavilion till 11 a.m., is a feast of rainbow-colored tropical fruit, fresh yoghurts, freshly baked pastries, health drinks, eggs, and Indonesian nasi. The Pool Terrace Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, and satay throughout the day.
Amandari
Amandari, located on a hillside surrounded by rice farms and coconut palms, is only a 15-minute drive from the town core but feels worlds away from the hustle. While there isn't much within walking distance, the complimentary shuttle allows you to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, or the Traditional Art Market whenever you want.
Amandari was designed to resemble a traditional Balinese village, although a highly polished one. Serene gardens with lotus ponds, thatched-roof houses, and carved-stone figures draped in colourful cloths give visitors a flavour of the authentic local style. Indigenous building materials and artwork from Bali and throughout the Indonesian archipelago contribute to a distinct sense of location.
A considerable percentage of the staff has been with Amandari since its inception in 1989, and some are even second generation. The staff's loyalty and passion are evident in their attention to detail and service; it's as if they're welcome you into their own house.
That enthusiasm is also visible in the care taken to exhibit the grounds and facilities. In addition to its iconic infinity pool, there's a tennis court and a dazzling gym, as well as a tranquil spa with treatment rooms with open-air waterfalls that induce trance-like states of relaxation. The spa menu highlights Aman's ultra-luxe skincare line, which includes materials like precious stones and rare plant extracts.
Soaring thatched roof ceilings rise above the slick marble floors of the 30 polished suites, which have outdoor spas and flower-filled patios with sunloungers. Some offer hand-painted beds, valley views, and private jade-green pools.
Billecart-Salmon champagne and Unakaffe espresso machines are among the well-stocked minibars, which also offer complementary jars of freshly baked cookies that are simply too good to pass up.
Little amenities like a chilled poolside water carafe, a cutting board with limes and an ice bucket that is constantly full (without asking) are what make this a hotel worth five stars.
The open-air restaurant is decorated with immaculate white tablecloths, candles, and traditional Balinese gamelan music playing in the background. The Balinese feasting menu (with 24 hours notice) offers a taste of everything, including local specialties like babi guling pig, spicy sambal sauces, and exotic fruits. You'll also find rack of lamb, barramundi fillet, and vegetarian options including a Mexican-inspired quinoa bowl.
The à la carte breakfast menu includes salmon or pig eggs Benedict, local options like black rice porridge with homemade coconut cream and healthy options like almond and avocado quinoa or hemp seed muesli, which are all ample. One major culinary perk: the freshly baked Balinese chocolate brownie served upon departure is one of the best things you'll ever eat.
Wapa di Ume Sidemen
Sidemen has the sense of Ubud from 20 years ago. As people begin to discover this lonely and wonderfully charming mountain community, a smattering of art galleries and basic warung restaurants have sprouted up.
When it was opened, it quickly became a vital part of the hamlet; simply step outside the front gates and you're there. You'll need a car to get here (a driver is preferable given the local roads), but the resort provides free bikes for travelling around once you arrive.
This superbly built boutique hideaway blends in into the rich paddy-clad hillside, incorporating traditional materials wherever possible. Roofs resemble those seen on traditional Balinese buildings in a resort where aesthetics have been carefully considered and budgeted for.
Balinese art, native stone, and hardwoods are used throughout the public spaces, and the lobby's water-fringed sunken seating adds to the sumptuous atmosphere.
The local workers have a genuine love for the village and resort, which shows in their insider advice and eagerness that you not only enjoy your stay but also tell others about it. The two-tier infinity pool is a standout, offering panoramic views of the rice farms. The Kapha Spa provides traditional Balinese goods made from locally obtained ingredients, while the Yoga Pavilion offers free classes every day under its stunning sweeping roof.
All accommodation categories are well-designed and aim to make the most of the surroundings, which includes views of the rich terraces and the green mountain peaks. All are also fairly spacious. Natural light, quiet, light tones, and beautiful artworks obtained locally brighten the interiors. The one-bedroom Pool Villa has a decent-sized swimming pool with an integrated lounger sinking into it.
The Sleeping Gajah restaurant seats 70 people, yet the service is still personal, and the views of the Unda River keep it from feeling too crowded. The menu includes a few Western alternatives as well as a range of Balinese delicacies, including suckling pig, a local speciality, and rice dishes flavoured with various sambal accompaniments.
The Legian Bali
The Legian is located on Seminyak Beach, which features a long stretch of sandy shore and gently curving waves. The location belies its status as a bustling Seminyak port, yet the village, with its eclectic mix of bars, cafés, restaurants, and stores, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, and the resort feels like it's in a peaceful and exclusive corner of Bali. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 9 miles (15 km) distant.
Enter a sophisticated retreat with dark timbers, natural fibres, white walls, plenty of fresh flowers, and intriguing Balinese artworks. Outside, gardens with grassy lawns, bubbling fountains, banana palms, and birds of paradise surround a tantalisingly crystalline, three-tiered swimming pool that stretches to the beachfront.
The public spaces are spacious and airy, with plenty of room to enjoy afternoon tea, a sunset cocktail, or curl up with a book. The entire aesthetic is sophisticated and ageless, with a voguish beach mood and understated Balinese charm.
There are already numerous options for a beachside hotel near town, but if you want to explore the area, you may ride the hotel's bicycles for free or rent Vespas for 200,000 Indian Rupiah (£11) per day. On-site amenities include a boutique shop, a health centre, and a luxury spa with a sauna, steam room, plunge pools, and treatment rooms. Yoga sessions are free from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and afternoon tea is also free from 4 to 6 p.m. Staff are really helpful, professional, and kind, and anticipate your needs before you do.
There are 67 suites (Studio Suites, Deluxe Suites, Two-Bedroom Suites and Specialty Suites), a three-bedroom Beach House and 14 private villas with pools in The Club at The Legian Bali, which is located across the road. The understated Balinese décor continues throughout, with dark-wood-on-white colour palettes, wickerwork sofas, and parquet flooring accented by original artwork and modern technology.
All suites offer private, ocean-facing balconies (with stunning views of the Indian Ocean), huge televisions, Nespresso machines, complimentary minibars (restocked daily), and Bose sound systems with iPod pre-loaded. Large marble-clad bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, kimonos, slippers, and Acqua di Parma products.
Menus at The Restaurant are based on traditional Indonesian and French traditions and change daily depending on what is available in the local market. Expect vibrant, imaginative dishes like white fish and young coconut carpaccio with lemon, basil, chilli, and lime, as well as entrees like chicken baked in bamboo with red rice. Desserts were a standout, with options such as passionfruit and white chocolate souffle, as well as a variety of delectable sorbets and tropical fruit. Healthy detox smoothies and booster drinks are highly recommended.
Soori Bali
Soori has a tranquil beachfront setting away from the masses, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to get away from it all. It's about half an hour up the coast from Canggu's chic cafés and boutique boutiques. As you approach closer to Soori, these are replaced with rice paddies, quaint villages, and peaceful beaches. The famed Tanah Lot temple is a 20-minute drive away, while Ubud takes about two and a half hours by car.
The Hotel was created by renowned owner-architect Soo K Chan, who leads SCDA Architects (clients include Park Hyatt Maldives, W Hotel Seminyak, and Four Seasons Lijiang).
The property's sophisticated, contemporary Asian architecture produces a relaxing ambiance, and the design features expanses of horizontal lines - generally black or dark grey - as well as natural textures and stone and water elements. The gardens have been planted to promote the flow of cool air through the resort, and pools scattered across the property add to the tranquilly.
Each villa has its own outdoor lounge/dining space and private pool, but there is also a shared beachside pool for guests to use. The resort features two restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and a lovely spa that provides acupuncture, meditation, and massages, among other services. Guests who want to discover more of Bali can take advantage of the hotel's different excursion packages.
The service is unobtrusive yet superb, allowing guests to feel well-cared for while still enjoying their privacy. Guests have their personal butler who is there to assist them with any needs they may have during their stay.
The big, sophisticated villas exude tranquilly and provide an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Each has their own pool, living area, gazebo, dressing room and enormous bathroom with a large bathtub, rain shower and outdoor shower.
The Beach Pool Villas are the typical offering, and because they face a lawn and the beach, they provide less seclusion; individuals seeking complete privacy and an uninterrupted sea view would prefer the Ocean Pool Villas. The Mountain Pool Villas are particularly unique, these huge apartments overlook rice farms and the interior hills of Bali.
Soori also features individual houses of varying sizes, each with its own kitchen, lounge, gym, and massage area. The largest is the 10-bedroom house, where Kim Kardashian once stayed.
Soori Bali operates two restaurants. Ombak, an open-air, sea-facing bar/lounge with a Western-inspired menu, is open in the late afternoons and evenings, while the neighbouring Cotta restaurant is open from breakfast to supper and serves Asian-inspired cuisine. Meals are cooked using products primarily gathered from Soori Bali's gardens and local markets. Both restaurants serve relatively small portions, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy a three-course meal.
Conclusion
Our favorite Hotels in Bali all provide a blend of comfort and hospitality that captures the essence of this breathtaking island. Whether guests want relaxation or aventure, it is important to chose a hotel to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences from relaxing spa days to bike tours. Importantly, Bali's hotel sector has options to a variety of budgets, ensuring that all guests can find accommodations that meet their ideal spending.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit?
Between May and August when the weather is most settled.
What is the rainy season in Bali?
Bali's rainy season runs from October to April
What do I need to do before arriving in Bali?
You'll be required to complete an e-customs declaration for arrival. You can complete this within 3 days of departure to Indonesia.
Do you need vaccines to go to Bali?
No. There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Bali
What plug is used in Bali?
Bali uses Type C and Type F Power Plugs