TravelHotels

Best Hotels in Bali: Could These 10 Hidden Paradises Ruin All Other Vacations?

Best Hotels in Bali

With some 4,300 options, finding the best hotels in Bali is like trying to pick a favorite star in the Milky Way. On this island where every coconut tree seems to pose for a postcard, even the most modest Bali bungalows offer views and designs that would make Pinterest jealous. Picture this: bungalows crafted from bamboo and volcanic rock, perched on cliffs in Uluwatu or nestled in the jungles around Ubud—yes, it’s a thing.

Sure, the coast from Seminyak to Kuta is lined with swanky beach retreats, but only a few of these hidey-holes truly stand out. Whether it’s jaw-dropping settings, service that feels like a warm hug, or amenities you didn’t know you needed, these spots have it all. We’ve sifted through the classics and scoped out the newbies to bring you the best hotels in Bali. Ready to discover the 10 hidden paradises that might just ruin all your other vacations? Spoiler: they’re worth it.

Best Hotels in Bali: Why Pererenan’s New “Further” is the Ultimate Escape for the Smart and Stylish

best hotels in Bali

With Canggu now bursting at the seams like a suitcase stuffed with too many sarongs, the savvy crowd is migrating to Pererenan, the next best thing on Bali’s western coast. Once a sleepy village, Pererenan is now where the cool kids go to escape the chaos while still enjoying the charm of Bali’s yesteryears. Enter Further, a fresh face among the best hotels in Bali, where terra-cotta-toned buildings blend into rice paddies and turmeric-colored temples—think Canggu circa 30 years ago.

This “diffused hotel” isn’t just a place to crash; it’s a lifestyle. Spread across two chic buildings on Pererenan’s main drag, Further is a creative playground. From an Aussie surfboard shop to a Jakarta-based skincare boutique, it’s got everything a modern traveler needs to stay fabulous. And let’s not forget the tropical-Parisian bistro, perfect for sundowners and sambal-slathered steak tartare.

Upstairs, almost a dozen suites channel traditional Balinese vibes with burnt sienna walls, breezy brickwork, and cast-iron furnishings. If that doesn’t scream the best hotels in Bali, what does? With record players spinning jazzy tunes and picnic-basket breakfasts delivered to your door, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with Canggu. On an island full of cookie-cutter stays, Further is a breath of fresh air among the best hotels in Bali.

Rates start from around £180 per night.

Raffles Bali: Where Luxury Meets the Cliffside—And Yes, It’s as Fabulous as It Sounds

best hotels in Bali

Perched majestically on the cliff face of Jimbaran Bay, just a breezy 25 minutes from the airport, Raffles Bali is the epitome of opulence among the best hotels in Bali. This 32-villa-only sanctuary is designed with one goal in mind: to make you forget the world exists. Every corner of this property offers an unobstructed ocean view, ensuring peace, privacy, and a healthy dose of awe at nature’s beauty.

best hotels in Bali

The villas are a cool escape, with soaring ceilings, polished mahogany floors, and views so dreamy they’ll have you contemplating permanent residence. Each villa boasts its own private pool, but if you’re feeling social, the 25-meter beachfront infinity pool is ready to dazzle you. For peak relaxation, book yourself into The Sanctuary, an open-air spa pavilion where the only thing that interrupts your zen is the sound of tropical birds and rolling waves.

Dining at Raffles Bali is an experience in itself. Executive Chef Gaetan Biezus, aka Chef G, crafts menus that are 80% locally sourced. Rumari, perched at the top of the hotel, offers a culinary journey through Bali with views to match. For fresh seafood, Loloan Beach Bar and Grill at sea level has you covered. And don’t miss The Writer’s Bar—easily one of the best hotels in Bali spots to sip a Bali sling while soaking in the sunset.

Rates start from about £934 per night.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Nirjhara: Where Eco-Chic Meets Quiet Luxury Among Bali’s Best Hotels

best hotels in Bali

Opened in 2021 after nearly 25 years of the Tran family dreaming big, Nirjhara is where sustainable luxury takes root—literally. Nestled among lush rice fields, dense forests, and a striking volcanic-sand beach, this eco-lodge is a standout among the best hotels in Bali. With just 25 villas, Nirjhara is the epitome of exclusivity, blending Balinese charm—think wall-less rooms and recycled wood—with a modern, masculine edge of exposed concrete.

best hotels in Bali

Couples can savor sweeping views of rice paddies, jungle, or the ocean’s sunset from the freestanding tubs on the teal decks of the famous Canopy ‘treehouse’ suites. For those with a brood in tow, the two-bedroom villas offer plenty of space to spread out, complete with an outdoor bathtub, private pool, river views, and even palm trees popping through the terrace.

Luxury here whispers rather than shouts. Guests lounge by the infinity pool carved into rock, gazing at a cascading natural waterfall. The dining experience at Nirjhara is as farm-to-table as it gets—95% of ingredients are plucked fresh from the hotel’s own garden or sourced from local farms. Each dish is a masterpiece, adorned with vibrant flowers that are as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy. Whether cycling through nearby rice fields or indulging in spiritual spa treatments, this is one of the best hotels in Bali to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.

Rates start from about £235 per night.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

The Laguna Bali: Where Tranquility Meets Luxury in Bali’s Best-Kept Secret

best hotels in Bali

If you’re yearning to escape the island’s never-ending party scene, look no further than The Laguna Bali, a true gem among the best hotels in Bali. Nestled in Nusa Dua, this resort offers a serene retreat that’s perfect for couples and families seeking a peaceful paradise. Fresh from a two-year revamp, the 287 newly designed rooms exude modern elegance, while the 19 suites and 11 villas redefine spacious luxury.

Each villa features a grand bedroom and living area that open onto a private pool and garden, complete with a canopy nook for those Instagram-worthy moments. Family travelers will appreciate the bathroom that leads to an outdoor massage and shower area—because why should kids have all the fun with mini dressing gowns and slippers?

best hotels in Bali

The Arwana restaurant is the crown jewel of this resort, earning its award-winning status with tender beef ribs, pan-seared scallops in chimichurri sauce, and steaks that’ll make you rethink your favorite cut. Enjoy these culinary delights al fresco, under the moonlight, with organic mosquito repellent on standby—because even the bugs deserve a taste of luxury.

Don’t miss the Thursday events, featuring traditional fire dancing and food blessing rituals on the open-air terrace. With all this and more, The Laguna Bali stands tall among the best hotels in Bali, proving that sometimes the best getaway is one where tranquility reigns supreme.

Rates start from about £223 per night.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Book Your Stay: MakeMyTrip

COMO Uma Ubud: Bali’s Best Kept Secret for Wellness and Whimsy

best hotels in Bali

Escape the hustle and bustle of Ubud town and find serenity at COMO Uma Ubud, a true contender for the best hotels in Bali. This haven is a masterclass in tranquility, built around COMO Hotels’ signature wellness ethos. Meander through palm-lined paths and settle into a luxe villa tucked away in a tropical paradise. Expect four-poster beds draped in linen, thatched roofs, and private plunge pools with views over the stunning Tjampuhan Valley. It’s like living in a postcard, only with better amenities and no need to pose for photos.

best hotels in Bali

Start your day with sunrise yoga at the central pavilion, followed by an Australian-style breakfast beside a koi pond that will have you wondering if breakfast can always be this zen. For those craving adventure, the hotel’s complimentary shuttles will whisk you into town to explore temples, while the hotel’s team can arrange everything from bike rides through rice paddies to river rafting on the Ayung River and hikes to Mount Batur.

After a day of exploring, return to the fauna-fringed pool for some sun-soaked relaxation or unwind with a deep tissue massage at the serene Shambhala Retreat spa. Come evening, head to the Raw Bar for Indonesian and pan-Asian classics or savor Mediterranean fare at Uma Cucina, Ubud’s popular Italian spot. COMO Uma Ubud truly deserves its spot among the best hotels in Bali—for peace, play, and unforgettable eats.

Rates start from about £262 per night.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Book Your Stay: MakeMyTrip

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape: The Best Hotels in Bali for Nature Lovers and Luxury Seekers

best hotels in Bali

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in a real-life jungle paradise without having to deal with pesky walls and doors, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape might just be the best hotel in Bali for you. Picture this: you roll out of bed and find yourself gazing at the lush Buahan Valley, only separated from it by a delicate gauzy curtain. The air is a heady mix of damp jungle freshness and a touch of frangipani—basically, it smells like tropical dreams.

This gem of a resort features just 16 exclusive villas and a swanky two-story central pavilion. From the pavilion, you’ll find an infinity pool that seems to float right into the valley. And here’s a fun fact: before opening, the Banyan Tree group conducted a five-year study to make sure their hotel wouldn’t mess with the local social, agricultural, and cultural vibes. So, when you stay here, you’re not just vacationing; you’re diving deep into the authentic Balinese experience.

best hotels in Bali

The villas offer unparalleled views of Bali’s verdant jungles and terraced rice fields, and The Open Kitchen sources nearly every ingredient from within an hour of the lobby—talk about farm-to-fork. For those who want their Bali experience with a side of luxury and minimal roughing it, Buahan stands tall among the best hotels in Bali.

Rates start from about £680 per night.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Book Your Stay: TripAdvisor

Bulgari Resort Bali: The Pinnacle of Luxury Among the Best Hotels in Bali

best hotels in Bali

Perched precariously on a cliff at Bali’s southern tip, Bulgari Resort Bali is the epitome of opulence, and not just because it’s named after a brand renowned for diamonds. Imagine an Italian cliffside village, but with a Balinese twist: 59 stunning villas, each sporting a plunge pool and gardens bursting with bougainvillea, blend sharp Italian design with local materials like mossy volcanic rock and Javanese mahogany.

Navigating this luxe haven feels like stepping into a mini Italian paradise, with cobblestone paths winding between villas, top-notch dining at chef Luca Fantin’s Il Ristorante, and all-day indulgence at Sangkar. The frangipani-fringed infinity pool offers a view that’s almost as breathtaking as the steep descent to the rocky beach below—reachable via an Inclinator that’s more roller-coaster than elevator.

Sure, the area isn’t brimming with attractions beyond the stunning Uluwatu Temple, but when you’re staying at one of the best hotels in Bali with rates starting at about £1,231 per night, why would you need to leave? Embrace every luxe minute at Bulgari Bali, where your biggest dilemma will be deciding whether to lounge by the pool or peruse the exclusive Bulgari boutique.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Book Your Stay: MakeMyTrip

The Slow, Canggu: Where Cool Meets Class in the Best Hotels in Bali

best hotels in Bali

Welcome to The Slow, Canggu—where the essence of this trendsetting area is distilled into a 12-room oasis of cool. Imagine if art, music, and interior design had a baby and named it “The Slow.” Designed by fashion maestro George Gorrow and his wife Cisco, this hotel is a masterclass in blending brutalist concrete with tropical teak wood and mid-century modern flair. And let’s not forget the jealousy-inducing art collection from Gorrow’s talented friends—because why just hang out when you can hang out with style?

Downstairs, the restaurant serves up a menu that’s as effortlessly stylish as its surroundings. The caramelised half chicken with Sichuan salt and fermented chili mayo is practically a local delicacy in the “Best Hotels in Bali” taste-off. And for a side of retail therapy, check out the boutique stocked with Gorrow’s Non-Type label tees and Cisco’s elegant ceramic-and-wood tableware.

With rates starting at £159 per night, The Slow isn’t just one of the best hotels in Bali—it’s the place to be if you want to stay ahead of the trend curve. Embrace the slow life and make every moment look and taste as good as it feels!

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Capella Ubud: A Whimsical Wonderland Among the Best Hotels in Bali

best hotels in Bali

If you’ve ever dreamt of camping in style while indulging in a touch of eccentricity, Capella Ubud is your fantasy come true. Designed by the quirky genius Bill Bensley, this luxe tented camp is like a Victorian explorer’s fever dream, only with a modern twist and zero risk of malaria. Nestled just 20 minutes north of Ubud, this glamorous jungle retreat offers 22 one-bedroom suites that redefine “glamping” with their sprawling outdoor decks, private plunge pools, and enough whimsical touches to make even a circus tent look minimalistic.

best hotels in Bali

At Capella Ubud, the reception desk and fitness center are each ensconced in their own tent, while the décor features Bensley’s signature clash of ikat pillows, vintage trunks, and cowhide sofas. Expect peek-a-boo windows in the showers and brass monkeys hanging out on the roof—because who doesn’t love a little monkey business with their morning shower?

When hunger strikes, dive into Indonesian omakase at Api Jiwa or munch on lobster wontons and crab tacos at Mads Lange. And as night falls, gather around the campfire for marshmallows, hot cocoa, and vintage Indonesian flicks. With rates starting at £980 per night, Capella Ubud is a top contender for the best hotels in Bali, blending luxury with just the right amount of whimsy.

Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Book Your Stay: Expedia

Amankila: A Majestic Escape Among the Best Hotels in Bali

best hotels in Bali

If you think you’ve seen it all, wait until you lay eyes on Amankila. This gem on Bali’s tranquil east coast, designed by the legendary Ed Tuttle, has been enchanting guests for over 30 years. But don’t let its age fool you—walking into the hilltop lobby still gives you goosebumps. The view here is like something out of a dream: three travertine pools cascading down like Bali’s own rice terraces, all leading to the wild waves of the Lombok Strait below. Picture blush-pink bougainvillea and swaying palms, with a battalion of sarong-clad staff serving up satay skewers and passionfruit daiquiris. It’s like living in a postcard.

best hotels in Bali

The villas, connected by elevated walkways through the jungle, are spacious, indulgent abodes with creamy terrazzo floors, vaulted alang-alang ceilings, and furniture adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays. But resist the temptation to spend all day lounging by the two stunning pools—one perched dramatically on the hillside and the other at the beach club below. An early wake-up call is worth it for a sunrise breakfast in a secret hilltop balé and a snorkeling adventure on the resort’s private outrigger.

With rates starting at £1,152 per night, Amankila easily earns its spot among the best hotels in Bali. It’s the perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and just a touch of adventure.

Book Your Stay: MakeMyTrip

Book Your Stay: Mr & Mrs Smith

Happy Reading!

Shares:

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *