
Best Luxury Hotels in Bali
Beautiful Bali – a destination synonymous with far-reaching rice fields, laid-back beach bars and dramatic rainforest-covered landscapes. A paradise setting where the barefoot way of life does not compromise the luxury offering. From treehouses in the sky to beachfront hotels, two things remain the same – the service is outstanding and the views are unparalleled. Chic, modern restaurants, day clubs and bars sit comfortably alongside traditional temples and a rich culture. The spas are some of the best in the world and the shopping may warrant some extra hold luggage. Elizabeth Gilbert famously fell in love with Bali during her ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ era, now it’s your turn.
Here are our favourite 5 star and luxury hotels to stay at on the island.
Bali, Seminyak
The Samaya Seminyak Bali
(5 stars)Meaning “inner sanctum of well-being”, this hotel’s name gives a clue as to what lies in store if you stay here. It’s on the same beach as the Anantara, but a quieter stretch and has two restaurants; Breeze, with indoor and outdoor seating on its lantern-lit deck, and the Brasserie for Balinese food. Afternoon tea is included in your room price, as are cultural activities, yoga classes and 24-hour butler service. Your villa will come with its own pool and a four-poster bed — larger villas in the Royal Courtyard area have additional outdoor daybeds with gazebos and gardens.
Bali, Uluwatu
Jumeirah Bali
(5 stars)Modelled on a Javanese-Hindu water palace, this villa-only resort places a strong focus on wellness, with organic farm-to-table cuisine, personalised moon-based programmes and a traditional hammam. The hotel grounds incorporate historic Majapahit ruins, a pavilion kids’ club, fountains, a sunset pool lounge and a dining terrace. The outdoor area is enormous, with a sweeping pool area butting right up to the beach and lapping sea. Guests here are lavished with Arabian-Balinese hospitality, a personal butler service and luxury airport transfers. This is a place to reconnect with yourself, enjoy being pampered, immerse in a little history and take a bespoke wellness journey surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Bali, Nusa Dua
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
(5 stars)Surrounded by lush gardens beside a white sandy beach, with seven lagoon-style pools, this resort feels like a true oasis. The hotel in Nusa Dua has received a recent makeover, bringing it even further up to date and upping the barefoot luxury stakes. Rooms all come with around-the-clock butler service and some have direct access to the lagoon. And guests can book alfresco massages on the plush poolside cabanas. Dine on Western and pan-Asian cuisine at Banyubiru, fresh seafood at the ocean-side Arwana, lighter meals at the poolside Kul Kul Bar, with signature cocktails mixed at the Cascade and Sapphire Lagoon bars.
Bali, Seminyak
W Bali – Seminyak
(5 stars)A huge stone W is set between a row of swaying palms and the white sandy shores of the beach, marking the spot for this trendy seaside hotel. Taking a cue from the local area, its centrepiece layered pool has been inspired by a rice field. Rooms come with terrazzo bathtubs, robes and 350-thread-count cotton linens, with villas adding private pools. Be sure to party at the outdoor Woobar accompanied by the sounds of resident DJs. And do brunch at Starfish Bloo’s; an epic and famous buffet spread featuring a BBQ smokehouse, a ceviche bar, a sushi and sashimi station, and oyster shucking stations, as well as mountains of puds.
Bali, Nusa Dua
Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa
(5 stars)Exclusive and secluded, this all-villa resort provides private accommodations, each with its own walled garden framed by banana plants, a pool and dedicated butler service. It caters to an adult-only clientele, with a spa, two restaurants, an alfresco waterside bar and beach access. Kayumanis Nusa Dua has a wealth of options for those wishing to pick up skills or try something new while on holiday; take a dance class, go scuba diving, join in with water aerobics and play tennis. Or just kick back, do nothing and allow the staff to wait on you as you sip cocktails in paradise.
