The top 10 best places to stay in Bali

Beautifully carved temples, floral offerings and the scent of incense are all reminders of why the Indonesian island of Bali is often referred to as "the island of the gods". Despite the picture-postcard images of tropical beaches that Bali may conjure up for some, the island offers much more than that, with temples, ancient dance rituals and lush green rice paddies to discover.

It's a destination of contrasts made for lovers of nature, culture and swimming. Enjoy a relaxing break in a place that's just right for you! Follow our Top 10 of the most beautiful places to stay in Bali, to find the one that suits you best!

© Cocos.Bounty / Shutterstock

Jumana Bali ungasan resort, Uluwatu

Located on the southern tip of Bali, not far from the famous temple of Uluwatu, Jumana Bali Ungasan (formerly owned by Banyan Tree) overlooks a golden sandy beach and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean more than 70 metres above sea level. The 73 luxury villas offer breathtaking sea views and all have a deep pool, outdoor whirlpool bath and retractable picture windows to feel at one with nature.

©Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort managed by Hilton/Booking.com

The interior decor is a harmonious blend of Balinese accents and modern Asian touches, with carefully placed sculptures and statuettes. The property boasts several fine restaurants, but the highlight is the in-villa barbecue prepared by a personal chef. And for the ultimate in relaxation, don't miss the world-renowned spa.

© Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort managed by Hilton/Booking.com
Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort managed by Hilton Bali
Booking.com

Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort managed by Hilton

5-star resort with villas and private pools
8.9 Superb
From
£416 / night
Book

Own Villa Bali, Canggu

Discover a one-of-a-kind hotel nestled in lush tropical vegetation. This enchanting location is ideal for memorable Instagram photos, with six charming bungalows, a swimming pool and a private terrace for your relaxation. You can even enjoy poolside massages for the ultimate relaxation experience.

© Own Villa Bali/Booking.com

This heavenly spot is just 15 minutes from Semyniak and Canggu, making it easy for you to explore the surrounding places of interest. It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway - you're sure to fall in love all over again!

© Own Villa Bali/ Booking.com
Own Villa Bali Bali
Booking.com

Own Villa Bali

Villa in the heart of tropical vegetation
From
£250
Book

Bulgari Resort Bali, Uluwatu

Set atop a 150-metre cliff plunging into the Indian Ocean, the Bvlgari Resort Bali is a jewel of a hotel. The private beach, accessed by an inclined lift, is perfect for long walks and has an exclusive beach club. The 59 individual villas, each with an outdoor pavilion, terrace and private pool, offer an unforgettable stay experience, with breathtaking ocean views from the frontline villas.

© Bulgari Resort Bali/Booking.com

The natural elements are sublimated in each villa, with gleaming Indonesian wood floors, carefully masoned natural lava walls and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that hint at lush tropical plants.

© Bulgari Resort Bali/Booking.com
Bulgari Resort Bali Bali
Booking.com

Bulgari Resort Bali

Hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean
9.7 Exceptional
From
£1,700 / night
Book

Six senses, Uluwatu

Six Senses Uluwatu Resort, perched on the cliffs of Pecatu, is an oasis of serenity with breathtaking ocean views. The 103 suites and villas, all inspired by Balinese architecture, blend perfectly into their natural surroundings. The Six Senses spa offers a range of specialist treatments, while guests can relax in one of the resort's pools or take part in a complimentary morning yoga session.

© Six Senses Uluwatu/Booking.com

The resort also offers three restaurants, a cookery school, an organic garden and a farm for a complete and authentic Bali experience.

© Six Senses Uluwatu/Booking.com
Six Senses Uluwatu Bali
Booking.com

Six Senses Uluwatu

Hotel with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean
8.2 Very good
From
£808 / night
Book

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Alila Villas Uluwatu is an oasis nestled in the heart of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Majestically overlooking the Indian Ocean, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding limestone cliffs.

©Alila Villas Uluwatu/Booking.com

Designed in a traditional yet modern style, the hotel's architecture blends perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape. The spacious rooms, with their refined design, offer a comfortable space in which to relax and enjoy the panoramic views.

©Alila Villas Uluwatu/Booking.com
Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali
Booking.com

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Hotel located 15 minutes by car from Jimbaran bay
9 Fabulous
From
£1,100 / night
Book

Hotel Tugu Bali, Canggu

Crossing the threshold of the Hotel Tugu Bali, you are instantly transported to the Indonesia of yesteryear. The lobby, with its subdued lighting, is an imposing carved wooden pagoda, in reality a 150-year-old sacred ceremony hall, which has been transported here piece by piece from a village in central Bali.

© Alila Villas Uluwatu/Booking.com

This is just one example of the thousands of ancient treasures that the owner, the country's foremost collector of Indonesian antiquities, has gathered together to preserve Indonesia's almost forgotten cultures (Tugu means 'monument'). Rooms are housed in a variety of villas, many of which are Javanese wooden houses, each with its own unique character (for example, the Rejang Suite, located on the upper floors of a Javanese house). The hotel is located on Batu Bolong beach in Canggu.

© Alila Villas Uluwatu/Booking.com
Hotel Tugu Bali - CHSE Certified Bali
Booking.com

Hotel Tugu Bali - CHSE Certified

Hotel with a superb view
8.7 Superb
From
£320 / night
Book

COMO Shambhala Estate

Christina Ong is credited with introducing the COMO brand to a 23-acre estate in Bali. This sophisticated wellness retreat offers Hindu water blessings and chakra healers, as well as modern facilities such as a sauna, steam room and infinity pool. The estate, perched on rolling hills above the Ayung River, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.

© COMO Shambhala Estate - CHSE certified/Booking.com

The five residences are designed to merge East and West and comprise 30 suites, each with its own pool. The stand-alone villas also have private pools and the one-bedroom retreat villas have their own treatment rooms. For two decades, this five-star retreat has been a destination of choice for luxury travellers looking to escape stress and find spiritual development.

© COMO Shambhala Estate - CHSE/Booking.com
COMO Shambhala Estate - CHSE Certified Bali
Booking.com

COMO Shambhala Estate - CHSE Certified

Hotel located in the village of Begawan
9.7 Exceptional
From
£667 / night
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Tanah Gajah,Ubud

It's incredible to think that the sprawling hotel is located just a ten-minute drive from the increasingly crowded tourist town of Ubud - once there, you feel like you're on a private estate secluded from civilisation. The hotel is close to the ninth-century Goa Gajah Elephant Cave, and in honour of this sacred temple, elephant statues line the walkway to the open-plan reception area.

© Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana/Booking.com

The resort was once the family home of Hendra Hadiprana, a prominent art collector and one of Indonesia's most important architects, and the hotel bears witness to its past with elaborate sculptures in the lobby. The large pool and long, green-tiled pool, surrounded by a row of sun loungers and parasols, is a reference to Balinese water palaces. The open-air dining pavilion, with its thatched roof and view over the rice fields where the rice served on the menu is grown, is perfect for discreet lunches or special occasion dinners. The resort is also known for its successful interpretation of the Indonesian Rijsttafel, a feast of nine rice dishes accompanied by spicy sambals. Finally, relaxing on triangular cushions while picnicking in the property's lush green grassy field is a pleasure we particularly enjoyed.

© Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana/Booking.com
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana Bali
Booking.com

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana

Hotel 3km from the centre of Ubud
9.5 Exceptional
From
£528 / night
Book

The Legian, Seminyak

The prestigious Legian Bali, a five-star luxury hotel, is popular with many loyal guests. Although the architecture of Hendra Hadiprana may appear stark and old-fashioned from the outside, it reveals elegant treasures inside, with teak antiques, parquet floors and captivating works of art, carefully arranged by interior designer Jaya Ibrahim.

© The Legian Seminyak, Bali/Booking.com

Nestled on the seafront, the resort boasts a breathtaking multi-level swimming pool and rolling gardens adorned with tropical flowers. The 67 sumptuous suites feature huge marble bathrooms with sinks, bathtubs and showers for two, as well as Acqua di Parma toiletries.

© The Legian Seminyak, Bali/ Booking.com
The Legian Seminyak, Bali Bali
Booking.com

The Legian Seminyak, Bali

Hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean
9.5 Exceptional
From
£550 / night
Book

The St Regis Bali Resort, Nusa Dua

The St. Regis Bali Resort is a seaside haven that will delight the most discerning traveller. The property is located in Nusa Dusa, a popular resort enclave offering a relaxed ambience for a hassle-free holiday. The 123 sumptuous suites and villas feature handcrafted Balinese art, spacious balconies and marble bathrooms, offering unparalleled spacious luxury.

© The St. Regis Bali Resort/Booking.com

Accommodations have access to tranquil lagoons as well as a private St. Regis butler. On site, guests can enjoy award-winning restaurants, bars, the Remède spa, a fitness centre and a children's learning centre.

©The St. Regis Bali Resort/Booking.com
The St. Regis Bali Resort Bali
Booking.com

The St. Regis Bali Resort

Hotel located in front of Nusa Dua beach
9.5 Exceptional
From
£698 / night
Book
by Jude JONES
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