Best hotels in Bali

Resort Capella Ubud, Bali

Tucked away in the terraced rainforest of Keliki village, Capella Ubud isn't your typical Bali resort. It is a whimsical, ultra-luxury tented camp designed by the legendary architect Bill Bensley. Instead of clearing the land, Bensley used a strict "minimal intervention" approach: not a single tree was cut down during construction, meaning you'll occasionally find actual palm trees growing right through the villa decks.

“A fanciful take on a tented camp pitched by early-19th-century spice traders. This is hotel as theater: On arrival, visitors receive a survival kit, plus a carved walking stick to help pick their way over the suspension bridges leading to 22 black canvas tents with saltwater plunge pools.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

If you've ever scrolled through Instagram and seen that jaw-dropping, slatted wooden cabana seemingly floating out over a massive ocean cliff, you're looking at Alila Villas Uluwatu. Perched 100 meters above the Indian Ocean on Bali's rugged Bukit Peninsula, this place completely rewrote the rules for eco-luxury when it opened in 2009.

“The 85-unit Alila offers gracious service in a setting where the blue of the ocean contrasts with the green of the surrounding (hotel-tended) rice fields.”

W Seminyak, Bali

If you are looking for a place where Balinese mysticism meets high-energy luxury, W Bali Seminyak is it. Designed by Singapore-based SCDA Architects, with interiors by AB Concept and Poole Associates, the resort plays with a "conceal and reveal" theme. The magic starts right at the entrance, where a stunning 500-meter long bamboo tunnel completely insulates you from the chaotic Seminyak traffic, dropping you straight into a peaceful oceanside sanctuary.

“The new rock star on the island, there’s no denying the high-octane glamour that comes with this beachfront property. It’s large by Bali standards, but exudes its own sense of cool and calm.”

AYANA Resort and Spa, Bali

Perched on a dramatic 90-hectare clifftop above Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Resort Bali is a legendary sanctuary whose name fittingly means "place of refuge" in Sanskrit. Originally opened as a Ritz-Carlton before its iconic 2009 rebranding, the estate was meticulously carved out of a wild, roadless wilderness by founder Rudy Suliawan, transforming a rugged limestone outpost into a paradise of terraced gardens and infinity pools.

“All the must-have elements of a Balinese getaway come together at one of the island’s most lauded—and lavish—properties, a cliff-top resort in the heart of upscale Jimbaran Bay.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Bali.

Four Seasons Resort Sayan, Bali

If you want to experience Bali without just staying in a generic beach hut, this place is legendary. Tucked away in the jungle near Ubud, the Four Seasons Resort Sayan completely flips the script on luxury design. It was dreamed up by London-based architect John Heah, who was remarkably only in his twenties when he designed it. Inspired by early James Bond films, he wanted to create the ultimate sense of mystery, hiding a ultra-futuristic structure right in the middle of a rugged tropical valley.

“Away from the coast, amid dense bamboo jungle and perched looking over the sacred Ayung River is this wonderful, peaceful retreat. All 42 thatched maxi-huts/villas come with a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s steamy abyss.”

Resort Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali

Perched dramatically on a 100-meter-high limestone cliff at Bali’s southernmost tip, Six Senses Uluwatu feels like a tropical dream. Opened in 2018, this 12-hectare paradise shares the same jaw-dropping ocean views and spiritual energy as the ancient, 10th-century Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple nearby.

“The open-air lobby overlooks the wind-latticed surf, while winding stone switchbacks lead past rows of white stone villas with carved wooden doors to a wide infinity pool that stretches to, well, the infinite horizon.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.

Hotel Tugu Canggu, Bali

Hotel Tugu in Canggu is basically what happens when an art museum and a luxury beach resort have a beautiful, romantic baby. Built right on Batu Bolong Beach, it was the very first hotel in the area. Instead of hiring a trendy architect, the hotel was designed entirely by its owner, Anhar Setjadibrata, and his family. They built it as a labor of love to house his mind-blowing personal collection of original Indonesian antiquities.

“Right at Batu Bolong Beach, this exquisite hotel blurs the boundaries between accommodation and a museum-gallery, especially the Walter Spies and Le Mayeur Pavilions, where memorabilia from the artists’ lives decorates the rooms.”

One Eleven Retreat Seminyak, Bali

Tucked away right in the buzzing heart of Seminyak, One Eleven Retreat acts like a secret, adults-only sanctuary. It completely flips the script on the typical bustling Bali resort by ditching shared spaces altogether—there are no communal pools or public lobbies here. Instead, the property spreads across a massive 5,000 square meters but limits itself to just nine ultra-private villas and one penthouse, ensuring total seclusion.

“One Eleven is ideal for travelers looking for a more tranquil, low-key hideaway beyond the tourist-congested beachfront. The apartment-style villas, made entirely from wood, stone and glass and outfitted with breezy outdoor pavilions and 45-foot-long private swimming pools, are the epitome of zen.”

Grand Seminyak Lifestyle Boutique Resort, Bali

If you love being right in the heart of the action, Grand Seminyak – Lifestyle Boutique Resort is a good choice. Originally built in 2008 and famously known for years as the Anantara Seminyak, this beachfront property recently underwent a massive makeover, transitioning under the Accor umbrella with a fresh, ultra-chic lifestyle identity.

“Sitting front and center on Seminyak beach, all 59 suites come with ocean views. Penthouse suites come with attached outdoor lounge space and a terrazzo bath, so you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.”

Hoshinoya Ubud, Bali

Tucked away in the dense, emerald jungles of Tampaksiring, east of Ubud, Hoshinoya Bali is a masterful blend of Japanese zen minimalism and rich Balinese spirituality. Launched in 2017 as the iconic luxury brand’s very first overseas outpost, this 30-villa sanctuary sits dramatically atop a hill that plunges 170 meters down into the sacred Pakerisan River valley.

“Luxury minimalism at its best. This is Hoshinoya’s first property outside of Japan, and the rooms are larger while the room count is smaller (30 villas total) than most of their properties. The resort was designed by Rie Azuma, who spent considerable time researching Hindu temples and traditional Balinese culture.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List

Cepik Villa Sidemen, Bali

If you are looking to escape the crowded tourist hubs and see what Bali looked like decades ago, Cepik Villa Sidemen is a total hidden gem. Tucked away in the quiet, emerald-green valley of Tabola, this intimate boutique retreat opened back in 2005 with just six rooms. It was built with a deep respect for the local community, aiming to share the untouched magic of Sidemen’s sweeping valleys and traditional way of life.

“Cepik Villa is a friendly, idyllic hideaway in lost-in-time Sidemen, with impossibly good service and luxurious rooms overlooking postcard-perfect rice paddies.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Bali, Indonesia.

Blue Moon Villas Resort Amed, Bali

Perched right on a cliffside headland overlooking the gentle waters of Selang Bay, Blue Moon Villas Resort is a hidden gem that captures the old-school charm of East Bali. Starting out from incredibly humble roots back in the year 2000, this family-run boutique resort has slowly grown from a simple getaway into a highly sought-after eco-conscious sanctuary.

“Blue Moon Villas in easygoing Amed, is a small resort with excellent value ocean view villas and apartments.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Bali, Indonesia.

The Colony Hotel Seminyak, Bali

Tucked away down a quiet lane right in the beating heart of Seminyak, The Colony Hotel is a gorgeous, adults-only sanctuary that feels a million miles away from the outside bustle. Despite its central location near iconic spots like Ku De Ta, it acts as a peaceful, hidden oasis designed specifically for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate escape.

“There’s one big plus point about staying at The Colony Hotel: no children under the age of 16 allowed. Not to be overlooked are the 20 rooms done up in a pretty but minimalist decor.”

Como Uma Ubud, Bali

Tucked away on the emerald fringes of Bali’s cultural heart, COMO Uma Ubud feels less like a sterile luxury resort and more like a hidden, sun-drenched Balinese village. It was masterfully brought to life by the revered Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, who cleverly worked with the steep hillside topography. Instead of flattening the land, he used narrow pathways, local timber, and alang-alang thatched roofs to weave the resort seamlessly into the dramatic jungle backdrop of the Tjampuhan Valley.

“One of Ubud’s most attractive properties, the 46 rooms here come in a variety of sizes but all have a relaxed naturalistic style that goes well with the gorgeous views.”