Looking for the perfect accommodation in Bali? The Island of the Gods offers thousands of options, but not all are created equal. We’ve put together a selection of 10 exceptional hotels and resorts that represent the best Bali has to offer – from luxury ocean-view villas to modern apartments in a surfer’s paradise and tranquil retreats amidst rice terraces. So let’s take a look at the best hotels and resorts in Bali.
Summary for those Short on Time
- Relax Bali Dive & SPA in Tulamben is ideal for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts and has Czech management.
- Aster Apartment Bali in Canggu offers modern apartments in the heart of the surfing scene with its own kitchen.
- The Bali Manor Collection in Cemagi provides luxurious villas with private pools and ocean views.
- Kashantee Village in Seminyak is a quiet boutique hotel in a tropical garden close to the beaches.
- The Lokha Ubud Resort combines jungle, wellness, and a traditional Balinese atmosphere.
- Temuku Ubud Villas in Ubud offers luxurious private villas with private pools in the middle of the jungle and rice fields.
- Arya Arkananta Resort & Spa in Ubud provides authentic wooden bungalows among rice fields with regularly organized activities.
- Umah Capung Sebatu Villas in Tegalalang is a family villa complex in the jungle with a personal touch and an excellent hostess.
- GK Bali Resort in Tegalalang combines luxury accommodation with a stunning infinity pool and valley views.
- Menzel Ubud offers quality accommodation at a great price in a tropical garden with rice fields near the center of Ubud.
Where to go in Bali
Bali is a surprisingly diverse island, and choosing the right location can significantly affect your entire vacation. Each area has its own specific charm and is suitable for a slightly different type of traveler. You can either combine places if you want to experience a bit of everything, or simply choose one specific base:
- The northern coast around Tulamben and Amed is a paradise for diving and snorkeling. It is home to the famous USS Liberty wreck and some of the best coral reefs in Bali. This area is quieter, less touristy and ideal for those looking for contact with the underwater world. The beaches have black volcanic sand and the atmosphere is authentically Balinese.
- The Canggu and Seminyak area on the southwest coast represents the modern face of Bali. Canggu is a mecca for surfers, digital nomads and lovers of trendy cafes. Seminyak offers a more luxurious experience with first-class restaurants and boutiques. Both areas are lively, full of energy and perfect for those who want both beach and nightlife.
- Cemagi and the surrounding quiet villages represent the golden mean. You are close to lively Canggu, but at the same time you can enjoy the tranquility of traditional Balinese villages. The area is ideal for families and those of you who are looking for an authentic experience without the crowds of tourists.
- Ubud in the interior is the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali. Surrounded by rice terraces, rainforests and a river, it offers a completely different kind of vacation. There is no beach or sea, but you will find yoga, meditation, art and the best wellness centers on the island.
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10 tips for the best hotels and resorts in Bali
We have selected 10 tips for the best hotels and resorts in Bali for you.
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1) Relax Bali Dive & SPA ocean front resort – Tulamben
If you dream of a vacation with diving or snorkeling, Relax Bali Dive is your first choice. This resort is located in the Tulamben area on the northeast coast of Bali, known as one of the best diving spots in all of Indonesia.
The resort is run by Czechs, which you will appreciate not only because of the language barrier, but above all thanks to the high standard of services that we are used to. Accommodation is spread over a beautiful tropical garden with direct sea views. You have Superior rooms with ocean views, luxurious Deluxe bungalows or even private villas with their own pool.
Relax Bali is an ideal choice for families with children. The resort offers a children’s playground, a swimming pool and staff who really care about families. Baturinggit Beach is only 200 meters away and you can start snorkeling practically right in front of the resort.
The local diving school will guide you through the world-famous USS Liberty wreck, which lies just a few kilometers from the resort. You can take freediving courses or simply enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear water full of colorful corals and tropical fish.
A great advantage is also that the area around Tulamben is one of the driest in Bali. So you can vacation here even outside the main season without fear of continuous rains. The resort offers spa services, a restaurant with excellent cuisine and regularly organizes trips around the area.
2) Aster Apartment Bali – Canggu
For those of you who like modern design, the freedom of your own apartment and want to be in the center of the action, Aster Apartment Bali in Canggu is the right choice. This brand new apartment complex has only recently opened its doors and has already received a number of enthusiastic reviews.
Canggu is now one of the most sought-after destinations in Bali. The area attracts surfers, digital nomads and everyone who is looking for a modern environment with perfect infrastructure. You will find hundreds of great cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, yet you are only seven hundred meters from the famous Echo Beach.
Aster Apartment offers studio apartments or more spacious apartments with three bedrooms. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can save on food and cook according to your preferences. You will appreciate this especially during a longer stay or with children. The apartments have air conditioning, fast wifi, a flat-screen TV and a balcony with a view.
On the roof of the complex you will find a beautiful swimming pool with a bar, from where you have a view of the surrounding landscape. On the ground floor there is a restaurant that serves excellent buffet breakfasts. You can choose between continental, American or vegetarian options.
The location is a great advantage – you are literally in the heart of everything. You can walk to the beach, cafes, the market and fitness centers. At the same time, the apartment is set back from the main road, so you have relative peace inside the complex.
The apartments are ideal for younger couples, groups of friends or families. Parking is free, so you can rent a scooter and go exploring the area.
3) The Bali Manor Collection – Cemagi
If you are looking for true luxury, privacy and tranquility, The Bali Manor Collection in the quiet village of Cemagi is exactly what you need. This project offers several beautiful villas that combine traditional Balinese craftsmanship with modern elegance.
Cemagi lies on the southwest coast of Bali, about twenty minutes’ drive from bustling Canggu. This area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. You will find traditional temples, rice terraces and a local community that maintains an authentic way of life.
The villas in The Bali Manor Collection offer three or four bedrooms, making them perfect for larger families or groups of friends. Each villa has a private infinity pool with ocean views, spacious terraces, a fully equipped kitchen and luxuriously furnished interiors with hand-carved teak details.
What makes these villas truly exceptional is the attention to detail. You will find local ceramics, hand-woven textiles and design elements that create the atmosphere of a real Balinese home. The spa-style bathrooms have outdoor showers and bathtubs overlooking the tropical greenery.
The villa management offers personal concierge services. They can arrange a private chef, in-villa massages, surf lessons or organize trips to nearby temples for you. Karang Cemagi Beach is only one hundred and fifty meters away.
Villa Manor is ideal for those who want to experience Bali in peace and luxury, without the crowds of tourists. You can enjoy sunsets from your private pool, dine under the stars and feel like a true islander. Guests often mention that this is where they found true peace and connection with nature.
4) Kashantee Village – Seminyak
Kashantee Village in Seminyak is for those who want to be close to the beaches and nightlife, but still enjoy the tranquility of a tropical garden. This three-star boutique hotel offers great value for money.
Seminyak is one of the most popular areas in Bali. There are a number of luxury resorts, first-class restaurants, beach clubs and boutiques. Yet it is not as crowded as Kuta. Kashantee Village is located in a quiet side street, five hundred meters from Batu Belig Beach.
The hotel boasts a beautiful tropical garden full of exotic plants, which creates a feeling of refuge in the middle of a bustling city. In the center of the garden you will find a swimming pool with plenty of sunbeds and seating.
You have Deluxe rooms with a balcony and garden views or bungalows with pool views. All rooms have air conditioning, TV, private bathroom and minibar. Breakfast is served every morning in the hotel restaurant, which offers a mix of American, Chinese and Indonesian cuisine.
The hotel staff is what guests praise the most. They are incredibly friendly, helpful and try to fulfill every wish. They speak good English and can help you organize trips, rent scooters or make reservations at restaurants.
5) The Lokha Ubud Resort, Villas & SPA – Ubud
For those looking for the spiritual dimension of Bali, wellness and contact with nature, The Lokha Ubud Resort is an ideal choice. This five-star resort is located in a valley not far from the center of Ubud, surrounded by tropical rainforest and terraced rice fields.
Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. You will find hundreds of temples, galleries, traditional craft workshops and the best yoga and meditation centers on the island. The area is famous for its natural beauty, greenery and tranquility, which contrasts with the bustling southern coast.
The Lokha Ubud offers luxurious Suite rooms with valley views or private villas with a pool. All units have spacious interiors with teak furniture, design elements inspired by Balinese art and large windows with views of the greenery. The bathrooms have luxurious bathtubs, rain showers and complete equipment.
The resort operates an excellent spa center where you can enjoy traditional Balinese massages, body scrubs with local ingredients or relaxing treatments overlooking the rainforest. There is also a fitness center, a beautiful swimming pool in the heart of the jungle and the Bukit Cinta restaurant, which serves excellent international cuisine.
6) Temuku Ubud Villas – Ubud
If you are looking for a quiet retreat in the middle of nature with luxurious privacy, Temuku Ubud Villas is a great choice. This boutique villa complex is located in Ubud, just 4 km from the famous Ubud market, and offers the right balance between tranquility and accessibility to the cultural center of Bali.
The accommodation is set directly between the jungle and rice fields, and each villa has its own private pool, air conditioning, outdoor bathroom with bathrobe and a view of either the jungle or the rice fields. There is also free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee overlooking nature.
Temuku Ubud is an ideal choice for couples and families with children (children under 6 stay free). Guests especially appreciate the helpful staff who take care of every detail, the mega breakfast served directly to the villa and the overall atmosphere of tranquility. The resort offers a free shuttle service to the center of Ubud, so you can easily explore local markets, temples and restaurants.
A great advantage is also the free welcome 15-minute shoulder massage and afternoon tea served between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. You can rent bicycles on site and go on a trip around the surrounding villages. The resort’s restaurant serves quality Indonesian and international cuisine.
7) Arya Arkananta Resort & Spa – Ubud
If you are attracted by the combination of Balinese authenticity, beautiful nature and comfortable accommodation, Arya Arkananta Resort & Spa is a great choice. This four-star resort is located in Ubud, right in the middle of rice fields.
The accommodation offers wooden bungalows and spacious villas with open bathrooms, which guests love. There are Deluxe rooms with views of the pool or rice fields, suites with balconies and even luxurious villas with three bedrooms and a private pool, ideal for larger families or groups of friends. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a terrace with a wonderful view.
Arya Arkananta is a popular place for families with children (children stay free up to 18 years of age when sharing a room). The resort regularly organizes free activities – from traditional Balinese dances to yoga and trips around the area. Guests especially appreciate the friendly staff, great breakfasts and the beautiful swimming pool overlooking the rice fields.
On site you will find the Takir restaurant with Indonesian and international cuisine, a spa center with professional massages and a free shuttle service to the center of Ubud (approx. 30 minutes). The resort also offers a fitness center, a jacuzzi and bicycle rental.
8) Umah Capung Sebatu Villas – Tegalalang
If you dream of staying in the heart of the Balinese jungle with an authentic experience and a personal touch, Umah Capung Sebatu Villas is your ideal choice. This family villa complex is located in the Tegalalang area, known for its famous rice terraces, just 5 km from Tegallalang Rice Terrace.
The accommodation consists of only a few villas, which guarantees an intimate atmosphere and individual care. Each villa has its own private pool, views of the jungle or garden, air conditioning, outdoor bathroom with bathtub and a terrace for relaxation.
Umah Capung is a great choice for couples, as well as for families with children (children under 6 stay free). The resort offers breakfast (English or Asian) for an extra charge, which you can enjoy overlooking the jungle. The staff will be happy to advise you on planning trips and arrange transportation.
In the area you will find several restaurants within a 10-minute walk, the holy spring Tirta Empul (3.4 km) and the Gunung Kawi temple. It is about a 30-minute drive to the center of Ubud. A great advantage is the quiet location in the middle of nature, where you fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and wake up to birdsong.
9) GK Bali Resort – Tegalalang
If you are looking for a combination of luxury, beautiful nature and perfect services, GK Bali Resort is a great choice. This four-star boutique resort is located in Tegalalang, nestled in a breathtaking valley with jungle and rice fields, approximately 30–40 minutes’ drive from the center of Ubud.
The accommodation offers spacious Deluxe suites with a balcony and views of the pool or landmarks, luxurious one-bedroom villas with a private pool, or even spacious Executive Suites. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, a minibar and a terrace.
GK Bali Resort is a popular place for couples and families with children (cots are free). Guests constantly praise the incredibly helpful staff, who do their best to ensure guest satisfaction. The resort offers a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the valley, the Tibuan Parung restaurant with Indonesian and international cuisine and a spa with professional massages.
A rich continental or American breakfast is served every morning. The resort regularly organizes activities – morning walks around the area with a guide, traditional dance or cooking. You also have free bicycles, a shuttle service to Ubud and airport transfers for a fee.
10) Menzel Ubud – Ubud
If you’re looking for quality, reasonably priced accommodation in Ubud with beautiful natural surroundings, Menzel Ubud is an excellent choice. This four-star resort is located in the Kalah area, just 2.3 km from the popular Ubud Monkey Forest and 3.7 km from Ubud Palace.
The accommodation is set in a tropical garden surrounded by rice paddies and palm trees. You can choose from Standard rooms with garden or landmark views, more spacious Deluxe rooms with a balcony and pool view, suites with river views, or luxurious villas with their own private pool. All rooms have air conditioning, TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Menzel Ubud is a popular place for families with children (children stay free when sharing a room with their parents). The resort offers two swimming pools, a restaurant serving American, Indonesian, and Asian cuisine, a spa center, and free Wi-Fi.
A great advantage is the easy access to Ubud’s main attractions – Goa Gajah (2.8 km), ARMA Museum (1.1 km), or Rudana Museum (1.6 km). Yet you are staying in a quiet area away from the bustling center.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to vacation in Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is from May to September, which is the dry season and has the most pleasant weather. July and August are the hottest but also the most expensive months with the highest visitor numbers. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, go in June or September. The Tulamben area in the north is dry even during the rainy season, so you can vacation here almost any time of the year.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Yes, a visa is required for Bali. You can buy a Visa on Arrival at the airport for $35 USD, which allows a stay of up to 30 days with the possibility of extending it for another 30 days.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Bali?
No, do not drink tap water in Bali. Use only bottled water, which you can buy in stores. Hotels and resorts often provide free bottled water. Also, be careful with ice in drinks in cheaper establishments and with washed fruits and vegetables.
How to get around Bali?
The most practical way is to rent a scooter, which costs around 170 CZK per day. Alternatively, you can use taxi services like Grab or Gojek, which work similarly to Uber. For longer distances, you can hire a private driver with a car for approximately 1000-1500 CZK per day. Public transport in Bali is practically non-existent.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
