Indulge yourself in a little luxury at these fabulous resorts in Bali 

Known for its gorgeous beaches, magical scenery and rich culture, Bali is also home to some of the best resorts in Indonesia. A six-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney and under four hours from Perth, Bali is the perfect destination for couples looking for a tropical island paradise. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic holiday, interested in learning more about the Balinese culture, exploring the jungle or relaxing by the pool, you’ll have no trouble finding luxury hotels and accommodation in this picture-perfect corner of the world. We take a look at some of the best resorts in Bali. 

Hotel Indigo, Seminyak 

Best for: a beachfront luxury resort close to the action 

There’s so much to see and do in Bali that it can be hard to choose where to stay. If you’re a beach lover but also looking to enjoy some high-end shopping and five-star restaurants, then Hotel Indigo in Seminyak ticks all the boxes.  

One of the best beach resorts in Bali, Hotel Indigo offers a choice of elegant suites with either garden or ocean views, as well as luxury one- and two-bedroom villas with private pools. With a private 24-hour butler service to take care of your every need, your only job will be to sit back and relax. 

Seminyak is a hive of activity, so when you’re ready to venture from the hotel, you’ll find world-class dining, entertaining street vendors and chic night spots right on the doorstep. Beautiful Seminyak beach is perfect for surfing but also for simply watching the sunset as you enjoy a drink at one of the many stylish bars and cafes.  

seminyak.hotelindigo.com

Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Ubud 

Best for: a luxury jungle retreat 

The town of Ubud sits in the central highlands of Bali, surrounded by lush rainforest and terraced rice paddies. The hillsides are dotted with Hindu temples and shrines, and it is the perfect place to come to experience Balinese culture and spirituality. Nestled in the jungle, beside the Ayung River, you’ll find the magnificent Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve.  

Meaning ‘temple’ in Sanskrit, this luxury resort offers a quiet retreat to unwind in your butler-serviced villas or suites and savour sumptuous dining experiences either in your villa, by the pool, or in the cliff-top bar. A visit to the Mandapa Spa is a must, here you can sample holistic treatments, a meditation temple, a yoga studio and a vitality pool.   

The resort concierge can arrange private tours of Ubud’s many local attractions including local art markets, temples, hot springs and a coffee plantation.  

Ritzcarlton.com

Como Shambhala Estate, Ubud 

Best for: luxury wellness retreat 

If a health retreat is one of your main reasons for visiting Bali, the Como Shambhala Estate in Ubud should be near the top of your list of resort options. Here they take luxury wellness to a whole new level, with a focus on relaxation for the body, mind and soul. 

The luxury accommodation includes private residences, villas and suites with private jacuzzis and infinity pools. The award-winning architecture is inspired by the elements of wind, earth, fire, water and forest. Some of the larger suites include a luxury treehouse around an enormous banyan tree and one even has its own private waterfall. 

Your wellness is expressed as a journey, and the resort offers ‘Wellness Paths’, helping to build a personalised plan around your fitness, nutrition and wellbeing needs. More than just a holiday or some time out, a stay at Como Shambhala Estate is intended to be a complete body and mind reset in one of the most idyllic settings in Bali. 

comohotels.com 

Lost Lindenberg, Pekutatan 

Best for: sustainable luxury 

For somewhere off the beaten track and a little less touristy, head to Pekutatan on Bali’s west coast. Lost Lindenberg is considered one of the best resorts in Bali when it comes to enjoying a luxury holiday in an environmentally friendly, low-waste manner. The resort runs on solar power and uses regionally produced products. Its restaurant is entirely plant-based.  

With only eight guest rooms available, you’ll never be bothered by crowds. You can choose either a jungle panorama or an ocean panorama suite, waking up to the sound of the sea or amongst the leafy canopy of the rainforest. Spend your days relaxing on the black sand beach, beside the resort’s natural jungle pool, in the tropical garden or on the elevated sundeck.  

Lost Beach is a favourite spot for surfers and here you’ll find the longest wave in Bali. Beginner surfers are welcome and can meet experienced local and professional surfers to learn the waves.  

thelindenberg.com 

Alila Villas, Uluwatu 

Best for: romantic luxury 

For those looking for an intimate getaway, Alila Villas in Uluwatu is one of the best Bali resorts for couples. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the five-star villas all have private pools and offer 24-hour room service.  

From the Sunset Cabana Bar on top of Uluwatu’s dramatic cliffs to the spectacular ocean views, the 50-metre infinity pool and the romantic outdoor dining setting, there’s a lot to love about this five-star resort. 

Make the most of some special time together by taking a cooking or yoga class or enjoying a cycling tour to visit the local villages. How about a private cruise to Honeymoon Bay and beautiful Balangan Beach as you sip a sunset cocktail?  

alilahotels.com/uluwatu 

Amankila, Manggis 

Best for: a luxury experience without the crowds 

Manggis, on Bali’s less-visited east coast, is home to quiet beaches and secluded bays. The Amankila resort nestles on the hillside with the luxury suites standing on stilts to make the most of the breathtaking beachfront view.  

The resort boasts a private stretch of coastline and here you can take yoga and movement classes, indulge in spa treatments and adventure on the water, exploring the Lombok Strait on a traditional outrigger. Trekking, cycling and horse riding are also on offer, along with the option of lounging in and beside the fabulous three-tier infinity pool. 

Dining options at Amankila include hillside, poolside and seaside bars and restaurants where you can sample delicious Indonesian and international dishes made with ingredients from the resort’s organic farm. 

aman.com/resorts/amankila 

Tips for making the most of your Bali resort holiday 

• May to October, during the dry season, is the best time to visit Bali. Temperatures range between 21-32°C at this time of year. 
• Opting for bottled water instead of tap water is a good way to avoid Bali belly. This also means not having ice in your drinks or brushing your teeth from the tap. 
• Indonesia is situated in the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ meaning that Bali and the surrounding region are prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Check with your accommodation provider about their emergency procedures. 
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions such as dressing modestly and removing your shoes when visiting temples. 

The content of this article is general and provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) doesn’t guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness or currency of the articles.

This article may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned or operated by third parties, or references to third party products or services. SCTI isn’t responsible for, and makes no recommendation about, the content or accuracy of any third party website, or for the suitability or performance of any product or service. The inclusion of a link in this article doesn’t imply that SCTI endorses the website or third party product/service.