28 Best Hotels in Bali, From Oceanview Villas to Jungle-Immersed Escapes

Epic bathtubs, frangipani-laden landscaping, and some of the warmest hospitality anywhere await.Soori BaliThere’s quite simply no place like Bali. The jewel of Indonesia’s immense archipelago is rich—in enthralling and elaborate, highly embellished cultural customs; in hyperlocal culinary traditions and memorable flavors, natural wonders not to mention world-class waves, indelible art and design, encyclopedic wellness practices. And that’s just a bit of what the island offers. It’s captivated travelers for a century, and a stream of expats continues to flow to Bali—myself included—to make it their paradisiacal home away from home, while scores of the millions of holiday visitors wish they could make it so.For me, the archipelago’s water temples, warm-hearted locals, rich artistic heritage, open-air yoga classes and fantastic warm-water surfing lured me in 2014, and I eagerly built my own villa. The island has changed dramatically the first time I landed on it. The dining scene continues to swell, with chefs coming from around the globe to open their dream restaurants, and local talent tantalizing tastebuds with their creative spins on homegrown ingredients and techniques. There are more sustainable businesses, greater accessibility to remote regions, and more and more hotels and resorts opening every year. Visitors can now find tented glamping in the mountains, bamboo treehouses above a river gorge, extravagant villas either brushing the sand or hovering over it on a clifftop, and quite literally everything in between. It’s a place where creatives’ wildest fantasies make them come true.With each hospitality opening, whether an emerald-toned resort in the jungle or a boutique bolthole perched above a flawless beach, the challenge of choosing the perfect place to stay grows greater. I can hardly name a favorite after years of exploring, living and loving the people and practices that make it so singular. Still, I’ve narrowed down, from thousands, the 28 best hotels in Bali to book now, including the pioneering legends, innovating icons and newcomers doing things their own way.Uluwatu Surf VillasThis is the chilled-out yet extremely attractively designed Uluwatu resort with abundant street—er, beach—cred, the kind of place where Jack Johnson plays the occasional clifftop concert against an Indian Ocean sunset and Kelly Slater stays when he’s in town to slay the waves out front. It’s a surf mecca to be sure, but one for aesthetes who also savor great cuisine, practice yoga, admire local art and appreciate warm Balinese-style hospitality. Splayed across the cliff front and dense, thrumming jungle at the southwestern tip of Bali, the 37 villas that make up the property as of 2026 are each completely unique in design, character and art. There are traditional Balinese–leaning bungalows with sparkling ocean views and thatched roofs, highly architectural reclaimed timber creations with asymmetries and soaring rooflines, and expansive estates that boast saltwater pools, copious floor-to-ceiling glass and plush indoor-outdoor living spaces. The resort’s single restaurant, Mana, contains multitudes. The open-air teak pavilion perched at the resort’s highest point—for those indelible panoramic vistas and sea breezes—does a mean breakfast, and in the mornings it’ll take you to try everything (don’t miss the smoked gindara toast, Tex Mex burrito, chia parfait or to-die-for frosted cinnamon roll) the smiling staff members will have learned your names and begun using them with the honorific ibu (miss) or pak (sir). —Kathryn RomeynRead Full ReviewThe St. Regis Bali ResortThere’s nothing minimalist about this regal beachfront resort that sprawls over 22 luxuriant acres and offers its guests extremely generous suites and pool villas, exhaustive amenities and culinary indulgences, and privileged, easy access to the sugary sand. Like the resort as a whole, all the 124 accommodations—81 suites and 43 villas—are graciously grand, with the smallest suites stretching over nearly 1,000 square feet. Marble bathrooms and oversized tubs are de rigueur in every room type, and they’re all festooned with deluxe textiles, feel-good rugs, glitzy chandeliers and elegant examples of Balinese craftsmanship, from wood carving to gilded headdresses worn by traditional dancers. The salty shore out front—arranged with comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas—is a beautiful place to wade and splash, but the resort’s nearly 40,000-square-foot saltwater lagoon pool gives the actual ocean a serious run for its money. Plan your Saturday around indulging in the brunch at Kayuputi, which is as abundant a gastronomic affair as I’ve ever experienced—with a sea view to match—and kept me sated for just about 24 hours with delicacies from the sea and mountains washed down with Champagne and St. Regis signature Bloody Marys, naturally. —Kathryn RomeynRead Full ReviewBambu IndahOn an island known for over-the-top hospitality experiences and fantastical design, nothing comes close to mimicking Bambu Indah, the artisanal eco-resort dreamed up by the founder and namesake of Bali’s high-end jewelry label John Hardy and his wife, Cynthia, in 2005. The now-24 accommodations—antique Javanese bridal homes, fantastical bamboo structures and even a treehouse—and enchanted riverside of shimmering natural pools, suspended papasan-like daybeds, and a Tarzan-worthy rope swing feel like a well-guarded secret. It’s so tucked into the jungle, in fact, that the bulk of the steep property only reveals itself once guests descend in an open-air bamboo elevator through an incensed mud shaft and cross a bouncy handcrafted bridge. Intrigue is essentially an amenity of its own, alongside a ridge-top bar and restaurant slinging anti-inflammatory arak-forward cocktails and fermented, adaptogenic dishes particularly suited for those with dietary restrictions and sugar sensitivities. Only the romantically draped bed canopies are air conditioned, bathing may very well take place in a hammered copper tub beside the rushing river and a grazing cow, and activities include meditation in a cave, rice harvesting, canyoning and eye-opening morning trash walks. All of these stay with a person, especially the last, which connects the free-spirited, regenerative-minded energy of this luxurious living laboratory for natural building materials with the Hardys’ primary inspiration: the local people, culture and environment. —Kathryn RomeynRead Full ReviewSoori BaliOn an island where location is everything, this 48-villa and -residence resort in Tabanan Regency has it going on, abutting a pristine stretch of volcanic black sand not marred by beach clubs and between verdant rice terraces and Mount Batukaru. On the western coast, primed for warm, glowy sunsets and plenty of privacy, the property designed by architect Soo K. Chan and opened in 2016 is one that attracts a well-heeled crowd. It’s contemporary and minimalist, ecologically sound, and overwhelmingly, seamlessly indoor-outdoor in style, with villas—which go from one bedroom all the way to a 10-bedroom Soori Estate that’s for all intents and purposes its very own resort—all boasting their own pools. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything kitschy here, it’s elegance all the way, with polished service, exacting attention to detail and Bali’s signature warmth from all staff. In addition to three dining outlets that include a venue for decadent tasting-style breakfasts and a Mediterranean restaurant there’s an intimate eight-seat Japanese teppanyaki concept named Keiyo in a glass pavilion perched on a cliff above the beach, serving a set menu cooked theatrically against a coastal panorama. When exploration is the urge, bespoke outings and immersive Journeys showcase the rich region’s secrets and spirit, and for introspective occasions there’s the beachside spa for all manner of wellness therapies and practices. —Chris SchalkxRead Full ReviewJumeirah Bali, UluwatuBuilt into a clifftop above one of Bali’s loveliest beaches, this resort’s chic mix of alabaster architecture and luxury villas makes for a stay fit for royalty, against glittering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. A private entrance leads right onto buzzy Dreamland Beach, just seconds from the pool, where you’ll find the island’s best surfing. The design nods to Bali’s ancient maritime kingdom—you’ll spy many water features spilling into bubbling koi ponds and glassy pools—and exceptionally well-manicured grounds mean the only hair out of place is the odd creamy flower that's wafted to the ground from the waxy-leaved Japun trees. A top-notch spa, two excellent restaurants, and a majestic triple-tiered infinity pool flanked by friendly staff ready with a cocktail menu seal the deal. —Charley WardRead Full ReviewRegent Bali CangguIf you’re coming to Bali for its beaches, there is no better accommodation than one of Regent Bali Canggu's suites or oceanfront villas, with expansive panoramas that feel like a painting came to life. The seaside village of Canggu is known for its laid-back blend of surf with a healthy social scene. With both a froth-front restaurant equipped with surfboard racks and an exclusive private club, the property manages to adeptly balance an energetic sense of place with the comforting luxuries an überdiscerning traveler seeks in their island holiday. The hospitality is exquisite, and there's a playfulness that feels young and fresh even if the brand has a discreet opulence about it. That vibe seems echoed in the understated clientele, who you can typically find at one of the nine pools, all lined with complimentary cabanas and partially submerged chaise loungers. —Kathryn RomeynRead Full ReviewAnantara Ubud Bali ResortThe magic in Anantara's second property on Bali isn't necessarily on-site, despite the sweeping terrace that sits like a nest atop the jungle canopy on a mountain, the individual bungalows carved into the hillside, and the fantastically delicious cuisine that makes you realize Indonesian food should rival Italian on the world stage. Anantara knows that, in a place like Bali, unprecedented access is the biggest luxury. Which is why it has focused on bringing its guests to the heart of the true Bali, one undisturbed by the hordes of travelers on the coast. This means private sessions with Hindu high priests, guided tours through lesser explored water temples, and immersive visits to isolated mountain villages. But of course, it's nice to know that after a day of trekking through rice paddies and going on cultural explorations, the hotel's signature spa will welcome you back with a full massage, complete with native birdsong just audible through the large windows overlooking that gorgeous jungle. —Erin FlorioRead Full ReviewThe Ritz-Carlton, BaliSet on a verdant cliffside above the Indian Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is quite the eyeful: The resort, whose two distinct levels are connected by a soaring glass elevator, contains 313 suites and villas (some with private pools and dreamy outdoor bathtubs), six restaurants and bars, and a spectacular pool that hovers over the threshold of the Indian Ocean. Don't skip dinner at Bejana, where you'll dine on authentic Indonesian cuisine—the massive grilled tiger prawns, flavor-packed nasi goreng, and punchy sambal spreads might nearly distract you from your view of the ocean below. —Madison FlagerRead Full ReviewFour Seasons Resort Bali at SayanFour Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, on the banks of the Ayung River just outside Ubud, is still queen of the jungle more than two decades in. Waterfront villas with lotus-filled pools and a lobby terrace that overlooks dense, tumbling palms create a sense of lush timelessness. But a new cooking school and refreshed wellness program are now speaking to the mindful crowd that flocks to this corner of Indonesia. There’s no shortage of five-star resorts outside of Ubud, but this is where Julia Roberts camped out while shooting Eat, Pray, Love and the Obama family chose to stay for a few days in 2017, thanks to the property’s lush serenity and peerless privacy. The main building’s dramatic, elliptical architecture makes a statement from the moment you arrive, with panoramic views of the jungle and the rushing river. The decor, a mix of traditional and modern Balinese styles, conjures a distinct sense of place, while the spa is especially strong in a region known for its wellness offerings. —Alex PostmanRead Full ReviewAmandariTime tested and as ravishing as any new build, this archetypal Balinese resort—the very first luxury hotel in Ubud and second-ever Aman—masterfully blends vernacular architecture of the island with chic elegance and warm approachability. It's a truly heavenly, actually sacred jungle setting, where orchids reach out of tree trunks, fragrant frangipani blossoms seem to rain from the cerulean sky, and incensed Balinese Hindu offerings are as ubiquitous as cicada harmonies. Along with the understated minimalism signature to Aman, Amandari feels like an extension of Kedewatan village, a traditional little gem north of Ubud center where, like the resort—and its spa, too—Balinese Hindu rituals take precedence. Breakfast, included in all stays, is something to look forward to, with a large selection of Indonesian and Western dishes served in portions small enough that guests might try several in one sitting. There are multiple special dining options, including a Ngejot Balinese Feast, which opens with a private traditional dance performance before a rijstaffel-style meal of island classics. —K.R.Read Full ReviewNirjharaWith its small, dripping-in-flowers footprint and thoughtful design blending Balinese touchpoints and contemporary luxuries, this intimate waterfall resort offers barefoot bliss in Tabanan Regency, hidden in a picturesque traditional village minutes from an off-the-beaten-path black-sand beach far from the tourist throngs. This tropical bolthole is in a lesser-known region, Tabanan Regency, northwest of the holidaying swarm and tucked into the little village of Kedungu, from which many of its staff hail.Beside verdant rice fields and with its very own waterfall—the resort’s name means “waterfall” in Sanskrit—it’s on nearly five acres, and the room types are delightfully distinctive. Couples tend to enjoy one of the seven intimate Canopy Suites, which feel like timber treehouses and reveal panoramic views from the roof patio where a two-person tub is perched. Nirjhara delivers a lot for its approachable rate, and while the fabulous spa, vast saltwater pool, satisfying restaurant, and gratis programming entice you to stay and relax, the resort and its enthusiastic team expertly incite you to head out and explore a region of the island with blissfully far fewer tourists than is often the reality on this popular isle. —K.R.Read Full ReviewRaffles Bali, Jimbaran BayFor a dose of sublime quiet—interrupted only by birdsong—on increasingly busy Bali, this beachfront resort with nature sanctuary vibes is a refined and luxurious stay with just 32 infinity pool villas where truly everything has been thought of and carefully considered. Grab a signature cocktail at The Writers Bar, an age-old Raffles tradition, in the open-air lobby perched at the top of the property. That's also where Chef Gaetan Biesuz’s sensational fine-dining spot Rumari offers storytelling tasting menus that artfully reimagine Southeast Asian flavors and ingredients with an 80/20 sourcing philosophy—just 20% of the food is imported while 80% is from the archipelago. Footprint wise, Raffles Spa is petite, yet a lot of healing and TLC happens within its spaces. From the virtually private beach to lush 57-acre grounds, quiet luxury is a specialty at this property, and one that, happily, most guests experience with their eyes, not iPhones. —K.R.Read Full ReviewFAQ:What is the best area of Bali to stay in?At approximately 2,230 square miles, there is no single “best” part of Bali to visit. The island has quite a few hot spots—what matters is what you value most. For example, Ubud and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Sayan, Kedewatan, and Keliki, are ideal for travelers seeking lush jungles, terraced rice paddies, and traditional forms of art. For a beach, surf, restaurant, and shopping scene, Uluwatu, Canggu, and Seminyak are the best calls.What is the most luxurious area in Bali?The southernmost bit of Bali, called the Bukit Peninsula—comprising Jimbaran Bay, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua—claims an outsized portion of the most opulent resorts on the island. Additionally, Ubud is home to some of the earliest and most iconic luxury properties.How we choose the best hotels in the BaliEvery hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.This gallery was originally published by Conde Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Juliet Kinsman.Kathryn Romeyn is a world-traveling journalist, former magazine editor, and author of Rizzoli’s The Bucket List Romantic Escapes: 1000 Ideas for Couples’ Adventures, Lovers’ Getaways, and Out-of-this-World Honeymoons. Her deeply engrained curiosity and passion for telling stories of intriguing places, cultures and people has taken Kathryn to 60-plus countries on ... 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