Top 7 Bali Resorts: Expert’s Choice

The renaissance of Bali is here! If we’re talking about a location for a holiday destination, Bali’s beaches quickly come to mind. That’s why, every year, many tourists have this island as their top choice for their vacation. The beauty of the natural surroundings and the rich culture are just too unique to pass on.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations for your vacation, you’ll always have a lot of options. So whether a swimming pool, a beachfront view, an elaborate garden, or something else is a non-negotiable for you, there will always be hotels and resorts fitting your requirements. They all have amazing features, amenities, and things to give you an enjoyable stay. Discover all the best places for travellers to book that you can explore on your trip to Bali:

1. Amankila

Amankila is one of the most exclusive resorts in Bali. It is set on a hilltop overlooking the Lombok Strait in Karangasem Regency, an area famous for its traditional crafts and culture. The resort offers freestanding thatched-roof suites with dramatic ocean views above, two swimming pools and a beach club with a tennis court.

Amankila’s 34 villas are divided into two types: those overlooking the sea and those facing inland towards Mount Agung. All properties have private pools, but only those facing the sea have direct access to the beach club and its silver-black sands and turquoise waters.

Details

The accommodation prices at this paradise start at US $1,300 per night and are worth every dollar.

📍Address: Jl. Raya Manggis, Manggis, Kec. Manggis, Bali 80871

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

💎Facilities: breakfast, lunch, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, bath amenities, spas, fine dining area

✍🏽Bookings: www.bit.ly

☎️Phone number: (0361) 341333

2. Four Seasons Jimbaran Resort Bali

The Four Seasons Jimbaran is a luxurious hideaway that delivers the epitome of Balinese hospitality. The entire property has a collection of 147 villas embraced by breathtaking gardens that embody Bali’s soul as they highlight local tropical plants. Popular with every traveller who loves a life of privacy and seclusion, each villa has its own private pool adorned by beautiful Indonesian flowers and temples.

At this resort, you can enjoy a lot of activities:

• Immerse yourself in the local culture;
• Relax and get undivided attention through their spa treatments;
• Taste lots (or all) of their dining options at Sundara Restaurant, giving you immediate beach access.

If you enjoy interactive culinary experiences, the Taman Wantilan Restaurant features various shows with your dinner.

Details

Enjoy the hospitality of their staff and everything else that Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay offers for at least US $1,300 per night.

📍Address: Bay, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Bali 80361

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, bath amenities, spas, fine dining area, beachfront

✍🏽Bookings: www.bit.ly

☎️Phone number: (0361) 701010

3. Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Located at the heart of Ubud, Bali, Mandapa provides the perfect setting that puts you at the centre of a breathtaking view of the Ayung River and the rice fields and palms surrounding it.

There are 60 suites, each with interiors designed with Balinese-style decor to make your stay truly and uniquely Bali. With your accommodation, you can retreat to your private outdoor space, where you can enjoy the landscapes of the Ayung River or its surroundings. And at night, the comfortable bed can be your little space of tranquillity after a long day. If you need healing, Mandapa’s spa also offers holistic treatments.

Details

You can have the complete Mandapa experience for US $2,800 per night.

📍Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan, Banjar, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali 80571

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, yoga class, bath amenities

✍🏽Bookings: www.bit.ly

☎️Phone number: (0361) 4792777

4. Six Sense Uluwatu

If you’re looking for an other-worldly experience, the very grounds where Six Sense Uluwatu stands will be perfect for you. Located in the South of Bali, it is a haven for people who enjoy nature and beautiful landscapes. This clifftop resort gives you a view of the breathtaking Indian Ocean, no matter where you are in the area.

So, if you want to maximise the comfort of their 103 accommodations all day, you can still enjoy that million-dollar view. Meanwhile, you can experience wellness at its finest through the Six Faculties Spa. In this place, you can find local medicines, participate in wellness programs, and start the day right with morning yoga sessions.

Details

Feel like you’re at the top of the world at Six Senses for just US $435++ per night.

📍Address: Jl. Goa Lempeh, Uluwatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Bali 80361

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pools, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, bath amenities

⭐Reviews: 9/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

✍🏽Bookings: www.sixsenses.com

☎️Phone number: (0361) 2090300

5. St. Regis Nusa Dua

Do you like something that’s near everything? If so, St. Regis Nusa Dua will be an excellent choice. Of course, there’s more to love about this luxurious resort than just being not far away from the airport and two fantastic beaches. But you have to agree, such things matter.

If you’re interested in something more than breathtaking views out of the windows, you’d love that the entire resort is filled with authentic Balinese decor. For the best local food, head over to one of the three restaurants in St. Regis. Meanwhile, you can order drinks at the poolside bar.

Details

The best location, food, and service? You’ve got those all at St. Regis. Book your stay at this hotel for US $1,300++ per night.

📍Address: Kawasan Nusa Dua, Bali 80363

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, bath amenities, beachfront

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

✍🏽Bookings: www.bit.ly

☎️Phone number: (0361) 8478111

6. Buahan a Banyan Tree Escape

Having an authentic Balinese experience seems to be the most essential part of the fun. Look no further – you will find it all in the Buahan a Banyan Tree Escape!

Those longing for a private paradise will love that there are only 16 thoughtfully designed villas to accommodate prospective guests. Each place is traditional and minimalist, with no walls or windows (yeah, imagine that), plus features very minimal furnishings.

Meanwhile, all the activities are centred on setting you on the traditional Balinese adventure. If you love food, you’ll enjoy their cooking classes or their open kitchen concept. And don’t forget about other activities to introduce you to the incredible Balinese culture!

Details

Live authentically and start your journey to rediscovery at The Banyan Tree for US $1,700++ per night for two adults.

📍Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Kec. Pemenang, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, yoga class, bath amenities

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

✍🏽Bookings: www.escape.banyantree.com

☎️Phone number: (0361) 6208181

7. Potato Head Suites Bali

Potato Head Suites is the ultimate destination if you enjoy having eco-friendly elements as a huge part of your stay. This place uses many repurposed materials, which will appeal to people who like to live a lifestyle with minimal waste. If you like seafood, there are many dining areas where you can enjoy a range of dishes. Cafes are also within the property if you want to just sit back and sip a hot cup as the cool ocean breeze blows. You can keep yourself occupied all day through the resort’s studio, spa, and gym. Make sure to stop by Desa Potato Head shoreline club, where your creativity and imagination are highly encouraged.

Details

All these are available to you for just US $500++ per night for two adults.

📍Address: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Bali 80361

💎Facilities: breakfast, suite room selection, infinity pool, bathtub, airport shuttle, spa treatments, balcony view, gardens, sea views, beachfront, bath amenities

⭐Reviews: 10/10

👑Travel type: Luxury

✍🏽Bookings: www.seminyak.potatohead.co

☎️Phone number: (0361) 6207979

Expert opinion

In my opinion, as a person who has been living in Bali for over 10 years, what are considered the best will change with time. Even during the pandemic, the island changed a lot. I had the honour of staying at the top resorts here, but who knows if new names will rule the industry in the coming years? Regardless of what happens, I’m confident that visitors will always get to experience excellent local hospitality that separates Bali from other destinations.

For now, these are my top picks:

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bali, Six Senses Uluwatu, and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape.

All 15 resorts mentioned in this list are great, but these best exemplify the beauty of Bali, from the nature that surrounds the property to the quality of the food. Everything here is not just about luxury but also about the experience from the moment you check in until you check out and leave the hotel.

I hope my guide list was helpful for you. Now, you can choose the best resort for your holiday in Bali!