Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

This five-pearl boutique resort in the green hills of the artsy Ubud area has 20 separate villas, each providing guests with their own butler; many have private pools. The rooms are individually designed and make abundant use of teakwood and Balinese art, giving the spaces an authentic Balinese feel; the indoor/outdoor bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers are a highlight. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and stocked minibars (with free items). A fresh made-to-order breakfast, daily high tea, and happy hour are all included; the on-site restaurant also serves Western and Asian specialties for lunch and dinner, and room service is available almost all day. There is a lovely outdoor infinity pool with a poolside bar, a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, and a fitness center that offers yoga classes. While there isn't much within walking distance except rice paddies, the hotel offers free car service into town.

The 25-room Viceroy Bali is a luxury hotel that draws high-end clientele with its tropical setting overlooking Petanu Valley and its convenient helipad. The property also offers airport limousine service, an open-air restaurant, and a lovely pool with a swim-up bar. A hillside spa and modern gym complete the list of excellent amenities. The spacious Balinese villas have private pools, flat-screen TVs, safes, and indoor/outdoor sitting areas; some have thatched-roof gazebos. There’s golf cart transportation on-site, but the grounds are often sloped so getting around can be tricky. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are all free at the Viceroy (but expect sky-high rates).

The Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali is a gorgeous five-pearl resort with 73 luxurious (and enormous) villas, many with private pools and/or Indian Ocean views. Located on Bali's southern coast, the hotel is ideal for quiet relaxation, with an elegant spa, a kids' club, a library, a modern gym with cardio and weight equipment, and a peaceful infinity pool abutting the ocean. There are numerous on-site dining options, ranging from a casual pool bar to a themed buffet restaurant, which frequently features traditional dance and music performances. However, the beach is only accessible via a long set of stairs, making this less than ideal for guests with mobility issues, and there is ongoing construction.

The Samabe Bali is an ultra-luxurious beachfront resort located atop a cliff a five-minute drive from central Nusa Dua. Its 81 suites and villas are elegant and stylish, with a gorgeous blend of contemporary and traditional Indonesian decor, top-notch amenities, and balconies offering expansive ocean views. Villas have private infinity pools and up to two bedrooms. With a private beach, a wonderful spa, two excellent restaurants, a gorgeous infinity pool, a kids’ club, and tons of daily activities, there is little guests can’t do on-site. Plus, all-inclusive rates cover everything from free daily spa treatments to cultural tours to beachside yoga classes. Those looking for something a little cheaper may want to compare rates at Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa.

This five-pearl resort is best known for its breathtaking main pool, which sits dramatically over jungle treetops and offers gorgeous vistas of the gorge below. With a secluded location about 30 minutes from Ubud, the hotel offers a peaceful, rain forest getaway, complete with a luxurious spa and dining options that range from an on-site restaurant, bar, and cafe, to romantic private dining experiences. Its 44 suites and private villas offer panoramic views as well as private pools and terraces. The jungle setting means that various critters are to be expected, which might be an issue for some, and travelers should also be prepared for pricey dining. Those seeking an equally luxurious and more wellness-oriented experience might want to consider COMO Shambhala Estate, though it can be pricier.

With its gorgeous, secluded setting in a tropical rain forest, the five-pearl, 30-room Como Shambhala Estate is a peaceful oasis that attracts travelers seeking a health-conscious getaway. With extensive spa and wellness facilities and a team of resident holistic health experts, the hotel aims to restore and revive. Nutrition-driven dining at two on-site restaurants is complemented by a wealth of activities such as guided walks and free yoga classes. Spacious rooms and suites are set in several freestanding Residences spread around the vast grounds (though some can be quite a hike to main areas), plus private villas with pools are also available. The Viceroy Bali is a similarly intimate and luxurious option, so it's worth comparing rates.

This luxury mid-size resort on Seminyak Beach in Petitenget, with a stunning three-tier series of infinity pools, a separate adult lap pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and multiple on-site dining and bar options, sets itself apart. The rooms are spacious -- ranging from studio suites to expansive villas with butler service and private pools. All rooms have balconies, deep soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, Nespresso coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. With a low staff-to-guest ratio, everyone receives topnotch, personalized service.

One of the only hotels in the Jimbaran Beach area that's directly on the ocean, the mid-sized Jimbaran Puri is a quiet Balinese escape with a luxurious yet relaxed vibe. Spacious, rustic-luxe rooms have patios or private pools, though the tradeoff for the high level of privacy afforded is that the majority lack ocean views. A large, chic pool with a poolside bar faces the ocean and sunset. The two on-site restaurants and 24-hour room service help ensure that guests are well fed, and the extensive breakfast buffet is typically included in the rate. There are spa services available on the beach, and the grounds are lush and tropical, with a temple and various statues offset by lots of native greenery. However, the beach can get a bit dirty and the property lacks a fitness center.

From its cliffside location overlooking the Indian Ocean, to its minimalist, modern architecture that seamlessly melds with lush, green grounds, the luxurious Alila Villas Uluwatu provides a serene retreat with spectacular views at every corner. There’s a gorgeous and vast infinity pool, though each of the 65 villas on the property have their own private pools as well. The sleek, contemporary spaces offer a host of other comforts, from techy amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, to gorgeous bathrooms that provide indoor and outdoor showers and tubs. The remote location means that guests are limited to the two restaurants on-site, though these offer tasty fine dining and local cuisine. There’s also a beautiful spa providing sumptuous treatments and a modern fitness center, plus morning yoga classes offered daily.

One of Bali's chicest properties, the five-pearl Bulgari Resort Bali is an ultra-luxury resort with 59 villas featuring Javanese mahogany furnishings and volcanic rock interior walls (plus five chic three- and five-bedroom mansions). Along with a private beach and gorgeous infinity pool, the resort offers four bars and restaurants, an opulent spa with a long menu of services and the option of private treatment pavilions, a fitness center with personal trainers, and plenty of space for meetings and weddings. However, the removed location, while peaceful and romantic, may not be to everyone's liking, and it's not a good spot for travelers who like to explore destinations on foot. Travelers who'd prefer to be in the center of cultural action might want to check out the Royal Kamuela in Ubud, a luxury property in the heart of Bali's artistic and cultural hub.

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is a five-pearl luxury hotel with 118 rooms and suites, all of which have large balconies and some that feature direct access to the hotel's star attraction: an enormous, wraparound saltwater lagoon-style pool. Le Meridien does not have a private beach, but instead offers access to a luxury beach club on a nearby stretch of sand, though guests are expected to spend a minimum amount in order to use the sunbeds. The hotel include a fitness center, a luxury spa, and a wide range of bars and restaurants with international cuisine. Family-friendly facilities also abound, including an activity-packed kids' club and special family packages with all-inclusive meal plans for little ones.

The Bale is one of the most luxurious properties in Nusa Dua, and its soothing zen-inspired decor and gorgeous grounds wow at first sight. Housed in private pavilions set within their own walled gardens, the hotel’s 29 rooms offer a level of privacy hard to find in other luxury resorts. All units have lovely infinity pools, upscale amenities, and top-notch bathrooms with outdoor showers. The spa offers wonderful signature treatments in minimalist rooms, and there's a beautiful two-tier infinity pool. There are two excellent restaurants and a small fitness center with yoga classes, plus the hotel has a private beach club with loungers on a nice stretch of sand a short walk away. Rates can be steep, but freebies such as breakfast, airport transfers, welcome massages, and free daily restocking of the minibar add value. Kids aren't allowed here; families seeking a luxury stay might want to check out the Samabe Bali Suites & Villas.

The 52-room Samaya Bali is an all-villa, beachfront luxury property offering amazing ocean views throughout, with restaurants and attractions a five-minute walk away. Modern Villas have humungous bathrooms with jetted tubs and rainfall showerheads, private outdoor pools, free minibars, and 24-hour butler service, but some have minimum stay requirements. Hotel highlights include beach access and two outdoor pools, and there are two on-site restaurants and an included a la carte breakfast. Other features include a contemporary spa and a fitness center with free yoga classes along with free Wi-Fi and a free area shuttle. This is one of the top options in the area; The Layar is comparably luxurious but not on the beach.

One of the best resorts in Nusa Dua, The St. Regis Bali Resort is a luxury property with a lot to love. The classically elegant atmosphere is set by a style that blends Old World and contemporary accents, while luxe amenities include private butler service and a private beach with water sports. The children's education center and a lovely spa make this property as pleasurable for kids as it is for their parents, and dining and drinking are all top notch. The 123 spacious suites and villas include marble bathrooms, plush beds, large flat-screen TVs, and balconies -- some even have private pools and ocean views. Couples and adult guests seeking similar features in a more secluded, intimate setting could also check out The Bale.

The 74-room Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is a modern luxury resort perched on a cliffside with gorgeous views over the Indian Ocean from most of its facilities, including a rooftop restaurant and beautiful infinity-edge pool. Spacious suites and villas offer stylish, contemporary decor and private balconies with outdoor soaking tubs, plus a duplex penthouse is available with a private pool and sundeck. The luxurious spa features a wide range of treatments including hair and nail services, and there’s also a fitness center and yoga classes are offered. The property’s cliffside locale, though scenic, also means that there are lots of steps to navigate throughout the grounds, and though there’s direct access to a private beach, it’s rocky and not always swimmable. For a sandy beach, travelers might want to consider another luxurious offering from the brand, the Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa.

Perched on a clifftop above a lovely sandy beach, family-friendly Karma Kandara is one of southern Bali’s most luxurious resorts. It offers 54 stunning multi-room villas set in private gardens with infinity pools, all featuring full kitchens, outdoor dining areas, and upscale amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor showers. The gorgeous, serene grounds include two pools (one of them overlooking the ocean), a top-notch spa with cliffside massage huts, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a rooftop bar with views. But the highlight here is the hip beach club, complete with cabanas and a restaurant, and accessed via a funicular. Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali has an even sleeker feel, but rates are higher.

The five-pearl RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA is part of the massive AYANA resort, but located a 20-minute walk inland from the namesake facilities. It offers an array of amenities, including several restaurants, an orchid-filled tea house, and a huge network of outdoor pools and waterfalls. There's also a Balinese village recreated alongside rice paddies where guests can browse vendors and partake in nightly performance dinners. Couples and tourists looking for seclusion and luxurious rooms with private balconies will find both here. Guests who prefer to be near the ocean should compare rates with the main AYANA Resort and Spa that's perched on the cliffs below.

The 60-room Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali, is a luxury boutique resort located right on picturesque Seminyak Beach. The all-suites accommodations have a clean-lined, Zen-inspired aesthetic that underscores the decadent amenities like iPod docks, espresso machines, and walk-in rainfall showers. The hotel has two pools -- one infinity-edge, overlooking the beach and the ocean; the other, surrounded by a lush, serene courtyard. Two acclaimed Thai-Indonesian restaurants include a rooftop that's one of Seminyak's coolest nightlife spots. Anantara Spa is one of the island's most decadent spas, offering a full range of beauty and wellness treatments. Free Wi-Fi, bicycles to borrow, and an area shopping shuttle are available, and both room service and the business center are available 24-hours a day. If there's a downside to this resort, it's that the rooftop can be buzzy late into the night, which can bother those trying to sleep on higher floors.

Tucked away on a private stretch of sand, Kayumanis Nusa Dua is an intimate and luxurious adult-only retreat that feels a world away from the large neighboring resorts. Each of the property’s 20 villas is housed in a beautiful pavilion with an indoor-outdoor design and tasteful, traditional Indonesian decor. All have private pools, outdoor bathrooms, and top-notch services such as personal butlers, and drivers for free private day trips to as far a Jimabaran. The on-site beach is not the prettiest around, but it is sandy and relaxing, and has padded lounge chairs and a beach club. The spa is small but excellent, and also offers in-room treatments. The on-site Italian restaurant is mediocre, but there's a great Indonesian restaurant on-site and plenty of other options within a short distance of the hotel. The Bale Hotel offers a similar adult-only experience, but it's not right on the beach and can be pricier.

The Alila Villas Soori is a luxurious beachfront resort set on lush grounds surrounded by rice paddies. Features include two restaurants, a volcanic-sand beach, a beautiful spa, and a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the sea -- though all of the hotel’s 48 villas have private pools of their own. Villas are spacious, ranging from one-bedroom units to a lavish 10-bedroom estate complete with private gym, spa, chauffeur services, and more. Each is equipped with an array of modern amenities such as Apple TVs, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi, as well as luxurious bathrooms with deep tubs and rainfall showers. As with most five-pearl hotels, rates are high, and the peaceful, secluded location might not suit everyone. Travelers might also want to check out the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, which has an 18-hole golf course.