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Someone recently told me Bali has a branding problem. Mention the island and most minds drift towards beach clubs in Canggu. After all, it is almost like a private club for expats.
But, over the years the Southeast Asian island has had many flying in for the best wellness retreats and to be digital nomads. And of course, it is still one of those cliche honeymoon destinations. One really can't help it.
The sunsets at Seminyak are obviously mesmerising, the clifftops in Uluwatu are dramatic and the cocktails for party-lovers are dangerously easy to keep ordering and so is an ultra luxury stay experience.
The best stays whether you decide to book yourself in a resort, a private villa or a luxury Airbnb are not too far away from the beaches. Some are hidden deep near the rice fields, others in deep forests, rest on the cliffs overviewing the Indian Ocean.
These are the best luxury stays in Bali right now:
Nestled along the beautiful Ayung River gorge, Aura House is a 3 storey villa entirely made out of locally grown Asper Bamboo and created by Jewellery designer and pioneer of sustainable living movement in Bali John Hardy and Elora Hardy.
Located 30 minutes south of Ubud, within walking distance from Green School, Aura house redefines architectural innovation through Balinese craftsmanship. You can enjoy spas and even arrange a private chef to teach you how to cook authentic Balinese cuisine.
Only 100 metres away from Batu Bolong and located in Canggu, Hotel Tugu is one of the most popular Balinese accommodation that speaks of Indonesia's intriguing history and a Balinese aesthetic since it has the gracious prestige of an old colonial hotel.
The huge, thatched-roofed central pavilion serves as a reception, foyer and cocktail bar but it is also a curated space for the owner’s private collection of artefacts, antiques and artwork including paintings by Belgian artist and long-term Bali resident Adrien-Jean Le Mayeau.
Nestled within an unspoiled river valley and overlooking the enchanting forests of Payangan, the 149-room Padma Resort Ubud is an expansive and tranquil luxury destination.
Located north of Ubud, the resort featuresan awe-inspiring 89-metre infinity swimming pool with panoramic views and includes several in-house activities inclduing village bike riding, fish feeding, archery and golf and more.
Set on the edge of the ocean between the Batu Karu Mountain and terraced rice fields, Soori Bali is a hidden refuge, rejuvenating and peaceful. Soori Bali’s interiors are inspired by local colours, crafts and materials. Walls are clad in paras kelating, a cool grey sandstone manually extracted.
Located on Bali’s south-western coast, Soori Bali is nestled within the picturesque Tabanan Regency, where volcanic mountains loom above verdant rice terraces and striking black-sand beaches.
A riverside luxury resort at Sayan in Ubud is famously nestled directly along the lush banks of the Ayung River which is Bali's longest and most revered river. The resort is uniquely designed to cascade down the terraced jungle slopes right to the river's edge, offering immersive, nature-focused luxury. Unlike most resorts you'll find in Bali, at Four Seasons the view is the river and not a beach. You can go white-water rafting and a riverside spa session and more.