Bali’s beauty goes deeper than its eye catching exterior. If you know where to look, you can find some of the more luxurious resorts in the world. From private villas a step away from the beach, to breakfast overlooking a tranquil infinity pool at sunset, Bali offers is all.
I spent a week checking out the best of the bunch, for research purposes of course. Here’s our Top 5, Abbotts approved, resorts on the Island.
The Legian
On a quiet night, the resort sits a mere 25 minutes from the airport. Arriving in Seminyak, you’re in the heart of what draws tourists to Bali. From some of the swankiest bars to beautiful Balinese shops, the streets are filled with tourists from all over the world. Turn left through the gates of the exclusive Legian Resort, and the noise comes to an abrupt end.
Inside you’ll find the epitome of Balinese tranquility, with stone walls and eye-catching traditional features. Hotel room doors are built for the Lakers team, and even the most basic room will provide you with plentiful space overlooking the ocean.
All your mini-bar treats are complimentary, including the mouth-watering branded Balinese chocolate. It’s also replenished daily, just in case your midnight feast reaches new heights.
Jump in on the 8am yoga class next to the beach (weather permitting) or treat yourself to one of the spa treatments. Take a walk on the private stretch of beach, or jump into the infinity pool for that beautiful sunset instagram shot we all strive for.
Breakfast provided everything from traditional Balinese cuisine to guacamole and poached eggs, cooked just the way you like them. Plus they have a separate vegetarian menu, leaving all you veggies spoilt for choice.
64 suites, 3 of speciality suite, and 1 Beach House, The Club at The Legian Bali has 14 villas in total - allowing a sense of exclusivity and privacy in the heart of the trendiest neighbourhood in Bali.
All suites have a view of the ocean and complimentary benefits included in the rates, such as a drink on arrival, daily breakfast and seasonal fruit.
Feel like splurging out? Villas offer a private pool, personal butler and exclusive amenities. It’s a honeymooners dream.
Soori Bali
A hidden refuge, Soori Bali provides the epitome of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Named by the Financial Times as the number one hotel for Design and Top 50 Best Beach Resorts in the World, it’s reputation precedes it.
Each of the 48 luxurious villas take privacy to the next level. Featuring private pools with sweeping vistas of the mountain or ocean, with a 1 km stretch of volcanic black sand beach.
Designed, owned and operated by renowned architect Soo K. Chan, the resort promises environmental and cultural sustainability.
At Soori Spa, their ultimate goal is to guide you towards a lasting sense of wellbeing through holistic healing and nurturing treatments. Dr. Andy Taylor joined the team in May as the onsite Traditional Medicine Practitioner - specialising in Japanese acupuncture, Chinese orthopedic manual therapy and herbal medicine.
Welcoming Chef Diego Martinelli, means the restaurant is not to be missed, using fresh produce from nearby farms and dishing up breakfast for a king every morning.
Within easy reach of the legendary Tanah Lot and the scenic wonders of the Tabanan, the resort is perfect for those seeking tranquility with the option to explore the Island too.
Guests can take a walking tour through the rice fields, or hire a segway for the afternoon and take a tour of the local town.
Soori Bali is an amazing place to be, naturally.
The Chedi Club
Hidden among the lush hills of Bali’s highlands, this most private of Ubud hotels sits among thriving rice fields as far as the eye can see.
Just outside the artists’ village of Ubud, the former estate of Hendra Hadiprana, one of Indonesia’s most respected art collectors has been transformed into an intimate luxury retreat with twenty individual villas, each one uniquely featuring original Balinese artworks from his collection. And it’s quite a collection!
The rustic chic five-hectare hotel in Ubud offers an authentic backdrop to one of Bali’s most dramatic performances, the Kecak dance – performed at the resort’s very own amphitheatre. Sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy an evening of entertainment. Rain or shine, the show goes on.
Those seeking serenity and rejuvenation will find both in abundance at The Spa, nestled at one edge of the seemingly endless paddy fields, the breathtaking views only add to the indulging treatments.
Experience breathtaking sunrises over Mount Agung – Bali’s highest and holiest mountain – and enjoy a leisurely stroll by the estate’s lotus pond, home to a family of white Dutch and black Australian swans.
Make use of the transport available, taking you into the heart of Ubud and showing off the city’s highlights.
Como Uma Ubud
A rainforest retreat in the heart of Ubud.
COMO Uma Ubud feels smaller and more intimate than other properties on the island. Exceptional cuisine, meaningful wellness, contemporary design, local culture, environment and service. The team strive to deliver experiences that are unique to you and Bali.
Encircled by emerald forests, rice paddies and rivers, the resort provides intelligent access to the local area, with mountain biking, rafting and guided walks.
Rooms and suites are pared-back, with large windows and carved panels that open up to incorporate the view, letting light flood the interiors. There are 46 rooms, suites and villas ranging from Ubud Rooms to a COMO villa.
There are a number of delicious food choices onsite. Uma Cucina, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant and pool bar enjoys a street-side setting at the front of the property. Uma Cucina sources the freshest ingredients, serving food for lunch and dinner, with live music on Saturdays and brunch every Sunday.
Kemiri Restaurant showcases the various cooking techniques of Southeast Asia, surrounded by tropical gardens in the heart of COMO Uma Ubud. Uma Pool Bar is a relaxed poolside environment and popular gathering place for enjoying fine wines, cocktails and healthy juices.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary daily yoga class, guided morning walks through the rice paddies, challenging treks visiting topographical highlights such as the Tjampuhan Ridge, mountain biking and whitewater rafting on the Ayung River.
Bali Mandira
Oceanfront paradise.
Situated in front of the famous Legian Beach, Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa is set amongst 5 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and looks out to stunning views across the Indian Ocean.
The resort is located within walking distance to all that Seminyak and Legian area are famous for, excellent shopping, traditional art markets and restaurants, Legian’s wide sandy beaches and famous caves make it a heavenly place for swimming and surfing.
Wake up to the rhythm of the waves and sounds of the oceans in your comfortable bed, surrounded by exotic wooden furniture, tropical Balinese design and the warm Balinese Hospitality. Rooms range from Superior Rooms to Pool Club Villas with a private pool.
Bali Mandira offers 2 swimming pools with ocean views, one adults only for those looking to escape the kids.
The spa is a heavenly paradise, tucked away just beside the pool. Head over for an hour or two of complete tranquility and indulge yourself in traditional balinese treatments.
Celagi Restaurant dishes up Asian and International food, but the Azul Beach Club is our personal favourite with local coastal cuisine - be sure to head there for the best food in the house!
Home to an array of incredible staff with unbeatable hospitality and attention to detail, Bali Mandira would provide the perfect sanctuary for families looking for a break in the Balinese sunshine.
To find out more, or to make a booking at one of these fantastic properties, get in touch.