Top 10: best luxury resorts in Bali (Indonesia)

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (September 15, 2014): Top 10: most luxurious resorts in Bali (Indonesia). 

*** For an updated list of the 10 best hotels in Bali, click here ***

Bali, the idyllic Island of the Gods in Indonesia, takes a serious claim to be paradise on earth and is one of the world’s most scenic islands (although its popularity has taken its toll in certain areas). Varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all provide a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture. Bali’s five-star resorts rank amongst the most exclusive in the world and most of them are clustered in Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Ubud. Ubud’s hotels cater to those who prefer spas and cultural pursuits, while surfing and other beach activities can be found at the sophisticated beachfront communities of Nusa Dua and Seminyak. I hereby present you my top 10 list of Bali’s best ultraluxe resorts.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Bali luxury resort in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. ANANTARA ULUWATU RESORT & SPA

Set on Bali’s secluded southern coast, Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is an exceptional sanctuary of ingenious design and rugged natural beauty that offers a unique way to experience the Island of the Gods. Cascading down the cliffside, luxurious suites, pool villas and duplex penthouses blend innovation and indulgence with priceless Indian Ocean views. Lazy days are spent at the cliff edge infinity pool or in the excellent Anantara Spa, where signature rituals are inspired by Indonesia’s Spice Islands. A surfer’s paradise, nearby Impossible Beach is renowned for its incredible waves, offering the challenge of a fast long ride along Impossible Break and the daring world-famous Padang-Padang Tube, as well as easy take-offs at the nearby surfing beaches of Bingin and Dreamland.

• Hotel website: Anantara Uluwatu Resort & Spa
• Review: read my review of Anantara Uluwatu Resort & Spa here.

9. W RETREAT & SPA

On the legendary beaches of Seminyak, the juxtaposition of traditional Balinese mythology and W Retreat & Spa’s hip design results in invigorating energy and dynamic aesthetics. You can surrender to indulgence at the W, where peace and tranquility are the utopian reality, all within strolling distance to Bali’s hippest boutiques, eclectic galleries, restaurants and clubs. Once the door is unlocked, an endless extraordinary experience is ready to be unleashed at this Bali five-star hotel. The fairytale begins in 237 retreats, suites and villas, all designed with W signature chic and innovative touches, offering spectacular views of the ocean or gardens. Some villas even offer private pools, perfect for a morning cool-off and/or cannonball.

• Hotel website: W Retreat & Spa
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

8. BULGARI RESORT

The resort, at the time the second hotel opening by the prestigious Bulgari group, is located on top of a 150-meter (450 feet) high, jaw-dropping cliff cascading down towards the Indian Ocean. A pristine private beach, suitable for long walks along the oceanfront and featuring a private beach club, is reached via an inclined elevator. The 59 individual villas, freestanding and private, all include an open-air pavilion, terrace and private plunge pool, with the ones on the first row enjoying spectacular ocean views. In all villas, every natural element is polished to a shine: Indonesian wood floors glow, natural lava walls are neatly bricked, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls reveal manicured tropical plants.

• Hotel website: Bulgari Resort
• Other accolades: The Bulgari Resort also features in my top 10 list of the most spectacular cliffside luxury hotels in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of the Bulgari Resort Bali here.

7. THE CHEDI CLUB AT TANAH GAJAH

Hidden among the lush undulating hills of Bali’s culture-rich highlands, this most private of resorts 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 retreat with twenty individual villas, each one uniquely featuring original Balinese artworks from his collection. The rustic chic five-hectare property offers an authentic backdrop to one of Bali’s most dramatic performances, the Kecak dance – performed at the resort’s very own amphitheatre. Those seeking serenity and rejuvenation will find both in abundance at The Spa, nestled at one edge of the seemingly endless paddy fields.

• Hotel website: The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah

6. SOORI BALI

Soori Bali on the southwest coast of the Island of the Gods might just be the very definition of paradise. Located near the island’s famed Tanah Lot Temple, this luxurious beachfront resort leads you to depths of relaxation you never knew existed. Nestled between lush rice fields and glistening volcanic black sands lapped by the Indian Ocean, these luxury villas fully integrate the beach experience in their vibrant mix of spaces. All villas features a private pool, and most come with direct beach access and open-to-the-sky inner courtyards that create a wonderful sense of light and airiness. The perfectly calibrated balance of tranquillity and vitality, that is so Bali, does a fine job at this resort.

• Hotel website: Soori Bali
• Other accolades: Soori Bali also features in my top 10 lists of the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia and the world’s most beautiful hotel beaches.
• Review: to read my review of Soori Bali, click here.

5. THE MULIA

With a stunning beachfront setting along Nusa Dua’s Bay in South Bali, the Mulia evokes a relaxed yet polished sensibility and exceeds expectations for style, comfort and service. Choose from a list of five kinds of Villas, ranging in size from one bedroom to the Mulia Mansion. Or, decide to go with a suite and indulge in a slightly more simplified but no less luxurious setting. All villas come with private plunge pools, and the suites are the largest available on the island. Dining options at Mulia Villas are impressive. Eight restaurants and bars provide delicious fare, while the services offered at Mulia Spa, Business Center, Fitness Center, and Mulia Kidz Club are only surpassed by the kindness of the staff.

• Hotel website: The Mulia

4. AMANKILA

Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila (peaceful hill), a secluded seaside resort overlooking the Lombok Strait and managed by Aman, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand. The 34 free-standing thatched-roof suites offer exceptional views from their hillside locations, and are connected to the resort’s facilities by raised walkways. Guests can relax around the signature three-tiered pool or at the beach club on Amankila’s beach, with its silverblack sands and turquoise waters. What separates Amankila from other luxury Bali hotels is that it is situated in Karangasem, one of Bali’s most traditional regencies, offering easy access to untouched rural countryside, local crafts and the region’s royal past.

• Hotel website: Amankila
• Other accolades: Amankila also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most beautiful hotel pools and the best luxury hotels in Indonesia.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one lunch or dinner for 2).
• Review: read my review of Amankila here.

3. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AT JIMBARAN BAY

Designed as a traditional Balinese village, this luxurious all-villa enclave spreads across 14 hectares (35 acres) of oceanfront in Bali, giving resort guests direct access to the beach right at sea level. The resort offers 147 villas set amid lush tropical gardens. The luxurious villas – each with a private plunge pool – terrace down a hillside woven with brilliant flowers and Balinese temples. Here, you can steep yourself in local island culture, unwind with holistic spa treatments and enjoy a wide range of dining options, including the beachfront Sundara restaurant. More sensory delights await at open-air Taman Wantilan restaurant, where theatre-style dining is presented by a brigade of specialty chefs at nine culinary exhibitions or show kitchens.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
• Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Indonesia.
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).
• Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay here.

2. COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE

Located in the breathtaking rainforest near Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate will immerses you in a positive, holistic and healing experience from the moment of arrival. It isn’t just a luxury resort. Nor is it just a top-notch health retreat. It’s a sumptuous combination of the two, staggered up the steep slopes of the sacred Ayung river gorge. Previously known as Begawan Giri, the estate has been beautifully revamped a couple of years ago into Bali’s best health retreat by the COMO hotel group, one of the world’s most exclusive luxury hotel brands. There are only 30 suites, housed in five shared residences, plus five Retreat Villas and four two- or three-bedroom Private Villas.

• Hotel website: COMO Shambhala Estate
• Other accolades: COMO Shambhala Estate also features in my top 10 lists of the best spas in the world, the world’s most luxurious rainforest retreats, and the most beautiful hotel pools in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of COMO Shambhala Estate here.

1. ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU

Alila Villas Uluwatu is currently Bali’s most luxurious hotel, located in the dry savannah landscape of the Bukit Peninsular in the South of the island. Poised on an elevated plateau that meets with limestone cliffs sweeping down the Indian Ocean, the view from the hotel is nothing less than breathtaking. Blending in with these spectacular surroundings, the architecture of the hotel combines the delights of traditional Balinese pavilion architecture and rural landscapes with modern dynamic treatment of space and form. The spectacular yet serene, open-plan rooms with minimalistic interiors are designed to impart comfort and space.

• Hotel website: Alila Villas Uluwatu
• Other accolades: Alila villas Uluwatu also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best honeymoon resorts and the world’s best luxury hotels.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Alila Villas Uluwatu here.

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