Confused about where to stay in Bali after viewing all the amazing hotels and villas the island has to offer?

I’ve put together a list of the many areas and their attributes to help you plan the perfect Balinese getaway.

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BUKIT PENINSULA

Nusa Dua

THE GIST: 

• Gated beach enclave of international hotel chains on the southeastern side of Bali.
• Perfect place to get away from it all, and indulge in luxury.
• Lovely white sand beaches which are kept clean by the resorts.
• Water sports available: jet ski, parasailing, banana boats, etc.
• Easy to reach Sanur with the new toll road.
• Lacks the Balinese views of rice terraces or cliff-side sunsets.
• Limited shopping and restaurant choices.
• Not good for snorkeling or diving.
• No night life.
• Isolated from Balinese daily life as there is no local community here.

SUITABLE FOR:

• hotel reward program members
• honeymooners
• families
• luxury seekers
• weekend get-aways OR combining your stay with another area in Bali
• travelers wanting to ease into the Balinese culture before heading to other areas

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• St. Regis.  It is absolutely heavenly, and I highly recommend it. Breakfasts are the best of any hotel breakfasts I have ever experienced. Service is top-notch.
• Starwood properties: Westin and The Laguna.
• Amanusa — Aman resorts are ALWAYS extraordinary.
• Ritz Carlton

Uluwatu

 

THE GIST:

• Cliffside location which is home to the Hindu temple of the same name.
• Newly-built luxury hotels and private villas.
• Stunning views.
• World-famous surf spots.
• No central town with restaurants & shopping.
• Isolated opulence.
• Limited and hard-to-reach beaches due to rocks and cliffs.

SUITABLE FOR: 

• honeymooners,
• luxury seekers
• surfers
• families with older children

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Alila Villas
• Anantara
• Bulgari

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Finn’s Beach Club — pay a fee, receive a beach chair and towel; enjoy food, drink, and tunes spun by the dj here.
• Uluwatu Temple Kecak and Fire Dance, daily at sunset.
• Rock Bar — In the evening, everyone heads to this enormous bar for sundowners. It’s not to miss.

 

Jimbaran Bay

THE GIST:

• Beach town with fabulous modern and time-honored luxury resorts.
• A lovely beach for strolling and swimming.
• Numerous side-by-side seafood restaurants along the beach grilling up that day’s catch.
• Lovely sunset views, as well as plane sightings for the aviation enthusiast.
• Decent shopping opportunities.
• Quick ride from the airport; close proximity to the Kuta/Seminyak area as well as Sanur.

SUITABLE FOR: 

• families,
• honeymooners
• luxury seekers
• hotel loyalty members (IHG & Starwood)
• accommodation close to the airport

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Four Seasons — This is a gorgeous resort with private villas complete with plunge pools. It has been around for awhile but remains timeless with classic Balinese style. Hotel staff greet you by name whenever you pass them.
• Intercontinental
• Le Meridien

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SOUTHWEST BALI (Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, & Canggu)

Kuta

THE GIST:

• Crowded beach town with many budget guesthouses and a few large hotels.
• Nightlife.
• Decent beach, but it is crowded and swimming is dangerous.
• Good for surfing and boogie boarding.
• Fantastic waterpark (something I can’t believe I’m saying as I detest most; this one is clean, beautiful, and comes with a spa and bar!)👍
• Large shopping malls.
• Many market stalls with cheap merchandise.
• Drunk tourists not uncommon here.

SUITABLE FOR:

• backpackers
• partiers
• surfers
• budget travelers

Legian

THE GIST:

• Beach town just north of Kuta, and a bit more upscale
• Moderate to upscale accommodation.
• Villas and hotels are both options here.
• Convenient location for many activities — surfing, shopping, dining, clubbing — since it is situated between Seminyak and Kuta.
• Plenty of places for dining, shopping, and nightlife.

PERFECT FOR:

• families
• groups
• surfers
• partiers

Seminyak

THE GIST:

• Swank hotels and luxury villas — complete with staff —  available at moderate to exceedingly-expensive rates.
• Numerous restaurants and shops of a quality you would find in a major international city.
• Great beach for a stroll.
• Nice waves for surfing and boogie-boarding.
• Not so good for a swim due to the strong currents.
• Spas, spas everywhere! Most are moderately priced.
• Hip beach clubs that also cater to young families.
• Traffic is an issue, and the road infrastructure is insane!

SUITABLE FOR:

• families
• couples
• groups
• honeymooners
• spa-lovers
• surfers
• club-goers
• foodies
• not good for those seeking tranquility or solitude.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

•  W Retreat & Spa Bali: The W is stylish in a flamboyant way; posh, but still laid-back and fun. Friendly adept service. Hotel room or villa options. Good for families, honeymooners, and those seeking nightlife — it caters to all. Great restaurants.
• The Samaya: Unassuming luxury and warm service in this all-villa hotel. Complimentary yoga.
• The Oberoi:Luxury in classic Balinese style. Open-air spa pavilions that overlook water gardens.
• The Legian: Stylish all-suite and villa hotel that opened in 1996.
• The Katamama, related to the popular and trendy Potato Head beach club is set to open in early 2016.

 

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• There are SO many choices! You really can’t go wrong if you’ve done your research. But below is one where I have stayed.
• Villa Tania:  This lovely, moderately priced 3-bedroom villa is in Seminyak just off Jl Laksmana; it has a large living area, and a good-sized pool. The staff is very accommodating. Breakfasts are decent. The Corner House is within a short walk for a morning cappuccino. In-villa massages, babysitters, laundry services, and restaurant reservations can be arranged. No view and 15 minute walk to the beach are the downsides. Restaurants and shopping within a 1 minute walk.

Kerobokan & Canggu: (pronounced chong-goo)

THE GIST: 

• Up and coming area north of Seminyak that still contains plenty of rice fields.
• Still a bit sleepy, but every year more luxury villas are popping up.
• Trendy shops and restaurants in Kerobokan.
• Surfer town with many budget options.
• The beach is a tad more wild, rockier, and dirtier than than those south of here.
• 15-30 minute drive to the restaurants in Seminyak.
• The water is too rough for swimming due to strong currents.

SUITABLE FOR: 

• surfers
• yogis
• spa-lovers
• luxury travelers
• moderate travelers
• budget travelers
• families
• adventure-seekers

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Hotel Tugu is a luxury option here, if you like elegance and Balinese antiques.
• Bali Elements would be a good fit for yoga and holistic-minded travelers.

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Saba Villas: We stayed twice in the Yudhistira unit at this elegant complex located between Kerobokan and Canggu. It is incredibly beautiful and peaceful. The staff are wonderful and kind. The pool is enormous. Expect to feel pampered here; relax and enjoy it. It’s a 5-10 minute taxi ride away from good restaurants in Seminyak and Kerobokan and an 8 minute walk to Berewa Beach. More and more restaurants are opening up in the immediate area, so it is possible to walk to dinner.

OTHER:

• Canggu Club is good for families needing rainy-day activities.
• Echo Beach House: On Sunday late-afternoon, people flock to Echo Beach for sunsets, grilled seafood BBQ, and live music .

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EAST BALI

Sanur

THE GIST: 

• Lively yet laid-back beach town with accommodation in all price ranges.
• Paved path along the beach is great for strollers and bikers.
• Decent restaurants, spas, and shopping found here.
• There are a few live-music venues in the evenings.
• Ideal location for reaching many regions of Bali, including the island of Nusa Lembongan by way of boat.
• The airport is only 20-30 minutes distance.
• The beach is lovely golden sand, and is good for swimming.
• Options near-by for divers and snorkelers.
• Plenty of water-sports choices such as jetski and kite-surfing for those more activity-inclined.
• Much less style-driven than the Seminyak area.
• Some luxury options but not over-the-top like other South Bali areas.
• Many activities in Sanur and nearby for children.

SUITABLE FOR: 

• families
• families with young children
• groups
• mature travelers
• divers
• adventure-seekers
• budget travelers
• moderate-budget travelers
• luxury travelers

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Tanjung Sari. This moderate to upscale hotel has been in operation since the 1960’s, and it is comprised of mostly stand-alone villas. The grounds are lovely, filled with meandering paths through tropical flowerbeds, frangipane trees, water gardens, statues, and fountains. The open-air restaurant and bar faces the beach, and the servers wear traditional Balinese batik attire. Much of the clientele are repeat guests. The vibe is relaxed and old-school Bali — the more traditional and serene Bali I fell in love with in the 1990’s. Book well in advance here.

 

Padang Bai

THE GIST:

• Busy port town with little luxury options.
• Backpacker’s paradise for cheap accommodation and meals.
• Ferries and fast boats depart here to Lombok and the Gili Islands.
• Good snorkeling nearby at Blue Lagoon beach, but beware of the aggressive touts.

SUITABLE FOR: 

• backpackers
• budget travelers

Candidasa

THE GIST:

• Mellow sea-side town with accommodation for all budgets.
• Good snorkeling
• Good diving
• Few beaches, but calm water for swimming.
• Decent restaurant choices
• Limited shopping options
• Rice-field trekking nearby
• Good location for reaching Padang Bai, Ubud, Sideman, and Amed.
• Tirtagganga within 30 minute drive.
• Virgin Beach, aka White Sand Beach, only 15-20 minute drive.

SUITABLE FOR:

• every budget
• families
• honeymooners
• mature travelers
• snorkelers
• divers
• yoga-lovers
• active travelers
• groups

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Amankila: Exclusive and drop-dead gorgeous; 20 minutes from town.
• Alila Manggis: lovely luxury hotel with modest rates; 10 minutes from town.

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Villa Gita — A lovely private villa right on the water, designed in modern tropical style. The location is great for walking to the center of Candidasa for restaurants and shopping. Snorkel from the property!
• Villa Citakara Sari — outstanding beachfront private villa just outside town in the Mendira Beach village. Large pool, tennis court, snorkeling, and three villas that can be rented separately or together for large groups.  See my post on this amazing villa here.

Amed

THE GIST: 

• Several small fishing villages situated in the northeast.
• Black sand or rocky beaches
• Known for it’s spectacular diving, including two shipwreck dives.
• Mostly budget or moderate accommodation, but there are a few luxury options.
• Extremely laid back vibe.
• Fantastic views, both seaside and rice fields.
• Plenty of restaurant options.
• 3-4 hours from the airport. 1 hour from Candidasa.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Luxury AND budget travelers, plus everyone in between
• divers
• snorkelers
• tranquility-seekers
• families
• honeymooners
• groups

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The Griya Villas & Spa: Smart luxury hotel up on a hill with fabulous coastline views.  Excellent restaurant and rooftop bar.

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Villa Katana: A funky and semi-luxurious private villa with lovely gardens and views. It has a pool with a waterslide for those young at heart.

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NORTH BALI

Lovina

THE GIST:

• A busy tourist town and area that originally appealed to backpackers. It still caters to that crowd, but other accommodation options are available.
• Lovina advertises heavily it’s dolphin-watching tours, but I’ve only heard negative comments on the practice.
• Very isolated from other Bali tourist locations.

SUITABLE FOR:

• backpackers
• families
• divers

Pemuteran

THE GIST:

• Laid back fishing village with luxury and budget-minded accommodation.
• Isolated location in the southwest corner of Bali known for it’s fabulous diving and drier climate.
• Limited recommended restaurant choices
• Menjengan Island is within a 30 minute boat ride.

SUITABLE FOR:

• divers
• active travelers
• every budget traveler
• those seeking tranquility and a Bali from yesteryear
• families
• groups
• honeymooners

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The Menjengan Resort: Fabulous resort within the Bali National Park with luxury villas 30 feet from water’s edge, or more moderately priced hotel rooms. Both restaurants have fantastic views, features, and good food — important since it is a 15-20 minute drive to town. Spa massages in open air tents with water views. Wildlife prevalent here with menjangen (type of deer), monkeys, and Bali Starling.  Snorkeling from the jetty. Learn to dive here like we did!
• Taman Sari Resort: Mid-range hotel in town with small well-designed bungalows. Good restaurant on the beach. We had a great experience with the dive center. Snorkeling possible from the beach to see an interesting reef garden project.

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Villa Semadhi: Serene 4 bedroom private beachfront villa just outside of town. The gardens and pool are lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed our week here with friends.

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BALI INTERIOR

Ubud

THE GIST:

• Large town surrounded by picturesque terraced rice fields.
• Numerous luxury and boutique resorts
• Even more moderate and budget options
• Known as the cultural heart of Bali with it’s embrace of art, music and dance.
• Crowded with tourists during the day; evenings are much less busy.
• Good restaurant scene including Mozaic which is ranked in the top 50 restaurants of the world.
• Spa and yoga options galore.
• Activities include white water rafting, biking, trekking, cultural classes, cooking classes, shopping and more.

SUITABLE FOR:

• art-lovers
• honeymooners
• luxury travelers
• families
• mature travelers
• groups
• active travelers
• solo travelers
• Yoga and holistic travelers

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Four Seasons Sayan: gorgeous and the 4S service
• The Samaya: modern opulent style; absolute bliss according to my best friend!
• Komeneka hotels: 4 hotels to choose from; I would choose Bisma for views plus walking distance into town.
• Uma Ubud: Stunning and always ranked high.
• Bambu Indah: John Hardy eco-minded boutique hotel with unique and stylish villas.
• Alam Shanti: Old-school Bali hotel that books out months in advance. I’ve stayed here twice. It’s not luxury, but high-end with lovely tranquil gardens, and warm adept service. I love the Gangga and Yamuna units.

VILLA RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Rumah Cinta: Tranquil 3 bedroom private villa in Penestanan with pool owned by an American, but managed by the sweetest Balinese family. Walking distance into town.
• Summer Moon Villa: Gorgeous 3 bedroom villa designed with bleached woods and an all-white decor. Infinity pool overlooking the rice fields. The villa feels private, but it is part of a small community of villas. It is not within walking distance to town.

 

Munduk

THE GIST: 

• Secluded mountain-side community known for it’s eco-tourism.
• Spectacular rice field and jungle views.
• Ideal location for trekkers.
• The air is lightly scented with cloves, coffee, and chocolate from the nearby plantations.
• Cooler temperatures due to the high elevation.
• Activities nearby include Lake Bratan, Bali Botanical Garden, the terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih — a UNESCO World Heritage site, Munduk Waterfall, Bali Treetops  Adventure Camp for zip-lining, and visits to the spice or coffee plantations.

SUITABLE FOR:

• travelers seeking a less-touristy Bali
• trekkers
• backpackers
• Eco-tourists
• families
• yoga travelers
• luxury travelers seeking authenticity & who can accept some inconveniences.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Sanak: Luxury hotel that gives back to the community.  This peaceful retreat of teak-wood villas with high-quality finishes and beautiful batik fabrics overlooks rice fields. A French couple bought and helped build this resort as a gift to local Indonesian family, guiding them until the business is self-sustaining.  For families, there is a gorgeous 3 bedroom villa. I’ve added this to my must-visit list on a future trip.

 

Where will you stay in beautiful Bali?