As the most popular Indonesian island among tourists, it’s no surprise that Bali is home to a wealth of fantastic accommodation options. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favourite luxury hotels in Bali…
Nihi Sumba Island (Nihiwatu)
In 2016 and 2017, luxury hotel Nihi Sumba Island was declared the number one hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine. With a mile-long beach exclusive to hotel guests, a private surf break, and a sustainable tourism project that sees a portion of the resort's profits repatriated into the local community we can easily see why.
It’s easy to see why Nihi Sumba is known for being one the best luxury hotels in Bali. With 28 spectacular villas, The Tree House villa is arguably the resort’s most impressive property. Hidden high in the trees this magical three bedroomed villa is connected by bamboo bridges and boasts the best view of the beach of any villa.
Dining at Nihi is a combination of Indonesian and international cuisine and for spectacular wood oven pizzas head to the Nio Beach Club restaurant. Private dining experiences can also be arranged, and special events occur twice a week where guests are invited to dine together.
Guests can dip in the lap pool, peruse books in the library or take in an open-air movie. The real trump card and confirmation that this really is one of the best hotels in Bali has to be the hotels own Chocolate Factory, a creation born from the realisation that the island boasts an array of cocoa plantations and a fortunate man named Charly.
Once acceptably full to the brim with chocolate guests can learn about local culture on tribal village visits, take surf lessons on the beach or seek relaxation at the Nihioka Spa Safari (a 90-minute trek away).
Why We Love It
Not many luxury hotels in Bali can claim their own private surf break, but Nihi does, and it's the perfect break for beginners and pros alike.
Alila Manggis
Alila Manggis is a beachfront resort on the unspoilt east coast of Bali - a pretty good position if you ask us.
There are 55 rooms at Alila Manggis, housed in two Balinese pavilions, which overlook the pool. They are all spacious and have all the latest mod cons, as well as balconies for making the most out of the views of the pool, coconut groves and the sea.
What better way to enjoy one of the best hotels in Bali than by getting involved in some Balinese traditions and sampling some of the tasty food available? Firstly, the Seasalt restaurant, which is surrounded by a lotus pond, serves delicious local food such as freshly caught fish served with chilli and coconut. We recommend opting for the Balinese Megibung, a traditional way of sharing food in Eastern Bali. The other option is eating in the hotel's organic garden, which is just a ten-minute drive away. The gardener takes guests through the different vegetables used in his Balinese cooking, and cookery classes are also available.
Whether it is relaxing on the huge day beds on the room's balcony, swimming in the pool, or trying yoga or tai chi, there is plenty to do and see in the area. Take a tour of the paddy fields and plantations, having a cup of Balinese tea with the locals along the way, or watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano - an early start yes, but well worth it for the sensational views and natural hot springs.
There is also a fantastic spa offering a range of treatments. Its setting in the Pandan forest, and facing the sea, is even more relaxing, making it easy to see why this ranks highly among some of the best luxury hotels in Bali.
Why We Love It
For the best views and most space, we recommend the corner suites.
Amanwana
Amanwana is surrounded by tropical rainforest and overlooks the waters of the Flores Sea.
There are just twenty luxury tented rooms, featuring a solid-wall foundation with a waterproof exterior roof and an interior one of canvas. A coral stone veranda surrounds each tent and the interiors contain Indonesian artwork, hardwood flooring, king-size beds and large bathrooms.
Other activities at Amanwana include sports fishing and sunset or picnic cruises to deserted islands. Moyo is also a haven for nature enthusiasts, with several walking trails and guided treks available, some of which lead to jungle waterfalls. There are plenty of dining options at Amanwana. Lunch is informal, served either by the pool or at the open thatched dining pavilion. In the evening, dine at the main pavilion or in complete privacy by your tent, with a bonfire.
Why We Love It
Amanwana is easily the most stylish resort on Moyo Island, and one of the best dive spots in the world, making it a must visit spot on the list of luxury hotels in Bali we think you need to experience.