This article was prepared by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
There really is no place like Bali. His spirituality is manifested in daily blessings and constant celebrations and ceremonies. This fertile volcanic island is also very beautiful. Cambodia's abundance gives vibrant color to the forest, white sand beaches shaded by coconut palms and lapped by turquoise waters, and country roads stretch through green rice paddies. Obviously, these features draw the crowds, but as the island's economy recovers from the long quarantine, spending by responsible travelers could pay off. The reception in store for them will be as warm as ever.
Perfect for old school luxury
The much-loved Four Seasons was considered a trailblazer when it opened 25 years ago - some of its innovations were copied in later openings - and it continues to amaze today. Guests cross the bridge to enter the property with a circular pool that stretches below and spans the Ayung Valley below. Elaborate surprises are the order of the day: open to the elements but crowned by a three-tiered ceiling, this bar offers beautiful and ethereal performances by local musicians. Sit by the riverside infinity pool and watch the sides float by; At the breakfast table, the waiter can open a drawer to reveal an assortment of fresh pastries. For obvious reasons, this place loved by young people remains special. Rooms: From IDR 1,320,000 (£720).
Better for health
For travelers visiting Bali in search of physical reset and spiritual awakening, the Eat, Pray, Love effect is strongest here. Overlooking the River Oos, Como Shambhala Retreat forest spa is surrounded by ponds filled with goldfish and has an open-air yoga pavilion in the shade of the treetops. Incredible massages inspired by local beauty rituals are performed in snow-white treatment rooms. In addition to the spa, there is a scenic walk that starts at the resort gate. In addition, the restaurant's menu offers delicious dishes that take advantage of Bali's abundant produce, such as grapefruit salad with boiled shrimp, green mango and lemon grass. Rooms: From IDR 4.3 million (£233) for guest rooms.
Best for durability
As stylish and social as they are, these iconic Seminyak hotels are also sustainability superstars, often subtly communicating their values. Mention that you like the rainbow polka dot chairs in your room and you'll be told they're made from 30kg of plastic waste; comment on the candles that light up the house and you'll know they're made from recycled vegetable oil. Guests can learn more about the resort's recycling lab or participate in workshops on regenerative agriculture, and other carefully thought-out offerings sound like a real treat. Ijen, which claims to be Indonesia's first zero-waste restaurant, offers delicious seafood dishes, while Sanctuary offers morning spiritual healing and yoga sessions overlooking the ocean. Room: From IDR 2.5 million (£137)
Ideal for sailing on a budget
Surrounded by cheap bars and restaurants, the resort town of Kuta is often the gateway to Bali for students and tourists. Elegant and customer-oriented, Mamaka by Ovolo is one of the most luxurious oceanfront hotels and is well worth a visit. This comfortable hotel strives for true hospitality, with free laundry facilities and a free minibar for those staying in the suites. And it's fun here too. The lively Kuta Social Club on the rooftop pool offers lively brunches, sunset cocktails and local DJs. The Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy is also part of the property and offers expert guidance to riders of all levels; the Australian-Indonesian owner also produced a world champion. If you don't want to join them, ask for a room with an ocean view so you can watch them in action. Rooms: From IDR 1.5 million (£82).
Ideal for exceptions
A two-hour drive from Ubud along winding mountain roads prevents most travelers from exploring the black sands and traditional villages that surround this landmark. The staff are very friendly and the rooms are located on Abasan beach and Mendieta beach, 10 minutes by car. The retreat is carefully integrated into its environment, working with local farmers to source produce, funding educational programs for underprivileged local children, and working to protect traditional cultural activities. This remote location is a great retreat base for friends and spouses who want to leave their normal world behind for a bit. Rooms: from Rp 960,000 (£52).
Perfect for a beach holiday
Dreamland Beach in southern Bali is one of the best on the island, and Jumeirah's first property in Indonesia sits on top of it. Away from the main tourist trails, this quiet golden patch attracts seasoned surfers from dawn to dusk. It is fascinating to see them having breakfast all day at the Segaran restaurant and then returning for an aperitif at the end of the day, where the breathtaking view of the sunset is one of the most spectacular views of any hotel on the island. There's so much more, from the infinity pool and expansive Talise Spa to the beachfront Akasa Grill. For a romantic evening, the spacious villas have outdoor chairs, freestanding hot tubs and large plunge pools. Rooms: From IDR 1,010,000 (£549) for bed and breakfast.
Great for aesthetics
As stunning as it was when it opened in 2009, this grand hotel proves that exemplary design never goes out of style. Here, morning yoga classes are held in a pavilion that overlooks the Indian Ocean, walkways are shaded by frangipani trees with lush yellow flowers, and the wood-framed Sunset Cabana Bar -- with reclaimed wood veneers and splashes of shade -- remains one of the hotel's most elegant bars. The 65 ultra-private villas are ultra-romantic, with local materials and finishes from lava roofs to custom-made bath products and incredible breakfasts. It is an undeniable privilege to be completely surrounded by such beauty. Rooms: From IDR 1,470,000 (£800) for bed and breakfast.
Perfect for a great getaway
Hotel designer Bill Bensley's reputation as an eccentric innovator is on display at Capella Ubud, a spectacular showpiece of 23 individual cottages, a 19th-century Balinese retreat. Inspired by the stories of the European settlers who arrived in the 19th century. The individually decorated rooms, with freestanding hot tubs and private saltwater pools, are surrounded by mature forests (no trees were cut down to create the resort) and are set above a tranquil river. Away from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud, this idyllic retreat is like a time capsule nestled in the jungle. It is an atmosphere that inspires romance, reflection and relaxation. Rooms: From IDR 1,120,000 (£612) for bed and breakfast.
Ideal for family holidays
In the sleepy town of Sanur on Bali's east coast, the beautifully designed and welcoming Hyatt Andaz Bali opened quietly during the pandemic and went relatively unnoticed. For families, the indoor and outdoor Kemu Mai Kids Club has a large all-weather play area (children under four must be accompanied by a guardian) and a range of activities including kite flying and fish feeding. Of the resort's three pools, Alit (meaning "small") is specially designed for children. There's plenty for teenagers to do with their parents, from cycling to paragliding and even helicopter rides. Rooms: From IDR 4 million (£220) for guest rooms.
Ideal for remote work
At Chang, Bali's first purpose-built coworking hostel offers wooden panels open to the surrounding flora and fauna. Icebreaker workshops are held regularly and the conversations naturally lead to one another at the bar or by the pool. That way, new arrivals forced to take a working vacation don't have to worry about disturbing the tranquility of the hotel by opening their laptops at breakfast. Whether staying in dorms or private rooms, each guest will have free access to a collaborative space. Rooms: From IDR 295,000 (£16) for dorm beds; private rooms from IDR 795,000 (£43).
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