Where to stay in Bali

What we love most about Soori Bali is its complete sense of place. The pool, spa and rooms are beautiful but it’s the experiences created to immerse you in what makes Bali so magical, that we find most intriguing.

Occasionally we find a resort that quite simply ticks all the boxes and Samaya Seminyak does just that – the location is spot on, right on the beach and close to restaurants and bars and the pool villas are stylish and spacious.

One of our favourite Ubud retreats is COMO Uma Ubud, a rustically stylish escape. The hillside location makes for exceptional valley views and the signature spa is regarded as one of the best around.

With a stunning setting, surrounded by paddy fields and overlooking the jungle and Wos River, the impressive Capella Ubud is a luxury tented retreat located in the authentic village of Keliki, about 20 minutes from the centre of Ubud.

Ametis is a charming romantic hideaway, tucked away behind the cool cafés and sophisticated boutiques of up-and-coming Canggu, a five-minute walk from the beach. This intimate sanctuary is boutique retreat at its best, with a sleek contemporary flair subtly complemented with touches of Balinese artefacts and artwork reflecting the edgy neighbourhood. Dark woods combined with beautiful batik fabrics create a relaxed environment with a real sense of place.

Belmond Jimbaran Puri embraces all that we love about Bali. The style is relaxed, service friendly; the design a nod to local traditions. Shady thatched roofs keep you cool, whilst swathes of highly polished teak create a warm authentic vibe.

The 19 thatched villas of the Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate are set amidst a beautiful coconut grove, in completely private walled gardens providing the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

This all-suite and super-stylish boutique resort is uber chic, funky and ideally located close to the centre of leafy Ubud. The unique design combines contemporary raw-concrete architecture with a rustic and local finish to create an urban retreat with a Balinese edge.

Uber-modern’, ‘poised’ and ‘edgy’ all define Alila Uluwatu; a resort perched somewhat precariously on a plateau, beneath which limestone cliffs plunge to the surf. This place screams, shouts and stamps wow factor!

The Pavilions is a real Turquoise favourite. Location-wise, it is pretty much perfect - within walking distance of local restaurants, cafes and the beach, with beautiful tropical gardens and a charming traditional Balinese design.

Amankila scores a perfect ten when it comes to location. Silver sand, turquoise water and the dense emerald green jungle rising in the distance, you are only an hour from the airport, yet transported effortlessly into the rural heart of Bali.

Boasting one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings in the outskirts of Ubud, Mandapa Reserve is situated on the edge of the Ayung Valley.

A stay at Plataran Menjangan is like no other in Bali. Tucked away in the protected sanctuary of West Bali National Park, Plataran is a truly luxurious hideaway, but is also a place to find a natural wilderness and inject a completely unique experience to your Bali holiday.

Sanak is a luxurious retreat nestled right on top of farmed rice paddies, just 10 minutes from Munduk in the mountainous north of Bali, just 10 minutes from Munduk. This is a true eco retreat, built in harmony with its surrounds, supporting the local community, giving work to the people in the local village.

The Oberoi Bali is a classic, one of the original luxury resorts in Bali and the first in Seminyak. When it opened in 1978, the Oberoi stood in isolation in the middle of verdant rice fields fronting a gorgeous long stretch of beach.

An elegant resort clinging to the forested hillsides of Ubud’s fringes, Viceroy Bali is akin to living like Balinese royalty. Set on the sunrise side, every morning here is special as the golden dawn breaks over the lush Valley of the Kings.

Located in the region of Tanah Lot, home to Bali's most iconic temple, Nirjhara, Sanskrit for waterfall, is an intimate retreat in the southwest of Bali. Overlooking verdant rice fields and surrounded by a river and cascades, Nirjhara is a perfect hideaway to base yourselves for a few days as part of a tailor-made holiday.

Situated in the east of Bali, away from the busy coastal towns and the buzz of Ubud, Sideman is a wonderful alternative for those seeking nature, serenity and to experience authentic Balinese culture.

Nestled amongst unspoiled jungle and verdant rice paddies, this secluded retreat is a wonderful balance of authentic Balinese style and luxury comforts. 76 wooden villas, two dreamy pools, several dining options and a blissful spa overlook a patchwork of verdant Balinese landscapes. While it’s located just ten minutes from Ubud town centre, Kappa Senses feels a world away from the stresses of daily life.

The St Regis occupies one of the best spots on Nusa Dua’s spectacular beach, with wide golden sands stretching along the resorts front. Beautiful, thatched pavilions are neatly placed around the grounds, amongst the immaculately manicured gardens and serene palm-lined water features.

Situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Nusa Dua, The Laguna fronts one of southern Bali’s most stunning golden-sand beaches. Recently redesigned with a fresh nautical theme, and touches of Balinese style, we love it as an idyllic island-style resort hotel, perfect for those seeking a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere.

Quiet, castaway beaches are quite hard to come by in the south of Bali, with many of the gorgeous resorts spread along wide stretches of golden beaches. Raffles is a rare find, tucked away in a private cove, just south of Jimbaran Bay, it is surrounded by nature, yet close to the action for those who seek it.

Conveniently situated just 20 minutes from the airport, Four Seasons is ideally positioned at the end of the sandy shores of Jimbaran Bay, a charming beachside town renowned for its local fish restaurants and laid-back atmosphere. Cascading down the hillside, the resort comprises 147 stunning villas enveloped by beautifully landscaped gardens and impressive swimming pools. The seamless blend of volcanic stone architecture, thatched roofs, and traditional Balinese carvings captures the essence of a traditional Balinese village.

If the idea of a truly remote haven, surrounded by lush jungle and facing a long stretch of black lava-sand beach, sounds appealing, then this is the place for you. Unique in design, this gem of a retreat is playful in its architecture and utterly unconventional in style.