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Bali Your Way: From No Expense-Spared to Under $1K
Written by Emily Jacobs
The beauty of Bali is its versatility: whether you’re looking to live large or stretch your dollar a little further, there’s a resort experience for you.
Budget or bougie: it’s all on offer across Bali’s magnificent resorts. Whether you’re whisking the kids away on your first international family holiday or looking to dial up the romance with your beloved on an adults-only getaway, Indonesia’s most popular island caters for every type of traveller, with the same approach to sensational hospitality no matter where you lay your head.
Read on to discover some of Bali’s best hotels and resorts, based on a seven-night stay.
Under A$1000
The Trans Resort Bali
Style and substance go hand-in-hand at the epic Trans Resort Bali, a five-star resort nestled within the excitement of Seminyak’s bars, boutiques and beach clubs. Tailor your stay to your every whim – choose between daily dining and nightly free-flow cocktail packages or make it a family-friendly escape, with two kids (12 and under) staying free in the One Bedroom Villa. Soak up sunset views at The 18tht Rooftop Bar, lounge by the pool and man-made beach, or let your little ones run wild at the incredible kids’ club, complete with pirate ship playground and LEGO station. For a little adults-only serenity, don’t miss a treatment at The Spa.
Aryaduta Bali
This spacious stay in Kuta proves you don’t need to compromise on luxury when it comes to booking a budget-friendly hotel in Bali. Aryaduta Bali’s location is the perfect middle ground for those who love to be in the thick of things, but also like to kick back and relax when it’s time for some R&R. The hotel is only a few minutes from restaurants, bars and the sands of South Kuta Beach, however you’ll likely feel world’s away when you return after a day of sightseeing and cool down with some laps in the rooftop infinity pool.
Seascape Resort Sanur
Luxury doesn’t need to cost the earth – just look at Seascape Resort Sanur, an eco-conscious escape nestled by Sanur Harbour. Earthy interiors and luxurious amenities sit side by side at this adults-only hideaway, where you can sip on cocktails on the terrace, dine at the Japanese-inspired Tsune Restaurant or go in search of zen at the Svaha Spa. Unwind with a book by the pool or soak away in the outdoor bathtub found in the ocean-view suites. Should the sights be calling your name, the bustling Sindhu Night Market and historical Pura Blanjong temple are just a short trip away.
A$1000 – A$5000
Grand Hyatt Bali
Discover a new type of paradise at Grand Hyatt Bali, the cherished beachfront retreat on Nusa Dua’s pristine golden shores. The facilities list of this five-star escape is seemingly endless: five lagoon-style swimming pools, an array of outstanding restaurants and bars serving flavours from around the globe, a sumptuous spa and a private stretch of sand just waiting to be enjoyed. Backed by signature Balinese and Hyatt service, you’ll want for nothing throughout your stay – sip on a cocktail by the pool, dine on authentic Indonesian cuisine among lush gardens and freshwater pools at Watercourt or indulge in a treatment at the serene Kriya Spa. The resort also offers a list of activities to entertain the whole family – ignite your competitive spirit over a game of tennis or watch the little ones run wild at the ocean-themed kids’ club.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali
Embrace the sweet life at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali, where five-star luxury and non-stop family fun are by no means mutually exclusive. Sitting just minutes from the shimmering beachfront of Jimbaran, this impressive property is a feast for the senses, with a multi-level, water-slide-embellished swimming pool, a pirate ship-themed kids’ club, daily chocolate hour and themed buffet nights. It’s not just fun for the little ones though: adults can while away the day at Arkipela Spa, sip on cocktails at the swim-up bar or dine at one of the world-class restaurants at the adjoining Samasta Lifestyle Village.
Double-Six Luxury Hotel
Sitting on Bali’s southwest coast, just steps from the sparkling Indian Ocean, is Double-Six Luxury Hotel, a tranquil hideaway designed to elevate your escape to new luxurious heights. Plunge into the sparkling swimming pool (perhaps directly from your Premium Suite), embrace a new level of bliss at Acqua Perla Spa, or travel back to the 1920s at The Plantation Grill, where dry-aged steaks and sustainable seafood are expertly prepared over wood and coal. Admire stunning Seminyak sunsets from the panoramic top floor every evening, before returning to your spacious suite to enjoy five-star comforts.
Jumeirah Bali
Private pool villas are just the beginning at five-star Jumeriah Bali, a romantic retreat perfectly poised on a clifftop in the Uluwatu region. Surrounded by a dramatic coastline, lush jungle and never-ending rice paddies, this Hindu water palace-inspired sanctuary is dedicated to exceeding all expectations, with unmatchable hospitality and an attention to detail that just can’t be beat. Dine on grilled delicacies at Akasa restaurant, slip into the infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean or experience authentic healing traditions at Talise Spa, all while the kids let their imaginations run free at Peafowl Kids Club.
A$5000+
Viceroy Bali
A five-star sanctuary awaits at Viceroy Bali, found on a steep ravine overlooking the Petanu Valley. Surrounded by lush Balinese jungle, but just five minutes from the centre of Ubud, this luxury hotel offers the best of both worlds, with just 30 private pool suites and villas spread across the palm trees. Experience Balinese fine dining at its best with a degustation at 1920s-inspired Apéritif, sip on expertly crafted cocktails at Pinstripe, or feel your worries melt away at Akoya Spa, where Zen-like water installations and sweeping valley views form the backdrop for traditional Balinese treatments.
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Meaning ‘temple’ in Sanskrit, Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a sanctuary from which to retreat from the wider world, nestled in the heart of Ubud. You’ll want for nothing from the moment you set foot within this luxurious escape, with butlers servicing each suite and villa, which have been finely decorated to complement the surrounding tropical landscape. Enjoy a private lunch or dinner for two among lush greenery or sample the highlights of Indonesian cuisine at Sawah Terrace. Journey through the hidden jewels of Bali in a classic VW 181 convertible or spend your days on the balcony of your spacious suite, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of the world-famous Ubud jungle.
After more inspiration? Read our pick of the Top Things to Do in Bali.
