Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Bali (Indonesia)
Located between Java and Lombok, the Indonesian island of Bali — often called the Island of the Gods — offers travelers a diverse landscape of rice terraces, jungle valleys, and limestone cliffs along the Indian Ocean. Bali is also known for its collection of luxury resorts, which provide well-designed accommodations where modern amenities blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty. Many of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands, including Aman, Four Seasons, and Bvlgari, have established properties here, combining their signature luxury with local design, wellness facilities, and attentive service. Whether situated in Ubud’s interior or on Uluwatu’s cliffs, these resorts offer privacy, serene surroundings, and a refined travel experience. Below is my ranking of the 10 best luxury resorts in Bali, highlighting properties recognized for quality, comfort, and thoughtful hospitality.
What is your favorite luxury resort in Bali? Leave a comment.
10. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Perched in the lush Ayung River valley just outside the cultural heartbeat of Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is not simply a hotel but an immersive escape into serenity and soulful connection with nature. The resort is celebrated for its stunning jungle setting, where guests arrive via a dramatic suspension bridge that crosses a river canyon, immediately signaling the extraordinary journey ahead. The design reflects a thoughtful blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Balinese aesthetic, offering a collection of 60 suites and villas that open onto views of jungle canopy, river or rice terraces. The spa and wellness program here is exceptional, with riverside yoga and meditation sessions, restorative therapies inspired by ancient local traditions, and opportunities to participate in sacred water blessings and cultural experiences that deepen your connection to Balinese spirituality. The dining experiences showcase refined local flavors alongside international cuisine, crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Attentive service and tranquil surroundings create a retreat ideal for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and refined luxury in the heart of Bali’s spiritual interior.
9. Bvlgari Resort Bali
Every aspect of the Bvlgari Resort Bali whispers luxury and sophistication, making it the perfect sanctuary for those seeking glamorous seclusion on Bali’s southern tip. Dramatically sited atop a 150 meter (500 feet) high cliff in Uluwatu, the resort offers sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean that are as breathtaking by day as they are under the glow of the setting sun. Each of the 59 freestanding villas blends Italian elegance with Balinese artistry, featuring open-air pavilions, private plunge pools and finely detailed design elements such as Indonesian wood floors and natural lava stone walls. A private inclined elevator leads from the resort to a secluded beach club where pristine sands and the sound of the sea create a soothing backdrop for sunbathing or sunset cocktails. The resort’s spa is an oasis of calm, offering signature Bvlgari treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions, while the dining venues serve both modern Italian cuisine and refined Indonesian specialties with impeccable presentation. Discretion, privacy, and personalized service are hallmarks here, making it an excellent choice for honeymooners, couples, or anyone seeking a cliff-top retreat that feels private yet wholly luxurious.
8. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve stands as an embodiment of Balinese tradition and refined luxury, nestled alongside the sacred Ayung River in the jungle around Ubud. The resort is designed to evoke a traditional Balinese village, with thatched roofs, carved wood details, and pathways that weave through working rice paddies and tranquil gardens. Every suite and villa features private outdoor spaces — many with personal plunge pools — that offer views of verdant rice terraces or river scenery, providing a serene and private sanctuary for each guest. The wellness offerings at Mandapa are deeply rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, with holistic spa treatments, yoga sessions at dawn, and tailored wellness journeys that blend physical renewal with spiritual reflection. Dining options highlight fresh, organic produce from the resort’s gardens, with menus that celebrate Indonesian flavors and international cuisine. With its thoughtful attention to cultural authenticity, natural surroundings, and elevated comfort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a deeply immersive, luxurious stay that fosters exploration.
7. Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
At Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, luxury is reimagined through a deeply immersive connection with Bali’s raw natural beauty. This adults-only hideaway is set within a remote jungle valley north of Ubud, where open-air villas sit surrounded by uninterrupted views of forest, rivers, and distant mountain ranges. Eschewing traditional walls and doors, these elegant sanctuaries blur boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting fresh air, birdsong, and nature’s rhythms into your daily life. The design philosophy celebrates simplicity, mindfulness, and sustainability, with spaces crafted to feel both luxurious and intimately connected to the environment. On-site experiences align with this ethos, from farm-to-table dining that highlights seasonal Balinese produce to wellness rituals and healing ceremonies that draw on traditional practices. The absence of conventional boundaries fosters a profound sense of privacy and freedom, offering guests the rare opportunity to truly disconnect from the outside world. Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a place for introspection, quiet connection, and effortless luxury — a sanctuary for those who appreciate nature at its most elemental without sacrificing comfort.
- Hotel website: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: coming soon
6. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Designed to feel like an authentic Balinese village, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay sprawls across 14 hectares of oceanfront property, offering direct access to Jimbaran Beach. The resort’s 147 villas are thoughtfully positioned within lush tropical gardens, each featuring its own private plunge pool and terrace that feel like secluded sanctuaries within this vibrant setting. The architecture and decor celebrate local craftsmanship, balancing traditional materials and design elements with modern comfort. Dining at the resort is a highlight, featuring a range of venues from the beachfront Sundara restaurant — famed for its sunset views and innovative menus — to the open-air Taman Wantilan, where culinary theatre and specialty kitchens create unforgettable tasting experiences. Wellness offerings include holistic spa treatments inspired by local techniques, as well as opportunities to engage with Balinese culture through bespoke experiences and excursions. Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay also puts you steps from one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for morning swims, sunset strolls, or simply lounging with a book and a cocktail.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay here.
5. The Mulia & Mulia Villas
Set along the pristine sands of Nusa Dua Bay, The Mulia & Mulia Villas offers a grand expression of contemporary luxury, elegance, and space. The resort impresses from the moment you arrive, with expansive public areas, dramatic ocean views, and architectural lines that balance modern design with understated glamour. The villas and suites here are among the largest on the island, with many featuring private plunge pools, expansive terraces, and unobstructed views of the sea, making them ideal sanctuaries for honeymooners or families seeking both space and sophistication. Dining at The Mulia is exceptional, with an array of restaurants that range from refined fine dining to relaxed beachfront fare, each delivering richly crafted menus and impeccable service. The spa focuses on holistic rejuvenation, with treatments that draw from both international wellness traditions and Indonesian heritage. For those seeking effortless luxury with polished service and impeccable amenities, The Mulia delivers a traditional 5-star resort experience that feels both indulgent and welcoming — a place where every detail is calibrated for comfort and luxurious moments by the sea.
4. Amankila
Perched on the hills of East Bali overlooking the Lombok Strait, Amankila derives its name from the Balinese words for “peaceful hill” and embodies this sentiment in every aspect of its design and service. The resort’s 34 freestanding thatched-roof suites are connected by raised walkways, each offering breathtaking views of the turquoise strait below and Mount Agung in the distance—a dramatic backdrop that evokes a sense of calm and wonder. Amankila’s signature three-tiered infinity pool cascades down the hillside, creating one of the most iconic and photographed settings in Bali’s hospitality scene. The beach club below provides access to a secluded black-sand beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply lounging with the sound of the surf as your soundtrack. Situated in the traditional region of Karangasem, guests here are also near untouched countryside and local crafts villages, offering a rare glimpse into authentic Balinese life beyond the resort gates. With attentive service that feels personal yet unobtrusive, Amankila is a refined escape for those who value a secluded location, elegant design, and a restorative atmosphere.
3. Soori Bali
Nestled between lush rice fields and a dramatic black-sand beach on Bali’s southwest coast, Soori Bali is a masterpiece of minimalist architecture and thoughtful design that celebrates both land and sea. The resort’s villas blend raw natural elements with refined comfort, each offering a private pool, open-air spaces, and sweeping views that capture the essence of Bali’s breathtaking landscape. What sets Soori apart is its commitment to harmony with nature—carefully crafted spaces emphasize light, air, and unobstructed connection to the surroundings, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and elemental. Dining here is an experience in itself, with menus that highlight fresh local produce and globally influenced cuisine prepared with artistry and elegance. The beach here is serene and rarely crowded, allowing guests to enjoy leisurely walks, sunrise yoga, or simply watching the waves roll in with unobstructed views. Recognized as one of Asia’s best beach resorts, Soori Bali is ideal for travelers who appreciate architectural beauty, privacy, and the restorative power of nature — all wrapped in a refined, contemporary luxury experience.
- Hotel website: Soori Bali
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: coming soon
2. COMO Shambhala Estate
COMO Shambhala Estate stands as one of Bali’s most acclaimed luxury resorts and wellness sanctuaries, set deep within the rainforest near Ubud’s sacred Ayung River gorge. More than a hotel, it is a holistic retreat designed to restore harmony of body and mind through personalized well-being programs, guided movement practices, nutritious cuisine, and world-class spa therapies. The estate’s accommodations include private villas, residences, and suites that are thoughtfully integrated into the lush jungle surroundings, creating a sense of sanctuary and seclusion. COMO Shambhala’s wellness philosophy is profoundly holistic, offering tailored wellness journeys that include Pilates, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, and detox programs—all guided by expert practitioners committed to helping guests achieve their personal health goals. The cuisine reflects this ethos, with menus that emphasize balance, flavor and nourishment, using fresh local ingredients prepared with careful attention to nutritional integrity. Beyond wellness, the location of COMO Shambhala Estate itself is serene and magnificent — surrounded by jungle soundscapes, sacred river views, and floral scents that soothe the senses.
- Hotel website: COMO Shambhala Estate
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: coming soon
1. Alila Villas Uluwatu
Set on a rugged limestone plateau high above the Indian Ocean, Alila Villas Uluwatu is an architectural and experiential masterpiece, perfectly aligned with Bali’s dramatic natural beauty. Each villa here embraces minimalist design, open-plan living, and private infinity pools that seem to merge with the blues of the sky and ocean beyond. The clifftop setting ensures that almost every moment — sunrise meditation, sunset cocktails, or a quiet dinner — comes with a breathtaking view. Sustainability is core to Alila’s ethos, reflected in environmentally considerate architecture, organic gardens, and programs that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship. The resort’s two dining venues offer creative cuisine with fresh ingredients, while the spa specializes in relaxing and rejuvenating rituals inspired by Balinese wellness traditions. The iconic clifftop lounge and pool area provide a perfect stage for watching the sun dip below the horizon, a daily spectacle not to be missed. For travelers who seek bold design, pristine ocean panoramas, and elegant modern luxury, Alila Villas Uluwatu is a world-class destination that perfectly captures Bali’s spirit of beauty and balance.
- Hotel website: Alila Villas Uluwatu
- Other accolades: Alila villas Uluwatu also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best honeymoon resorts.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 USD resort credit, and an Alila Villas Uluwatu welcome package comprised of a beach bag and custom-designed hats).
- Review: coming soon
