The best resorts in Bali for the perfect tropical escape

Imagine waking up to endless views of the Indian Ocean. At Six Senses Uluwatu, that dream is easily a reality. Each one of its suites and villas has sliding glass doors that lead to a private balcony or swimming pool overlooking the sea. After all, the resort is perched atop a cliff on the island’s southernmost tip, the ideal setting for some R&R. 

Uluwatu is home to plenty of hip cafes, bars, and restaurants - but the in-house dining establishments at Six Senses Uluwatu easily give them a run for their money. From a steakhouse serving up premium steaks and fresh seafood prepared with Balinese spices to a farm-to-table menu inspired by flavours from the Nusantara, the resort has got your local food cravings sorted. 

Don’t leave without pampering yourself with a treatment at the spa, which boasts a menu comprising massages, scrubs, and wraps. These treatments are inspired by ancient Balinese traditions and utilise herbs grown in the organic garden. End the day by snuggling up on a cosy bean bag and watching a movie under the stars at Cinema Paradiso.

We can’t talk about the best resorts in Bali without mentioning Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, can we? Nestled in Ubud’s lush Sayan Valley, this resort has a design that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, offering an immersive experience that’s both serene and captivating.

The standout feature of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is its dramatic location, perched high above the Ayung River. The resort’s expansive, thatched-roof villas and suites are elevated to provide sweeping views of the verdant jungle and terraced rice fields. Not to mention, each accommodation is designed with a blend of traditional Balinese aesthetics and modern comforts, creating a tranquil haven for relaxation.

Guests can take advantage of the resort’s wide range of amenities, including a stunning infinity pool that seems to blend into the treetops, The Sacred River Spa, and dining options such as Jati Bar and Ayung Terrace. There are also unique cultural experiences, such as cooking classes and guided tours to nearby temples and villages, as well as vibrant yoga and wellness programmes to help you find your zen.

What was once the former private estate of Indonesian art collector Hendra Hadiprana has now been transformed into one of Bali’s most tranquil resorts. Situated amidst rice paddies, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana feels like a world apart from the hustle of Ubud, yet it’s only a short drive to the town centre. 

Accommodation here comes in twenty luxury villas, each featuring artworks from his collection, private pools, butler service, and outdoor bathtubs. 

Plus, you don’t have to leave the resort’s grounds to take in Ubud’s soul. Held right on the resort’s grounds are cultural activities like Kecak and fire dance performances at Tanah Gajah Ubud’s candle-lit outdoor amphitheatre, paired with a royal dinner experience at The Tempayan restaurant.

Hiding on a lush hillside beneath the sacred Mount Agung is Amankila. Yes, we know a stay here doesn’t come cheap, but a vacation at this resort is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can expect Aman’s famous hospitality and services, paired with breathtaking views of Bali’s less-explored rural coast. 

The spacious suites staggered on a hillside, overlook the Lombok Straits. They’re crowned by alang-alang roofs and are decked with coconut-shell and rattan furniture. Each stay comes with a daily a la carte breakfast and traditional afternoon tea, a scheduled shuttle around Manggis and Candidasa area, morning yoga, and the use of non-motorised watersports equipment. 

For a respite from the heat, take a dip in Amankila’s three-tier infinity pool, inspired by the nearby water palace at Ujung and Mount Agung. Alternatively, sip on a cocktail or two at the Beach Club, located in a peaceful coconut grove with direct access to the private black-sand beach.

Northwest Bali barely gets any love from travellers, but this region has some of the island’s most rugged beauty. Think unspoilt beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and the majestic West Bali National Park. 

We can’t think of a better home base than Sumberkima Hill Retreat. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this resort is almost a destination of its own. The sprawling resort is on a hilltop with almost 60 villa and cabin types, two community swimming pools, a spa, and three restaurants. Heck, there’s even an organic farm on the premises. 

Accommodation-wise, you’re spoilt for choice. Couples or honeymooners will love the 1-bedroom Villa Noah or Villa Murai, posh pads with their private pool. But there are also more affordable options like the new cabin-style Luwih that start from IDR 900,000/night. It’s truly a choose-your-own-adventure stay at Sumberkima Hill Retreat.

Sometimes, you just need a break from everyday life. Do it in ultimate sophistication at The Asa Maia, a new adults-only boutique resort just a few steps away from Thomas Beach in Uluwatu. Don’t expect the usual resort amenities, though - they’ve got one-of-a-kind facilities like contrast therapy pools, Himalayan salt and infrared sauna, and a custom-designed library. 

There are three distinct accommodation styles here. Solo adventurers or couples seeking a cosy, intimate stay will love the Gladak Studio, with its hardwood floors, artsy touches, and indoor-outdoor bathroom. For those after a bit more luxury, the Asa Maia Suite offers a spacious super king bed, soothing tones, and a bluestone bathtub - perfect for unwinding after a day in paradise. There’s also the twin-bedded Asa Maia Suite, which offers a luxurious indoor-outdoor living experience with handcrafted Indonesian details and plenty of space.

The main highlight here is the variety of wellness experiences - from breathwork sessions to classes at the yoga shala and age-old treatments at the resort’s award-winning spa. Not to mention, it’s also easy to stay on top of your fitness routine thanks to the resort’s 24-hour gym, complete with a TRX system and celebrity-approved Pilates Cadillac.

Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak… been there, done that. If you’re a seasoned Bali traveller by now, let us introduce you to The Griya Villas & Spa in Amed. 

This hideaway on the east coast of the island has everything you'd expect from a vacation in Bali, minus the crowds. We’re talking about a healthy café with ocean and mountain views, an open-air restaurant with a beautiful sun terrace, a well-appointed spa centre, yoga sessions, and meditation workshops. 

When you’re ready to retire for the night after a whole day’s worth of activities, you can choose from a 1-bedroom pool villa with a private infinity swimming pool overlooking Lipah Beach, a 2-bedroom villa that can fit up to 5 of your closest friends or family members, or the one-and-only 3-bedroom Villa overlooking the entire resort.