The best hotels in Indonesia

Best for sustainability

Bamboo houses may be commonly found in some parts of Indonesia, but they certainly look nothing like the ones in Green Village Bali. Like something from the James Cameron movie Avatar, the sculptural designs of their luxury villas resemble majestic creatures soaring from the jungles.

It began when Canadian John Hardy built Green School Bali in 2008. As an advocate for sustainability, he built it entirely from bamboo. This successful initiative later inspired a cluster of luxury villas in 2010, and their striking forms and green leadership on the island took the internet by storm.

Those with a similar ethos can stay in one of the 12 designer structures. The Aura House is one of the most popular, with two bedrooms, a private pool, and a very photogenic facade. But no matter which you pick, each villa will look different every hour, as the shifting sunlight gives them an evolving vibe throughout the day.

Best for integrated wellness

All things considered, you might never need to step out of this resort if you're looking for a restorative vacation. The Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, newly opened on October 1, proposes a holistic approach to your holiday with rooms and facilities that nurture every sense.

When you're having a cocktail at Sulang, the alfresco bar, you'll gaze out to misty terraced valleys and be lulled by the sounds of the forest. Over at the lobby lounge, expect views of Mount Agung joined by gamelatron’s melodic chimes. With organic menus, wellness activities and a spa promoting therapeutic Balinese treatments available at the property, guests will undoubtedly leave pampered and refreshed in body, mind, and soul.

Best for heritage and luxury

Hoping to wake up to views of a UNESCO Heritage site from your window? For misty scenes of the largest Buddhist temple in the world, there's Amanjiwo in Yogyakarta.

Translating to 'peaceful heart', the property stands out for its intimate vantage of Borobudur, surrounded by the forests of Menoreh Hills. Culture vultures bitten by the intrepid bug can always explore the sacred grounds at any hour of the day. Other times, the stately rooms are a luxurious respite, with views of volcanoes in the distance and a tranquil, spiritual atmosphere of its own.

Another reason why a vacation here is sublime? The Aman experience offers a cushy train ride from Jakarta that passes through the lush Javanese countryside, with private transfers in between so your trip will be a seamless, romantic journey. 

Best in design

This one's for the design and architecture fiends or those just looking for spectacular photo memories. Built by architects and fashion designers, Boutique Hotel Sensation has some of the most tasteful villas on the island. However, the one that really stands out is The Cloud.

As the name suggests, the quirky silhouette is made by combining five bubble structures. Inside its startlingly white interior, you'll find a living room, full kitchen, dining area, and three bedrooms suited for groups. Right at the doorstep is a trefoil turquoise pool, completing that postcard-perfect look. With its iconic design, you needn't ponder to get a great picture. Just pose and snap.

Best for glamping

Set in the Riau Archipelago and a short ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan surprises with golf courses and scenic little beaches. Its quaint charm has found a well-suited pairing with the glamping setup of Natra Bintan.

This is no rickety tarp and pole stay, though. A Tribute Portfolio entry, the hotel is the collection's first tented concept and includes a spectacular man-made seawater lagoon – Southeast Asia’s first and largest.

Rooms are draped in fabric for a plush environment, with dark-coloured furniture and chandeliers to keep things elegant. Top up a little more, and you'll find a private whirlpool included. When you find the time to leave the room, enjoy free hotel activities or arrange with the staff for some golfing or kayaking through private mangrove reserves.

Best for escapists

55 hectares of nature preserve. 11 traditional huts. One powdery white beach. That is the invitation from Jeeva Beloam.

Have a Robinson Crusoe moment with this rustic resort's raw, untamed coastal beauty, and yet know that the shelter and comfort of your tastefully furnished thatched hut are just steps away. Built to the style of the Sasak fishing culture of Lombok, the elevated pavilions offer direct views of the sparkling waters and rugged cliffs past rolling dunes and swaying grass.

Stroll, cycle, snorkel, or kayak; then return to an authentic Indonesian menu, including 'catch of the day' offerings sourced daily from local fishermen.

Best for wildlife

Imagine counting stingrays, monitor lizards, and the gentle and intelligent orangutans as bedmates. Borneo's Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge is that paradise for those who love natural wildlife at its best, and in one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests no less.

Klotok boats are the only way in, but that is a treat unto itself as guests sail down the tranquil Sekonyer River on the brightly-coloured two-storey wooden crafts. Once there, you can enjoy hikes out to local villages in Tanjung Puting National Park, enjoy dinner with fireflies, or take a wildlife tour to spot the orange giants – that is, if they don't visit you first at the resort.

Not only will you get a chance to see up-close other species like the gibbons, macaque and proboscis monkeys in their original habitat, but you'll be heartened to know that your stay contributes to the conservation and research facilities, as well as other local non-profit organisations.

Best for oceanic adventures

It doesn't get more old-world than Amandira, the only hotel on this list without an address. Going back to an era when phinisi boats plied the spice trade route, this luxury yacht is built to look like the traditional South Sulawesi sailboat and takes its guests on a similar oceanic expedition.

Cruise the high seas and find yourself weaving between Unesco-protected islands, with a perspective to truly claim as your own. And because you are the captain of this ship, feel free to drop anchor and snorkel with turtles, dive among the corals of Raja Ampat, or go hiking with experts to hidden bays in the Kaimana Regency. You won't need to do it alone, either. The generous vessel can accommodate up to ten guests and offers three sumptuous cabins with open views of the changing cinematic scenery.