The best luxury hotels in Indonesia

Bulgari certainly wanted to make a statement with its first outpost in Asia when it opened in Bali in 2006. Perched atop a steep 150-metre-high limestone cliff, the resort hotel shares the same coastline as the renowned Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple – a spiritual connection few can claim. Guests get to enjoy an extra rare privilege – a 1.5-kilometre private beach accessible only by the resort’s inclined elevator.

Within the 59-villa property, design materials refer back to the island's assets, with plush environments featuring hand-cut volcanic and coral stone, handsome native hardwoods, and handwoven fabrics. In a nod to the luxury jewellery maker, black terrazzo and mahogany tones add an elegant finish to all rooms and facilities.

The pink beaches and rare Komodo dragons are reasons enough to visit Flores, but if you need a third, there's TA’AKTANA, a resort and spa on Labuan Bajo.

Newly opened in May 2024, there are 45 suites and 25 villas nestled between forest and sea. Seven of these are exclusive overwater versions that recall the views of local sea nomads from their longboats. On top of a private tanning deck, the room's curved lines and airy formats instantly put one at ease.

The name itself is from the Manggarai language of Flores island, so expect cultural homages throughout the property, from inspired Indigenous cuisine at the restaurant to a spa designed to feel like one of the many enchanting sea caves on the islands.

If your taste for luxury runs towards the understated, then the Park Hyatt Jakarta will surely please. Taking upper prime estate of the 37-story Park Tower, the hotel offers panoramic views of the bustling city, and its location is close to sites like the National Monument (Monas), Presidential Palace, and Istiqlal Mosque.

Expect sophistication from sleek designer rooms and Le Labo amenities, while Indonesian elements such as the Suntiang (traditional wedding headpiece) and batik pieces add local flair. And while the generous in-room desks and dedicated business areas are perfect for work, you really should be enjoying the exceptional spa and wellness facilities, including the floating and cold plunge pools as well as restorative treatments inspired by Indonesian healing traditions.

When they talk about hotel journeys, you probably weren't aware that a river rafting experience was included. But that's the draw at Four Seasons Bali Sayan, which offers the island's only hotel arrival by boat via the sacred Ayung River.

Learn about the UNESCO-listed subak irrigation system that distributes water across the island from an expert guide, then alight directly at a private deck beside Sayan's riverside pool. The stylish pool villa rooms have views of neighbouring rice terraces, and suites are flooded with soft sunlight filtered through louvred windows. Don’t forget to check out the main entrance’s massive lotus pond shaped like an offering bowl floating above the forests. Besides enjoying all the pampering fittings Four Seasons has come to be known for, the immersive journey through nature will leave you feeling deeply refreshed.

With six properties in the country, including the luxury yacht charter, Amandira, the brand Aman is evident in its love for Indonesia. Amanjiwo, which translates to 'peaceful heart', stands out for its prestigious vantage of Borobudur – the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex.

The hotel is less resort and more sanctuary, held lovingly by a natural amphitheatre created by the forests of Menoreh Hills. Its gentle cascading landscape leads one's eyes to the distant volcanoes, while stately rooms evoke a palatial residence wrapped up in the area's serenity. Complete your stay with cultural activities, like learning Aksara Jawa script writing, and enjoy a private tour of the temples – a transcendent experience on misty mornings.

Opened in 2022 as a Banyan Group Escape property, Buahan proudly embraces a 'no walls, no doors' concept, giving guests front-row seats to the lush forests of northern Ubud, Bali.

Villas are called ‘bales’ here and are modelled after a traditional Balinese house. Under one single roof, an open deck combines living, sleeping, and bathing functions – all fashioned sustainably using ulin wood (ironwood) from Kalimantan. This deep nature immersion is calculated in its design, but don't worry: there are moments where you can retreat, with secret private niches for contemplative meditation sessions, reading, or spacing out to forest sounds.

It might take some work to get here, but Nihi Sumba rewards you with a lost-world island escape just an hour away from Bali. 

Made up of 27 unique villas, guests are immediately welcomed by the local Sumbanese and invited to share in the simple pleasures of their distinctive lifestyle. Adventures are a request away. Ride native sea horses that leave watery plumes in their wake as they dash down the beach, or discover waterfalls and riverways with local guides who are more than happy to share stories and invite you to their homes. Even heading to the spa can become a safari experience, taking one through the pristine landscapes in Nihioka Valley before letting you melt into the treatments of expert therapists.