Georgie Darling

Sure, Eat, Pray, Love might have given you some itinerary stops. But chances are, you switched off the movie at the end with a whole load of bucket list items and not much else. Like all good scouts will tell you, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. And the best way to make the most of Indonesia’s most popular island is by establishing the essentials before you venture to paradise. Namely: where to go, when to go, and what to bring.  Heading to Bali for the first time? We’ve got you covered with the most frequently asked questions by travellers. RECOMMENDED: The absolute best things to do in Bali and The best hotels in Bali from luxury resorts to affordable stays

Seminyak’s coolest hotel is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a beach club, night out, and sustainable fashion boutique all at the same time.  Potato Head Suites is home to design-forward suites decked out in warm woods just steps from Bali’s famous beach club of the same name. Rooms come complete with hand-picked Surabayan teak furniture, in-room bars, and zero-waste kits.  Outside, you’ll find daily live music, local art exhibitions, and some of the best sunset views on the island. After a night of cocktails and dancing, you’ll love waking up to your private rooftop garden overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Escaping Bali's crowds is a little trickier nowadays and that's just one of the many reasons you'll want to check out Wapa Di Ume. Tucked away in the valley of Sidemen, this boutique resort feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s busier areas.  Sidemen, often called "the new Ubud," offers all of the same rice field views without the constant horns and traffic backdrop. Wake up to views of Mount Agung from your room or villa, each finished with wood, bamboo, and stone to give the interiors a warm, earthy feel.  Wapa di Ume takes relaxation seriously, with partially submerged sun-loungers for the perfect balance of baking and cooling, as well as a bamboo yoga shala in the trees and open-air flower baths.

There’s quintessential Balinese paradise and then there’s a morning spent listening to the birds singing in the forest below before you make your way down to the palm-fringed pool. It’s the latter experience when you check into The Hanging Gardens of Bali.  In the midst of Ubud’s rainforests, its architecture is iconic: the terraced infinity pools cascade down into the jungle, with gorgeous views of the surrounding treetops. Each villa is designed with traditional Alang Alang thatched roofs in complete harmony with nature, with a plunge pool that lets you float among the trees. What sets this place apart is its attention to romantic details, like a candlelit dinner served on your villa’s deck or a floating breakfast brought directly to your pool.

High on the cliffs between Jimbaran and Uluwatu, the Bvlgari Resort will have you feeling a little like you've woken up in a tiny Italian village.  Outside, you'll find sleek Italian design with traditional Indonesian touches, gardens brimming with bougainvillea, and cobbled pathways guiding you from your private villa to its world-class dining experiences.  While it's a little further from southern Bali's hotspots, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained here: a frangipani-fringed infinity pool, the Bvlgari Spa, easy access to the beach, and even a wedding chapel if you're travelling with someone special and feeling spontaneous.

You could stay in Canggu. Or you could head a little further north to Tabanan, AKA the version of Canggu that visitors from 20 years ago will talk of. Nirjhara feels like a secret sanctuary reserved for those in the know: an ultra-chic hideaway that draws a stylish crowd with the decor to match.  The first thing you'll notice is the waterfall that flows straight into the pool, perfectly placed for a sunset cocktail. Villas are perched above the river or, for something a little different, Nirjhara’s signature treehouses offer panoramic views of the rice fields from their rooftop decks.  Missing civilization? Canggu’s bars and restaurants are just a short drive away for when you want to dip back into the island's livelier setting.