"Nestled between jungle and sea in theremote Karangasem Regency, Amankila evokes the shapes of the nearby Ujung Water Palace yet also captures the spirit of everyday Bali . Modeled after traditional Balinese beach houses, the 34 suites are stilted among bougainvillea and frangipani trees and topped with alang alang thatched roofs; inside, royal doorways, pillared bed canopies, and marble vanities blend with more understated pieces crafted from bamboo, rattan, and coconut wood. Elevated marble walkways turn and intersect until they reach the colonnaded main buildings and three-tiered pool, inspired by the country’s hallmark rice terraces, and steps wind down from the resort to the oceanfront Beach Club, which features a restaurant, a 130-foot lap pool, and eight shady bales (pavilions) tucked into a coconut grove. Windsurfing boards, Hobie Cats, and outrigger boats resembling jukung (traditional fishing crafts) encourage guests to get in the snorkel-friendly water. Though Amankila offers everything a guest could need for a relaxing holiday, visits to nearby temples, ornate water palaces, and artisan villages complete the experience."

"From its beachfront locale to the sweeping terraces and sliding-glass doors, everything about this hotel is aimed at maximizing views of Bali ’s most sought-after shoreline. Local stone and wood put an Indonesian twist on the resort’s Thai design, which incorporates a dark-wood color scheme, a mini waterfall, and lattice screens. The hotel offers one-of-a-kind experiences, including special-occasion dinners on the beach and spice-infused cooking tours that introduce guests to regional flavors (don’t miss Spice Spoons, in which you’ll sample exotic fruit and other local ingredients, or the seaside Indonesian cooking class with a master chef). Bustling Seminyak lures travelers to its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs—often early into the morning—but Anantara’s spacious sundecks, refreshing pools, traditional spa suites, and umbrella-shaded beach chairs are waiting to revive you the next day."

"Translated as “beautiful bamboo,” Bambu Indah is the passion project of jewelry designers John and Cynthia Hardy. The couple—Canadian and American expats living in Bali for more than 30 years—bought 11 teakwood bridal houses in 2005, then moved them 15 minutes west of Ubud Village before restoring and individually decorating them for visiting guests. Today, the Sayan Ridge residences are surrounded by cutting-edge bamboo dining and lounging structures, an organic permaculture garden, swimming holes inhabited by fish and frogs, and flat green rice paddies. Daughter Elora Hardy is responsible for some of the bamboo architecture and furnishings, while son Orin tends to the edible gardens; spiritual ceremonies, tours, and artisan-led courses involve local friends. Though the decor is heavy on traditional textiles and beautiful objects from around the world, they combine with whimsical surprises, like a boat-shaped treehouse 30 feet in the sky to a rope swing that drops guests into the natural rock pool."

"The second property in the Bvlgari Hotels collection is an Italianate stunner perched on the cliffs of Uluwatu, a region at the southern tip of the Bukit peninsula. While the hotel’s vibe stays true to the brand’s roots, hand-hewn volcanic rock, Javanese mahogany, and exclusive fabrics banded and bordered by local artisans reflect the heritage of the archipelago. In fact, Asian-European duality is a prominent theme here: One restaurant focuses on Indonesian fare, while the other is a formal reflection of Italian culture. Watching over the resort at its highest point sits a temple, which employees use to perform daily rituals, as well as a traditional guardian—the Hindu elephant Ganesh. And at Bvlgari’s base is a private stretch of sand accessible via an inclined elevator."

"Why we love it: A tented rain forest hideaway just 20 minutes from Ubud The Highlights: - Gorgeous Bill Bensley decor - A tented camp set-up not common in Bali - Locally focused programming like traditional storytelling and Balinese movie nights The Review: While Bali is certainly not lacking in luxury resorts, Capella Ubud stands out both for its location and sensibility. Though just 20 minutes from hectic central Ubud, the property—which calls itself a camp, not a resort—feels much more remote, thanks to its setting in a dense rain forest above the Wos River and Keliki Valley. Arriving here feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret, which is exactly the sense of adventure designer Bill Bensley intended to foster. The American-born, Thai-based designer is known for taking inspiration from explorers and expeditions of yore (see his other creations like Shinta Mani Wild inCambodiaor the RosewoodLuang Prabangin Laos), and in Bali, you’ll find a subtle homage to the island’s first European settlers of the 1800s. Peeking out among the trees, and sloping upward on somewhat steep terrain, are 22 one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom lodge, each with spacious outdoor living areas, daybeds, a private saltwater plunge pool, freestanding hammered copper tubs, four-poster beds, and art and antiques culled from the owners’ personal collection. Mingle with other “campers” over afternoon tea, cocktails, and board games in the Officer’s Tent, or during meals at Mads Lange (an open-air, farm-to-table spot named for a Dutch spice trader) and Api Jiwa (which serves Asian barbecue from a Robatayaki grill). There’s also the poolside Mortar and Pestle Bar, and The Camp Fire, an al fresco, firepit-equipped lounge that hosts evening events like traditional storytelling sessions or vintage Balinese movie nights. The spa offers treatments using custom-made organic products, while the small gym is beautifully decorated and looks out at the forest. Rates include Wi-Fi, use of a smart phone (with data and credit for international calls), a welcome duffel bag with “camp essentials” like sunscreen and bug spray, low- and high-impact activities, private daytime shuttles to Ubud, four pieces of laundry per person, and more. Note that because of the set-up and uneven terrain, the camp prefers not to accept children younger than six."

"With Indonesian names that translate to earthy concepts like “wind song” or “forest in the mist,” the terracotta and thatched-roof residences at the 22-acre Como Shambhala Estate encourage quiet reflection. They jut from the hillsides and line the Ayung riverbed, offering refuge from the frenetic scene nearby in Ubud. Most people come here as part of a yoga or health retreat, and everything—from the dining experiences to the custom health programs—is designed to guide guests toward reaching their wellness goals with help from a cadre of resident experts, including a dietician, Ayurvedic doctor, reflexologist, and an Oriental medicine specialist, as well as fitness, yoga, Pilates, andqigong instructors. But it’s not all work. After a day of rugged outdoor adventure—the resort can arrange for hiking, biking, and paddleboarding down the Ayung—retire to your private spring-water infinity pool and meditate on the events yet to come."

"Desa Seni It’s hard to believe Desa Seni is only a short drive from the crowded beaches and shopping strips of North Kuta and Seminyak. Amid a lush landscape of native plants and waterways, the resort’s antique wooden homes are arranged around a saltwater pool like a tiny Hindu village and were imported, restored, and decorated with bright cushions and religious artifacts. Much of the land was dedicated to an organic farm, which today is responsible for almost 80 percent of Desa Seni’s produce. Sustainability standards seep into the recycling and composting programs, too, and eco-friendly glass straws and biodegradable cleaning products are used in place of harmful alternatives. In addition to the environmental and cultural experiences provided at Desa Seni, wellness is also a focus. A number of complimentary yoga and meditation classes are held every day; the restaurant offers extensive options for healthy meals; andregular yoga and spirituality workshops are held throughout the year. Desa Seni also raises money for a local orphanage, for which it runs yoga and dance classes as well as English lessons."

"One of the top properties in southern Bali , the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay is laid out like a Balinese villagethat tumbles down to the sea. Villas are separated into clusters of 20 to 25 thatched-roof units enclosed by a courtyard wall, making the 156-accommodation property feel more intimate. Modeled after regional homes, they’re adorned with local artwork, traditional textiles, and hand-crafted furniture. Daybeds, private plunge pools, and ocean views are among the amenities, as are offerings such as lavish spa treatments, hands-on cooking classes, and twilight yoga. The resort is even home to a historic temple and shrine, which guests can tour with high priest Aji Ngurah. After a day of exploration or relaxation, there’s no better way to unwind than by enjoying a cocktail on the deck at modern Asian restaurant Sundara, where fire pits warm the air and waves provide the background music."

"Set along the sacred Ayung River, Four Seasons Resort at Sayan is a tropical paradise shrouded in giant palms and ferns. Designed by John Heah, the property was built and decorated using regional materials almost exclusively, from shells and coconuts to coveted ikat fabrics, giving guests an authentic Balinese experience just 15 minutes from Ubud. A serene lotus pond sits on the rooftop of the resort’s main building, and teakwood villas offer views of rice terracesand the longest river in Bali . Indonesian cooking classes, ancient wellness rituals, and plantings with local rice farmers are just some of the ways guests can connect with the local culture; the rest can be found in Ubud, where vibrant markets, temples, and museums counterbalance the hotel’s tranquil dining and wellness journeys."

"Nestled in the jungle near the center of Ubud, Komaneka at Bisma is a minimalist boutique hotel that celebrates Balinese artistic expression. Local artisans made most of the wooden objects and furnishings in the suites and villas, which emphasize rich woods, cool marbles, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that look out at emerald rain forest. Daily deliveries of fruit, flowers, and cookies make guests feel like family, but high-tech conveniences such as in-room Apple TVs help them stay connected with loved ones back home. The Komaneka Gallery at the Monkey Forest property showcases one of the world’s largest collections of art from the archipelago; Bisma guests can arrange a tour, which is included in the price of their stay.You can also stay on site and choose from a lineup of activities, including rice paddy cycling tours and wood-carving lessons."

"Forget the thatched-roof villas and beachfront chains that define the Bali hotel scene. Luna2 is such a departure, guests might feel like they’ve landed in outer space. Founder and designer Melanie Hall took cues from modernism and 1960s pop art to outfit the white-walled spaces in stainless steel, acrylic, vintage wallpapers, and the colors of a Rubik’s Cube. Carpeting and fabrics were custom-designed by Hall and predominantly produced in Jakarta, but pieces by venerable European designers are also on display, from Cassina dining chairs by Philippe Starck to pendant lights by Tom Dixon. Cheeky works by British artist Stuart McAlpine, L.A.’s Burton Morris, and Indonesia’s Triyadi grace the walls. The futuristic slant continues in a rooftop bar called Space, a restaurant with bubble windows called Orbit, and the modular furnishings and mirrored spheres scattered throughout the property. There’s even a groovy 16-seat cinema where guests can watch new releases or nostalgic classics while enjoying popcorn-infused cocktails and foie gras “bling dogs.” It’s another world indeed."

"If Mandapa feels more like a community than a hotel, that’s because it is. The resort occupies 24 lush acres on property previously owned by a group of neighboring families who retain access to the land and its resident temple; as a result, it maintains three acres of rice paddies and a traditional rice barn on stilts, and the villagers bring daily offerings to the temple, giving Mandapa a strong connection to local culture.The hotel’s open-air lobby sits 300 feet above the Ayung River valley, overlooking 35 hillside suites with views of the jungle and rice paddies and 25 villas along the flowing river. The suites are furnished with traditional Balinese pieces and artwork as well as stand-alone soaking tubs, while the high-ceilinged villas, decorated with ornate and vividly colored botanical panels, have large pools and separate master suites. Everywhere, local materials and design elements feature prominently, from the thatched roofs to the fringed umbrellas that shade the lounge chairs by the pools.Golf carts driven by staff members carry guests along the steep paths between the lobby, the villas, and the riverside Mandapa Spa. Yet, as dreamy as the hotel seems, it’s only a 10-minute drive from Ubud,Bali’s cultural center."

"Terraced like the surrounding rice paddies, Soori Bali occupies an undeveloped stretch of fertile coastline roughly 25 minutes from Tabanan, a town northwest of Denpasar known for traditional farming and artisan crafts. The resort’s modern design plays on the shapes, colors, and landscapes of the surrounding area and incorporates local stone. (At the recommendation of the surrounding village’s elder, the property also constructed 10 stone temples onsite within the property.) Outdoor spaces feature bright green trees and grasses along with infinity pools, while high ceilings, cool colors, and marble floors inside create a tranquil escape from the heat. The property’s spacious rooms and wood-slat shades give off an art-gallery vibe, and the reading-room lounge displays the works of the hotel’s artists in residence. Food is another big focus here, both at the resort’s three restaurants and in tours that explore rice cultivation, exotic ingredients found at the Kerambitan market, and the spices, cacao, and coffee from nearby Jatiluwih."

"This sprawling resort features three luxury properties on one Nusa Dua site: the Mulia, the Mulia Resort, and the top-tier Mulia Villas. Choose a full board or half board package for an all-inclusive experience, complete with butler service (at the Mulia and Mulia Villas) and access to nine different dining venues and bars; there are also beach-level pools—one of them resembling a statue-lined Roman bath—and rows of umbrellas on Bali’s eastern shore.The villas feel like traditional Balinese homes, with indoor-outdoor living rooms that have hydrotherapy pools as well as views of colorful gardens or the Indian Ocean. And the spa is one of the most outrageous wellness temples in Bali, featuring a Finnish wood sauna, aroma steam room, and the region’s only ice fountain."