Treat yourself to the ultimate vacation at Bali’s best resorts, where the Indian Ocean’s beauty is right outside your door. From rich Balinese culture to breathtaking surroundings, your stay in these beautifully crafted rooms will make your escape pure perfection. Trust me, this is where unforgettable experiences are made.
Best Family Resort – Padma Resort Ubud
If you’re looking for a lovely hotel and resort that’s perfect for families, Padma Resort Ubud is a must. Tucked away in the peaceful bamboo forests of Payangan, this resort gives you the best mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury.
With 149 beautiful rooms, each offering an incredible jungle view, you’re guaranteed a serene experience. Whether you’re lounging on your balcony or swimming in their infinity pool, the scenery is stunning. Plus, the pool is heated, so it’s always warm, no matter the weather. You’ll feel like you’re swimming straight into the jungle.
What really makes Padma stand out is how much they focus on families. There are plenty of activities for kids, like fishing and exploring the agroforest. They even have a kids club and a fun cooking class that includes lunch. My kids, ages 9 and 5, were thrilled with everything. The staff, especially Kadek Ardita, went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect, and they made sure the kids had an amazing time.
The food here is top-notch. The breakfast buffet is massive, with so many options that there’s something for everyone. Everything is fresh, and they keep it that way by constantly refreshing the food. Lunch and dinner are just as delicious, and the themed nights make it even more fun.
There’s also a great spa, and the yoga classes in the morning are a nice way to start the day. If you want to explore Bali, the resort offers private drivers, which we found way better than booking a tour because you can change plans as you go.
But honestly, the best thing about Padma Resort Ubud is the staff. They’re incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make sure you have a great stay.
Best Resort for Honeymoon Getaway – The Kayon
If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, The Kayon Resort in Ubud is an absolute gem! Perched on the Ubud hillside and surrounded by the holy Petanu River and lush tropical rainforest, it feels like you’re entering a peaceful, hidden paradise. The whole resort blends perfectly with nature, and the vibe is just so calming and serene. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Ubud’s center, so it’s easy to pop into town, but honestly, you may not want to leave!
The resort is all about romance and relaxation, making it perfect for honeymooners. You’ll find these beautiful Ramayana story reliefs carved into the stone walls, which add a really dreamy, intimate atmosphere. The rooms are spacious with incredible views, and waking up to the sight of the waterfall and river? Unreal!
If you’re into wellness, they’ve got yoga in the mornings, followed by peaceful nature walks through the forest. And the food? Fresh, delicious, and gorgeously presented. You’ll definitely leave feeling nourished and pampered.
One thing to note though, there are a lot of steps because the resort is built into the hillside. If you have mobility issues, it might not be the easiest place to navigate. They’re upfront about this, as the resort is designed with adults in mind, no kids under 15 or seniors with mobility issues are allowed.
Most Easy Access Location Resort – Adiwana Resort Jembawan
If you’re planning a trip to Ubud, Adiwana Resort Jembawan is a great choice. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and convenience, right in the middle of everything. You can easily walk to places like Lempad House or Puri Saren Palace, both popular spots in Ubud. Additionally, the resort’s proximity to a nice beach enhances its appeal, offering guests a relaxing vacation atmosphere with beachfront amenities.
The rooms are super comfortable with all the essentials. You get a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and even a fridge. Plus, they’ve got free Wi-Fi, which is always a plus. There’s a pool to relax by and breakfast is included. If you’re driving, free parking makes things easy too.
One of the best parts of staying here is the food options nearby. You’ll find everything from local Balinese dishes to international favorites. If you’re into ribs, you’ve got to try Guest Room 4 Dessert or Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud. For something more Asian, hit up Restaurant Locavore or Jungle Fish.
Adiwana is also a great spot if you’re looking to unwind. It’s quiet and peaceful, but still close to all the fun stuff. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is just a short distance away if you want to get out and enjoy nature. And, if you’re into sightseeing, the Sacred Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are easy to get to.
Best Spa Resort – Ayana
What makes AYANA stand out? It’s actually an integrated resort with different parts: AYANA Villas, AYANA Segara, and RIMBA by AYANA. With a free shuttle connecting all the areas, you can easily hop between them. And trust me, you’ll want to, because there are 14 pools and 26 restaurants, including the famous Rock Bar, which is perfect for catching those unbeatable ocean views. Located on the serene southern tip of Bali, the resort offers a peaceful getaway from the crowds.
Speaking of the spa, it’s fantastic but can be pricey. Still, it’s one of those things you should try at least once. The Aquatonic Spa is a must-see. Imagine walking through a massive, heated seawater pool with water jets giving you a gentle massage along the way. It’s the perfect spot for a wellness-giving getaway that leaves you feeling totally refreshed.
If you’re into pampering yourself, check out the Lava Stone Reflexology. Even if you’re skeptical about reflexology, the experience will win you over. The staff is super friendly, and if you manage to stay quiet during the session, you’ll be in for some deep relaxation.
Speaking of pools, you might spend an entire day at the Ocean Pool just soaking it all in. Or, if you’re staying at the villas, the River Pool offers a peaceful spot to relax. The Main Resort Pool is also great, and if you head over to RIMBA, you’ll find even more pools, including one that’s adults-only. For the ultimate luxury, some suites even come with your own pool, providing a private and exclusive experience.
Best Lush Tropical Gardens Resort – Pramana Watu Kurung
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with stunning forest views, Pramana Watu Kurung is the place to be. Nestled in a traditional Balinese village above the Ayung River in Ubud, this resort feels like it’s part of the natural landscape. The design is inspired by Indonesia’s artistic heritage, with beautiful wooden joglos turned into 29 suites and villas that blend perfectly with their surroundings.
One of the best perks is the free shuttle that takes you to the heart of Ubud three times a day. It’s super convenient, especially after a warm welcome with refreshing towels and cold drinks when you arrive. The staff, especially Yulia and the reception team, are incredibly friendly and make you feel at home from the start. You even get a complimentary 10-minute massage while enjoying the view of the rice fields.
The rooms? They’re huge, luxurious, and super comfy, especially the beds! In the afternoon, you can relax with a cocktail during happy hour, which is a perfect way to unwind. The infinity pool offers jaw-dropping views of the forest, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Best Beachfront Resort – The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
One of the best things about this resort is its stunning beachfront location. The well-maintained lawn is beautifully landscaped with greens and colorful flowers, leading to an infinity pool on one side and a restaurant on the other. Just a few steps down, you’re right on Seminyak Beach. The waves are perfect for surfers, and the sunsets are unforgettable, whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal at the restaurant.
The rooms here are amazing. Last year, I stayed in a suite, but this time, I booked a one-bedroom villa. It was private and peaceful, with a walled-in pool you could step into straight from your bedroom. The view of the ocean from the edge of the pool was incredible. The villa also had a cozy porch for dining, right by the pool.
The service is top-notch. You can even order a floating breakfast in your private pool or a romantic sunset dinner with rose petals and candles. These extras cost a bit more, but they’re worth it. One cool perk was a complimentary photo session with a professional photographer, though I didn’t get the chance to use it this time.
The resort offers a variety of guest rooms with different views, and no matter which one you choose, you have full access to all the resort’s amenities. Nature lovers will be delighted by the fish that swim right up to you as you walk down to the breakfast area. Speaking of breakfast, the buffet is excellent, with both local Bali dishes and a wide selection of tropical fruits.
Best Luxury Resort – Samabe Bali Suites & Villas
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas is a beautiful beachfront resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. It’s only 30 minutes from the airport, which is super convenient after a long flight. The resort feels exclusive with only 81 suites and villas spread across 8 hectares of land, giving it a very private vibe.
You can expect standard perks like daily breakfast, afternoon tea, water sports, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour butler service. But if you want to treat yourself, upgrade to their “Unlimited Privileges” for extra luxuries like 24-hour gourmet dining, daily cocktails, and unique activities.
When we stayed, we chose the Honeymoon Suite, which was a dream! The view of the ocean was incredible, and we could hear the waves all day. The room was spotless, spacious, and had a big bath, perfect for unwinding. The resort’s dining options were amazing, too. Whether we ate in our room, at the restaurant, or by the beach, the food was always top-notch. Plus, the staff was so attentive and friendly, always bringing drinks or snacks to us.
One thing that stood out was the e-butler service on WhatsApp. It made everything so easy! From arranging airport transfers to booking activities, everything was just a message away. It was super fast, and we loved having a written record of what we booked.
The beach itself had a unique charm. The sand wasn’t that soft, powdery kind, it felt more like millet seeds, but that didn’t stop us from spending hours there. The water was clear and calm, thanks to the natural reef about 500 meters out. Though it wasn’t world-class, we enjoyed paddleboarding, canoeing, and even some snorkeling. The beach team was great, and we want to give a special shout-out to Putra at the beach café for being so attentive.
Best Food Resort – The St. Regis Bali Resort
When it comes to food, saying it was tasty just doesn’t cut it. The best part? If there’s something you crave that’s not on the menu, they’ll make it for you! Everything we ate was fantastic. Normally, we like to explore restaurants outside the hotel when we travel, but this time, there was no need. The breakfast alone is worth booking the hotel for, it’s that good!
The beach at The St. Regis is another highlight. Bali beaches can sometimes be tricky with tides, seaweed, or even debris, but this beach is definitely one of the best. No lifeguards, but we didn’t need them.
The grounds are immaculate, and the lagoon pool is honestly the most beautiful we’ve seen. The villas are spacious and laid out well, though they could use a little touch-up, especially in the kitchens and windows. The hotel also gave us a driver, Komang, who was fantastic. He knew everything about the area, spoke great English, and made getting around so easy.
As for the downsides, the kids club wasn’t great. It’s small, dark, and not really appealing. The only thing that kept it from being a total miss was the lovely staff. Management should think about giving it an upgrade to keep up with other resorts.
Best Value Resort – The Alena Resort A Pramana Experience
The Alena Resort A Pramana Experience is absolutely gorgeous. There are two pools that feel almost private because the resort is so quiet, and if you want even more privacy, some villas come with their own private pools. We stayed in one of the luxury villas with a private pool, and it was beyond stunning. The bed was super comfy, and I loved the little touches like the mood lighting and the big bathtub.
The food was amazing too. We ended up eating all our meals at the resort because it was just that good! Breakfasts and dinners were delicious, and the dinner we had during the kecak dance performance was especially exquisite.
The spa? Incredible. We had multiple massages during our five-day stay, and I can honestly say they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The gym is small but has everything you need, and the yoga and meditation classes were both wonderful. The instructor was so thoughtful and adapted the session to everyone’s needs, which made it even better.
If you’re into exploring, the resort offers a beautiful morning walk through the nearby rice fields, which is both relaxing and informative. I also joined a class to learn how to make a traditional Balinese offering, and it was such a fun and heartwarming experience, definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
Sustainability and Environment in Bali Resorts
Bali resorts are increasingly committed to sustainability and environmental conservation, ensuring that your stay is not only luxurious but also eco-friendly. Many resorts have implemented energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems to reduce their carbon footprint. Recycling programs for paper, plastic, and glass are standard, and sustainable water management systems help conserve this precious resource.
Organic gardens and farms are becoming a common feature, providing locally sourced produce for the resorts’ restaurants. Conservation programs aim to protect Bali’s unique wildlife and ecosystems, offering guests the chance to learn about and contribute to these efforts.
By choosing a resort that prioritizes sustainability, you can enjoy your vacation knowing that you’re contributing to the preservation of Bali’s stunning natural environment.
Conclusion
Bali is sure a heaven for luxury resort options, including beach resorts and villas with private pools. Enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean from these luxury resort rooms and suites. The resort features outdoor swimming pools, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment during your stay. Most of the resorts above also offer fitness centres for health-conscious guests, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Enjoy the best of Bali hotels, with luxurious amenities and services.