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Respected for its pristine scenery, Bali is a province of the Republic of Indonesia. Honeymooners and surfers (and sometimes honeymooning surfers) flock to the island for its beautiful beaches, while active travelers are drawn to hikeable volcanoes, rice paddies, and lakes. The predominantly Hindu island has strong spiritual roots, evidenced by its many temples and shrines.
A lush, tropical, stress-free paradise packed with spectacular scenery, gorgeous beaches, immaculate temples, and welcoming locals.
$1499+: See Asia with a 23-city fare pass Cathay Pacific
Bali has bounced back in the wake of the two bomb attacks of 2002 and 2005, and the island is currently experiencing a major surge in new five-star hotels, resorts, and villas, with a level of service and quality on par with what one would expect back home. As luxury accommodations open at a rapid rate, existing moderate hotels and resorts are playing catch-up with renovations and upgrades designed to lure visitors with western-style comforts. Unfortunately, the “quality boom” has yet to reach the budget tier, where, outside of our vetted options, you’re lucky if you score a clean room (the vast majority of properties for under $150 a night are hostels in Kuta and Ubud that cater to backpackers). Although top-tier rates are rarely negotiable, flex your bargaining muscles with moderate and budget properties during the rainy off-season (January to May and November) for lower rates.
Amandari
Honeymooners and high-end travelers love this 29-room resort decorated in contemporary Balinese style and located amongst the...
Bulgari Hotel Bali
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the clifftop Bulgari hotel – the perfect honeymoon hideaway – lives up to the cachet...
Four Seasons Resort at Sayan
Sixty chic, modern rooms incorporate Balinese design elements like Indonesian furnishings and local, handmade fabrics. Its...
Puri Ganesha
The formidable Diana Von Cranach and her pack of Dalmations run this resort. It may sound Cruella de Ville-ish, but fear not...
The Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
At the Conrad, traditional Balinese architecture has been streamlined to create a unique minimalist look that is nonetheless...
Como Shambhala Estate
Como Shambhala is the last word in top accommodations in Bali. An excellent Chris Miller-helmed restaurant, wellness packages,...
Damai Villas
Set in the hills near Lovina, this collection of eight villas cater to gourmands. Guests come to relax, enjoy organic,...
Grand Hyatt Bali
Most of the hotel’s 648 rooms have balconies with either lagoon or garden views. The family-friendly property also has a...
Tugu Bali
Set admist sunken gardens by the Canggu beaches, this hotel is a monument to Indonesian cultural heritage – the 21...
Fat Yogi Cottages
Fat Yogi is one of the best options in Kuta it's centrally located near
Kuta Beach (yet comfortably removed from the...
Matahari Inn
This budget-friendly inn is a clean, no frills establishment located near gorgeous white sands and clear water. It’s the...
The Elysian
The Elysian, which literally means "paradise," is a haven of privacy amongst
the hedonism of the Seminyak party scene, but...
Ubud Bungalow
Located in the middle of town, these comfortable, well-maintained bungalows are great for traveling on the cheap. Plus,...
Amandari
Honeymooners and high-end travelers love this 29-room resort decorated in contemporary Balinese style and located amongst the...
Bulgari Hotel Bali
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the clifftop Bulgari hotel – the perfect honeymoon hideaway – lives up to the cachet...
Four Seasons Resort at Sayan
Sixty chic, modern rooms incorporate Balinese design elements like Indonesian furnishings and local, handmade fabrics. Its...
Puri Ganesha
The formidable Diana Von Cranach and her pack of Dalmations run this resort. It may sound Cruella de Ville-ish, but fear not...
The Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
At the Conrad, traditional Balinese architecture has been streamlined to create a unique minimalist look that is nonetheless...
Bulgari Hotel Bali
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the clifftop Bulgari hotel – the perfect honeymoon hideaway – lives up to the cachet...
Four Seasons Resort at Sayan
Sixty chic, modern rooms incorporate Balinese design elements like Indonesian furnishings and local, handmade fabrics. Its...
Como Shambhala Estate
Como Shambhala is the last word in top accommodations in Bali. An excellent Chris Miller-helmed restaurant, wellness packages,...
Damai Villas
Set in the hills near Lovina, this collection of eight villas cater to gourmands. Guests come to relax, enjoy organic,...
Grand Hyatt Bali
Most of the hotel’s 648 rooms have balconies with either lagoon or garden views. The family-friendly property also has a...
Tugu Bali
Set admist sunken gardens by the Canggu beaches, this hotel is a monument to Indonesian cultural heritage – the 21...
Fat Yogi Cottages
Fat Yogi is one of the best options in Kuta it's centrally located near
Kuta Beach (yet comfortably removed from the...
Matahari Inn
This budget-friendly inn is a clean, no frills establishment located near gorgeous white sands and clear water. It’s the...
The Elysian
The Elysian, which literally means "paradise," is a haven of privacy amongst
the hedonism of the Seminyak party scene, but...
Ubud Bungalow
Located in the middle of town, these comfortable, well-maintained bungalows are great for traveling on the cheap. Plus,...
Bali’s diverse dining scene caters to all budgets and tastes. Jalan Laksmana (jalan means street) in Seminyak is known for its sheer number of options (everything from pizza to Japanese). Around the corner towards Petitenget are some of Bali’s best restaurants. Nusa Dua has a few worthwhile establishments, but things really heat up as you head towards Ubud, where culinary diversity and quality reign.
Aroma's Café
Aroma’s is the perfect place to refuel after a day spent shopping in Kuta. Their diverse menu encompasses salads,...
Cinta Grill
Ubud’s favorite watering hole and restaurant along happening Monkey Forest Road is a must. Dishes range from salads and...
Kafe Batan Waru
Located in the heart of Ubud, this is the best place for Bali’s famous black rice pudding, best savored at breakfast....
Made's Warung
Long a favorite of locals and visitors alike, the inexpensive and varied menu here makes it a great place for families. Try...
Naughty Nuris
This basic barbeque shack by the road serves up pork ribs and some of the best martinis outside New York City to a motley...
Ibu Oka
A small family runs this authentic Indonesian warung. Come for classic dishes like Balinese babi guling (roasted pork) with...
Sarong
Restaurateur and chef Will Meyrick has gifted Seminyak a chic and relaxed dining/watering hole in the form of Sarong. Meyrick...
TeraZo
Located on quiet Suweta Street in Ubud, this trendy restaurant and bar serves international cuisine like lamb shank flavored...
Kafe Warisan
A stalwart on the fine dining scene, Warisan is Bali’s very best French restaurant. The al fresco dining area used to...
Ku De Ta
Ku De Ta is the best brunch option on the south coast, both for
affordability and variety, with perhaps the best eggs...
Mozaic
Visitors have been known to fly from neighboring countries for the talented Chris Salans’ Asian-French fusion fare. The...
Spice
At decadent Spice, one of Bali’s most upscale dining establishments, chef Gary Rosen combines his vision and talent to...
Aroma's Café
Aroma’s is the perfect place to refuel after a day spent shopping in Kuta. Their diverse menu encompasses salads,...
Cinta Grill
Ubud’s favorite watering hole and restaurant along happening Monkey Forest Road is a must. Dishes range from salads and...
Kafe Batan Waru
Located in the heart of Ubud, this is the best place for Bali’s famous black rice pudding, best savored at breakfast....
Made's Warung
Long a favorite of locals and visitors alike, the inexpensive and varied menu here makes it a great place for families. Try...
Naughty Nuris
This basic barbeque shack by the road serves up pork ribs and some of the best martinis outside New York City to a motley...
Ibu Oka
A small family runs this authentic Indonesian warung. Come for classic dishes like Balinese babi guling (roasted pork) with...
Sarong
Restaurateur and chef Will Meyrick has gifted Seminyak a chic and relaxed dining/watering hole in the form of Sarong. Meyrick...
TeraZo
Located on quiet Suweta Street in Ubud, this trendy restaurant and bar serves international cuisine like lamb shank flavored...
Kafe Warisan
A stalwart on the fine dining scene, Warisan is Bali’s very best French restaurant. The al fresco dining area used to...
Ku De Ta
Ku De Ta is the best brunch option on the south coast, both for
affordability and variety, with perhaps the best eggs...
Mozaic
Visitors have been known to fly from neighboring countries for the talented Chris Salans’ Asian-French fusion fare. The...
Spice
At decadent Spice, one of Bali’s most upscale dining establishments, chef Gary Rosen combines his vision and talent to...