Towering volcanoes revered as domains of Hindu deities give way to emerald-green rice paddies as Bali spreads out towards the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The sea pushes back with powerful swells that barrel over reefs to the delight of local surfers and crash upon a coastline of soft-sand beaches.
Discover Bali’s best beaches, from the bougie beach clubs and stunning sunsets of Seminyak to the mellow waves of Canguu and volcanic black sands of Lovina in the north.
Tap into Bali’s rich spiritual heritage by visiting some of its most breathtaking temples, such as the majestic sea temple of Tanah Lot and the clifftop temple at Uluwatu.
Hike or bike through the terraced green rice paddies of Ubud, returning via the famed Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques.
Trek through lush foothills and over stark volcanic terrain to watch dawn unfold from the summit of one of Bali’s two towering volcanoes, Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung.
Take more than souvenirs home from your holiday by learning a new skill like Balinese cooking, batik making or crafting canang sari, the beautiful daily offerings seen across Bali.
Culturally speaking, bite-size Bali, with its Hindu majority, is a world apart from the rest of Indonesia. Here every doorway is marked with religious symbols, every temple is brimming with offerings and every village observes the Hindu festivals – giving genuine meaning to Bali’s sobriquet, the Island of the Gods.
In the far south, the Bukit Peninsula hangs from the base of the island like an earring, home to the gorgeous crescent of Jimbaran Bay, a number of world-class clifftop resorts and the incredible temple at Uluwatu, where Kecak dances are performed at sunset. Heading up the west coast, sophisticated Seminyak offers golf, shopping and fabulous resorts ideal for families. Trendy Canguu is Bali’s hippest coastal community, with its mellow surf spots, cool cafes and buzzing beach clubs.
Inland lies Ubud, the island’s cultural heartland, set against a backdrop of shelving rice paddies and the distant outline of Gunung Agung, Bali’s highest peak. A hive of artistic activity, the town offers endless rows of craft shops and workshops, excellent galleries, nightly dance shows, a central market and numerous temples and museums.
Samabe Villas is one of our favourite choices in the Nusa Dua region of southern Bali, with a private beach, an all inclusive option and a collection of well appointed villas. It’s ideal for those looking for fully serviced tropical beach escape.
Viceroy Bali is a family-run, all-villa retreat perched above a lush river valley close to the centre of Ubud. Each of the 40 villas offers a private heated pool, elegant Balinese design, and tranquil gardens. Enjoy panoramic valley views, luxurious amenities, and warm, personalised service in a serene oasis.
Perched on the clifftops of Uluwatu, Jumeirah Bali is an all-villa sanctuary where endless ocean vistas and spectacular sunsets set the tone for a truly elevated escape. Inspired by the Javanese-Hindu architecture of the Majapahit Empire, the resort blends timeless elegance with natural beauty, offering direct access to Dreamland Beach; one of Bali’s most iconic shores.
Overlooking the calm waters of Jimbaran Bay, with its glorious sunsets, The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay blends luxurious rooms and facilities with the style of a traditional Balinese village. Hidden amid fragrant gardens, it features thatched roofs, reflecting pools and its own original temple.
Awaken your spirit of adventure at this tranquil tropical hideaway nestled deep in lush forests on the outskirts of Bali’s cultural heart. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, this luxury glamping hideaway retreat sits in blissful harmony with its natural surroundings. Hidden within the trees you will find 22 unique one-bedroom tents as well as a two-bedroom lodge, all fusing modern comforts with timeless charm and featuring large outdoor decks with saltwater plunge pools. Each of the Terrace, Rainforest, River and Keliki Valley tents are individually designed by theme and positioned to ensure the utmost seclusion while also making the most of the tropical views. The exotic oriental-style Lodge is well suited to an adventurous small family as it features open plan living room, two bedrooms, deck area and private pool.
Belmond's Jimbaran Puri is one of the most laid back yet stylish retreats on Bali's coastline, and with just 57 suites and villas one of the more exclusive places to stay. Located on the soft and sheltered sands of Jimbaran Bay, it's a place to stay for a sense of Bali as it once was.