Bali

Unlike all the other islands of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali has stayed true to its Hindu origins. Once upon a time all of Indonesia – Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi and all the other three thousand-odd islands – were Hindu but today, most of Indonesia is firmly Islamic and has been for several centuries. In the people’s mild disposition, their lifestyle, the way they dress, their relationship with their ancestors and their architecture and design, Bali is unique. A rich artistic and cultural tradition has survived here, but the architectural tradition is in danger of dying out. Few people realise that Bali is divided into north and south by a massive mountain range that rises to the not insubstantial height of seven thousand feet. It’s a spectacular and often overlooked part of Bali’s geography.

4 hip hotels in Bali

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  1. Amanusa

    Bali, Bali

    Nusa Dua is blessed with Bali’s most beautiful beach, and Amanusa is situated within walking distance of it. The fact that the property also borders a beautifully crafted golf course with its inspired landscaping is a bonus.

    From its raised position, the view is a panorama of surrounding treetops and the Indian Ocean in the near distance... the only way you can eat in the restaurant and drink in the bar and not be exposed to this extraordinary view is to close your eyes.

    Monumental view, kick-ass beach and stunning golf course.

    Photos of Amanusa

    • Built like a temple rising from the hills behind Nusa Dua’s pristine beach, Amanusa is that rare combination: a monumental hotel that still manages to be personable and endearing.
    • Built like a temple rising from the hills behind Nusa Dua’s pristine beach, Amanusa is that rare combination: a monumental hotel that still manages to be personable and endearing.
    • Tucked away along beautifully landscaped narrow stone-clad pathways, the guest villas are immaculate bungalows with stone floors, four poster beds and loft like space.
    • The bar is perched on a temple-like structure overlooking the golf course and the massive pool.
    • Lovely views overlooking the golf course and the massive pool on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Prices:

    From £2565pp in Low Season (Jul-Aug) / From £3009 pp in High Season (Jan-Mar)

  2. Bulgari Resort Bali

    Bali, Bali

    Since opening nearly 2 years ago, the Bulgari Resort Bali in Uluwatu has set the new benchmark for charismatic luxury. Perched on a cliff, canyon-like rock face that plummets perfectly vertically to the turquoise blue of the Indian Ocean below, it is by far the most dramatic location in Bali, if not in all of Asia. Nestled between the cliff and the ocean, a 1.5 kilometre long beach is accessible only by the resort’s inclined elevator.

    Bulgari is a company based in Rome, and Romans know how to eat. Thus the two restaurants, despite the remote location, serve food that qualifies as dining, not just eating. The standards are extraordinarily high, and that in a nutshell just about sums up the Bulgari experience – a taste of Bali without compromise.

    Bulgari – they know luxury better than anyone.

    Photos of Bulgari Resort Bali

    • Blending the traditional Balinese style with contemporary Italian design, the Bulgari Resort Bali is located on the island’s far southwestern tip.
    • Blending the traditional Balinese style with contemporary Italian design, the Bulgari Resort Bali is located on the island’s far southwestern tip.
    • Overlooking a reflection pool, the resort’s signature Italian fine dining, Il Ristorante, pays homage to classical Italian specialties.

    Prices:

    From £3659pp in Low Season (Apr-Jun) / From £4229pp in High Season (Jul-Aug)

  3. The Balé

    Bali, Bali

    The new ethos of Asian design is less dependent on tradition and more concerned with quality and modernity.

    Located on the Bukit Peninsula, just down the road is Seminyak, the epicentre of Balinese tourism and home to some of the island’s trendiest restaurants and nightclubs. In short, this is the most cosmopolitan part of Bali and the Balé is its most cosmopolitan overnight address.

    There are thirty-one swimming pools, not bad for a hotel that only has twenty-nine rooms. Then again, the word ‘room’ is hardly an adequate description, as they are individual bungalows – sleek streamlined pavilions – complete with private swimming pool, outdoor entertainment area and a sweeping view of the crescent-shaped beaches of Nusa Dua below.

    “The Balé is the most booked-out hotel on the entire island. That’s because consumers recognise a good deal when they see one. Privacy, luxury and modernity – the Balé has it all”.

    Photos of The Balé

    • The Bale is a magnificently luxurious experience – one international architecture magazine described the Balé as having 'a majestic quality, like a modern Persepolis'.
    • The Bale is a magnificently luxurious experience – one international architecture magazine described the Balé as having 'a majestic quality, like a modern Persepolis'.
    • At the Balé, every guest is accommodated in their own individual pavilion, complete with a private swimming pool (which you access directly from your bathroom).

    Prices:

    From £2009pp in Low Season (Jan-Mar) / From £2525pp in High Season (Jul-Aug)

  4. The Elysian

    Bali, Bali

    A collection of cleverly arranged bungalows situated around some very funky common areas. The Elysian looks in on it self, creating an oasis in the heart of Seminyak.

    More a house than a room, the bungalows feature a living area, kitchen, bedroom and cutting edge bathroom. You also get your own private pool and your own private garden

    The Elysian is the brainchild of ex-pat Kiwi Henry Brett who used to be an accountant. As Brett himself will readily confess, he is going through a midlife crisis - these chic bungalows and his big silver Harley are the fantastic result.

    A place where you can hide yourself away when you want, and yet you’re only a stroll away from Seminyak, the cosmopolitan centre of Bali.

    Photos of The Elysian

    • The Elysian – you can hide yourself away when you want, and yet you’re only a stroll away from the beach, restaurants and shops that have made Seminyak the cosmopolitan centre of Bali.
    • The Elysian – you can hide yourself away when you want, and yet you’re only a stroll away from the beach, restaurants and shops that have made Seminyak the cosmopolitan centre of Bali.
    • More a house than a room, the bungalows feature a living area, kitchen, bedroom and cutting edge bathroom. You also get your own private pool and your own private garden.
    • Leading on from the edge of the pool, the bar is a slinky, low slung affair - a cocktail bar for sophisticated slouching.
    • Arranged along the perimeter of the pool, the restaurant is an open air affair, relaxed and informal, and the food follows in a similar fashion.

    Prices:

    From £1599pp in Low Season (Apr-Jun) / From £1650pp in High Season (Jan-Mar)

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