6 Best Hotels in Indonesia

All the must-have elements of a Balinese getaway come together at one of the island's most lauded—and lavish—properties, a cliff-top resort in the heart of upscale Jimbaran Bay on 190 acres, with several swimming pools, an award-winning spa, and a private beach. Formerly a Ritz-Carlton, this hotel was re-launched as the AYANA in 2009. Despite the size and swank, the place manages to feel down-to-earth thanks in large part to the legendarily warm Balinese service. Local flourishes abound in the design, from staff uniforms by Indonesian designer Ghea Panggabean to the use of batik textiles and village-made handicrafts in the rooms. The 290 guest rooms and suites are categorized based on view (ocean, bay, or grounds); upgrade to one of the 71 renovated Club rooms for perks like a dedicated concierge and all-day drinks and eats in the Club Lounge. Dotted along the cliff tops, the 78 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas mimic traditional Balinese residences, with indoor/outdoor living spaces plus private gardens and plunge pools. The vast grounds also house several swimming pools (including an adults-only pool), Kids Club, tennis courts, golf course, and water sports area. The award-winning thermal spa features hydrotherapy circuits, a seawater therapy pool, al fresco spa cabanas, and 24 treatments rooms. Note that it's a steep 197 steps down to—and back up from—the private beach. Seven dining outlets serving everything from French and Italian to pan-Asian entice guests to stay on property, as does Rock Bar, for drinks, music (often from big name artists), and 360-degree water views.

Indulge your Robinson Crusoe fantasy at this remote and rustic resort—the only one on the island—in the heart of the Komodo National Park, where great care has been taken to maintain harmony with the environment. Guests are assured total privacy in one of 14 spacious thatched beachfront bungalows, shaped like the upside-down hull of a boat, each with its own terrace and front yard equipped with deck chairs and sun umbrellas. The island's spectacular, unspoiled marine life puts the focus squarely on diving—with boats, expert instructors, and equipment for experienced or first-time divers. It's also perfect for snorkeling, joining a komodo-dragon-spotting tour, or just hanging out on the paradisal beaches.

For a pampered beach holiday bathed in luxury, settle in at Jimbaran Puri Bali. A vast lotus pond overlooking the sea at the hotel entrance announces an extraordinary property. At this member of the swish Orient Express chain, every room is a detached cottage or villa accessed through a private garden with outdoor shower. Interiors feature separate sitting areas, king beds, and terrazzo sunken baths with gardens views, plus first-rate electronics. Marble floors and precise dark-wood furnishings exude modern elegance, with vintage Bali photos for a sense of place. The service is attentive but unobtrusive. A few miles south of Kuta, Jimbaran is a relaxed alternative in with a peaceful village setting.

Wellness treatments and holistic living are the big draw at Desa Seni, but even if you spurn crystal spiritual detoxification you can enjoy its serenity and style. The resort, whose name means Art Village, offers five yoga classes daily. Alternatively, you can ride a free bicycle to the beach or nearby village, hang out by the pool, or take a cab into downtown Seminyak, 5 km (3 miles) south. Antique joglo (wooden houses) that were relocated from across Indonesia make for unique accommodations, and have been fitted with TVs and DVD players and Wi-Fi connections. The bathrooms are spacious and modern. The food here is organic, much of it from Desa Seni's gardens, but the menu makes ample concessions to carnivores.

Balance natural splendor and village convenience, big resort and intimate retreat, even black and white at the Maya Ubud. Set in the rolling green hills above the Petanu River Valley, the Maya Ubud is 10 minutes by shuttle from the center of the village, closer than other similarly expansive (and expensive) resorts. A dramatic infinity pool commands the vista, and there's another pool below with a river view. The hotel offers a full array of feel-good activities: yoga, tai chi, pilates, and meditation, as well as afternoon tea. Bali's traditional black and white poleng patterns inspire the interior décor, and all rooms have balconies where you can enjoy the landscape.

If you want to be part of the in-crowd in Bali, the W Seminyak is the place to make your entrance. This regal resort features beachfront lounges and bars where international DJs entertain the beautiful people caught up in the act of being themselves. The see-and-be-scene theme extends to rooms, where the glass-walled showers are perfect for exhibitionists. Expect all the latest gadegets, from 40-inch flat-screen TVs to docks for your electronics to theater-style sound systems. The resort's sleek, modern buildings are laid out around a series of lagoon-style pools.