10 Best Hotels in Indonesia

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.

Contemporary international and Balinese styles harmonize at the Aquarius Beach Hotel. Each of the bright, spacious rooms maintains its minimalist feel even while providing a sofa and chairs around a coffee table, a desk, LCD TV with dozens of channels, and four-poster king bed draped with mosquito net. White walls are hung with colorful Balinese paintings and mirrors with intricately carved frames. Sliding-glass doors open to terraces overlooking a manicured garden. A two-level deck with cushioned lounge chairs rings the swimming pool. The beach is a three-minute walk, and restaurants and shops are even closer.

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.

Trendy hotel meets lifestyle mall at Harris Suites fX, which is strategically sited near business and shopping districts plus the Senayan Sports Complex. Find the lobby inside trendy fX Mall, home to restaurants, movie theaters, a grocery store, and links to more malls. The hotel's 147 rooms with views above central Jakarta are decorated in a bright, minimalist mode accented with the company's signature orange. Value-adding goodies include LCD satellite TV, coffee/tea kettle, mini-bar, Wi-Fi, and even aromatherapy dispensers, plus a gym to unwind. The young, helpful staff fit this ambitious Indonesian chain's hip vibe.

Perched on a peak overlooking Lake Batur, this hotel's postcard panoramas include Mount Batur, one of Bali's three active volcanoes. During lunch, its open-air restaurants teem with tour groups, but afterward the place becomes a restful retreat in the fresh mountain air. Run by the same Balinese family for three generations and regularly renovated, the hotel's rooms have contemporary décor that doesn't distract from the breathtaking views. The hotel can arrange excursions, including mountain climbing, cruising the lake to traditional villages, or soaking in the nearby hot spring.

The only way is up at the 101 Legian: the rooftop pool takes sunbathing to new heights, and the lounge encourages partying with your fellow stylish sophisticates. Enjoy the sunsets over Kuta, or catch up on people watching by eyeing the masses on busy Jalan Legian. Later you can follow those crowds across the urban landscape to nearby nightspots. The interiors employ a "smart design" concept that's modern and minimalist. Rooms provides the calm necessary to sleep off any excesses of the previous evening.

Balinese charm and a lush garden thrive at Puri Cendana, just a short walk from the beach and nightlife. The duplex cottages sit in a courtyard shaded by mature trees, with thick grass and bright native flowers. Each room has a terrace to enjoy the greenery, but the best views are from the upstairs units. Through elaborately carved, multicolored Balinese doors you'll discover high-ceilinged, whitewashed rooms furnished in traditional local style, including four-poster beds with mosquito nets. The pleasant pool has cushioned sun lounges and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

The views that made Munduk famous are what you'll find at Puri Lumbung. The basic accommodations are modeled on lumbung, the Indonesian rice barns built on stilts. The interiors use local materials like rattan, which fits hotel founder Nyoman Bagiarta's goal of preserving local traditions while fostering economic development in his hometown. Each room has a terrace overlooking the nearby rice fields and the green mountains to the north. Beds are swathed with mosquito nets, so you can leave the windows open at night to catch the cool breezes. The hotel hosts daily cultural events and offers a choice of outdoor activities.

Head and shoulders above Bedugul's other mid-range accommodations, Strawberry Hill has cleverly designed, comfortably furnished mountain cabins for enjoying the cool air and green vistas. Bright interiors include wood floors, high ceilings, snug sofas, and hidden bunk beds for the kids, along with TVs with international channels and Wi-Fi access. Enjoy Bedugul's great outdoors from your private porch or the hotel's garden terrace near the strawberry patch, where you are free to forage for fruit. The restaurant offers very reasonably priced Western and Indonesian food, along with games of darts and pool. Lake Bratan is a short walk away.

If you're looking for a smaller, modern hotel with personalized service, Sudamala Suites more than fits the bill, and it's in the lovely Mangsit Beach area (right next door to the larger Qunci Villas). The new hotel features spacious rooms decorated with local Lombok prints and pottery and large outdoor bathrooms with showers. Enjoy a cocktail on the beachside deck while watching the amazing sunsets over Mount Agung on Bali.