8 Best Hotels in Bali, 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.

Set amid idyllic gardens, D'Omah has 10 two-bedroom cottages with lofts and verandahs; your rate gets you a bedroom and a share of the rest. Don't worry about the concept, simply revel in the affordable extravagance. Spacious, bright, and completely private bedrooms boast luxurious four-poster beds with mosquito nets and a bevy of fine artworks and local handicrafts. Suites also have refrigerators and satellite TVs. The lushly landscaped grounds and two swimming pools provide a hilltop escape from Ubud's crowds, though the center of the village is just a 15-minute walk away.

You'll discover a verdant tropical retreat at Segara Agung, tucked down a wide lane lined with villas. Each guest room's private terrace faces manicured lawns edged with tropical flowering bushes. The standard rooms could easily cost double elsewhere, with straightforward furnishings including TVs with international channels, built-in closets, spacious desks, and simple bathrooms, all as well kept as the grass. Wi-Fi access is free. There's an inviting pool area, and and breakfast can be served in the garden pavilion. It's a three-minute walk to a stretch of beach brimming with restaurants and water-sports outlets.

This two-story hotel—the "cottage" in its name is poetic license—has generously sized minimalist rooms with glass sliding doors leading to private terraces with views of the swimming pool and rice paddies. Kamandhani is quite peaceful despite being five minutes from the center of Ubud. The obliging staff can arrange private yoga sessions, in-room body treatments, and local tours.

A beautiful beach and bargain prices are what you'll find at the Lovina Beach Hotel, the self-proclaimed "original place" in Lovina. The local tourism industry has grown up around the hotel since its 1979 debut, so everything you need is within easy walking distance. The hotel is professionally run, and the staff can arrange tours offer helpful local advice. The accommodations are spartan but spotless, as is the massive swimming pool. A simple breakfast is served in the restaurant, also open for lunch and dinner.

Big on concept, this hotel packs a lot into a compact space just a short walk from the beach. Look for TVs with international channels, in-room safes, and day beds that make the rooms tailor-made for parties of three. Bathrooms with stall showers feel cramped. True to its Indonesian roots, breakfast is nasi jingo, a fistful of rice sprinkled with flavorful side dishes. The chain hotel's no-smoking policy fits its hip, modern pitch.

Close to the beach but removed from the scene, Raja Gardens is a tranquil haven in hectic Seminyak. Whitewashed brick bungalows provide modern accommodations, with nice touches like air-conditioning. The big attractions here are the vast grassy garden and sparkling pool, suitable for lounging or laps. The beach beckons just 100 meters down the lane, and some of the island's hippest bars are at the far end of the street, but you'd never know it from all the pace and quiet. Raja Garden is a friendly, family-run retreat, so if you're planning bacchanalia in Bali, head elsewhere.

You can't stay any closer to Bali's famed rice fields than at Tegal Sari, where paths wind through impossibly green paddies and gardens hung heavy with orchid and lotus blossoms. Bright, airy rooms have Balinese furnishings and modern bathroom with tub. Free services include Wi-Fi access, drinking water dispensers to refill your bottles, and three-hour bicycle rentals. Add-ons like beer and massages come cheap. The location is an outer hub of Ubud that's loaded with restaurants, and it's a 15- to 20-minute walk or short ride via a free shuttle to the village center.