5 Best Hotels in Kuta, 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.

Chatty backpackers, couples and families meet in Ayu Lili's lush garden. The grounds at this cottage-style hotel include a small swimming pool and a covered terrace for outdoor lounging. Each room has Balinese furnishings and a small verandah, and the more expensive ones also have air-conditioning. The central location, about five minutes walk from the beach, puts the best of Kuta within easy reach, and the price makes it affordable.

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.

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.

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.