Luxury Travel Guide to Bali

Bali is a magical and luxurious destination that should be on the wish list of any elite traveller.  With swaying palms, white sand beaches, indulgent and opulent hotels overlooking clear, turquoise waters, it is the ultimate beach destination and the most instagrammable holidays you’ll ever go on!

Bali exudes charm and extravagance, with the delicate scent of jasmine in the air and the soothing sounds of the Balinese instrument, the Gamelan, and the tinkling of bells.

Here in Bali you can fulfil your dream of staying in a villa with a private pool, be pampered with a relaxing Balinese massage, lie on a pristine white sand beach, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at a yoga retreat, or head out on an adventure to explore the surrounding azure waters.

For those who love fine dining, Bali has an impressive roster of fine dining restaurants and you can enjoy the freshly-caught seafood brought in by local fishermen at one of the trendiest restaurants in town.

Don’t miss out on one of the hottest luxury destinations and experience the most lavish and opulent experiences that can be had in a tropical paradise. Here is our luxury Bali travel guide…

This guide is perfect for those who are travelling to Bali on a luxury. We will show you what to do in Bali, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around, whether it’s a weekend in Bali or a long term stay.

The best time to visit Bali

Bali may be a tropical paradise, but like all paradise islands, it can be subject to rains and monsoon storms during the low season. To ensure the best weather with clear blue skies and calm seas, head to Bali in the shoulder season of April, May, June and then again in September.

This period is known as the “dry season” and ensures that the weather will be dry and slightly less humid.

In the shoulder season, you will find good prices for accommodation (sometimes up to 50% cheaper than in high season!) and less tourists than in the peak high season of July and August and December and January. This is often the most expensive time to travel and the most crowded, therefore it is best avoided.

Luxury things to do in Bali

Take to the skies

A helicopter ride over the dramatic landscape of Bali is the ultimate memorable luxury experience. See the peaks of volcanos Moung Agung and Mount Batur from a bird’s eye view or soar over the Kintamani highlands for extraordinary, breath-taking views.

The helicopter can take a maximum of 5 passengers and also special proposal flights can be organised through Viator. Prices for a 60 minute tour by helicopter vary based on different routes on offer.

Photograph Bali like a pro

If you’re an enthusiast for photography and want to capture unforgettable scenes of Bali, this experience is for you! Learn from the very best on a photography tour, recognised photographer and author of three books on Indonesian culture.

This unique tour will allow you to see Bali from a different perspective and you will come home with incredible photographs of scenes such as the jungle plains, volcanoes or local tribes under the guidance of a “cultural storyteller” with an emphasis on cultural preservation.

Picture perfect

For those enviable Instagram shots, head out on this unique tour to see some of the most iconic landscapes of Northern Bali, visiting the stunning Bendugul Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in the midst of rural Bali.

Surrounded by mountains, the Wanagiri Hidden Hills, lush rainforests and stunning twin waterfalls of Banyumala, all these incredible settings providing a backdrop for incredible holiday photos and enduring memories.

The tour will give you the opportunity to take plenty of shots in locations including a nest made of bamboo and a swing overlooking a beautiful lake.

Aside from photography, you can sample civet coffee, one of the most expensive coffees in the world, and bathe in the refreshing waters below the Banymala waterfalls.

Enrich your mind and body at a retreat

Bali is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and what better setting could there be than lush tropical greenery, the distant sound of the ocean and some quality time to dedicated to yourself.

Visit a yoga sanctuary at Floating Leaf Eco Resort for an indulgent experience of daily yoga, meditation, massages, Ayurvedic healing and vegetarian/vegan cuisine. Floating leaf offers quality retreats which will promise that you leave relaxed and tranquil after a week of pampering, or if you want to splash out, book a private retreat with a tailor-made plan just for you!

If you want to experience a tantra retreat, you can experience a workshop or package at Ashram Munivara, a spiritual retreat aimed at the practice of yoga and tantra, where you can uncover your sensuality and sexuality under the guidance of masters of tantra.

Take a tailored cookery class

A feast for all your senses, visit Bali Cookery Schoolwhere you can immerse yourself in a sensory workshop starting from the source, go off the beaten track and meet the fishermen hauling in the catch of the day or take in the flavours and smells of the local market where you will gather your ingredients for the cookery course.

The unique workshops are led by Penny Williams, who is a chef who has worked some of the best restaurants including London’s Savoy, her expert tutelage will guide you through the flavours of the local cuisine and teach you recipes you can bring home with you to wow your friends and family.

Explore the seas

Indonesia has some of the world’s most diverse marine life and wildlife enthusiasts can experience the diverse and colourful marine life on a private guided dive tour of the local reefs, or get up close and personal with sea turtles and participate in a baby turtle release from the hatchery into the open sea.

If you are looking for adventure, head out onto the water on a luxury vessel for a daytrip or expedition around the some of the 17,500 islands around the archipelago.

If you’re looking for the ultimate tailored experience, visit Silolona and charter a traditional wooden boat to explore Komodo National Park, a World Heritage site and home to the enormous Komodo Dragons. Aside from stunning snorkelling, diving, they also offer onboard yoga, spa treatments and al-fresco dining on some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever savour.

Soak in a luxurious flower-filled bath

You’ve seen it on Instagram, now it’s your opportunity to experience it for yourself. Nestled in the verdant green rice paddies is the Karsa Spa which offers a package of one hour including a Balinese massage, masks and scrubs and a bath surrounded by fragrant flowers for only €13 for the hour. With prices like these you can afford to spend a day of pampering, experiencing different treatments on offer, leaving you smelling fresh and feeling completely relaxed.

Indulge in a spa day

Soak away the stresses and tiredness of the day by heading to one of the largest and finest spas in Bali, the Prana Spa. This spa has some of the most sumptuous treatments for face and body available on the island, as well as expert wellness therapists to offer services which include sacred stone massages, steam chambers.

Ayurvedic rejuvenation, gold pearl face masks and more. They also offer yoga, spa and accommodation packages which will allow you to stay in the lap of luxury and indulge in a wellness experience that will heal you from inside and outside.

For a truly special experience, join a spa day at Prana Spa and a visit to the iconic Tanah Lot temple for only €138.48 per person, including an indulgent three-hour sun and moon massage and transfers with a private guide in an airconditioned vehicle.

If you want to experience the most extravagant spa treatment, visit the Ayana Resort and Spa perched atop limestone cliffs with spectacular views. This élite experience was designed by Dior and consists of a two-and-a-half hour treatment including body scrubs, herbal mint tea salt bath, massage and facial which will leave you feeling more youthful and relaxed. Prices start at €540 euros for the treatment.

Read more: How much to tip in Bali for a massage

Spend the day at Sunday Beach Club

Their slogan “where every day is Sunday” is particularly apt and the Sunday Beach Club is true to their word, providing that Sunday feeling whilst lounging on the beach to the backdrop of music whilst sipping on a cocktail.

Aside from being the place to be seen, the beach club offers a walk-in package that includes full access, WIFI, use of the SUP paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment and credit to use for food and drinks for an all-inclusive price of €25 per person.

For the VIP experience, there’s a VIP package which includes a private butler and glass of Moet Chandon, there are also VIP packages which include dinner at the Sunday Beach Club restaurant.

Where to stay in Bali – Luxury Hotels

Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Part of the Ritz-Carlton family, Mandapa is a magnificent resort close to Ubud which look out over the stretch of the Ayung River. This lush hotel will make you feel as if you’re escaped into a Balinese village with rooms and villas offering incredible views of the immediate landscape with floor-to-celiing windows.

The suites are equipped with lounges, smart TVs, and WIFI and if you opt for the more luxurious option of a villa, there are options for one, two and three-bedroom villas with private pools and kitchens.

24 hour butler service is included which includes a driver to any tours or reservations, as well as a free breakfast. The hotel also boasts two swimming pools, poolside bar, fine-dining restaurant, spa, gym and yoga classes. Rooms start from €897 per night.

Bulgari Resort Bali

This sumptuous five-star resort will make you feel like a King or Queen during your stay, with its magnificent location atop a cliff with views over the expanse of the Indian Ocean

Enjoy staying in the lap of luxury in one of their one or two-bedroomed villas fully equipped with all the mod cons, private plunge pools, gardens with the possibility of upgrading to a villa with an infinity pool boasting views over the panorama of the Indian Ocean.

There are also luxurious mansions for bigger groups fitted with three to five bedrooms. Service includes a personal butler to cater to your needs and desires and breakfast. The hotel has its own private beach, gym, spa and outdoor pool as well as three restaurants offering delicious cuisine.

Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay

For pure luxury, this upmarket Four Seasons Resort overlooks the pristine Jimbaran Bay. The hotel has villas which consist of one to four bedrooms constructed with thatched roofs and decorated in Balinese style, with handcrafted Balinese furniture and open air lounges.

Villas also ensure complete privacy within sheltered gardens and private plunge pools. The facilities include two restaurants on the beach, a cooking school where you can learn some fantastic Indonesian recipes, infinity pool, poolside café and bar, gym, spa, tennis court and a surf school. The five-star service will ensure that you feel completely pampered and kept busy during your stay.

Hanging Gardens of Bali

The Hanging Gardens hotel is the ideal resort to find your zen. Constructed in the midst of the rainforest in Ubud looking out over the Ayung River, this hotel is a hidden gem.

The one-bed villas are built in Indonesian style with rustic thatched roofs and decorated with elegant carved wooden furniture both inside and out on the terraces, bathrooms are both indoor and outdoor allowing you to have a shower whilst surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Butler service is available 24 hours a day with the upgraded villas to ensure that your every whim is catered for. The restaurant boasts an outdoor lounge and an innovative restaurant, cascading pool and spa.

The Ungusan, Bukit Peninsula

If you’re looking for a hotel with amazing views, look no further. Perched atop the cliffs overlooking Karma Beach and nestled in an estate encircled by tropical greenery is The Ungusan.

Offering picture perfect views in a location hidden away from the main tourist areas, the hotel offers private villas with butler service, an infinity pool, gym and spa, tennis courts, helipad (in case you want to arrive in style) and also a putting green making sure that despite its remote location, you’ll be completely pampered and entertained during your stay.

Villas are gorgeous, with windows offering unrivalled views and include terraces, lounges or even private plunge pools. This is the perfect hotel to enjoy a luxury holiday whilst disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life.

Luxury eats in Bali 

Teatro Gastroteque

The name of the restaurant gives you an idea of what to expect, some spectacular presentation and innovative dishes. This fine-dining restaurant can be found in Seminyak and is led by one of Indonesia’s rising stars in the gastronomy scene, Chef Mandif M. Warokka.

The cuisine is an exciting fusion of French and Asian flavours and ingredients and you can sample unique dishes such as smoked duck with red cabbage, local scallops, squid served with black garlic and there is even a dining menu to cater for vegetarians.

You will be led to your table under the stars along a path lit by candles and scattered with fragrant frangipani flowers, to the gentle music of gamelans, here you can enjoy five-star service with your own waiting staff and a five-star dinner that features luxurious ingredients such as Wagyu beef, oysters and Hokkaido scallops. The perfect setting for a proposal or special evening.

Mozaic

Ubud’s dining scene has exploded in the last few years to include some show-stopping restaurants. One of these is Mozaic restaurant, offering French cuisine with a modern twist creating fusion cuisine with local flavours.

This Michelin-star restaurant is situated in the midst of the lush rice paddies of Ubud and you can enjoy fine dining under the stars in their outdoor dining area with views of the gentle hills of the region.

This restaurant is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner for two and you can enjoy a feast for the senses with their menu starring local seafood such as coral trout or king mackerel paired with Asian flavours such as Kaffir lime, coconut or snake fruit making it an exotic feast.

Merah Putih

For a celebration of authentic local flavours, visit Merah Putih, one of the finest restaurants in Bali and also one of the most visually stunning. The architecture is based on eco-friendly design and rainwater is captured by their transluscent roof columns to be used in the water-flow system of the restaurant, keeping the verdant indoor garden and mini-ecosystem within thriving.

Its eclectic menu features Balinese dishes such as crispy fried duck “lawar bebek”, or featuring local fresh-caught seafood such as coral trout or chargrilled octopus served up with coconut, lemongrass and ginger infused rice called “nasi uduk” amongst some of its culinary offerings.

The restaurant’s eco-friendly concept extends to the kitchen where all ingredients are sourced from local farmers and sustainable producers.

Samabe Resort Cave Dinner

Enjoy a dinner within a natural cave at Samabe Resort, lapped by the gentle waves of the ocean on a tropical white sand beach. You will dine in this unique environment to the gentle glow of candles and ambient lighting where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset whilst enjoying a feast of local seafood and prime-quality meat served to the backdrop of ocean sounds.

Sakti Dining Room

Vegans and vegetarians will be thrilled with this award-winning, eco-friendly restaurant dedicated to ethical cuisine set within the Fivelements Resort. All the creative dishes are locally-sourced, ethically-produced and feature raw food and foraged ingredients.

The restaurant is a gorgeous Balinese style dining hall surrounded by nature and you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes including innovative plates such as shitake dumplings, artisanal cashew cheese and beetroot gazpacho. Tasting menus of 3, 5 and 7 courses are available to give you the chance to enjoy the best of ethical, eco-friendly vegan cuisine.

Luxury tours to do in Bali

Blue Fire Mountain Ijen Tour

This one day tour leaving from Bali will allow you see with your very own eyes the mystical blue fire rising from Mount Ijen’s crater. The trip is suitable for experienced hikers and begins with a ferry to Ketapang Harbour where a jeep will transport you to the foot of the volcano.

Starting the ascent in the early hours of the morning you can see the mystical blue flames rising from Mount Ijen, before taking in the early morning sunset and panoramic views from atop the volcano.  The trek takes around five hours in total and transport, jeep, private guide, return ferry tickets and meals are included in the price of around €150 per person.

Komodo Island daytrip from Bali

If you’ve always wanted to see dragons, you must head to Komodo Island, home of the legendary Komodo dragons on a one day tour. This unforgettable experience will bring you face to face with these impressive, prehistoric looking beasts.

Starting with an early pickup from your hotel, you will be brought to Labuan Bajo Airport before hopping onto a private speedboat to Komodo Island, within the National Park.

After seeing the dragons, you will be taken by speedboat to Pink Beach where you can enjoy snorkelling and have lunch on the beach, before heading to Padar Island to enjoy the beautiful views over the ocean from atop the hill returning to the airport and being driven to your hotel.

The price includes transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, private flight tickets, speedboat, lunch, park entrance fees and taxes and an experienced guide. Prices start at €483 per person.

Yogyakarta one day tour

If you want to experience the magic of the UNESCO World Heritage treasures of Java, this tour is for you!

This cultural and historical tour will lead you through some of Yogyakarta’s architectural wonders, including Borobudur, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the world dating back to the 8^th and 9^th centuries and listed as one of the seven wonders of the world. 

Hindu temples, the Sultan’s Palace which became the centre for the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and a visit to the old city of Kota Gede where you will stop for lunch before visiting the Prambanan Temples which were constructed in the mid-9^th century and is renowned as a temple of great beauty.

The price of €394 per person includes a private guide, hotel transfers, return flights to Bali, lunch and entrances to all the historical sites of the tour.

Recommended luxury tours in Bali

• Private Uluwatu Helicopter Tour – View Bali’s Epic Coastline
• BALI & GILI I The two Islands
• Day Tour Visit Yogyakarta From Bali
• Bali Photography Tour Capture the Beauty of Bali
• Scuba Diving in Nusa Penida & private land tour at Kelingking Beach
• Blue Fire Mount Ijen Private Tour from Bali All Inclusive
• Bali Paragliding Tandem Flight Over Uluwatu Cliff with Transfer
• White Water Rafting & ATV Adventure Private & All-Inclusive Tour
• VIP Ultimate Spa Experience & Tanah Lot Temple Visit
• Hot Air Balloon Experience with Meals at Ubud
• Gili Trawangan Island Day trip from Bali
• Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Scenic Spots
• Bali Full-Day Traditional Village Sightseeing Trip with Lunch
• Private 3 day tours package : Bali highlights
• Batur Sunrise Trekking and Waterfall Tour

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