Hotels - Bali - Indonesia

Accommodation on the island of Bali covers the entire gamut of luxury and price, and nearly every resort incorporates that incredible Balinese style. Five-star opulence is heavily represented along exclusive southern beaches, but the majority of hotels are incredibly charming and affordable guest houses and bungalow resorts that ooze Balinese style, particularly in Ubud.

Bali's top resorts and hotels are clustered along the southern shores of the island. Towns like Jimbaran Bay, Sanur and Nusa Dua are home to the best beaches and most exclusive accommodation. Although these resorts tend to insulate you from the real side of Bali, many prefer a beachside vacation without touts or noise. You'll pay dearly for the privacy, however.

The Ritz Carlton Bali sits perched on the edge of a cliff with simply breathtaking views of Jimbaran Bay. Walk down the winding steps to the uncrowded beach and its crashing surf or hang out in the innovative ocean pool. The Four Seasons also has its premier resort at Jimbaran Bay. The layout of this posh resort resembles a traditional Balinese village with thatched bungalows filled with five-star amenities. The service at both these resorts is incredible.

Amandari is the ultimate in luxurious seclusion. The service is unrivalled, something that attracts many celebrities to indulge in the immaculate grounds and traditional lava stone cottages filled with posh creature comforts. Amanusa is part of the Aman resort group. Its hilltop setting overlooking Nusa Dua's beaches is a major highlight. It also manages to maintain local style and environmental harmony without sacrificing any amenity.

South Bali is where most of the accommodation is concentrated. Jimbaran Bay is arguably the most exclusive part of Bali. It's home to the most luxurious resorts and boasts some stunning settings on the cliffs and beaches that are among Bali's finest. Seminyak is known for its four-star hotels and prime location between Jimbaran and Kuta.

Kuta is Bali's party zone and playground for those looking for fun after dark. It's a packed little town with hundreds of hotels, shops, restaurants and nightclubs for every style and budget. Sanur is just down the coast from Kuta, but it's much more relaxed. Hotels and restaurants along Sanur's huge beach are bordered by a lovely beachside walking path, which makes getting around a pleasure.

Nusa Dua and Tanjong Benoa are hubs of privacy and opulence. Besides Jimbaran, these beaches are where the rich and famous come to hide out. Candidasa is the gateway to eastern Bali and has both upscale resorts and modest guest houses.

In the centre of Bali lies Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of the island. There are hundreds of hotels, resorts and guest houses in this charming compact town catering to every level of luxury. There are some real deals in Ubud and the dining and shopping is superb. On the northern shore of Bali is the quiet town of Lovina, with its unique black sand beaches. Most of the lodging here is budget to mid-range.