Bali is known for being spectacularly beautiful, vibrant, colorful, and incredibly diverse. From the bustling streets of Kuta, to the hidden corners of Ubud, there is something to suit all tastes, and each area of this amazing tropical island has something unique to offer its guests.
As regular readers of this Bali travel blog know, I welcome guests at my 2 personal villas: Spectacular beach retreat Bulung Daya and cozy family-friendly villa Adagian.
Yet, when my villas are booked up, I want to give potential guests the option to stay at other great places. Here’s my selection from online travel website Booking.com, a great website to book not only hotels,but also dazzling vacation rentals. Here we look at 5 stunning Bali luxury retreats that will take you from the relaxed town of Sanur, to the dazzling beaches of Seminyak, to the unspoiled hinterlands of Singapadu.
The Sanctoo Villa
Located in charming Sukawati, the Sanctoo Villa is unusual in that it sits in the middle of a tropical paradise in Bali Zoo. Nestled in Singapadu, to the south of charming Ubud, the Sanctoo Villa is an oasis of calm and is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind.
At Sanctoo Villa you will find an large outdoor pool that is perfect for cooling off in the afternoon heat, as well as an onsite sauna and spa, where you can enjoy an array of relaxing Balinese treatments. The spa is known for its spectacular views over the surrounding valley, where you can take in the natural beauty of Ubud’s stunning emerald green rice fields.
The villa is designed and furnished to reflect the traditional Balinese style, blended with modern touches like Wi-Fi access and flat screen satellite television. For greater convenience, your villa has its own private terrace, as well as a cozy dining area and a kitchenette complete with a coffee maker and microwave.
In order to make your stay even more memorable, you can request breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and afternoon tea to be served at your villa, or you can dine at the Bali Zoo restaurant, surrounded by picturesque tropical jungle. In the evenings, you can also dine under the stars and listen to the sounds of the river that flows though a dramatic gorge in the center of the zoo.
The location of this villa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in a rainforest surrounded by tropical flora and fauna, but despite the secluded nature of Sanctoo Villa, you will only be 15 minutes away from central Ubud for shopping and dining opportunities. Certainly, this is the place to come if you want an unforgettable and romantic experience that allows you to commune with nature in the heart of beautiful Bali.
Villa Alam Bidadari Seminyak
Nestled in quiet seclusion just a short drive from premium local attractions, Villa Alam Bidadari Seminyak offers visitors an intimate villa in a gorgeous area of Seminyak in Bali.
As well as a private tropical swimming pool, guests can also enjoy lush gardens and a secluded dining area with a spacious terrace that is perfect for enjoying the stunning views. The villa has air conditioning as standard, as well as a comfortable and elegant four-poster bed with a mosquito net for optimum comfort. You can expect to find modern amenities here such as flat screen television with satellite channels that you can watch from the relaxed comfort of a seating area complete with sofa. There is also an en-suite bathroom with a deep luxury bath and walk-in shower. In order to stay connected, Wi-Fi is accessible all over the property.
As part of your stay at Villa Alam Bidadari Seminyak, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing massage service as well as a free shuttle around Seminyak. You will also be close to local attractions such as the vibrant Seminyak Square for shopping and dining, as well as Ngurah Rai International Airport for easy access to the villa.
You can rest easy at Villa Alam Bidadari Seminyak thanks to the staff who are available 24 hours a day, and can arrange anything you need from laundry services to delicious European or Indonesian meals served in the comfort of your villa. Ideal for couples who want a comfortable and luxurious stay where your every need is catered for.
Temple Hill Residence Villa
Just a 7 minute walk away from pristine Balinese beaches, Temple Hill Residence Villa offers you the best of Jimbaran Bay coupled with a luxurious and peaceful holiday retreat. If you are travelling as part of a couple and just want to enjoy a home-away-from-home set amidst the splendor of this tropical island, then Temple Hill Residence Villa certainly won’t disappoint.
The residence is decorated with stylish touches that reflect Balinese art and beauty, and the villas here are open plan, giving you space to relax and explore. Your villa is connected to a secluded sun deck where you can sunbathe in privacy, and there are cozy sun loungers and shaded parasols provided for your comfort. The sunsets in Jimbaran are known for being truly stunning, so make sure to take in the light show as afternoon turns to inky night. There is a large private pool for you to enjoy and cool off in during the steamy Balinese afternoons, as well as modern amenities such as flat screen televisions, a DVD library, and Wi-Fi.
Your villa is also equipped with a modern and stylish kitchen area, and is staffed on a daily basis, so that all your needs will be catered to. In order to help you to relax fully during your stay, spa services are available at your villa, and you can enjoy a traditional Balinese spa treatment as you enjoy the gorgeous views from Temple Hill Residence Villa.
If you want to explore the best of Bali, then the villa is located only 20 minutes away from iconic attractions such as the mesmerizing Uluwatu Temple. Day trips can be arranged so that you can travel around this paradise island in style, or you can simply enjoy all the comforts that Temple Hill Residence Villa has to offer.
The Purist Villas and Spa
For anyone looking for ultimate relaxation in a tropical Balinese paradise, The Purist Villas and Spa is the place to find it. Situated just outside of stunning Ubud, the cultural and spiritual capital of Bali, The Purist Villas and Spa afford guests a private and serene villa experience, while still being conveniently located near to local attractions.
The villas here are decorated in a gorgeous Balinese style and feature breathtaking landscaping that make them the perfect place to get away from it all, especially if you are traveling as part of a couple. The grounds of the villa are covered in aromatic flower gardens, and you will also have access to a spacious swimming pool complete with a private sun deck. Perfect if you want to relax in the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Bali. The location of the villas is ideal if you want an intimate and relaxed stay, as you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful tropical foliage and stunning Balinese touches such as traditional stone work and water features.
The villas here are a blend of modern and traditional styles, and you will find breathtaking Balinese wood carving techniques here as well as ornate craft designs. Comfortable and cozy living areas complete with sofas are also available, as well as flat screen televisions and DVD players, meaning that you will never have to leave the comfort of The Purist Villas and Spa if you don’t want to.
There is a Living Room Restaurant and a Pool Cafe on site if you want to try some of the most delicious local flavors and abundance of Balinese tropical fruits on offer, and you can also enjoy a personal cooking lesson at the villas. Relax and unwind with a spa session in the privacy of your villa, and enjoy a blend of traditional and fragrant Balinese beauty treatments.
The Purist Villas and Spa is nestled on the outskirts of a charming traditional Balinese village where you will get the chance to witness island living firsthand, and is only a 25 minutes way from central Ubud if you want to explore further afield.
Nike Villas
Just a short walk away from the famous Sanur Beach, Nike Villas is also close to boutique shops and handicraft markets, while still giving guests a secluded and romantic villa experience.
Nike Villas is a luxurious location that is only 30 minutes away from vibrant Seminyak for those looking for nightlife, dining, and shopping options. At the villa itself, you can enjoy a shared and spacious outdoor pool, as well as separate bedrooms within the villa, and a modern kitchen.
All villas here feature facilities such as air conditioning throughout, Wi-Fi internet, and televisions, as well as open air living rooms to let you take in the gorgeous Balinese gardens that surround you. At the tropical pool area, you will find a traditional Balinese gazebo where you can relax and enjoy the views over Sanur. From the privacy of your delightful villa, you can also spend time on your own terrace, or enjoy a private garden area. To fully immerse yourself in the serenity of Nike Villas, breakfast can be served at your room, so you will never have to leave the comfort and luxury of your surroundings.
If you want to try some of the best of the local seafood for which Sanur is famous, there is an onsite restaurant serving up Balinese flavors, or you can easily walk into town and check out the local dining and shopping scene.
Check out Booking.com’s Bali villa rental page for hundreds of great choices.
Have you stayed at a villa retreat in Bali? Which area of this paradise island would you most recommend to visitors? Tell us in the comment section below.