TOP 5 BALI HOTELS YOU HAVE TO STAY IN

Everyone who knows me understands my love for this island of the gods. I've been coming here every year for the past four years and it hasn't lost its charm on me yet. I know a lot of travelers share my view, proof was when I was stranded on this island due to the volcanic ash cloud and everyone I met only said: "well, there are worse places to be stuck in. This is paradise."

To sum up the people, food, culture, sights, lifestyle, and overall vibe in one word: *MAGIC.* Sometimes, I feel like I've been hopelessly enchanted by some mountain or sea-dwelling Balinese goddess, luring me in with her yearly siren call. :) Should you ever heed that call to book a flight to Bali, here are my favorite and highly-recommended places to stay in, perfect for nurturing that love affair with the island. In no particular order:

1. KAMANDALU RESORT & SPA, UBUD. This destination resort is tucked into the green hills of Ubud and takes elements of what makes Balinese design such an interior designer and architect's dream, into its look and feel. The moment you enter the driveway, you are transported into a lush rice field with spiraling stairs and paddies. The thatched-roof villas themselves are spacious, with outdoor showers and an elevated lanai that looks out into the neighboring terraces. It's worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, yet feels authentically Balinese. If peace, serenity, and oneness with the world are what you're aiming for, this is your home away from home. ​

2. SEJUK BEACH VILLAS, CANGGU. Canggu is considered the next Seminyak, albeit more relaxed and less shopping-oriented. It's a little hard to find, but that's what makes it one of Bali's best-kept secrets! Sejuk's one-bedroom villa with a private freshwater pool, is an antique Gladak House carefully shipped piece by piece from Java to Bali. An amazing feat given that the house is all heavy-duty hardwood and each piece has detailed Javanese carvings and the roof has intricate palm-leaf weaves. The villa overlooks the black sands and wild waves of Pantai Seseh, an area popular with surfers, and has sensational sunset views. It's far from the madding crowds of the city center, yet is in close proximity to popular haunts like Old Man's, Crate Coffee, Betel Nut, and Echo Beach House. The best part about Sejuk is that the sounds of the ocean, ricefields, and nature around you will lull you into one of the best sleeps of your life.

3. KOKONUT SUITES, SEMINYAK. Modern aesthetics abound in this suites-only hotel that's right smack in the middle of all the action. It's close to the famous Seminyak shopping areas, never too far away from the happening nightlife of PotatoHead and KuDeTa, and what I love most about it is that it's literally a few steps from Bali restaurant institutions like Metis, Sardine, and Sarong. For the affordable price point, the suites are pretty spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in that glorious sunshine indoors, and balconies that look out to the pool or neighboring villages. It also houses one of Seminyak's chicest minimalist-vintage cafés, Livingstone Café & Bakery, so you don't need to go far for that piping-hot cuppa!

4. BIDADARI PRIVATE VILLAS & RETREAT, UBUD. Another deliciously-secluded sanctuary in the tropical rainforests of Ubud that has one of the best personalized service I've ever encountered. Beautiful retreat that houses the Bunga Matahari Spa, set on a ridge that meanders down to the River Wos. It also sources the freshest organic produce from the local market every morning: a testament to its farm-to-table philosophy. What makes this place memorable for me though, is the spa: imagine being in a tranquil environment, punctuated by sounds of the cascading river down below and set in a private, forest-side spa pavilion. Ah, bliss!

5. AYODYA PALACE, NUSA DUA. Many steer clear from Nusa Dua, as it feels detached from the authenticity of other areas in Bali, with its security-patrolled gates and well-manicured lawns. But I found that Ayodya, formerly the Hilton, makes up for that with its Balinese-inspired architecture. The biggest draw for me is that it fronts one of Bali's best swimming beaches. I never thought Bali was a beach destination until I visited Geger Beach two years ago: crystal-clear waters, white-sand bottom, parked local boats lazily floating on the waves.... It's famous for its seaweed farms and despite being flanked by one five-star resort after another, Geger is a public beach so you can still interact with locals, usually fishermen, seaweed farmers, and massage ladies. It helps as well that Ayodya has an infinity pool overlooking the endless blues of the ocean; it's an ultimate beach bum's paradise. I mean, look at THIS... ;-)​

So there you have it. Really depends on what you want to do and where you want to be based: Seminyak is great for shopping, nightlife and food, Canggu is for surfing and hip cafes, Ubud is for the ultimate one-with-nature haven, and Geger is for the beach bunny who love nothing more than taking a dip in the ocean.

Have you booked yet? :)

HAPPY TRAVELS! x

#listicles #Indonesia #reviews