Bali Luxury Holidays
Best Areas, 5★ Resorts & Private Villas
Plan the perfect Bali luxury holiday. Best areas, 5★ resorts, private pool villas
Bali luxury holidays are about effortless indulgence — private pool villas, cliff‑top sunsets, world‑class spas and seamless service from airport to infinity pool. At Bali or Bust, we curate the best luxury resorts, private villas and bookable experiences so you can plan fast and travel well — without second‑guessing your choices.
Trusted by thousands of travellers planning their first (or best) luxury Bali escape.
- Private pools & ocean views
- 5★ service, hand‑picked locations
- Easy booking with flexible cancellation
Where to Start
Quick Picks
- Couples & Honeymoons → Uluwatu or Seminyak for romance, views and fine dining
- Families → Nusa Dua for calm beaches, kids’ clubs and gated resorts
- Style‑forward travellers → Canggu for villas, beach clubs and design hotels
- Wellness & culture lovers → Ubud for jungle resorts, spas and privacy
Jump to our Top Luxury Picks below to check availability now.
Best Luxury Areas in Bali
Mini Guide
Choosing the right area is the difference between a good trip and a great one. Bali’s luxury stays are spread across distinct regions — each offering a different pace, scenery and style. Here’s how to choose the best area to stay in Bali for luxury, based on how you actually want to spend your days.
Seminyak
Polished, central and food‑focused. Seminyak is ideal if you want walkable dining, boutique shopping and sunset beach clubs with easy access to luxury villas and resorts.
Canggu
Relaxed luxury with edge. Known for designer villas, surf beaches and trendy beach clubs, Canggu suits couples and groups who want style without formality.
Uluwatu
Dramatic cliffs, quiet roads and iconic sunsets. Uluwatu is Bali’s romance capital — perfect for honeymoons, proposal trips and adults‑only luxury resorts.
Nusa Dua
Calm, refined and family‑friendly. Nusa Dua offers gated 5★ resorts, swimmable beaches and excellent service, ideal for stress‑free luxury holidays.
Ubud
Green, quiet and restorative. Ubud is best for wellness retreats, jungle villas and cultural experiences, away from the coast.
Top Luxury Resorts in Bali
(Editor’s Picks)
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud)
Our top pick for luxury travelers. This stunning five-star beachfront resort features 103 elegantly designed rooms and suites, two swimming pools (including an ocean-facing infinity pool), an award-winning spa, and complimentary daily yoga classes. The Heavenly Suites offer private pool balconies with ocean views - perfect for honeymooners. Maya Sanur is Balinese-owned and operated, adding an authentic touch to the luxury experience. From $243 AUD per night.
Bulgari Resort Bali (Uluwatu)
Hyatt's most elite property in Sanur, this five-star resort blends traditional Balinese village design with modern luxury. Choose from suites or private pool villas grouped around lush courtyards. Facilities include three swimming pools, the renowned Shankha Spa, and multiple dining venues. From $384 AUD per night.
The Legian (Seminyak)
Bali’s first-ever five-star resort (recently renovated), the Hyatt Regency offers expansive tropical gardens, three outdoor pools, and exceptional family-friendly facilities including a dedicated kids’ pool and club. The beachfront location and attentive service make this a perennial favorite. From $206 AUD per night.
The Apurva Kempinski (Nusa Dua)
Formerly the Fairmont, this prestigious IHG property features spacious suites and private pool villas (one to three bedrooms) set in a prime central location. Amenities include multiple pools, a luxury spa, fitness center, and beachfront dining. From $362 AUD per night.
COMO Shambhala Estate (Ubud)
A boutique beachfront treasure with a unique history. Founded in the 1960s, this intimate resort features standalone bungalows built by local craftsmen, set within lush tropical gardens. The founder's philosophy - "My hotel is my living room, my guests are my friends" - perfectly captures the warm, personal atmosphere. From $409 AUD per night.
The Meru (Sanur)
Opened in February 2024 after the transformation of the historic Grand Inna Bali Beach, the resort is situated within the 42-hectare Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK) for Health and Wellness. It is known for its focus on well-being, sophisticated Balinese architecture, and its prime 1km stretch of white sandy beach.
Best Private Pool Villas in Bali
Mid-Range Excellence:
XYZ
An affordable four-star hotel offering excellent value in central Sanur. Modern rooms, a lagoon-style pool, on-site restaurant, and a prime location on Jalan Danau Tamblingan make this a smart choice for travelers who want quality without the luxury price tag. Ground-floor rooms offer direct pool access. From $112 AUD per night.
XYZ
A beautiful four-star beachfront resort in South Sanur, featuring two pools, spa services, and elegant Balinese-style rooms. The quieter southern location appeals to those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere. From $222 AUD per night.Guests have access to two swimming pools, a private beach area, a library, and lush tropical gardens.The on-site Spa at Puri Santrian provides traditional Balinese massages, facials, and beauty rituals using natural botanical products.
XYZ
Upmarket boutique hotel known for its peaceful, art-focused atmosphere and traditional Balinese design. Nightly rates typically range from AU$113 to AU$151 The onsite Ares Restaurant specializes in steak and pasta, and is highly rated for its breakfast and evening cocktails. Includes the Sudajiva Spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and the Sudakara ArtSpace, Beach Access: While not directly on the water, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Sanur Beach, where the resort provides a dedicated area with free sun loungers and towels.
7‑Day Luxury Bali Itinerary
Fully Bookable
Who it’s for: First‑timers who want variety without rushing — beaches, villas, spas and culture at a relaxed pace.
Day 1–2: Arrive → Private airport transfer → Seminyak or Canggu villa
Day 3: Beach club day + sunset dining (driver included)
Day 4: Transfer to Ubud → spa afternoon → fine dining
Day 5: Private cultural tour (temples, waterfalls, rice terraces)
Day 6: Free day or wellness treatment → farewell dinner
Day 7: Departure with lounge access & transfer
What it typically costs (from):
- Luxury resorts: from mid to high nightly rates
- Private drivers: from day‑rate pricing
- Tours & experiences: from premium small‑group rates
Beach Clubs & Spas Worth Booking
Top Beach Clubs
- Finns VIP – Poolside service & sunset views
- Sundays Beach Club – White sand, clear water, relaxed luxury
- Savaya – Iconic cliff‑top party sunsets
👉 [Reserve a Beach Club Day]({{GetYourGuide/Klook/MyBaliTrips link}})
Luxury Spas
- Fivelements Retreat – Holistic riverfront spa
- COMO Shambhala Spa – Award‑winning wellness
- Karsa Spa – Jungle serenity
👉 [Book a Spa Experience]({{GetYourGuide/Klook/MyBaliTrips link}})
Tips: Smart‑casual dress codes apply; book ahead in peak season.
Booking Tip: We recommend using Booking.com or Agoda for the widest selection and best rates. For luxury properties, booking directly through the hotel website can sometimes yield exclusive perks or upgrades.
Our content is 100% free. If you find it useful, buy us a Coffee. Cheers!
Adventure Tours
Thrill-seekers - Check our outdoor excursions focusing on the island's natural landscapes, including white water rafting , ATV quad biking through jungles and rice paddies, and sunrise trekking up Mountains.
Day Tours
Curated, full-day (8–12 hour) or half-day sightseeing trips across the island, featuring a private car, driver/guide. Offering personalized experiences visiting iconic temples, waterfalls, rice terraces and local villages.
Multi-Day Tours
Take us up on our curated, 2 to 5 day itineraries offering comprehensive, hassle-free travel across the island, covering major regions like Ubud, Uluwatu, the east coast and everything in-between. These private or small-group packages include transport, entrance fees, and activities.
Getting to Sanur
Comfort, Safety, and Logistics
Recommended Transport Options:
- Private Airport Transfer (Recommended): The safest, most comfortable, and stress-free option. Book a vetted private transfer in advance through your hotel or a reliable service like Klook or GetYourGuide. This ensures a known, trusted driver, a high-standard vehicle, and fixed pricing (typically $20-$35 AUD). You’ll avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi touts after a long flight.
- Official Airport Taxi: Available at the official taxi counter inside the airport terminal. Prices are fixed based on zones, and you’ll pay upfront. Expect to pay around 150,000-200,000 IDR ($15-$20 AUD) to Sanur.
- Ride-Share Apps (Grab/Gojek): While these apps work for getting to Sanur from the airport, their availability for the return journey is unreliable due to local taxi regulations. If you use them, be prepared to arrange alternative transport for your departure.
Once in Sanur, getting around is refreshingly simple compared to other parts of Bali:
- Walking: Sanur is one of Bali’s most walkable destinations, especially along the beachfront promenade and main street (Jalan Danau Tamblingan).
- Bicycle: Many hotels offer complimentary bicycles for guests. If not, rental shops along the beach charge around 80,000 IDR ($8 AUD) per day. The flat terrain and dedicated bike paths make cycling a pleasure.
- Scooter Rental: Available for approximately $8-$10 AUD per day. We only recommend this for experienced riders who possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Bali’s traffic can be challenging, and police regularly check for proper documentation. Riding without an IDP voids your travel insurance and can result in fines.
- Local Taxi/Driver: For longer trips or if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, hiring a local driver for half-day or full-day excursions is affordable ($50-$70 AUD) and allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Your hotel can arrange this, or you can negotiate directly with drivers at taxi stands.
- Fast Boats to Nusa Islands: Sanur is the main departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Multiple operators run daily services from Sanur Harbor. Book in advance through GetYourGuide or Klook for the best rates and reliable operators.
Important: Ride-share apps like Grab and Gojek have limited operation in Sanur due to agreements with local taxi cooperatives. While you can sometimes get picked up, don’t rely on them as your primary transport method.
Common Questions
When is the best time for luxury Bali holidays?
May–October offers the best weather and calm seas.
What’s the best area for couples?
Uluwatu or Seminyak for romance and dining.
Do luxury hotels offer free cancellation?
Many do — always check the rate terms before booking.
Is tipping expected in Bali?
Not required, but appreciated for exceptional service.
Is Bali suitable for luxury family travel?
Yes — Nusa Dua is especially family‑friendly.
Ready to Plan your Sanur Escape?
- Book Accommodation: Booking.com | Agoda
- Book Activities & Tours: GetYourGuide | Klook
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads | SafetyWing
- Airport Transfer: Klook Private Transfer
- Fast Boat to Nusa Islands: GetYourGuide
- Phone eSIM – Saily:
Next Steps:
- Explore our Bali on a Budget Guide for money-saving tips
- Read our Retiring in Bali Guide for long-term stay information
- Check out our Nusa Penida Day Trip Guide for island-hopping adventures
- Download our Bali Packing List for travelers
Affiliate Disclosure: Bali or Bust is reader-supported. When you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running and perhaps fund a sunset cocktail or two. We only recommend services and products we genuinely use and trust.
Related Articles
Bali Waterfalls
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.....
7 Day Trip Itinery
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.....
Bali Culture
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.....