Best Boutique Hotels in Bali

This five-pearl boutique resort in the green hills of the artsy Ubud area has 20 separate villas, each providing guests with their own butler; many have private pools. The rooms are individually designed and make abundant use of teakwood and Balinese art, giving the spaces an authentic Balinese feel; the indoor/outdoor bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers are a highlight. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and stocked minibars (with free items). A fresh made-to-order breakfast, daily high tea, and happy hour are all included; the on-site restaurant also serves Western and Asian specialties for lunch and dinner, and room service is available almost all day. There is a lovely outdoor infinity pool with a poolside bar, a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, and a fitness center that offers yoga classes. While there isn't much within walking distance except rice paddies, the hotel offers free car service into town.

The 25-room Viceroy Bali is a luxury hotel that draws high-end clientele with its tropical setting overlooking Petanu Valley and its convenient helipad. The property also offers airport limousine service, an open-air restaurant, and a lovely pool with a swim-up bar. A hillside spa and modern gym complete the list of excellent amenities. The spacious Balinese villas have private pools, flat-screen TVs, safes, and indoor/outdoor sitting areas; some have thatched-roof gazebos. There’s golf cart transportation on-site, but the grounds are often sloped so getting around can be tricky. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are all free at the Viceroy (but expect sky-high rates).

With its gorgeous, secluded setting in a tropical rain forest, the five-pearl, 30-room Como Shambhala Estate is a peaceful oasis that attracts travelers seeking a health-conscious getaway. With extensive spa and wellness facilities and a team of resident holistic health experts, the hotel aims to restore and revive. Nutrition-driven dining at two on-site restaurants is complemented by a wealth of activities such as guided walks and free yoga classes. Spacious rooms and suites are set in several freestanding Residences spread around the vast grounds (though some can be quite a hike to main areas), plus private villas with pools are also available. The Viceroy Bali is a similarly intimate and luxurious option, so it's worth comparing rates.

This five-pearl resort is best known for its breathtaking main pool, which sits dramatically over jungle treetops and offers gorgeous vistas of the gorge below. With a secluded location about 30 minutes from Ubud, the hotel offers a peaceful, rain forest getaway, complete with a luxurious spa and dining options that range from an on-site restaurant, bar, and cafe, to romantic private dining experiences. Its 44 suites and private villas offer panoramic views as well as private pools and terraces. The jungle setting means that various critters are to be expected, which might be an issue for some, and travelers should also be prepared for pricey dining. Those seeking an equally luxurious and more wellness-oriented experience might want to consider COMO Shambhala Estate, though it can be pricier.

The Samabe Bali is an ultra-luxurious beachfront resort located atop a cliff a five-minute drive from central Nusa Dua. Its 81 suites and villas are elegant and stylish, with a gorgeous blend of contemporary and traditional Indonesian decor, top-notch amenities, and balconies offering expansive ocean views. Villas have private infinity pools and up to two bedrooms. With a private beach, a wonderful spa, two excellent restaurants, a gorgeous infinity pool, a kids’ club, and tons of daily activities, there is little guests can’t do on-site. Plus, all-inclusive rates cover everything from free daily spa treatments to cultural tours to beachside yoga classes. Those looking for something a little cheaper may want to compare rates at Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa.

One of Bali's chicest properties, the five-pearl Bulgari Resort Bali is an ultra-luxury resort with 59 villas featuring Javanese mahogany furnishings and volcanic rock interior walls (plus five chic three- and five-bedroom mansions). Along with a private beach and gorgeous infinity pool, the resort offers four bars and restaurants, an opulent spa with a long menu of services and the option of private treatment pavilions, a fitness center with personal trainers, and plenty of space for meetings and weddings. However, the removed location, while peaceful and romantic, may not be to everyone's liking, and it's not a good spot for travelers who like to explore destinations on foot. Travelers who'd prefer to be in the center of cultural action might want to check out the Royal Kamuela in Ubud, a luxury property in the heart of Bali's artistic and cultural hub.

Perched on a clifftop above a lovely sandy beach, family-friendly Karma Kandara is one of southern Bali’s most luxurious resorts. It offers 54 stunning multi-room villas set in private gardens with infinity pools, all featuring full kitchens, outdoor dining areas, and upscale amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor showers. The gorgeous, serene grounds include two pools (one of them overlooking the ocean), a top-notch spa with cliffside massage huts, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a rooftop bar with views. But the highlight here is the hip beach club, complete with cabanas and a restaurant, and accessed via a funicular. Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali has an even sleeker feel, but rates are higher.

The Royal Santrian is one of the smallest yet most luxurious properties in this part of Nusa Dua Beach. Its 20 villas are housed in beautiful traditional Balinese pavilions and have private pools, outdoor living areas, and large bathrooms with outdoor showers. The gorgeous grounds include a stunning infinity pool with beach views and a Martini bar, and a restaurant serving fusion cuisine, sushi, and teppanyaki. The spa offers body treatments and salon services in a serene pavilion with indoor and outdoor facilities, but there is no gym on-site. The adult-only Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa offers a similar experience and can have slightly lower rates.

This beautiful upper-middle-range 32-room boutique hotel in central Ubud is surrounded by nature but is still within walking distance to the heart of town. With a gorgeous infinity lap pool and wading pool, as well as a full-service spa, fitness center, and on-site restaurant, guests need not ever leave the property, but should they want to, Komaneka at Bisma does offer free shuttle service to town and to its sister Komaneka resorts, and Bisma guests can use the facilities at each. Rooms at Komaneka Bisma are spacious with balconies, separate living areas, and large bathrooms (with both deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers). Amenities include flat-screen TVs with Apple TV, free Wi-Fi, DVD players, minibars, and air-conditioning. Service and staff are top-notch, and many guests return to this hotel year after year.

The luxurious Samaya Ubud is a peaceful, understated property along the Ayung River, about 15 minutes outside of Ubud proper. The hotel's 19 villas have one, two, or three bedrooms and come with their own private plunge pools and gardens. There are two restaurants on-site, in addition to a selection of romantic private dining options available for booking, such as candlelit dinners by the river. Beauty and body treatments are offered at the spa or can be booked in-room, and there's also a fitness center and small pool, though it's not used frequently as all villas have lovely private pools. The hotel offers a variety of activities (for an extra charge) including cooking classes, nature walks, and other excursions, but they can get pricey.

The 38-room Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa is an upscale romantic jungle retreat on a property with rice paddies and gorgeous Ayung River views. The peaceful property has two outdoor pools, a pool bar, and two restaurants along with butler service and a 24-hour front desk. Guided tours are also available and there's an on-site boutique. Balinese-style villas are luxurious with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and furnished balconies with striking river views; some have private pools. The expansive size of the property, though, makes it a trek to reach some of the facilities.

The 17-room Purist Villas and Spa is a luxurious property that offers a quiet jungle respite beyond the center of Ubud. Owned by an architect and an interior designer, the resort masterfully combines modern conveniences with traditional Balinese and Indonesian art and architecture. A compact facility with a tropical vibe, the hotel has a lovely restaurant that serves local and international dishes, as well as free breakfast and afternoon tea. The lush grounds include two beautiful outdoor pools, and there's an Ayurvedic-based spa in which to relax and unwind, as well as a yoga studio available for private classes. Spacious suites and villas feature simple and elegant decor and a host of modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Plus, many of the luxurious villas have private pools.

Just off a busy Jimbaran street but set far enough away to be private, this intimate property has 13 spacious villas. Many units come with outdoor bathtubs, canopy beds, and direct pool access or hot tubs. A private beach club is a five-minute walk, or free shuttle ride, away. There's also a full-service spa on-site with a small gym and room service is available, adding to the romantic vibe of the property. Families should look elsewhere as children under 16 are not allowed.

This luxurious boutique resort consists of 16 private villas, all of which have beautiful private gardens and pools, as well as open-air living rooms with kitchenettes and dining areas. Massive, luxurious bathrooms are outfitted with soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers. Other lavish extras include a host of freebies like breakfast, afternoon tea, and daily fruit baskets, plus there’s a spa on-site. The gorgeous, lush grounds include a stunning outdoor pool and a restaurant, and though the beach is a bit far, the hotel offers free area shuttles (as well as airport transfers). Travelers seeking something closer to the beach might want to consider the Oberoi Bali or Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, both of which are beachfront.

The Kunja Villas & Spa is a luxury property that consists of 18 private villas with beautiful gardens and private pools. The spacious villas have large living rooms, full kitchens, dining areas, and massive, modern bathrooms with showers and soaking tubs that are partially open-air. Free made-to-order breakfast is provided daily, as are daily fresh fruit arrangements and afternoon tea. Though the property lacks a restaurant, bar, or fitness center, it offers a host of conveniences including spa services and free airport transfers. A popular wedding venue and honeymoon getaway, the hotel also has a beautiful wedding chapel on-site. For something with an on-site restaurant, travelers might want to consider the Villa Kubu or the Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa instead.

Tanadewa Luxury Villas & Spa is an intimate luxury boutique for those looking for privacy and quiet. It offers 16 one- and two-bedroom villas with contemporary Balinese design, private plunge pools, open living and dining areas, and luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs. The spa offers excellent treatments and an outdoor pavilion for couples, and the small fitness center has three machines, but there isn’t much else to do on-site. Although the hotel offers free shuttle service to Bali Collection and Nusa Dua, the location a 10-minute drive from restaurants, shops, and the beach may be a little out-of-the-way to some. However, travelers will be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious and private property in this price range in the Nusa Dua area.

Amori Villas is an upscale boutique resort outside of Ubud, with seven villas set in lush jungle surrounds. While the villas vary in architecture and size, all have furnished terraces and traditional Balinese touches, plus private butler service. There's a clifftop infinity pool with superb views of the valley. Yoga sessions and communal dining encourage guest interaction. As Amori Villas lacks child-friendly facilities, it's not ideal for families with younger kids, but it's a great choice for honeymooning couples -- especially if they opt to stay in one of the more secluded villas.

This atmospheric luxury boutique hotel has a museum-like quality thanks to its immense collection of historical Indonesian antiques and artifacts. This charming, artsy property is situated by Canggu Beach and offers 22 spacious suites with traditional Balinese decor and modern amenities. Some have private plunge pools, plus there's also a main pool. The spa offers a variety of treatments inspired by old Balinese traditions, and there are an array of classes available such as Balinese cooking, yoga, and floral arrangement. Dining options include an a la carte restaurant and unique cultural dining experiences, and though breakfast is not included, a traditional afternoon tea service is. For those who prefer a more modern aesthetic, the nearby Ametis Villa Bali offers similar amenities and spacious one- and three-bedroom villas with contemporary decor.

Seminyak Icon is an upscale boutique property offering 16 contemporary villas with Balinese accents. All units have kitchenettes, large windows, soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and gorgeous private pools. Both the on-site restaurant and the included breakfast receive great reviews, and though there is room service, the hours are limited. There's also an on-site spa with massages, facials, and even some chocolate treatments, but there's no fitness center. Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and the use of loaner bikes are included in room rates.