BALI HOTELS ITINERARIES FOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, BALI ISN’T JUST ABOUT WITH CHEAP SHOPPING, BINGE DRINKING AND DANGEROUS WATER SPORTS. THE ISLAND IS A PERFECT MIX OF FRIENDLY CULTURE, MOUNTAIN SCENERY, SANDY BEACHES AND DELICIOUS AND AFFORDABLE CUISINE. IT IS CERTAINLY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION.

HAVE A SPECIAL TRIP COMING UP? HONEYMOON OR ANNIVERSARY?

THE HOTEL SCENE IN BALI IS SO PACKED THAT IT’S HARD TO FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHERE TO STAY. THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF 5 STAR RESORTS ALL VYING FOR YOUR ATTENTION. BELOW ARE A COMBINATION 7 DAY ITINERARIES BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS. FEEL FREE TO MIX AND MATCH, BUT I GENERALLY RECOMMEND SPEND HALF OF YOUR TIME IN UBUD AND THE REST ON A BEACH.

HOTEL ITINERARY FOR THE INSTAGRAMMER

W hotel (4 nights): You know when you’ve stepped into a W hotel. It’s not for the conservatives. This is a hotel for the social media savvy. Every angle is a photo opportunity. Matched with great service, lively restaurants and bars and a place to watch the sunset on the beach, this is the perfect hotel to make your instagram followers jealous. Rooms from $500 a night.

Hanging Garden (3 nights): This is literally the most photographed hotel pool in Bali, and possibly the world. Why not come and add your own photo to the collection. The villas are on a steep hill reached by a private funicular, how cool is that!! This is a resort that you can’t stop posting photos of! Villas from $700 a night

ITINERARY FOR THE ULTRA-LUXURY AMAN RESORTS

If you haven’t heard of Aman hotels, then you are in for a treat. In fact you might never want to stay with another brand ever again. There is a reason why this is George Clooneys favourite brand, and that’s the amazing service. Most AMAN resorts have a staff to guest ratio of at least 2 to 1. Bali is lucky to have 3 Aman properties on this one little island and they are as good as the next.

Amanusa(2 nights): want a round a golf? Want a day lying by the pool or the white sandy beach of Nusa Dua? This AMAN resort is where you don’t even have to lift a finger to get a cocktail by your lounger. Close to the airport, this is a great last stop before you head home. From $1600 per night

Amandari(3 nights): set in the valley of Ubud, this resort is one of the oldest and most famous of the Aman properties. The place is understated and calm. The all villa resort has classic balinese architecture and gardens. The service is always personalised and above and beyond. From $1200 per night

Amankila(2 nights): the isolated beach property has been a favourite of the rich and famous since it opened. Amankila is in a quiet part of bali with beautiful black sandy beaches. The views are stunning. The 3 tiered main pool is a masterpiece of architecture. And the service is as always the best in the world. From $500 per night

ITINERARY FOR THE BRAND CONSCIOUS

Ritz Carlton Reserve(4 nights): This is my favorite ‘new’ resort of Bali. The entrance hall is mind-blowing once you see the outlook. The entire sprawl of the resort opens up below you and it’s hard to believe that this is a real place and not straight out of a movie. The Villas surround the central pool and rice paddies. The river meanders its way around the edge of the resort. Some of the villas are set on the river, and well worth the extra money. The spa and restaurants are equally jaw-dropping. This is a resort that will impress from the start to the end. Villas from $1000 a night.

Four Seasons Sayan(4 nights): In the heart of Ubud next to the river. The entrance hall is an architectural marvel. You enter via a bridge that sinks into a huge water lily pond, which is the roof of the reception and bar. Absolutely amazing stuff. The villas are just as impressive. Although it’s not as jaw-dropping as the newer Ritz-Carlton, it is slightly more affordable. Villas from $800 a night.

Bulgari(3 nights): You want dramatic cliff-top views with the most luxurious villas in Bali? This is the place. The dark moody villas are amazing contrast to the bright blues of the sea and the deep dark greens of the gardens. The bathroom are bigger than most hotel suites. My favourite thing about this resort is that almost every villa is the same, just different views, so not so much villa-envy. Villas from $1000 a night.

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay(3 nights): Arguably the best location on Jimbaran bay, almost every villa of this hotel has a view to the beach. All villas are extremely private and of a luxury standard you’d expect from the four seasons. As you walk along the Jimbaran beach you’ll see why you’ve made the right choice, the other resorts and hotels just don’t compare. Not as fancy as the Bvlgari resort, but a bit more affordable. Villas from $800 a night

LUXURY RESORTS ITINERARY FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET AWAY FROM THE CROWDS

Alila Uluwatu(3 nights): This resort has been named the best resort in the world, from the avant-garde architecture, the soaring cliff views and the hands-on-heart services, it’s easy to see why. This is a classic resort for the honeymooner. Villas from $1000 per night.

Chedi Club Tanah Gajah(4 nights): This resort is almost like your own private garden. When we stayed here, we didn’t really see other travellers. We had a butler that brought us complimentary drinks and snacks and walked around the massive garden! The morning tour of the ricepaddies and surrounding villages are also memorable. We met a few locals and were invited into their houses. Becareful when you book, make sure you get a villa with a view to the rice paddies! Villas starting from $600 a night.

LUXURY RESORTS ITINERARY FOR THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS

COMO Shambala(4 days): Meditation classes tick, morning yoga tick, organic restaurants tick. This is a resort for cleansing without sacrificing luxury. Your body will thank you for it. Villas from $1000 per night.

Seventh Seal luxury retreat(5 to 7 days): This place is a perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, pampering, yoga, mindfulness and delicious healthy food. Check out their all inclusive retreats!

5 elements(3 days): award-winning eco luxury wellness retreat with a focus on meditation, yoga and healthy vegetarian organic food. Sure it’s eco, but there is still a focus on luxury and comfort. Suites from $500 per night.