The Best Resorts in Indonesia for Every Traveller

Tranquillity abounds at this cliffside resort that teeters over the southern tip of Bali. Spacious suites have either uninterrupted ocean views or a private pool, while the hotel’s split-level freeform pool is made for all-day lounging. There are complimentary tai chi and meditation classes, daily shuttles to nearby Uluwatu Temple, with its popular performances of the Kecak Dance, and even a native Balinese high priestess on hand to perform traditional therapies.

Expect intimacy and barefoot luxury at this clifftop boutique resort on Bali’s southwestern coast. There are just 22 rustic-chic rooms and one private villa on the property, and even the smallest has an outdoor lounging deck, connecting tropical garden and bed draped in mosquito nets, so you can throw open the floor-to-ceiling windows before dozing off. With no TV at the resort, guests are instead encouraged to join daily yoga, try surfing at Balangan Beach or gather for weekly movies and popcorn at the outdoor cinema.

Give the family a taste of the high life at the Four Seasons, modelled on an authentic Balinese village along three miles of sheltered sands. It’s as romantic as they come, yet children are welcomed with open arms, too, with free meals for under-five-year-olds, family surfing lessons, beach toys, bonfires with marshmallows and activities including basket-weaving, coconut bowling and crab hunting. While the kids are distracted, sneak off to the spa, a lavish temple of wellness with Bali’s first surround-sound spa suite.

Relax completely without worrying about that dreaded final bill at this all-inclusive beachfront resort on southern Bali, just 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai airport. Everything from the minibar to laundry is included, while kids will love the mini water park, playground, foam parties and boxing classes. There’s no chance of adults getting bored either: cultural lessons, catamaran sailing, watersports including jet-skis, Balinese dance shows and even a karaoke room are all included.

The Nandini Jungle Resort is the ultimate escape from it all. With just 16 suites and 18 traditional villas, the resort is modelled on a traditional Balinese village and built from natural materials, buried deep within the rainforest by the Ayung River. Every opulent suite has a spacious terrace overlooking the jungle, and all include airport transfers, a Balinese massage for two and a spectacular seven-course dinner using ingredients from the hotel’s own organic garden.

Families will love this themed safari resort, within the grounds of Bali Safari and Marine Park, for the chance to get up close and personal with the animals outside. All 45 rooms have their own balcony for spotting passing wildlife, while guests are also treated to a Balinese theatrical performance and breakfast at the Tsavo Lion Restaurant, where a pride of lions is just beyond the glass wall.

Be prepared to dine in style at this boutique beachfront hotel with 80 rooms in Tanjung Benoa. Extravagant dining options include an all-you-can-eat night market experience at the beach club and sumptuous themed buffets specialising in seafood, barbeque or Indonesian cuisine. Keen foodies can also join a Balinese cooking class or sample exquisite Balinese treats at a royal high tea, served in the tropical gardens or overlooking the ocean.

Make Instagram swoon with photos of this hotel’s extraordinary pool, often named the world’s best for its unique location floating above the rainforest below. No one would blame you if you never leave its edge but even the 44 jaw-dropping private villas have their very own infinity pools for the extra wow factor. Guests can also join a walk through the rice fields and river valley, try mountain biking through the jungle or book a Balinese massage overlooking the rapids of the Ayung River.

With four pools, a sand lagoon and a giant 30-metre (98ft) water slide, it’s no surprise this Hilton has been voted the best luxury family beach resort in Southern Asia. Built into a cliff overlooking the Sawangan Beach, there are also large family rooms available if the children are in tow, while a private beach and kid’s club will keep everyone entertained (and allow adults some well-deserved alone time).