Bali luxury resorts

Why the luxury resorts of Bali are special
Bali's luxury resorts are world famous for their exquisite settings, superlative facilities, hospitable employees and attentive service catering to your whims.

Bali has many luxury resorts. Below are the best of the best.

Best 5 Bali luxury village resorts
Amandari
Ubud area. 40 villas, each with built-in privacy. The Amandari is designed like a traditional Balinese walled village. Overlooks a spectacular rice terrace gorge.

Como Shambhala
Resort and spa in the beautiful Begawan Giri Estate in the Ubud area. It's Bali's ultimate villa resort/spa seclusion spot. Peaceful garden park setting.

Four Seasons Jimbaran
On Jimbaran Bay. Directly on a beautiful, uncrowded beach.

Amankila
Terraced on steep hillside overlook sea. Located near Candi Dasa.

Amanusa
On hillside overlooking Indian Ocean. Has private beach.

Runners-up include

• Banyan Tree Bintan
  
• Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah
  
• Oberoi
  
• St Regis
  
• Tuga

Best 5 Bali luxury hotel resorts
Four Seasons Sayan
In the general Ubud area. Most rooms have great Balinese scenic views.

Bulgari
Hotel resort in the general Jimbaran area. A joint venture Bulgari and Ritz-Carlton.

St Regis
One of Bali's newest luxury hotel resorts. Beach front. In Nusa Dua.

InterContinental
On Jimbaran Bay. Mammoth pool. Justifiably boasts the widest and finest beach front among the luxury hotels.

Ayana
Hotel resort. On Jimbaran Bay cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Refined personality. Professionally landscaped.

Runners-up include

• Alila Ubud
  
• Bali Cliff
  
• Samaya

Difference between a luxury villa resort and hotel resort
Luxury villa resort
It consists mostly or exclusively of villas (think of fancy cottages). They are ideal if you seek seclusion and privacy. Guest count is low. You receive highly personalized service (the staff to guest ratio can be as high as 5 to 1). Peak season rates for two typically run about $500 to $1200 per night.

Luxury hotel resort
Its accommodations are mainly or entirely rooms and suites. They are arranged in the familiar hotel hallway layout (though the buildings are only several stories high and the corridors are usually open aired). These luxury hotel resorts are perfect if you want - as most vacationers do - the big resort experience (many fellow guests, a large pool, and an interesting variety of restaurants and organized activities). Peak season rates for two typically run about $300 to $600 per night.

In planning your budget, be aware that..
Surcharges
A 21% surcharge (11% tax plus 10% service charge) is added to bills at upmarket tourist hotels and restaurants.

Not to worry if your budget is limited
Bali has many small adorable resorts and private cottages in the $75 to $125 a night per couple range to suit individual preferences. Some are on or near the beaches. Some are in the Ubud area hills with superlative views. If you're on a shoestring budget, you can find spartan accommodations for as low as $15 a night.