With its long history of appreciation of the naked body and supportive weather forecasts, Greece is one of those countries that stimulate nudism as an ultimate expression of body freedom.

Clothing-optional resorts in Greece might not be numerous, but they can be a strong base for the most memorable naturist holidays

While we cannot say that naturism is a massive touristic movement in Greece, one can find informal places to unwind in a birthday suit more or less at every seaside destination. Okay, Mount Athos peninsula with its religious aura excluded.

Staying naked on the beach is an experience like no other. But if you want to completely forget about the restrictions imposed by clothing, nudist hotels on Greek islands are the accommodations worth checking out.

These free-spirit properties allow you to leave inhibitions at the reception, stay among like-minded individuals, enjoy a social life, and extend nakedness beyond your room or FKK beach.

Clothing-optional resorts in Greece might not be numerous, but they can be a strong base for the most memorable naturist holidays.

How do you imagine your naturist holidays? Have you ever thought about naked hiking?

Naturism seen as Sodom and Gomorrah

Even if Greek nudism could be tracked via vases and sculptures to ancient times, the first nude tourists arrived in the country in the second half of the 20th century.

Naturally, they practiced nudism mainly on beaches, which already challenged the moral boundaries of locals. Some places welcomed nudists with open hands, others felt offended by the very prospect of naked people walking around.

In the Gulf of Corinth, the town of Loutraki had the most scrutinous test of all. In 1959, a group of nudists reportedly tried to start a business by renting a local hotel in this quite religious environment. The Church got up on its hind legs already at the idea of a nude beach. The message was clear: naturists were not welcome.

Another project in the Peloponnese was at the forefront of the naturist movement. In Argolida prefecture, in the late 1970s, Saladi Beach Hotel identified itself as a nudist hotel. The long pebble-covered Saladi Beach, sometimes spelled as Salanti, became one of the first frequented nudist beaches in Greece.

The luxurious complex, quite advanced for its time, equipped with sports facilities, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, and air-conditioned rooms with TV and a fridge, was shortlived. Even if it was located 5 kilometers away from the nearest village, the Church labeled it as a moral threat to the local community.

Pressed by the media fueling the public with titles such as “Sodom and Gomorrah”, and revolted locals protesting, engaging in voyeuristic associations, and even gathering to beat up tourists, the owners had to close the first textile-free hotel in Greece.

Locals repented later for the closure of the 8-story building that had 300 beds, as clearly it affected their own income too. But it was too late. Saladi Beach Hotel has been decaying and crumbling for the last four decades.

Discover more abandoned hotels here, or head directly to Hotel Belvedere in Dubrovnik, one of the most luxurious Croatian hotels that didn't get lucky. 

How did nudist hotels in Greece come about then?

In 1981, Greece joined the European Economic Community, today’s EU, and slowly the European values of democracy were pushing out the conservative views on the world. The idea of naturistic tourism had to simmer for some time.

The Greek parliament abolished the law on ethics, and in 1983 passed a new regulation that made nudism in Greece legal, namely in clothing-optional resorts, naturist hotels, campsites, clubs, and nearby beaches.

It still took time for the word of the law to get implemented in daily life. The first hotel to successfully convert to a naturist resort was Vritomartis in Crete, in 1992. The second to open was the Vassaliki Naturist Club in Kefalonia in 2007. The last one still operating is Naturist Angel Nudist Club Hotel which opened in Rhodes in 2013.

Some of the clothing-optional resorts in Greece did not pass the test of time. The slowly declining naturist market, helped by the global crisis of the pandemics, and the threatening shadow of instability in Eastern Europe, presents an ever-growing challenge for Greek nudist hotels fighting to survive. Naturist Hotel Panorama started in Zakynthos in 2010 but closed in recent years.

Croatia was home to one of the first European naturist resorts, back in 1961. Learn how FKK movement lost its momentum on the example of Rab's Kandarola nudist beach!

Nudists with anti-Covid masks

“The pandemic has unfortunately seen the number of clothing-optional resorts in Greece drop considerably, with now only a few surviving”, admits Mark Taylor, the owner of Vassaliki. “It has been a nightmare for us all. Our company has and still is struggling to stay afloat, but with some extra financing from the UK government, we have managed to keep going which is more than I can say for some resorts.”

In 2020, Vassaliki’s bookings dropped under 10 % occupancy practically overnight, technically closing this nudist resort. In 2021, they remained open but were restricted to a short season. The naturist hotel in Rhodes experienced a 60 % drop in bookings.

Elena Pontorosagia, the co-owner of the Naturist Angel Club, still sounds enthusiastic: “I believe that naturism in the next years will have a fast rise because, after so much technology, the world returns to its roots.”

“I think the golden age is most definitely ahead of us”, Mark agrees. “As a society, we are becoming more accepting of peoples’ decisions in life. Nudity is seen more in TV and movies, and being nude is not such a taboo subject. People are looking for so much more from their holiday nowadays and niche market holidays are going to boom over the next decade. I think the naked Euro is a very good investment.”

Check out more activities in Greece!

Clothing-optional resorts in Greece are experiencing higher-than-ever bookings for 2022. It seems naturists have been abstaining from the summer sun for too long, and they are ready to get back to full-body tanning.

So, what are the best naturist resorts in Greece?

Clothing-optional resorts in Greece – top 3

1. Vritomartis Naturist Resort, Crete

Price: 95-155 Euros/night
Season: April 18 – November 2
Day visits: not allowed

With its name derived from the Minoan goddess Britomartis (“sweet virgin”) worshipped on Crete, Vritomartis Naturist Resort is a pioneer of Greek clothing-optional tourism. This year, it celebrates three decades of successful nudism business operations.

Located on the southern shore of the largest Greek island, in a dramatic landscape between the Lefka Ori massif (White Mountains) and the Mediterranean Sea stretching all the way to Libya, the first Greek naturist resort is definitely a place with a view.

Vritomartis has 85 air-conditioned rooms, built in the traditional Cretan architectural style. But they also like to point out how they keep up with the times, namely by improving their environmental policies towards more sustainable development.

 

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The centerpiece of the hotel is a 25-meter-long swimming pool where most guests spend their days, enjoying the warm Cretan sun, or hiding away from it under the shade of the palm trees. Nudism at the pool is obligatory, at least from sunrise to sunset (the pool is open for night swimming too!), while indoor areas of the hotel require covering up.

Next to the adults’ playground, there is also one for children, from play equipment to a pool. Being a family business, led by Mr. Nikos, Vritomartis takes care of the smallest guests too.

The guests often worship Vritomartis for the laid-back vibe in this serene corner of the island. Whether you want to lie down by the pool and read a book or walk through the extensive garden, Vritomartis Naturist Resort is a place where you can enjoy a range of activities, as well as celebrate the inactivity itself.

Food & drinks

Vritomartis Naturist Resort has an onsite restaurant that serves buffet breakfast and dinner, included in the room price. Both Greek and international meals are on the menu.

The ingredients are mostly organic and locally grown. Vegetables in the salad come straight from the garden, olives jump into cocktails from the trees, eggs are given by hotel chickens, and the yogurt you drink and cheese you eat were just goat and sheep milk a few days ago.

If you get hungry in the middle of the day, the Pool Bar Taverna can fix you with snacks, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and even local fish and meat dishes.

All of this can be accompanied by a glass of wine, champagne, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Of course, it wouldn’t be Greece without ouzo and raki, so play along!

If you want to have a real Cretan food experience, join this intimate cooking class with a local family in the mountains!

Vritomartis Naturist Resort activities

There is a variety of things to do at Vritomartis Naturist Resort. If you are feeling sporty, you can engage in many garden games. Guests can play tennis, volleyball, shuffleboard, mini-golf, boccia, archery, table tennis, billiards, darts, and the most sweating sport of all – the giant garden chess.

For staying in shape, there is both a dry and aqua gym. Post-workout time is best spent in the sauna or under the hands of a masseuse.

If you prefer using brains to muscles, there are organized quiz nights, books to chose from the library, or even art classes to ignite your inner Picasso.

When you want to explore the island beyond the resort, there are bicycles and cars to rent, but also a free shuttle bus that can take you to Sfakia, the tiny capital of the region.

Furthermore, you can join the guided hikes to gorges (Samaria, Aradena, Imbros), explore local wineries, picturesque villages, and churches, and finally hop on the naturist boat trips that will let you discover the southernmost Greek island of Gavdos, as well as beaches and towns of Crete.

Back in the resort, you can count on relaxing with live music, DJ, or traditional dance nights. If you feel especially romantic, you can even celebrate your nudist wedding here!

For the most recent prices and reviews of the Vritomartis Naturist Resort, check here.

Nearest nudist beach

The island’s only official nudist beach is practically a private beach for Vritomartis guests. Filaki is just 700 meters away, and it will take about 15 minutes to reach it on foot. Once there, you can make use of sun loungers and beach bar services (drinks and simple snacks available), as well as canoes that can allow you to explore other coves and caves in the area.

 

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Other nudism-welcoming spots worth exploring are Glyka Nera (Sweet Water Beach) between Loutra and Chora Sfakion, and the sandy dunes of Orthi Ammos near the village of Frangokastello.

How to get to Vritomartis Naturist Resort?

There are two airports in Crete – Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER).  If you can choose, fly to the first one, as that one is closer to Vritomartis Naturist Resort.

Once you touch the ground, the resort will be 80 kilometers away, near the small coastal town of Sfakia. By car, it will take 1,5 hours to reach it. If you take a taxi, it will cost you 115 Euros. Most guests prefer to rent a car and be more independent during their holidays.

2. Vassaliki Naturist Club, Kefalonia

Price: 120-160 Euros/night
Season: May 1st – October 21st
Day visits: welcome

West of mainland Greece, the largest of the Ionian Islands is home to Vassaliki Bare Brilliance, formerly known as Vassaliki Naturist Club. Mark and Samantha Taylor arrived in Kefalonia from the UK in 2006 and started what will become known as a high-quality boutique property designed for naturists by naturists.

In the market that typically provided basic camping and simple accommodation, Vassaliki wanted to introduce a higher standard. Today, in the oasis surrounded by olive and pine trees, this nudist resort offers 12 air-conditioned rooms with cooking facilities.

Vassaliki can accommodate up to 26 people at any time. They can use the garden, swimming pool, bar, restaurant, as well as a barbecue area. Nudity is allowed in the entire resort, and mandatory only in the pool and the hot tub.

Nudists at Vassaliki Naturist Resort are mainly British (60 %) and Dutch (30 %). While the majority flies to Kefalonia Airport, some customers do come by car, mostly from Italy and Greece.

These are predominantly couples of all ages, same-sex couples included. They also have a rather good following of single males and females visiting. “We welcome everyone to the resort, we want them to enjoy naturism”, Mark tells me. “We have had some couples where one half is naturist and the other isn’t. As long as they come for the right reasons, everyone is comfortable in the environment, and they are not looking for sexual activities, we welcome them.”

I had a less comfortable experience in the home of one Greek nudist once. Read more about it in my collection of the most unusual Couchsurfing stories!

Unlike other Greek naturist resorts that usually require guests to be members of the International Naturist Federation, Vassaliki Bare Brilliance rejects formalism. “We don’t believe being a member of the INF is needed to enjoy naturism”, Mark says. “In my personal opinion, these federations are old-school bureaucracy, run by an aging committee who don’t want to move with the times.”

Food & drinks

Vassaliki Naturist Club has its own pool bar that serves a variety of cocktails, and soft and alcoholic drinks. It all runs on a trust system. For instance, guests can help themselves with draft beer or wine, and write down what they consumed.

The restaurant offers meals throughout the day. Breakfast costs between 6,50 and 9 Euros, and coffee and tea are complimentary. Lunches range from 8 Euros for a salad or a sandwich, to 9,50 Euros for a burger or a hot meal. Their evening meals cost between 12 and 18 Euros.

While most guests use the convenience of the resort’s gastro services, Vassaliki does encourage them to get dressed up some evenings and try local tavernas. As the resort is set in a rural area not overrun by tourism, restaurants in the neighborhood offer high-quality authentic Greek food one shouldn’t miss.

If you want to completely indulge during your Kefalonia visit, hop on this fantastic wine-tasting tour! It's one of the best-rated activities on the island!

Vassaliki Naturist Club activities

Vassaliki Naturist Resort offers a number of exclusive excursions in and around Kefalonia. Their motorboat trip that takes you to several secluded beaches with a naked BBQ lunch is usually the highlight of the week.

In the evenings, they organize traditional Meze-style meals and famous BBQ and Jenga play nights.

Guests can also benefit from massage and pedicure services on site, and enrich their holiday time with a book swap library or borrowing snorkeling and other beach equipment. Occasionally, you could expect an impromptu yoga or pilates session or even an art class.

Over the years, the Vassaliki Naturist Club has grown into a real community of naturist guests who extend their social life beyond the resort. They engage in online chats, and once a year, Samantha and Mark host a big weekend party in the UK, attended by 100 guests.

For the most recent prices and reviews of the Vassaliki Naturist Club, check here.

Nearest nudist beach

None of the beaches of Kefalonia are officially nude beaches, but still, there are quite a few where naturism is possible.

The closest one is Avithos Beach, a 3-kilometer hike or a 10-minute car ride away from the resort. One can expect smooth sand, and there is even a beach bar and tavernas for refreshments, but you need to be dressed to use them.

Other beaches recommended for nude travelers in this area of Kefalonia are Kanali, Sissi, and Mounda Beach.

How to get to the Vassaliki Naturist Club?

Kefalonia is reachable by plane. There are many direct flights servicing Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou (EFL).

Vassaliki Naturist Resort is a 15-minute drive away from Kefalonia Airport, and taxi transfer, as well as car hire, can be organized.

Another option to travel to Kefalonia is to take a ferry, which is possible in several ports in Greece, as well as Italy.

If you prefer something even more private, Taylors have recently added another Kefalonia property to their portfolio. You can book the entire Villa Vassaliki all for yourself! Check this offer here!

3. Naturist Angel Club Hotel, Rhodes

Price: 65-110 Euros/night
Season: April 20th – October 20th
Day visits: welcome

On the northern coast of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, we find the latest add-on to the clothing-optional resorts in Greece. Just 20 kilometers away from Turkey‘s coastline, the Naturist Angel Club Hotel is the easternmost Greek nudist destination. A Russian-Greek couple, Elena Pontorosagia and Nikiforos Alafouzos founded it in 2013.

Clothing-optional resorts in this part of Greece don’t come as a surprise. Rhodes is known as the Island of the Sun, with Helios as its patron god. “We apply methods of treatments supported by Hippocrates“, explains Elena. “Just like 2.500 years ago, we expose bodies to sun nutrition, with excellent and effective results!”

Naturist Angel Club offers 32 rooms to naked therapy seekers and can accommodate up to 60 persons. Even if they do advertise themselves as an adult-only property, families do pay a visit occasionally. But the majority of guests are couples (70 %), with some single (5 %) and group visits (5 %).

As for the nationality of visitors, they are mostly British (30 %), Dutch (30 %), and Germans (20 %), followed by Belgians, Americans, and Italians.

To enjoy the facilities, one needs to have an INF card. Once inside, you can relax in the tropical garden lined with banana and palm trees, soak in the heated jacuzzi, swim in the freshwater pool, cool down with a drink at the bar, or retreat to your air-conditioned room with satellite TV.

The resort owners claim that what they offer at Naturist Angel Club Hotel is quite special: “You are allowed to be naked everywhere, in the entire accommodation, from east to west! Our nudist resort is unique in the whole world, 100 % naked! We rarely face problems with Muslim women from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. They can be shy at the beginning, but later they become naked fanatics!”, Elena says.

Food & drinks

Buffet-style breakfast with pastries, cakes, eggs, cereals, and other expected essentials is included in the room price at Naturist Angel Club Hotel.

Lunch and dinner meals come at a cost of about 15 Euros. You can expect traditional Mediterranean and Greek dishes, from grilled meat to desserts, and water them down with local wines or exotic cocktails.

If you want to experience a special romantic dinner at sea, join this budget-friendly sunset cruise, relax drinking local wine while enjoying Rhodes from the water!

Naturist Angel Club activities

Naturist Angel Club Hotel offers a range of on-site activities, such as playing giant outdoor chess, board games, billiards, table tennis, or even training archery. After a sporty day, you can get a massage!

The resort can arrange nude sailing cruises which can include a visit to the nudist beaches, scuba diving, fishing, and barbecue.

Some evenings, they enrich the dining experience by the pool with traditional Greek music and dance entertainment, but they also surprise their guests with disco and karaoke nights.

For book lovers, the Naturist Angel Club hosts a small library.

For more photographs of Naturist Angel Club Hotel and their latest prices, click here!

Nearest nudist beach

The closest beach to the Naturist Angel Club Hotel is Paradise Mills, a 10-minute walk away. While not officially a nude beach, it is an undeveloped area where textile beachgoers do not tend to congregate.

One of the first Greek nudist beaches, officially recognized back in 1980, is 25 minutes away by car. Faliraki offers a combination of sand and pebbles, as well as facilities providing food, and beach equipment (parasols, sun loungers).

Another recommended beach is Tsambika. The nude area is at the last 50 meters of the beach.

How to get to the Naturist Angel Club Hotel?

Diagoras International Airport (RHO) in Rhodes is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. This means it is connected with many European and world airports.

Naturist Angel Club Hotel is located in Paradisi (Paradeisi), the same village as Rhodes airport, just 5 kilometers to the south by the main road. The taxi will take you there in 8 minutes and will cost 12 Euros. Rent-a-car options are available at the airport.

The naturist hotel is also connected with Rhodes Airport and Rhodes Town by public bus service.

Are these naturist hotels in Greece still out of your comfort zone? Then check something less controversial - these Cyclades Islands beach hotels!

Clothing-optional resorts in Greece – Conclusion

Times are changing. While just four decades ago naturist hotels in Greece were “welcomed” with hostility, today they are associated with hospitality, just like any other tourism niche.

Capitalism can change our moral regards. People came to realize that naturists don’t just lie around the pool naked making the nudist resort owners rich. They also support the local economy by spilling money over to businesses, food and drink suppliers, restaurants, mini markets, coffee shops, taxi drivers…

Even the Church seems to be less orthodox about Greek nudist hotels these days, as Mark Taylor from Vassaliki resort testifies. “We have never had any issues with the Church here in Kefalonia”, he says. “We are actually invited to our local churches every summer to celebrate with music, dance, and food on the church’s saint’s day.”

Whether you pick Kefalonia, Rhodes, or Crete, the naturist hotels of Greek islands can be a stimulus to try something new and unpretentious

We’ve come a long way! Staying at clothing-optional resorts in Greece could even make you discover local saints! But vacationing naked, “as God made us”, will definitely reconnect us with our essential nature. Stripped of class and social context suggested by clothes, nudism can make us rediscover things humans share.

Whether you pick Kefalonia, Rhodes, or Crete, the naturist hotels of Greek islands can be a stimulus to try something new and unpretentious.

Naturism can also be a quite affordable travel option, I thought. Carrying minimal luggage, nudists could indeed benefit from cheap flights with numerous low-cost airlines operating in Greece.

“You are so wrong with your suggestion that they travel light!”, Mark corrects my delusion about Greek island naturist holidays. “I don’t know what they bring with them, but some of the suitcases I carry up to our second-floor studios weigh a ton!”

Are you ready for naturist holidays in Greece?
Pin this guide to clothing-optional resorts in Greece for later! 

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The post Clothing-Optional Resorts in Greece for Your Best Naturist Holidays appeared first on Pipeaway.

Well… If you end up in the south of the island (and this is very likely due to the position of Denpasar Airport), the convenient yet trendy neighborhoods on its western coast are – Seminyak and Canggu.

This blog post will introduce you to some of the best places to stay in Bali! If you choose these luxurious villas that will spoil both you and your partner, you will hardly even want to step out of the resort. Here are some great suggestions for your one-of-a-kind Bali holidays!

Hip, happening, and – pricy?

The hip and happening part of Bali is constantly shifting north of the mass tourism of Kuta. Seminyak already caught hold of popularity among tourists. On the other hand, Canggu, even further north, promises to be an upcoming hub for young, relaxed, and creative people.

The atmosphere in Bali’s most thrilling and vibrant districts may be laidback, but the accommodation can hit your wallet

Less crowded than Kuta, which is notorious for its nightlife, the upscale beach resort area of Seminyak is famous for its large number of upmarket spas, sleek boutiques, sophisticated fine-dining restaurants, chic beach bars, cafes, and clubs. The hip hangout spots and cool lifestyle shops, next to the traditional craft markets, made Seminyak an intriguing mixture of old and new.

However, this high-end lifestyle in Bali’s most thrilling and vibrant districts comes at a price! The atmosphere may be laidback, but the accommodation can hit your wallet in this quite fashionable area.

If the options of where to stay in Seminyak and Canggu overwhelm you, do not despair. Our luxury escapes reviews reveal some great options for your Bali trip. The Amala Estate, Origin Seminyak and Tugu Bali are among the best luxury escapes in Bali. These resorts in Seminyak and Canggu are worth affording!

1. The Amala Estate
Price per night: 370 Euros (two-bedroom villa)

The Amala Estate is the newest member of Lifestyle Retreats, the family of premium boutique resorts and hotels setting high quality standards of accommodation in Bali.

Developed just next door to The Amala, from its “residence with private pool” concept, The Amala Estate might not yet have reviews on Booking.com, but that’s only because they added it to the platform in the second half of 2019. Trust me; it will soon reach, if not outstrip the superb review score of The Amala Hotel (9,2/10, at the time of the writing). So you better claim your spot in one of the eight fantastic pool villas as soon as you can!

Butlers and chauffeurs at your service

The Amala Estate is located in a peaceful corner, yet close to the very heart of the Seminyak district. Restaurants, bars, shops and beaches are all within walking distance.

While all Seminyak hotels in this selection will organize a private airport transfer for their guests, Amala’s chauffeur will be at your service even during the stay! The resort provided all rides in Seminyak on a complimentary basis.

Additionally, butlers speak excellent English, and even some non-expected languages, such as Japanese! They are at your disposal around the clock, discretely catering to anything a guest may need. From cutting fruits or shining shoes to organizing private excursions.

Do you want to stay in the Seminyak area, but need to save some money? Not far from The Amala, just across the Jalan Sunset Road, there is Kosta Hostel we covered in our article on chill & cheap getaways in Southeast Asia!

Rest your body, mind, and spirit

I stayed in the two-bedroom villa, sometimes also referred to as The Amala residence with a private pool. This spacious unit of 375 square meters has a master bedroom with a king-size bed. There is another room, with two single beds.

The three-bedroom pool villa has even more square footage, and the third bedroom can alter as a yoga room.

One can also count on using the Wellness Studio at The Amala for yoga practice. Here, the resident wellness master Leona Chen, who specialized in traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and Ayurvedic self-healing skills, leads complimentary morning yoga sessions with mindful breathing, as well as sunset meditation with the enchanting Tibetan singing bowl. Additional programs for balancing body, mind, and spirit, such as ancient meridian energy work or Indian fusion dance classes, are always available.

The Amala Spa menu is very comprehensive. The range of body massage and care treatments, facials, and rituals, as well as holistic and life enrichment programs, is wide indeed. The resort’s name is Amala for a reason; the word means ‘clean’ or ‘pure’ in Sanskrit!

Just opposite the front desk, at Pure Boutique by Lifestyle Retreats, one can buy a selection of organic body oils, lotions, scrubs, or bath salts. If one can’t wait to enjoy a DIY spa treatment at home, the villa’s ensuite bathroom, besides the usual amenities collection (such as adorable ginger-green tea soaps), also offers aromatic herbs. A relaxing evening in a bathtub or a quick semi-open-air shower; the choice is yours!

Chill-out garden with a pool

The villa’s open living area is the most impressive. The luxurious living room centers around the large, but hidable flat-screen TV with satellite channels. I have hardly used this sort of entertainment during my stay. It would’ve been a sin to ignore the verdant surroundings abundant with tropical plants and trees.

In the center of this private chill-out garden, the decent-sized swimming pool with an inviting sundeck felt like a much better version of the Bali holidays.

The resort has a central swimming pool with its Jacuzzi and a little library. But reading a book in one’s own serene corner, without anyone’s interruption or gaze, is blissful!

The pools in the Amala Estate are atypically deep, so they allow safe jumping.

The Amala recognizes that the pools of today are not just swimming places, but also – Instagrammable brunch areas. So it joined those hotels in Seminyak that serve floating breakfast if desired by guests.

Decadent food in a tranquil hideaway

One can consume lunch or dinner in the privacy and comfort of the villa as well. The massive teak dining table is a beautiful piece of furniture that is stealing gazes as soon as one enters the Amala villa. Probably, only its size prevented me from catching hold of it and bringing it home! In the end, its design mainly added to the temptation of the seductive food that Amala’s Bamboo Restaurant, just a phone call away, readily delivered.

The villa also has a fully equipped kitchen for your own cooking. But resisting a pan-Asian/international menu with yummy salads, tofu burgers, red duck curry, or steamed fish in banana leaf (to name just a few of the all-day-dining choices) is not an option.

For those who want to have hands-on experience in preparing meals, the Amala cooking class can be a useful introduction to learning Balinese culinary secrets.

The butler explained the no-limits breakfast options as soon as I checked in. Every day at The Amala Estate starts with a feast! Besides daily specials (from egg frittata to burrito, from pan bagnat to salmon guacamole), the menu includes bakery products and pancakes with gluten-free options, miso soups, smoothie bowls… There is also a typical Bali cuisine, such as mie/bihun goreng, nasi goreng, or bubur ayam. Still, less-expected options of tamagoyaki, scrambled tofu, or egg whites are also available.

Add to this a welcome skewer with marshmallow, brownie, and strawberry, a complimentary tropical fruit basket, cookies, and soft drinks in a free mini-bar, with a possible order of some sunset cocktail, and the definition of indulging in this tranquil hideaway can hardly get more decadent.

Electric dreams in the oasis of nature

Amala’s shaded walkways dressed in greenery, its celebration of life at every corner, and its policy of not accommodating children at the resort, just like in its sister property The Balé Nusa Dua, really contribute to the feeling of an exquisite sanctuary.

They promise a revival experience during your holidays. And they will indeed bring you back to nature but never let you down with technology. Villas have multifunctional electrical sockets and even Bluetooth speakers, so you can connect your devices as you like.

Is there any downside to staying at The Amala Estate? Naturally, with so many plants and water at this lush resort, there is an increased interest of insects. That does include butterflies, but also – mosquitos! However, the resort staff does their best to treat the air regularly and safely.

Strong ACs protect both sleeping rooms. Also, mosquito nets encircle the plush white beddings like a baldachin on the throne of dreams.

During the regular evening turndown service, the housekeeping staff would leave a “sweet dreams” poetical message on the bed. Good sleeping at one of the best hotels in Bali was guaranteed.

For the best accommodation deal, check the prices of The Amala Estate on Booking.com!

2. Origin Seminyak Hotel
Price per night: 165-273 Euros (one-bedroom villa)

Are you looking for something with a more urban feel to it? Then Origin Seminyak villa can become your favorite Bali vacation spot!

Villas for keeping you fit and relaxed

Located in the very heart of Seminyak, a short walk away from Petitenget Beach and the iconic Seminyak Eat Street, Origin Seminyak Hotel is a collection of eight newly renovated pool villas and studios.

Managed by In Situ, the cutting-edge hospitality developer, also responsible for other members of the same family Origin Ubud and Origin Uluwatu, this stunning property opened at the beginning of 2019.

Its contemporary look got the signature of Arkana Architects. Bali’s top design studio interpreted architecture as an integral part of a lifestyle.

Here, the portrayed lifestyle put a spotlight on fitness enthusiasts. They also took care of those who just wanted to find a peaceful relaxation corner, away from the crowds. Possibly in the company of a lover or good friends.

While I stayed in a one-bedroom pool villa, they also had versions with two, three, or four bedrooms. These could also easily interconnect, for larger families or groups.

There were rooftop studios as well, with no pool, but with a bathtub and a shaded daybed.

Spacious and spa-licious

As soon as one walks in, it is clear that these are some of the most spacious villas one can find in Seminyak.

My pool villa had a surface of 188 square meters. The ceiling was high too, which meant there were quite some stairs to climb. This can get annoying if you are prone to forgetting something on the upper floor.

At the same time, the open-plan design layout is giving the whole unit a feeling of spacious airiness. Immediately it is clear: this place is meant for – breathing.

Blossoming frangipani, one of those sacred trees of Southeast Asia, is rooting this private garden with local traditions.

On the other side, a modern, large pool (8,5 x 3 meters) dominates the open-air area. The stone frogs spurting water are giving that spa-sound background that quickly activates one’s relaxation mode.

Next to the soft grass, there are two sun loungers. If you desire, the concierge service quickly brings a pool floatie to your timber deck, be it a pink flamingo or an orca whale.

Training in nature

Completely opened on one side, the living and the dining area naturally rely on the outdoor space.

Furniture materials such as wood or rattan, a stump for a tabouret, or tropical imprints on cushions such as fronds or banana leaves, are discretely overflowing this stylish villa with nature.

The living space even has a pond with golden fish swimming around the giant stepping stones, which eventually transform into stairs for the upper floor.

Natural elements are blending into the black-and-white geometric design. It is consistently present throughout the house, from pillows and blankets to storage boxes and tiles.

However, the biggest surprise on the ground floor is the cross-fit corner with a large mirror. It has some excellent training equipment you do not normally expect to find in a hotel room. I’m talking dumbbells, kettlebells, TRX, battle rope, pilates balls, yoga mats…

If you are a newbie to fitness, there is a display with workout ideas on the wall, with images.

For your convenience, there is a handy shower in the small bathroom on the ground floor. A powerful fan is also helping you withstand exercising in the tropical climate.

If you are a fitness junkie, The Samata in Sanur can be a great Bali accommodation choice too! I’ve never seen such a gym in any hotel! Check it out in our selection of top Bali resorts for recharging your batteries!

Keeping you hydrated and satiated

In the other corner, one can find a kitchenette/pantry with snacks and refreshments. The mini bar is stocked with soft drinks, but also chips, dry fruits, flavored cashews, and chocolates.

While most of the hotels would still be serving you bottled water, Origin Seminyak villas opted for an environment-friendly water station. You can use it to fill up your glass at your convenience.

Green apples give an additional nature touch to the modern seating area in front of the TV with Netflix content.

If you don’t feel like exploring an array of eating options in the neighborhood, Origin Seminyak offers simple lunches you can consume in the privacy of your villa.

Wayan & Gede designed the Western and Indonesian meals, but the grazing menu was still in the making during my “recently opened resort” visit. Therefore, I only tried the decent samosas and the beef burger from the “under construction” lunch menu.

A la carte breakfast had more elaborate choices, and options were changing daily. They delivered it in tasting portions. One could combine the offer of bakery products, tropical fruit, muesli, French omelet, nasi goreng ayam, French toast, and so on.

While the content is satisfying and focuses on healthy organic ingredients, the only problematic part of the concept is that one needs to select the items the night before, as well as choose the exact delivery time. For guests who prefer less planning during their laidback Bali holidays, this may represent an unnecessary complication. Hopefully, meal planning will get less formalistic when the hotel gets in full swing. Putting an alarm clock to enjoy your breakfast while it’s warm, is not the best way of spending the relaxed time that is promised by the rest of the resort concept.

Upper floor for sleeping and pampering

On the top floor of the villa, there is a large master bedroom with a comfortable bed, an open closet with sarongs for visiting local temples, discrete décor, another minibar, and a TV set.

The equally spacious ensuite bathroom has a double washstand adorned with a chic black chandelier. The bathroom products have the fragrance of amber, honey, and black tea.

For an authentic Bali feeling, there is a relaxing swing on the large balcony.

The metal shutters, as some post-industrial remnants, are accentuating the villa’s black-and-white stripe design. They are throwing shade in a similar pattern on the inner side and giving the same contrast from the outside.

Vast activity offer, from surfing to scuba diving

Origin Seminyak has a wide range of in-house services that cater for active holidays one can design according to one’s own needs.

For instance, I enjoyed a great massage by a local therapist who arrived at the resort and provided the service on a massage table installed in the villa. I didn’t need to look through the numerous spa options in Seminyak. The recommended one came over, and I could enjoy post-massage time in the privacy of the villa, without hitting the busy Seminyak roads.

On the other occasion, the concierge organized a private surfing lesson for me at Wayan Tembok surfing school on Double Six Beach. This 500-meter stretch of sand on Seminyak Beach was perfect for surfing beginners. And, to be honest, that was an incredible experience! It even made me reflect on the idea of moving to Bali for some extended period, and just – surfing!

If you want to have the same exhilarating vacation time, it is good to know that Origin Villas Seminyak offer free use of not only bicycles and skateboards but also surfboards!

If you desire a private lesson in yoga, aerial yoga, or even scuba diving, all of that is possible.

Origin Seminyak can organize your excursion that can include hiking in Bali hinterlands, snorkeling on some great beaches, rafting in rivers, or sightseeing with a private helicopter.

Even when giving suggestions on where to eat or drink, or which Seminyak beach club to visit, I find their staff very knowledgeable and helpful.

All itineraries could be personalized, so Origin can indeed make your stay in Bali island original, one of a kind.

For the best accommodation deal, check the prices of Origin Seminyak on Booking.com!

3. Hotel Tugu Bali
Price per night: 241-311 Euros (Rejang or Dedari Suite)

Unlike the first two 4-star properties in this selection of the best hotels in Bali for luxury escapes, Hotel Tugu Bali has a 5-star classification.

Located in Canggu, which is slowly taking over the hip gloriole of Seminyak, this unique accommodation is well worth the extra miles if you are coming from the south of the island.

Monument to heritage and romance

In the Indonesian language, tugu means ‘monument’. And indeed, if monuments have the function to honor and memorize, the legacy of Indonesia has extraordinary recognition in the project of Tugu Hotels. They are a very peculiar compound of accommodation and museum.

The founder of Tugu Group was Anhar Setjadibrata. In the 1970s, this dreamer couldn’t look at how his countrymen were discarding the antiques and artifacts, the silent witnesses of the Indonesian past.

In the times when Indonesians regarded being ‘modern’ as fashionable, a poor medical student turned into a passionate art collector. He became the owner of an impressive collection. Later, he decided to share it with the world through the projects of hotels, restaurants, and spas.

Set just next to the surf paradise of Batu Bolong, the most popular part of Canggu Beach, Hotel Tugu Bali is built by blending the architectural traditions of Bali and Java.

There are ten thatched pavilions connected by a maze of narrow walkways and koi-fish-rich waterways.

In the setting of a lush tropical garden, including the natural lotus pond of 700 square meters (see featured image), the art & antiquity collection is adding to the overall nostalgic atmosphere.

Tugu Bali Hotel is a monument to the romance of yesteryear.

Authentic luxury

The low doorways, discretely opened if the villas are not occupied, are giving a glimpse of the luxury that Dedari Suites with private pools are providing to the guests.

During my stay at the Tugu Hotel in Canggu, Rejang Suite was the one I called home. This type of unit is on the upper floor of a Javanese house, reachable by a wooden spiral staircase.

While it doesn’t have its private pool, this suite is a much better viewing point. Your gaze can travel freely over the resort’s flora, all the way to the blue Indian Ocean hitting Bali shores.

With its 75 square meters, the suite dressed in luxurious timber is large enough to accommodate a big bed and several seating areas, including a working desk (if you felt like working).

The TV set is smartly hidden under a white cover, as it would draw attention away from this authentic interior that spoke history.

The suite has a separate shower, toilet, and washbasin areas with a handcrafting touch of the local artisans.

The terrace (closed by both transparent and mat windows from all sides) is a perfect place to enjoy breakfast.

It also has an extraordinary surprise. With a large massage bed that could function as a daybed, and a unique round sunken bathtub filled with flower petals, this part of the suite resembles a private spa!

The chanting masseuse

While the room provides incentives to switch off at any moment of one’s stay, Tugu Bali Spa enriches the journey to a relaxed state of mind, soul, and body, in a very special way.

The spa is named Waroeng Djamoe, after an ancient apothecary producing healing jamu drinks. But there is much more to this concept than just providing traditional herbal medicines.

The ancient rituals of mystic healing triumph in Kamar Mantra. In this massage therapy, therapists chant hypnotic Hindu mantras while applying heating herbal oils onto one’s body.

In the old times, this “magic” process, believed to penetrate the soul, was reserved exclusively for the higher caste. At Tugu Bali, the doors to the state of inner peace, bliss, and harmony, are opened to anyone.

Well, anyone who can afford it. The most extensive treatment on offer costs more than 3 million Indonesian Rupiah (200 Euros). But it also lasts 8 hours!

Gastronomic events for various tastes

Hotel Tugu Bali digs into the forgotten, not only in its museum-type décor or ancient Oriental healing secrets. In the gastronomy department, old recipes come to life. They make the heritage of Indonesian cuisine, with various influences of the Asian neighborhood, triumph on the plates served in one of Tugu Bali’s three in-house restaurants. Not bad for the hotel that has 21 guestrooms only!

Do you dream of the imperial dining in the royal chamber of Bale Puputan, while sitting in the antique armchairs around the country’s largest 19th-century whole marble table? Possible.

Do you prefer experiencing dining as a theater? Then eating in the super high Bale Agung hall, next to the oldest 5-meter Garuda statue carved out of one tree trunk, while gamelan orchestra and dancers delivered a century-old choreography, can be your thing!

How about stepping into Bale Sutra 1706, a 313-year-old Kang Xi temple? This place is now housing a Tugu Bali restaurant focused on Japanese fusion, with fine wines and a sake bar.

If you want to feel the Indian Ocean breeze, JI Terrace by the Sea will deliver food from Indonesia, Japan, India, and Thailand with a view.

For a romantic dinner at Hotel Tugu Bali, eating in the candlelit hut at the lotus pond, in the bed on a torch-lit beach, or basically at any other intimate corner of the resort is possible.

Do you want to cook your own meal? Joining the Tugu Bali cooking class can be the best way to dig deep into the culinary secrets of Indonesia.

Eating well, anywhere, and at any time!

You can have a hard time choosing from the Tugu Bali restaurant menu. For a good overview of various Indonesian textures and flavors, try Tugu Rijsttafel! This famous dish includes a rice platter of Javanese chicken curry, beef in coconut sauce, prawn croquette, shredded beef, ‘tempe’ soybean cake, crisp grated coconut, yellow pickles, peanut crackers, garden vegetables in garlic and red pepper, and Javanese chicken satay. Vegetarian guests will find some fantastic dishes too, made after recipes inherited from famous cooks.

Besides the elaborated cultural dining experiences inspired by history, such as the eunuch dinner or almost forgotten satay parade, even the breakfast at Tugu Bali is an authentic culinary event.

Tons of gourmet dishes to choose from, from power breakfast bowls to Indonesian sweet and savory treats, can be enjoyed at ANY time of the day. That’s right! At Tugu Bali, one is not pressed to get up early to not miss the feast.

Another special moment would be the hotel’s Jajan Pasar afternoon tea session near the main pool. However, your complimentary selection of Indonesian delicacies, with a quality coffee or simply delicious chai latte on the side, can be delivered anywhere you liked.

Past treasures worth preserving

As the very first hotel in Canggu, Tugu Bali is raising the quality of accommodation in the whole Badung Regency.

In the market where Seminyak high-end hotels are competing in delivering new urban trends, Tugu consistently relies on the power of history and its secrets. Maybe this is the reason why the rooms at Tugu Bali have the biggest keyrings I’ve ever seen! Carrying a decorated wooden dagger around may be impractical. But it is a constant reminder of a treasure this unique boutique museum hotel is celebrating.

Can charming historic houses win the battle with beach clubs whose decibels hit them back with thousands of noise daggers until 2 am? I don’t know. I wish to believe that places such as Tugu Bali can find the solution to facing modern challenges if they want to continue delivering the romance of the past times.

From the very first moment at the reception desk with a shadow theater background, when they ornated my forehead with rice and tucked the frangipani flower behind my ear, until leaving the hotel when they gave me some souvenirs, water, and fruit for the road, all adorned with a smile, I believe it was indeed a ritual of making me Balinese.

Tugu Bali encapsulates the soul of Indonesia and thus deserves a sturdy spot among the best luxury escapes in Bali.

For the best accommodation deal, check the prices of staying at Tugu Bali resort on Booking.com!

Best hotels in Bali – conclusion

The accommodation market in Bali is exceptionally dynamic. New establishments are popping up all the time.

Sometimes, they are taking over existing spaces (as in the case of Origin Seminyak or The Amala Estate). They redevelop the property and elevate previous unsuccessful entrepreneur experiments into resorts that can answer the expectations of the tourists of today.

Then there are specific projects such as Tugu Hotels, which advocate for tradition. They take over even older houses and temples for a touristic make-over that nobody ever imagined.

While Origin focuses on modern urban travelers, Tugu targets those with more traditional expectations of what luxury is. The Amala finds its place in the market somewhere in between.

All of these 4 and 5-star hotels readily support the image of Bali island as a place where one can restore the body, mind, and soul.

Finding the best hotel on the island of gods is an ambitious task. As long as one can handle that Bali luxury escapes come in different forms, and with a variety of content, the quest itself can be an adventure.

If you have stayed at a place that deserves to be mentioned among the best hotels in Bali, please recommend it in the comments section!

But now… While you have some ideas about the high-end hotels in Bali, what are the places to eat some heavenly good food when visiting the island of gods?

Where to eat in Seminyak, Bali?

Seminyak has a great quantity of sophisticated fine-dining restaurants

Staying in one of the recommended hotels in Seminyak (and Canggu) typically means that they will cater to all your needs, including the need for good food. However, eating out in Seminyak can be a significant part of experiencing this area of Bali island.

Already mentioned, Seminyak Eat Street is a place with a high concentration of restaurants. If you are looking for buffet-style eating that could save some bucks and fill your stomach, all-you-can-eat establishments are easy to find.

For an elevated experience of eating in Seminyak, you should give a chance to the following restaurants!

1. Kilo Kitchen Bali

Kilo Bali restaurant opened in 2014 as the first overseas branch of the Singaporean Kilo concept. However, Kilo Kitchen’s founder is a Puerto Rican. Javier Perez moved to Asia and started opening restaurants where people would feel at home.

The architecture at Kilo Kitchen Bali is modern, concrete, and not pretentious. It goes green from the little hill in the garden to the plants on the rooftop.

Groups of young people, as well as older romantic couples, enjoy this comfy atmosphere. It’s smart to make a reservation before coming to Kilo Bali!

Drawing from its owner’s life experiences, the Kilo Bali menu is a fusion of tastes from Southeast Asia and Latin America. Portions are meant for sharing, so feel free to order more choices!

Definitely include the crispy tempura eggplant with balado sambal, prawn ravioli in sake buttercream and parmesan, homemade ricotta gnocchi with grilled mushrooms in miso sauce, and the most delicious grilled avocado in ponzu!

Kilo cocktails, as well as their homemade kombucha tea, are worth trying.

Side note: if you’re into unusual interior design, definitely pay a visit to the Kilo Bali restroom!

2. Merah Putih

Located in the heart of Petitenget, Merah Putih does not only look like a cathedral of fine dining. With high solar-filtered glass walls and a translucent ceiling that collects rainwater, this sustainable and functional architecture provides a roof for both tropical plants and Michelin-starred food.

Merah Putih, as proudly suggested in its name (‘red’ and ‘white’ are the colors of the national flag), serves Indonesian food, both traditional and modern.

It also suggests family-style eating, with plates typically set in the middle of the table and encouraging a social atmosphere.

I enjoyed mie udang (homemade noodles with sea urchin and yabbies), kembang kol (fried cauliflower salad), and sayur sayuran (local organic veggies that came with citrus & kemangi iced tea).

Their signature cocktails looked promising, and the Balinese white chocolate martini (vodka, chocolate liqueur, Balinese white chocolate) did not disappoint.

Cup holders with imprints of the kitchen staff portraits leave a friendly, human touch.

3. Sea Circus Restaurant & Bar

Sea Circus defends the less pretentious Seminyak restaurant scene. It was Melbournians who started it, after quitting their jobs in the advertising industry, moving to Bali, and deciding they needed a “restaurant, cocktail bar and coffee den”.

This colorful and artsy interior is full of little details evoking circus and seaside memorabilia as part of the interior. They also exhibit works by guest artists.

Sea Circus’ menu is a simple “fish & chips” type of offer, with a variety of burgers, smoothie bowls, and tacos.

I enjoyed my nourish bowl with grilled barramundi, that came with organic kale, baby spinach, chickpeas, red quinoa, beetroot, carrot, sprouts, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, roasted pumpkin, toasted seeds, cashews, and lemon agave dressing. I started drooling over the content description, so I wasn’t surprised the dish was equally mouthwatering.

Side note: to see another unusual washbasin, visit the loo at Sea Circus café too!

Did you like this article on the best hotels in Bali and Seminyak’s finest restaurants? Pin it for later!

Disclosure: My stay at The Amala, Origin Seminyak and Tugu Bali, as well as a dinner at Kilo Kitchen, were complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Luxury Escapes in Bali: The Best Hotels on the Island’s Southern Shores appeared first on Pipeaway.

1. The Samata, Sanur
Price per night: 128-597 Euros

Nestled in Sanur, the seaside town in southeastern Bali and the oldest upscale resort area of the island, The Samata is an exquisite destination for those searching for revitalization! Just 20 kilometers away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this resort caters for 10 Suites and Pool Villas only, which guarantees personalized and dedicated service for every guest. If we add the holistic approach to health and the life balance concepts rooted in this resort’s idea, it is possible to leave Samata only with an upgrade in personal strength, physical and spiritual health, and peace of mind.

The swimming pools are bountifully scattered around the resort (three in the common area: Energy Pool, Chill Pool, and Lap Pool, the last two being the infinity pools with majestic views over the rice fields). I stayed in the Pool Villa, which came with a decent-sized private bathing area, just for me to enjoy it! Besides the pool, the villa provided an outdoor bathtub and a shower surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Just laying outside in the bath scented with Samata’s own herbal mixture, was a soothing experience in itself! Of course, one can also enjoy the professional pampering treatment in the resort’s spa area!

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Where to box in Bali?

Probably the most incredible asset of the whole Samata’s property is its unearthly gym! It provides high-class exercise equipment both for cardio and strength, signed by Life Fitness, the global leader in the field. Many props are provided in double, which is pure luxury, having in mind the size of the resort. The gym has even two scales (!), so you would not be waiting to weigh yourself, in case another guest wants to use it at the same time. Each piece of equipment has a drawing on the correct use and anatomical focus of the exercise, which makes it easy for beginners as well.

Surrounded by the pictures of the boxing legends, the central area of this extremely well-equipped gymnasium is reserved for the boxing ring. Six punching bags and a dozen boxing gloves again provide over-the-top luxury! With various fitness and holistic programs, CrossFit studio, yoga & meditation studio, tennis court, billiards, table tennis, tai chi, or water pilates opportunities, this is the sportiest one luxury resort can get! And if that is not enough, the Bali Beach Golf Course is not far.

Where to stay healthy in Bali?

In my whole Southeast Asian exploration, I haven’t found the healthiest menu than the one provided by The Samata. Even if you are, for instance, on a gluten-free diet, there will be a whole page of dishes for you to choose from! Zenso Restaurant provides all-day dining, with delicacies including the 28 days dry-aged ribeye steak from Barham Estate or pappardelle pasta with grilled king prawn. I enjoyed the risotto with grilled enoki, shimeji, shiitake, oyster, and portobello mushrooms on a parmesan foam. Candlelight dinners and private barbeques are also available at request, which may be an excellent choice for those choosing Samata as a honeymoon (or even wedding?) destination.

They serve breakfast until 11 am. I enjoyed mine in the privacy of the villa. The combination of pitta bread with hummus dip, onsen tamago (the egg slowly poached in its shell with dashi broth and spring onions), and the sweet quinoa porridge with caramelized banana, goji berry, pistachio, and natural yogurt, provided the energy for an active sporty day! One can order the comfort food throughout the day, but stock-free minibar in the room, with crunchy cookies and tropical fruit selection (signature of Lifestyle Retreats), might keep you going!

Butlers fulfilling your most peculiar wishes

Samata’s villas come with plenty of natural and decorative light and furniture designed for relaxation! It is effortless to feel comfortable, whether you lay in the plush baldachin-covered bed or enjoy your tangerines on the terrace sofa. The resort team might be small, but the butlers will quickly fulfill your wishes, even if you want to order a float for your pool or Playstation for your room.

If you are an early riser, you could be escorted for a Sunrise Walk at 05:30, which is a unique opportunity to get to know the traditional Balinese culture, see hardworking villagers in the rice fields and enjoy traditional cakes and a hot drink while the first sunrays awake the local beach. This ambitious resort is not just an answer to the question “where to stay in Bali?”. Besides finding the near-to-perfect accommodation, staying in Samata might help you find yourself as well.

TIP: Obviously, it is very easy to never want to leave your villa, with an accommodating service that Samata provides! However, it would be a shame not to explore the black sand beaches nearby, where locals have fun by burying themselves in the sand or playing with kites (Sanur is the home of Bali Kite Festival in summer months). For adventurous travelers, this is a watersports paradise! One can enjoy diving, kayaking, wind surfing, you name it!

2. The Menjangan, Banyuwedang
Price per night: 109-1.330 Euros

Named after the unique species of deer that lives in the resort’s closest surroundings, The Menjangan is a hidden secret in the heart of the Bali Barat National Park. You will need to pay for the national park ticket on top of your accommodation costs (200.000 Rupiah, or 13 Euros), but what you will get, the money cannot buy anyway! With all the luxuries of modern resorts, Menjangan is still a journey into deep nature!

Resort facilities are scattered in the area of 382 hectares, which makes it difficult to explore it entirely on foot. However, local transportation between sites functions correctly; double-decker safari-style minibusses will come to pick you up in no time, whether you wish to go to the beach, to the restaurant, or to any other part of the resort. Expect meeting families of monkeys on the road, but have no fear! These are different than the ones in Ubud Monkey Forest or elsewhere on the island – as it is forbidden to feed them in the national park, they are pretty much self-dependant, and therefore not aggressive.

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Exploring the national park on the back of an animal

There are even more environment-friendly ways to go around the park. One can borrow bicycles or take some horseback riding lessons. A stable is full of Australian horses, and I spent an afternoon on the back of Bruce! This was my first riding experience, and I loved it, even if Bruce did not listen to me much. Or maybe I am just not talented for riding! However, with always present instructor Made Sulatra, my horse-riding adventure through the woods and the beach of the national park was an exciting experience!

I stayed in the lovely Monsoon Lodge, just a stone throw away from the stables, so my trembling knees did not have to go far before jumping onto the large and comfortable bed for some downtime. Sure, I could have enjoyed a Balinese massage or some other body ritual at the beach, but sometimes you just need to get horizontal for a reward (especially if you have climbed the volcano the day before!).

My suite was spacious and decorated in the appealing traditional Balinese style. Carved wood, soft pillows, big glass surfaces letting in a lot of light… Great space to regenerate energy! Some furniture in the kitchen and the bathroom could certainly use some uplifting, but it doesn’t affect the overall impression much. With free water and eco bottles provided under the hotel’s less-plastic philosophy, you can behave responsibly, even when consuming the luxury! The television offers movies instead of satellite programs, but I especially liked the screensaver showing the faces of the resort employees – it gives such a human face to The Menjangan!

Marine life – from the sea to the plate

Beach villas come with an advantage of the sea at your doorstep, while the Residence offers its own private pool. At Monsoon Lodge the pool is shared between the guests of the other suites and comes with a jacuzzi too. I decided to try out the temperature of the sea and opted for the morning in a kayak! For the proper scuba diving, one should go a bit further, and coral gardens will be blooming with marine life, from seahorses to sharks, but even my little kayaking adventure by the beautiful mangroves brought sights of jellyfish and eel snakes!

Seafood can also be found on the plate of the Bali Tower Bistro. I ordered my satisfying Mie Goreng, but the Ukrainian chef (some excited British tourists praised him as Croatian by mistake) offers from western pizzas and burgers to local specialties such as Beef Rendang (West Sumatran coconut and cinnamon beef curry) and Bersih’s Betutu (slow-braised chicken in hot Balinese spice).

Next to the beach, there is another restaurant (Pantai), and this is where I had my breakfast. In the proximity of mangroves, with lovely beach views, eating on the floating deck was an Instagram-worthy moment. Freshly baked pastries, natural granola with Greek-style yogurt, tropical fruit platter, eggs in the Western way, or rice porridge in Indonesian… Looking at the choices without mouthwatering was hard. Also, I thought, if I started the breakfast with a vitamin booster shot, is it really a sin to finish it with pineapple pancake with palm sugar syrup on top? Call me a sweet tooth, but I compensated with kayaking!

A hidden gem of Northern Bali

The Menjangan is located in the least visited part of Bali, its northwest. Not yet discovered by the hordes of tourists, this boutique resort is Lifestyle Retreats’ precious gem! When confronted with the dilemma “where to stay in Bali”, Menjangan’s relative remoteness is certainly not its disadvantage. Its proximity to Java and attractions such as Ijen Volcano, but also the fact that the resort can provide the return transfer to practically anywhere in Bali, make it suddenly the center of your Bali retreat!

The resort cars offer wifi, water and snacks for the road trip (the comfort even includes the neck pillow!), but Menjangan’s drivers are not just people behind the wheel! I have to mention Radi Wayan, whose knowledge of Bali is comparable with those of tourist guides, so my trip from Menjangan to Ubud, with some fantastic stops such as Munduk Waterfall, Twin Lakes or the floating temple of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, was an attractive added value!

TIP: Besides deer and monkeys, at Bali Barat National Park you will be able to encounter at least some of the 160 species of birds living there! Many are endangered, and Menjangan resort is engaged in different breeding and conservation programs. You can support it by joining their birdwatching tour!

3. Sankara Ubud Resort, Ubud
Price per night: 104-366 Euros

Often called the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is a place in which one usually finds comfort after participating in the infamous nightlife in Kuta and Seminyak, or equally exhausting surfing and bathing daytime activities somewhere along the island’s coast. A retreat in itself, Ubud is a town made of fourteen villages, and in the traditional village of Mas one can find our next answer to the question „where to stay in Bali?“ – Sankara Ubud Resort, managed by Pramana Experience, should appear on your radar if you are visiting Bali inland.

Surrounded by and immersed in lush vegetation, this boutique property offers 30 rooms and villas built in Balinese style. The resort’s wish to preserve nature is omnipresent; the buildings have been constructed in respect of the existing landscape and rare trees have been conserved in the process. Winding paths through this little forest of villas and moss-covered walls of natural stones might even lead you to the small rice paddy in the middle of the resort, and some villagers are still taking care of it!

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Villas interior also respects the tradition of local craftsmanship. Furniture in teak wood, a washstand made of stone, traditional ornaments on the walls, and daily fresh flower arrangement and fruits are small details that make the stay in these spacious Deluxe rooms an enjoyable Balinese experience. A comfortable mosquito-net covered king-size bed takes the central position of the chamber, with a view of the private green terrace, which makes morning wake-up something to look forward to. My main objection would be the lack of the electricity plugs next to the bed – connecting one’s laptop or mobile phone at wall outlets and relaxing at the centrally placed bed don’t go hand in hand! Then again, maybe it’s a secret message to disconnect oneself from the technological addictions.

Free yoga, dance, and wood carving lessons

Named after the scallop shell (traditionally used during the purification ceremony to neutralize the bad energy and produce a peaceful atmosphere), Sankara offers free morning and afternoon yoga classes. Under the coned style grass roof of Yoga Pavilion, in the sessions led by local yoga instructor, even beginners can participate. The advanced practitioners can always ask for private classes if they need an upgraded experience. Even if it was sometimes hard following the instructor’s accent, she dedicated herself to each person in our group of five, corrected and supported every effort invested by the students. The whole experience was enriching!

No time to lose, the resort offers an additional Balinese activity every day – you can learn local customs, dancing, or even wood carving! On Saturdays, one can try the traditional sarong-style clothes, and this was a great Bali Holiday photo opportunity I couldn’t resist. Sankara’s conduction in immersing its guests into the Bali experience is evident from the welcome greeting, when you are given a flower behind your ear and a card with useful phrases in Indonesian and Balinese, via afternoon teatime with homemade cakes, to specially created dinners that are sometimes accompanied by live performances of the local bands or dance groups!

Balinese specialties with a modern twist

Kumbuh Restaurant serves both Balinese specialties and Western dishes. But, if you came all the way to Bali, you should really try something from the signature menu! For instance, Pramana Nasi Ungu is a dish of Tumpeng red rice, with side dishes of vegetables and meat. Balinese usually eat it at weddings, but you can enjoy it at Sankara without getting married, and everything is reasonably priced!

A la carte breakfast could also make you fall in love with the cook – Indonesian, Continental, American, Healthy one, or the one called Experience Breakfast. You choose! I strongly advocate for the unusual ones! When will you be able to try Salak Rebus (snake fruit compote) or Pisang Gulung (caramelized bananas in egg crepes with palm sugar sauce and grated coconut)? Just ditch those scrambled eggs and bacon, and go local!

The best thing about the food in Sankara? The restaurant overlooks a fantastic infinity pool spilling over its edge. You might have a hard time finding an unoccupied sunbed at the wooden deck, as it seems this artistic pool delight makes the guests not want to leave the resort ever! If you add to this the possibility of getting various massages and body treatments at the resort spa, I can imagine many guests don’t even think about the free hourly shuttle service to Ubud center – which you should not avoid, no matter how seductive Sankara might be!

TIP: To learn more about the real life of the locals in Ubud, I strongly suggest joining Sankara Resort’s guided morning walk through the rice fields, which usually ends at the local coffee producer! If you would like an unconventional start of the morning, your coffee can be served by luwak itself! Yep, that’s the famous “most expensive coffee in the world” that first needs to pass through the digestive system of the civet, the Asian cat-like wild creature!

Still not sure where to stay in Bali?
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Searching for amazing Indonesian places to stay, but want to save some bucks?
Check out our selection of the best hostels of Java, Bali’s neighboring island!

Disclosure: My stay at the establishments mentioned in this text was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

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Special thank you: HotelieriQ - for the assistance in connecting Pipeaway with some of the hotel industry leaders in Bali.

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