If you read my previous blog you have experienced 5 of the most luxurious private pool villas on Bali with me already. But during the same trip we also stayed in 4 other very special accommodations in several locations.
For this part of the trip we chose 4 completely different areas of the island to be able to see all that Bali has to offer, including the National Park in the west where few people go, as it is a long drive and a lot less touristy than the south for example.
Join me on a trip from an organic luxury resort amidst the beautiful rice fields of Ubud, to a museum hotel in hip and trending Canggu, crossing over to a city suite in the buzzing Seminyak, to top it off with a beach villa in the heart of the National Park of north-west Bali!
Each of these accommodations is rated 4 or 5 stars and ranges from €600 per night, starting with the most expensive one, to the least expensive one, ranging from €100-200 per night, depending on the room type and based on a stay in November.
Traveling off season will certainly help to reduce the price and you will be likely to get the best prices when you book directly on the website of these resorts and look for package deals and last minutes offers.
The Menjangan
Peaceful 4 star luxury retreat
Price range: €€ - €€€€
Unique features:
This resort in north west Bali is truly a hidden gem. With 382 hectares in the Bali Barat National Park it is the largest resort in this area, giving guests a chance to experience the unspoiled nature and wildlife of Bali while relaxing in unique surrounding, with direct views upon Java.
The National Park is filled with a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, many special birds and deer roaming free amongst the forest, mangroves, beach and accommodations on the resort, which is really unique on Bali.
When you arrive here after a 3-4 hour scenic drive from the south crossing the island past beautiful rice fields, authentic villages and the stunning Bedugul area, you will enter a tranquil, unique unexplored part of the island, which is especially stunning during rainy season when everything is lush and green. Highly recommended to stop at this very authentic and quiet town along the way to experience the real rice fields of Bali: Bimbling
The reception is based in the lobby on the ground floor of the Bali Tower, an impressive 5 storey building offering 360 views over the area. With a restaurant on the 2nd and 3rd floor and ocean views from the 4th and top 5th floor viewing platform.
They have 2 restaurant options, 1 at the Bali tower and 1 on the beach, just a 15 minutes’ drive apart. There are many activities bookable on the resort grounds, such as horseback riding, biking, trekking or bird watching in the National Park, boat trips to nearby Menjangan island, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and a variety of massages and treatments.
They also have a choice of 2 accommodation types, either one of the 14 large deluxe rooms or a suite in the Monsoon Lodge, which are the cheaper option.
But we preferred the beach villas of 100 m2, designed in stunning traditional Javanese architectural style, right on the beach with unspoiled sea views.
Our modern styled beach villa was very spacious, luxurious, yet authentic, with plenty of lounge options, outdoor bathroom, WIFI, Aircon, and all the amenities and privacy we needed. Offering everything to completely unwind, with delicious food served in the beach restaurant every night. Having dinner with sunset views over the ocean is truly an amazing experience. And waking up to a group of wild deer in front of our villa is something we will never forget, just see for yourself in this gallery:
If you are looking for the ultimate hideaway, to escape the outside world while experiencing the natural beauties of Bali to the fullest, and destress in a casual way, then this is the resort for you!
Desa Visesa Ubud
Organic unique 5 star resort
Price range: €€
Unique features:
This 6,5 hectare resort, property of one of the members of the royal Ubud family, offers a new level of luxury with a soul, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning rice fields. Desa Visesa is truly an oasis of tranquility amidst nature, just a mile away from the buzzing and artistic center of Ubud.
Traditional architecture and the ceremonial Balinese lifestyle have been integrated with the modern facilities of a luxurious 5 star resort in a unique way. This is represented in the traditional lobby, the 66 luxurious Pool Villas & 40 Suites, decorated with stylish yet traditional furniture and the newest range of room appliances, while maintaining the authentic vibe all around the resort.
We stayed at one of the private pool villas in complete privacy, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and well-kept palm trees. Our villa was spacious, with a plunge pool right next to the bedroom, plenty of lounge options, semi-outdoor bathroom, WIFI, Aircon and so much more. See for yourself in this gallery:
The grounds are extensive, with 4 restaurants and many dining options amongst the rice fields, and a spacious central swimming pool near the lobby. The food is traditional, pure and very tasty, certainly recommended for anyone who wants to sample the true Balinese kitchen.
Get a taste of Balinese village life by walking around the rice fields and organic plantations of the resort, do a garden tour, help feed the animals, explore the tropical forest trail on foot or by horseback, or follow an authentic cooking class, all without having to leave the resort.
Hotel Tugu Bali Canggu
5 star museum heritage hotel
Price range: €€
Unique features:
This small boutique hotel chain has 4 luxury art hotels in Indonesia, all privately owned and designed by one man, originated from his love and passion for Indonesia’s romantic history. Tugu Canggu is their only location on Bali and is so special, that you just have to experience it at least once in your life.
Situated in one of the most popular areas of Canggu, right across from Old Man’s bar, next to The Lawn and the popular Batu Bolong surfer’s beach, you will find this hidden gem; the only museum hotel on Bali, all about heritage and filled with Indonesian artworks and antiques.
The hotel offers different room types, suites and private pavilions, each individually created by the owner, with big attention for colour, texture and atmosphere. We stayed in the Dedari Suite, a spacious room with plunge pool and a traditional four poster bed, which was absolutely stunning and slept heavenly!
Placed in an amazing setting surrounded by beautiful lotus ponds and koi carps swimming around our suite it was an amazing sight, which you should experience yourself through this video:
We fell in love with Tugu Canggu because of the friendly staff, the quality food served every day at breakfast and dinner, the excellent traditional massages, all the authentic details, beautiful architecture, traditional antiques and Indonesian artworks, which capture the soul and romance of its origin so well, and give the hotel a really pleasant and authentic vibe.
The in house Japanese fusion Ji restaurant is also highly recommended for its wonderful setting, excellent quality food and great service. With its atmospheric design and ocean view rooftop terrace it's also a hotspot for drinks or dinner among the visitors and expats of buzzing Canggu, see for yourself why in this gallery:
IZE Seminyak
4 star city design hotel
Price range: € - €€
Unique features:
Like The Menjangan, IZE Seminyak is also 1 of the 6 locations on Bali of the ‘Lifestyle Retreats’ group, a dynamic hotel management company with an innovative approach to hospitality and boutique hotels. For me this chain is unique because of their focus on building families among their employees while providing them with development and growth possibilities within the organization, which can be felt among the staff.
And what I value most is that they also work in harmony with the environment and support local communities.
Even though I love authentic Balinese accommodations and nature hideaways, I must say that the chic modern design of IZE Seminyak really swept me of my feet. Located directly in a lively and fashionable suburb of Seminyak, this is certainly the place to be if you like action and entertainment.
There are 4 different room or suite options and we stayed in a deluxe jacuzzi room, with city views, a king-size bed, stylish bathroom with a jacuzzi and rainforest shower, complimentary Wifi and all the appliances you need, such as a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, aircon and a minibar with complimentary soft drinks. Although the hotel is located centrally in the busy city the rooms are very quiet and comfortable.
This hip urban hotel provides everything you need to combine excitement with relaxation: a nearby Spa option, an in house restaurant with good food and outdoor terrace, 2 trendy bars and beautiful design with a touch of glamour all around.
They have 2 pool options: a stunning rooftop infinity pool accessible for all guests, and an exclusive pool on the ground floor for Deluxe Pool Room guests, see for yourself in this gallery:
I hope these 4 hotel and resort reviews and my pictures will help you find the most unique accommodation to fit your taste for your visit to Bali. Each of these are carefully selected and tested by me, and highly recommended for their hospitality, comfort, quality, luxury, but also unique Balinese character.
Read more about my 2 earlier Bali visits and on this page and see even more Bali pics on my social media acconts.
What do you think of these 4 unique accommodations and which one would you choose?
