Where to Stay

The seemingly endless spectrum of holiday options in Bali indirectly translates to a vast assortment of accommodations. Family hotels with recreational facilities for children, first-class resort properties, secluded villas with private pools and low-end guest houses cover every preference, need and budget. One common characteristic lies in the attention to outdoor areas and beautifully landscaped gardens, which even the smallest and cheapest establishments take pride in. Furthermore, as nearly every place features a swimming pool, beach front location need not necessarily be a deciding factor.

South Bali

South Bali, the tourist hotbed, comprises several areas: Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Legain, Seminyak, Canggu, Kerobokan and Tanah Lot to the west, Ulu watu to the south, and Sanur, Tanjong Benoa, Nusa Dua and Candidasa to the east.

In Jimbaran, The Four Seasons Resort Bali excels in the design, decor and privacy of its elegant villas. Ritz Carlton Bali, with its impressive cliff-top setting. The coastal Bali Inter-Continental boasts the bells and whistles of a five-star resort. Families on smaller budgets tend to favor the Keraton Bali, also facing the sapphire sea. Yet more beach front hotels dot the Tuban coast. Holiday Inn Resort Balihai and Kartika Plaza Beach Hotel are among the choices that cater to large groups. With its smaller rooms, Hotel Santika Beach gears more to coupl es. At the end of Tuban next to Kuta Square stands the lovely Kuta Paradiso, with several swimming pools, including a lap pool, that are linked by waterfalls. If it's more your speed, LTI-Patra Jasa serves backpackers just fine.

Kuta, although primarily an area where the younger folk gravitate, provides a myriad of charming hotels suitable for all types of travelers. Jet set types check in at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, while families head for Bali Dynasty Resort, Ramada Bintang Bali and Alam Kul Kul. Sahid Bali Hotel and The White Rose make excellent choices for visitors on an intermediate budget.

Skirting the Legian shoreline, Bali Intan Cottages has been enjoying regular patronage for many years. Other recommended establishments in the area include Mastapa Garden, with shopping and restaurants at its doorstep, Casa Padma, a more placid alternative near the beach, and the Mabisa Beachside Hotel, which offers very modest rates.

Seminyak brings together some exceptional hotels. Situated close to plush restaurants, The Oberoi, a longtime favorite, and The Legian, a relatively new competitor, live up to their deluxe status, flaunting well-appointed, sea-facing rooms. Farther west lies Balisani Suites, a moderately-priced property fashioned after a typical Balinese village. The Hotel Vila Lumbung sports a similar design against a backdrop of verdant rice paddies and, like Villa Rumah Manis, makes for a peaceful retreat. In Canggu, Hotel Tugu Bali stands out by furnishing uniquely decorated rooms with authentic antiques, while Villa Seri in Kerobokan is a more affordable option.

Le Meridian Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort sits on the palisades at the southwest coast, commanding an awesome panorama of the Indian Ocean and Pura Tanah Lot. Visitors may choose between private rooms and bungalows as they enjoy the golf course, hydrotherapy spa and more.

On the southern tip not far from Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, the Bali Cliff Resort beckons visitors to escape the main tourist areas and the rest of the island.

Sanur is home to two of Bali's most exclusive hotel complexes, Radisson Suites Bali and Waka Maya. On a slightly lower rung, Bali Hyatt Hotel, Puri Santrian, The Grand Bali Beach and La Taverna all provide top-notch amenities. Tamu Kami, Sativa Sanur Cottages and Natour Sindhu Beach supply less extravagant units, while basic lodgings such as Puri Kelapa Garden and Griya Santrian maintain reasonably clean and comfortable rooms, coupled with friendly service.

Nusa Dua and Tanjong Benoa play host to the splendor and luxury of the crème de la crème: Grand Hyatt& lt;/a>,Novotel Benoa, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa, Sheraton Nusa Indah Resort, Sheraton Laguna Nusa Dua and Amanusa. Delivering perhaps better value, Melia Bali Villas, Aston Bali Resort, Bali Desa Suites, Bali Hilton, and Nikko Bali Resort also enjoy numerous accolades. Hotel Putri Bali&l t;/a> andMelia Benoa are in the medium price bracket.

Candidasa, gateway to east Bali, embraces several opulent accommodations, such as Amankila and The Serai. If money poses an issue, opt for Kubu Bali Candidasa in the mid-range or Hotel Rama Candidasa for even lower prices.

A more unique option within the region of Karangasem in Sidemen village is the wonderful, relaxing, and eco-friendly Sacred Mountain Sanctuary.

Central Bali

Overlooking the Ayung River, The Chedi in Payan gan and the Four Seasons Resort in Sayan pride themselves in their idyllic environs and world-class deluxe standards. Within and around Ubud, the luxurious Amandari, Pita Maha, Champlung Sari and Waka di Ume take up a significant slice of the upscale market, while Hotel Tjampuhan is it slightly easier on the pocket. For a mid-scale hotel, Puri Padi Resort is a good bet, but those on a shoestring budget should try Taman Sakti, Pertiwi Bungalows.

Close to Lake Bratan at Bedugul, the affordable Pacung Mountain Resort is nestled in pleasant and cool surroundings with sweeping mountain views.

North of Bali, Lovina Beach and its trademark black sand has become a perennial haunt for many. Here, the midrange Hotel Aneka Lovina provides the perfect escape from the city bustle.

Luxury Villas

Discerning, well-heeled vacationers make private villas their ultimate home, at least temporarily. One of the most delightful is Begawan Giri Estate at Payagan. Fronting the Ayung River, Begawan encom passes five lavish units secluded in eight hectares of garden. Other prominent villas include Wantilan Golf Villas at Nusa Dua, The Pavilions at Sanur and The Villas at Seminyak.

Island Retreats

Nusa Lembongan lies about 20 kilometers across the Badung Strait. On this island, one can choose either Nusa Lembongan Resort - on a headland with 180-degree views - or the more modest Waka Nusa Resort.

Text by Catherine Burge Photo by Leonardo Wisnoe Marmanto