Bali is more than just a destination—it’s a mosaic of unique regions, each with its own rhythm, soul, and allure. Choosing where to stay can shape your entire experience, whether you’re exploring with your family, escaping for a romantic honeymoon, or venturing out on a solo journey of self-discovery. From bustling beach towns to tranquil mountain hideaways, this guide reveals the best areas in Bali for every kind of traveler.
Each region is a chapter of its own story. Some whisper peace through bamboo groves and sacred temples, while others pulse with music, surf, and clinking cocktail glasses. Where you choose to stay isn’t just about location—it’s about how you want to feel, what you want to experience, and the memories you wish to create. So, let’s journey through Bali’s top neighborhoods and discover the perfect match for your travel soul.
👨👩👧 Best Areas in Bali for Families
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is tailor-made for family holidays. This gated beachfront enclave is known for its tranquility, pristine white sands, and safe swimming areas, making it a dream come true for families traveling with kids. Designed with comfort and elegance in mind, Nusa Dua offers an environment that balances serenity with sophisticated convenience.
Parents can relax in peace knowing that many resorts in this area cater specifically to children. From creative kids’ clubs and splash-friendly pools to engaging cultural activities, the options are thoughtful and immersive. Meanwhile, adults can retreat into indulgent spas, world-class golf courses, and beachfront restaurants with elevated menus. The Apurva Kempinski, for example, is not only visually stunning—it also offers family suites and experiences tailored to every age group.
One of the unique advantages of Nusa Dua is its planned layout. The pedestrian paths are wide and stroller-friendly, lined with tropical gardens and art installations that make even a simple walk feel like a leisurely cultural outing. The area is also home to the Bali Collection shopping complex, perfect for picking up souvenirs or enjoying a laid-back family lunch.
Beyond the beaches and resorts, Nusa Dua offers a taste of Balinese culture through traditional dance performances at venues like the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre. For more nature-based fun, families can explore the nearby mangrove forests or take short trips to Turtle Island for an ethical and educational wildlife encounter.
With 24/7 security and clean, well-maintained public areas, Nusa Dua is one of the safest areas on the island—an important consideration for parents. The environment encourages both exploration and ease, whether you’re building sandcastles with toddlers or introducing older kids to snorkeling and paddleboarding.
- Safe, clean, and quiet beaches
- Family-oriented resorts with kids’ clubs and babysitting services
- Walking distance to shopping centers and museums
Hotels to Stay
Nusa Dua is Bali’s polished gem—a haven of beachfront elegance, calm turquoise waters, and world-class hospitality. Perfect for families, honeymooners, and luxury seekers, this gated enclave is known for its pristine beaches, manicured gardens, and seamless resort experiences. Whether you’re unwinding at a spa, playing with little ones by the lagoon, or savoring gourmet dining under the stars, Nusa Dua offers effortless bliss at every turn.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali – A family favorite with beachfront access, a kids’ club, and wellness activities for all ages.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali – A majestic cliffside resort with expansive family suites, a waterslide-equipped pool, and a kids’ club infused with local culture.
The St. Regis Bali Resort – Opulent beachfront villas with direct beach access, family butler service, and a saltwater lagoon perfect for little swimmers.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort – French elegance meets tropical charm, with a kids’ club, beachside dining, and spa experiences for both parents and children.
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – Lagoon-style pools, lush gardens, and family-friendly amenities nestled along a calm stretch of beach.
Sanur
A sleepy beach town with a local feel, Sanur is perfect for relaxed family stays. It’s where traditional Balinese life blends gently with the needs of modern travelers. The beach is long, peaceful, and protected by a reef, making its shallow waters ideal for small children to swim safely or build sandcastles along the shore.
Unlike the west coast’s bustling beach scenes, Sanur’s vibe is calm and slow-paced, perfect for families who prefer meaningful experiences over high-octane activity. Along the beachfront path, families can enjoy morning strolls, bike rides, or rent a tandem cycle while watching fishing boats bob in the distance. It’s also one of the few places in Bali where you’ll see locals and visitors peacefully sharing the same space.
The accommodation options in Sanur cater to a range of family budgets. From charming beachfront resorts to private pool villas tucked away on quiet side streets, parents can find comfort while children enjoy space to play. Many properties feature kids’ menus, babysitting services, and cultural workshops like Balinese dance or cooking.
Sanur also offers a wonderful blend of local markets, warungs, and modern cafes. Families can enjoy fresh seafood at sunset, sip tropical juices at cozy garden cafés, or introduce kids to local flavors at night markets without the chaotic crowds of tourist-heavy areas.
For families looking to blend beach time with exploration, Sanur is a great base for day trips to the Bali Safari Park, Turtle Conservation and Education Centre, or even short boat rides to Nusa Lembongan. It’s a quiet gem that allows you to experience Bali’s warmth with all the comfort your family needs.
- Shallow, calm waters
- Traditional markets and Balinese art cafes
- A mix of luxury and affordable villa options
Where to Stay in Sanur
Sanur offers the perfect blend of authenticity and comfort for families seeking a quieter side of Bali. With calm beaches, walkable paths, and a slower rhythm, it’s ideal for travelers who want culture and relaxation in equal measure. Below are our top hotel picks—hand-selected for their warm service, beachfront charm, and family-friendly vibes.
Griya Santrian a Beach Resort – A family-run beachfront haven with traditional Balinese style, a kids’ pool, and warm, welcoming hospitality.
Maya Sanur Resort and Spa – A stylish beachfront resort with eco-conscious design, beachfront suites, and a rooftop garden pool perfect for family downtime.
Hyatt Regency Bali – Spacious rooms, lush gardens, and one of Sanur’s best beach locations with a family-friendly lagoon pool and daily cultural activities.
InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort – Elegant beachfront villas and suites, some with private plunge pools, designed for a tranquil yet luxurious family retreat.
Andaz Bali – A modern beachfront resort with vibrant design, lush courtyards, and family-friendly amenities tailored to all ages.
💑 Best Areas in Bali for Couples
Ubud
Cradled by lush jungle and terraced rice fields, Ubud is the soul of Bali. It’s where couples come to reconnect, slow down, and tune into nature and each other. Stay in a riverside villa, enjoy sunrise yoga, couples’ massages, and private candlelit dinners overlooking the valley.
Ubud’s unique atmosphere draws lovers seeking a deeper connection—not just with one another, but with the land itself. Days here begin with the sounds of birdsong and end with the scent of incense drifting through twilight skies. Couples can wander through sacred temples, explore art galleries, or attend a traditional dance performance under the stars.
Luxury resorts in Ubud offer secluded, romantic settings with world-class spa experiences. Many feature jungle or rice terrace views, with private pools, open-air showers, and in-villa dining for intimate evenings. Signature honeymoon packages often include floral baths, moonlit dinners, and wellness rituals tailored for two.
Beyond pampering, Ubud invites couples to discover mindfulness together. Join a sound healing ceremony, take part in a batik workshop, or go cycling through quiet villages to see a side of Bali that is both raw and real. The charm here is not in flashiness, but in the small, soulful moments shared in the heart of nature.
- Romantic jungle villas and spa resorts
- Wellness retreats and fine dining with a view
- Close to temples, waterfalls, and cultural experiences
Where to Stay in Ubud
Ubud is a sanctuary for couples seeking romance, wellness, and cultural depth. Nestled among rice terraces and jungle ravines, the accommodations here offer more than a place to rest—they provide a soulful experience. Whether you’re looking for secluded villas, riverside spas, or jungle retreats, these top hotel picks promise an unforgettable stay for two.
Viceroy Bali – Cliff-edge luxury with dramatic valley views, private heated pools, and one of Bali’s best fine-dining restaurants on-site.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – A sacred riverside escape where luxury meets spirituality, offering private pools, personal butlers, and deep cultural immersion.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – Iconic jungle retreat with treetop yoga, riverfront villas, and world-renowned spa treatments to rejuvenate mind and body.
COMO Shambhala Estate – A holistic wellness haven offering personalized wellness programs, serene villa settings, and sacred spring rituals.
The Kayon Resort – Romantic jungle sanctuary with floating breakfasts, infinity pools, and views that inspire connection and serenity.
Uluwatu
Dramatic cliffs, fiery sunsets, and hidden beaches make Uluwatu a lovers’ haven. It’s where you can toast at cliffside bars, dine by candlelight with waves below, and retreat into world-class luxury. Villas with infinity pools are perched above the Indian Ocean, creating unforgettable sunrise and sunset moments.
Uluwatu’s charm lies in its wild beauty. As you drive along winding coastal roads, you’re met with panoramic views that stop you in your tracks—waves crashing against rugged cliffs, monkeys playing in the treetops, and secluded beaches glistening below. This is Bali at its most cinematic, and it sets the stage for romantic memories that feel lifted from a movie.
Couples can start the day with private yoga overlooking the sea, explore the ancient Uluwatu Temple hand-in-hand, and then descend to white-sand coves like Nyang Nyang or Padang Padang for a midday swim. As golden hour approaches, the scene shifts to iconic venues like Savaya or El Kabron, where cocktails meet cliffside elegance.
Dining in Uluwatu is a sensory event. Whether it’s fresh seafood at a toes-in-the-sand warung or a refined tasting menu at a fine-dining resort, every meal feels intimate and unforgettable. Private dinners under the stars are easily arranged, often accompanied by live music or the distant sound of waves.
By night, Uluwatu quiets down, making it perfect for long talks on your villa’s terrace or soaking in a plunge pool under a star-filled sky. For couples who want equal parts adventure and tranquility, Uluwatu offers a deep, soulful rhythm that’s hard to resist.
- Stunning ocean-view resorts
- Famous beach clubs and fine dining
- Intimate beaches like Nyang Nyang and Suluban
🌅 Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Perched on dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is the ultimate romantic retreat. Whether you’re watching the sunset from your private infinity pool or savoring a beachfront dinner under the stars, these luxurious resorts are designed to stir the soul and create lasting memories for couples.
The Edge Bali – Home to one of the world’s most stunning glass-bottom infinity pools, offering unparalleled privacy and high-touch service.
Alila Villas Uluwatu – Eco-luxury at its finest with sleek cliffside villas, serene pavilions, and bespoke wellness experiences.
Six Senses Uluwatu – Clifftop sustainability and soul-stirring ocean views wrapped in wellness, gastronomy, and rejuvenating spa rituals.
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort – A romantic retreat with ocean-view jacuzzis, fine dining, and access to one of Uluwatu’s most secluded surf spots.
Bvlgari Resort Bali – Italian sophistication meets Balinese soul with panoramic ocean villas, cliff-edge dining, and an exclusive beach.
✨ Best Areas in Bali for Solo Travelers
Canggu
For solo travelers who want a social, dynamic scene, Canggu is the place to be. Once a sleepy surf village, it has blossomed into a buzzing hotspot filled with international flair. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a backpacker, or a solo soul on a self-care mission, Canggu greets you with open arms, colorful murals, and smoothie bowls that taste like sunshine.
Cafes and coworking spaces here aren’t just about coffee and Wi-Fi—they’re the community heart of Canggu. It’s where yoga teachers, surfers, and startup founders connect over oat lattes and coconut milk cappuccinos. Spots like Dojo, Outpost, and BWork combine professional amenities with tropical chill, allowing solo travelers to blend productivity with play.
Wellness is also a huge draw. Canggu offers an array of yoga studios, sound healing sanctuaries, and holistic healing centers. Whether you’re flowing through sunrise Vinyasa or joining a cacao ceremony, every experience fosters connection—either inward or with fellow travelers on similar paths.
The beaches in Canggu, particularly Echo Beach and Batu Bolong, are surf havens that invite both newbies and experts to ride the waves. Surf schools are plentiful, and the laid-back beach bars nearby make it easy to strike up conversations and meet kindred spirits. Sunset at The Lawn or La Brisa is a daily ritual not to be missed.
And when night falls, the village transforms. From intimate acoustic sets to DJ nights under the stars, the music scene in Canggu is thriving and varied. You can go out solo and return with a new crew of friends.
- Vibrant social scene and coworking spaces
- Trendy cafes and wellness studios
- Close to beaches, markets, and nightlife
🌊 Where to Stay in Canggu
Canggu is where Bali’s free-spirited energy meets coastal luxury. Known for its black sand beaches, surf-friendly waves, boho cafés, and vibrant sunsets, this hip seaside village is perfect for couples and creatives looking for a stylish yet soulful stay. These resorts blend elegance with easygoing charm—ideal for lovebirds, wanderers, and anyone chasing ocean breeze dreams.
COMO Uma Canggu – Beachfront bliss with sleek design, surfside suites, and a holistic wellness retreat just steps from the ocean.
Regent Bali Canggu – IHG’s luxury addition to the Canggu coastline, featuring tranquil villas, curated cultural experiences, and refined oceanfront dining.
Villa Canggu by Plataran – A quiet retreat in the heart of Canggu with private pools, traditional design, and serene garden settings.
Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu – Family-friendly luxury with rooftop pools, kids’ activities, and ocean views—all under the trusted IHG brand.
Aston Canggu Beach Resort – Sunset rooftop scenes, casual elegance, and beach vibes just a short stroll from Batu Bolong.
Sidemen
Solo travelers looking for serenity will find their sanctuary in Sidemen. This highland escape is Bali at its most poetic—endless rice fields, ancient temples, and authentic village life. Nestled between Mount Agung and rolling terraces, Sidemen speaks to travelers who seek solitude, self-discovery, and connection to the island’s sacred energy.
Waking up in Sidemen is like stepping into a dream. The valley is quiet, the mist rolls in slowly, and the only sounds are birdsong and the distant hum of flowing rivers. Villas and eco-lodges are built into the hillsides, many offering panoramic sunrise views, meditation spaces, and direct access to forest trails or riverside paths.
In addition to tranquil living, Sidemen is a beautiful gateway to traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can observe and even participate in weaving workshops and ceremonial preparations, often hosted by local families who are eager to share their heritage. Every walk through the village feels like a cultural encounter, filled with genuine smiles and the scent of burning incense.
Nearby Wangsean village, a hidden gem, offers slow-living in its purest form. You can take walks through unspoiled rice fields, visit lesser-known temples, and enjoy sacred springs used by locals for generations. It’s a place that encourages stillness and reflection.
For those who love venturing further off the beaten path, Klungkung—a nearby regency—adds historical depth to the experience. Here, travelers can explore ancient palaces, floating pavilions, and sacred sites that reveal the island’s royal past. Combined with Sidemen’s spiritual ambiance, it creates a journey rich in meaning.
- Quiet, introspective setting
- Rich in culture and natural beauty
- Ideal for slow travel and personal retreat
Where to Stay in Sidemen
Hidden in Bali’s eastern highlands, Sidemen is a quiet valley that echoes old Bali—lush rice terraces, traditional villages, and misty mornings. Perfect for couples seeking solitude, spirituality, and slow travel, these boutique resorts invite you to unplug, reconnect, and be cradled by nature’s rhythm.
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen – A hillside haven with dreamy jungle views, open-air bathtubs, and a deep sense of stillness for romantic retreats.
- Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa – Adults Only – A refined adults-only escape with private bungalows, a slow-living ethos, and an infinity pool overlooking rice fields.
- Patak Kikian Villa Estate – Traditional charm and majestic views of Mount Agung, perfect for couples seeking a peaceful sanctuary.
- Kubu Sakian Villa – An intimate riverside hideaway offering privacy, rice field panoramas, and authentic Balinese ambiance.
- Laputa Bali – An off-the-grid bamboo retreat nestled above the clouds, ideal for slow mornings and spiritual connection.
- Natya River Sidemen – Serene riverside luxury blending modern design with tranquil natural surroundings.
Bali offers more than a stay—it offers a feeling. It’s the warmth of sun on your shoulders in Nusa Dua, the magic of a jungle breeze in Ubud, the pulse of surf culture in Canggu, and the timeless quiet of Sidemen’s rice terraces. Each corner of the island is like a whispered invitation to slow down, reconnect, and experience the world with fresh eyes.
No matter who you are or how you travel—whether with children in tow, hand-in-hand with a loved one, or walking solo toward your next chapter—Bali has a place that will feel like it was made just for you. These areas aren’t just travel destinations; they are portals to emotion, transformation, and cherished memories.
So choose your stay with intention. Let it match the mood of your journey and the rhythm of your heart. From luxury resorts to soulful retreats, Bali doesn’t just welcome you—it embraces you.
For more travel inspiration and soulful itineraries, follow us on Instagram:
@baliexpertguide
