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Why the luxury
resorts of Bali
are special

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

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Difference between
a villa resort
and hotel resort

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Luxury villa resort

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

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Luxury hotel resort

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

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Best of the best
luxury resorts -
my top 6 picks

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Amandari

Villa resort. Ubud area. Consists of just 40 villas, each with built-in privacy. The Amandari is designed like a traditional Balinese walled village. Its infinity pool is famous and overlooks a spectacular rice terrace gorge.  

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Begawan Giri

Villa resort and spa (the latter is called the Source or COMO Shambhala). Ubud area. It's Bali's ultimate villa resort/spa seclusion spot. Peaceful garden park setting. Each residence has its own private full-length infinity pool (see photo).

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Ritz Carlton

Hotel resort. On Jimbaran Bay cliffs overlooking Indian Ocean. Refined personality. Professionally landscaped. Best food among Bali's resorts.

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Four Seasons Jimbaran

Villa resort. On Jimbaran Bay. Directly on a beautiful, uncrowded beach.

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Four Seasons Sayan

Hotel resort in the general Ubud area.

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Inter-Continental

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

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Luxury resorts runners-up

Amankila
Villa resort near Candi Dasa -- see my Bali map

Amanusa
Villa resort near Candi Dasa

Bali Cliff
Hotel resort near Ulu Watu

Bali Hilton
Hotel resort in Nusa Dua

Alila Ubud
Hotel resort, formerly the Chedi, in Ubud area

Tuga
Villa resort on coast between Kuta and Tanah Lot Temple.

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In planning
your budget,
be aware that...

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Surcharges

A 21% surcharge (11% tax plus 10% service charge) is added to bills at upmarket tourist hotels and restaurants.  

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Not to worry
if your budget is limited

Bali has many small adorable resorts and private cottages in the $75 to $125 a night per couple range to suit individual preferences. Some are on or near the beaches. Some are in the Ubud area hills with superlative views. If you're on a shoestring budget, you can find spartan accommodations for as low as $15 a night.

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BALI TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS

Rice Terraces
Dance & Music
Arts & Craft
Temples
Ubud
Sports
Luxury Resorts
Kuta
Food
Beaches
Runners-up

MORE BALI INFO

Bali Hot Tips
Map of Bali

NEARBY ISLANDS

Lombok
Sulawesi
Java
Komodo
Kalimantan

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