Some travel writers claim that the “road to happiness begins in Bali.”  Veteran visitors confirm there might be a lot of truth in that belief.  If you plan on visiting Bali, we’re here to help.  Here are 15 epic retreats where you can stay in Bali.

1.The Aura House

The luxurious Aura House is nestled in a verdant bamboo forest on the mighty Ayung River just half an hour away from Ubud.  It’s a part of the popular Green Village development.  This villa is built from blonde Balinese bamboo to present guests with a beautiful blend of sustainable luxury and treehouse cool.

Here you can experience the ultimate in luxury tropical living.  This three-story structure includes a pair of en-suite bedrooms, an open-air living room, a kitchen, locally handcrafted furnishings, and a private pool.  Step out on the wraparound terrace and enjoy the view.

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W Bali

You will find the beach-adjacent W Bali in Seminyak, on the west coast.  It has an overall happening vibe.  The pool is reminiscent of terraced rice paddies.

The suites include such amenities as iPod docks, 350-thread-count sheets, and rain showers.  The communal areas are eclectic and the on-site experiences are exceptional.  W Bali includes poolside ice-cream carts, popular DJs spinning super sunset tracks at the boppin’ beachside Woobar, a 24-hour spa specializing in oxygen facials and “post-clubbing massages”, and the island’s best brunch served every Sunday at popular Starfish Bloo.  Explore the local shops and nightlife as well!

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Viceroy Bali

Viceroy Bali is situated mere minutes from Ubud on a lush hill that overlooks the pretty Petanu River valley.  Here the focus is on nature.  This exceptional all-villa resort is highlighted by Balinese thatched roofs and indigenous artwork.

Guests can enjoy award-winning fine dining, bespoke spa treatments, cooking classes, gravity-defying pools, and guided trips to local safari parks.  Viceroy Bali also has its own helicopter pad so you can even sign on for a helicopter tour.  Veteran visitors say this place is especially good for couples and honeymooners looking for an intimate, romantic retreat.

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The Mason Elephant Lodge

This retreat is nestled in the charming countryside of the olden village of Taro, less than a half-hour out of Ubud.  The Mason Elephant Lodge was once deemed to be “the Best Luxury Eco Safari Lodge in the World.”  Unsurprisingly, it is also the official home of the country’s biggest herd of rescued Sumatran elephants.

Here you can meet them up close and personal.  The park features 27 handsome rooms, 2 noteworthy restaurants, a botanical garden, a spa, and a popular museum and education center.  Here you can feed and wash the elephants, go on jungle safari rides, and even dine under a star-filled sky.

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Bambu Indah

The family-owned jungle retreat known as Bambu Indah is on the Sayan Ridge, just 15 minutes away from Ubud.  Here you can choose from state-of-the-art bamboo structures and remodeled Javanese teak wedding houses.  The interiors feature exotic decorations purchased on the owners’ various international trips.  Wherever you stay here at this fully sustainable eco-resort

you can take in views of rice paddies and tropical rainforests.  Here you can swim in striking natural rock pools and dine on fresh, farm-to-table Balinese cuisine in an overall atmosphere that is both chic and rustic.

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The Hanging Gardens of Bali

The famous Hanging Gardens of Bali is ensconced between the Dalem Segara temple and the Ayung River on a lush forested hillside.  While it is only 30 minutes out of Ubud, it has made veteran visitors feel as if they were in some far-off, private place all their own.  One of the highlights here is the getaway’s Instagram-famous swimming pool.  It is a doubledecker infinity pool that hovers above the verdant jungle.

The villas here have thatched roofs and visitors can enjoy gourmet cuisine, a luxurious spa, terraced gardens, and great views.

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The LIFT Treetop Boutique Hotel

Nestled in a park-like setting in the well-known artist’s village known as Penestan, not far from Ubud. you can experience this design-driven eco-hideaway.  This boutique hotel uniquely combines the industrial with the tropical.

Here you will have your choice of three different stilted treehouses: The cube-shaped Stanley Kubrik House complete with floor-to-ceiling windows; the doubledecker George Orwell House that features a bamboo bathroom; and the Ernest Hemingway House which was inspired by traditional Javanese houses and rattan furniture.  All accommodations include rooftop terraces, Wi-Fi, and memorable jungle views.  The retreat also includes a bar, pool, sauna, and a yoga deck.

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The Balian Treehouse

The Balian Treehouse is a well-known surfing village near the beach on the raw, rugged west coast of Balian.  These storybook treehouses are nestled amidst lush tropical gardens.  At present, this place is an Airbnb sensation, and staying here is anything but boring.

They feature natural decor, open living areas, and even a personal turquoise pool.  Long since a favorite of surfers and those with smaller budgets, this place is now also famous as a great place for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

The family-friendly Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is situated 15 minutes from Ubud on a verdant hillside by the Ayung River.  Some travel writers say it’s one of the world’s best hotels.  Here you will find tropical gardens, thatched-roof villas,  and opulent suites.

The architecture is over two decades old and yet is still praised by architects as being inspirational.  The main building looks like a rice bowl and symbolizes an offering to the gods.  The infinity pool here is two-tiered and seems to drop down to the sacred river’s edge.  The villas all feature beautiful bathtubs and teak furniture.

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Awang Awang

Awang Awang is located in the peaceful village of Melayang, 10 minutes from Ubud, in the lush Balinese countryside.  Backdropped by the mighty Gunung Agung volcano, this family-friendly retreat features five villas set along the edge of a neighboring ravine.

They differ in size and style but all include traditionally-inspired interior decor and individual infinity-edge pools.  Stroll through the gardens and see the playful monkeys and colorful birds.  The resort also offers volcano climbing, Balinese cooking classes, yoga classes, and assorted day trips.

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The Villa Chameleon

A bit inland on the southwest coast, you will find the traditional village of Buwit.  It is here that you will discover the Villa Chameleon.  This luxurious jungle retreat offers everything one would expect from a normal, high-end hotel.

This retreat was designed by Word of Mouth (WOM).  The entire property is said by some travel critics to be an artwork of lush “landscaped architecture”, complete with various layered areas that actually camouflage the villa.  The interior decor is contemporary and bright, and the furniture is mid-century modern.

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The Banyan Tree Ungasan

This great getaway is on the southernmost cliff on the Bukit peninsula, in the Ungasan region.  It’s also conveniently close to the beaches of Nusa Dua, and the Uluwatu Temple.  It was designed to resemble a typical Balinese village.

There are 73 villas ensconced in tropical gardens.  They are decked in handcrafted fabrics with decor that blends contemporary and traditional styles. The bedrooms here open to private infinity pools that overlook the Indian Ocean.  You can dine on anything from French fare with an Asian twist to Nouvelle Balinese cuisine.

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AYANA Resort and Spa

Head for the southern tip of Bali.  Perched high on a cliff above Jimbaran Bay, you’ll find the exceptional, five-star resort the AYANA Resort and Spa.  There are 12 swimming pools, a cooking school, a clifftop spa, 19 restaurants and bars, and even a private beach,

There are gorgeous guest rooms, and secluded pool villas, all decorated with indigenous art.  Enjoy the stunning sunset here from the Rock Bar.  Dine on Mediterranean tapas, sip some creative cocktails, and party to platters pushed by international DJs.

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Hideout Eco Bamboo Home

This eco-friendly dwelling is located along the river in the rice fields of Selat.  There in the very shadow of the impressive Gunung Agung volcano, you can stay in this awesome A-frame bamboo cabin.  The architecture here is striking and the interiors are rustic but attractive.  If you;re the DIY type, you’ll like the fully-equipped kitchen.  There’s also an outdoor shower, and a complimentary scooter for exploring the neighborhood.

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Bulgari Resort Bali

This noteworthy resort is nestled on a limestone cliff in Uluwatu 160 meters above Bali’s southern coast.  Guests take a private funicular down the cliff where they can kick back on a secluded beach.  At night you can dine on Italian dishes at the getaway’s award-winning Il Ristorante.

Need more?  The spa here features open-air treatment rooms facing the dramatic, crashing waves.   The resort sports an overall design that is an impressive melange of contemporary elegance and traditional Balinese architecture.

The general layout is reminiscent of a Tuscan village and includes lovely, frangipani-lined cobblestone walkways between the various volcanic stone villas.  These villas come complete with open-air living rooms, private plunge pools, and excellent views of the Indian Ocean as well.

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Are you into swinging?  Discover the best swings in Bali!  Bali swings have been big since Bali has had rice fields.  The first official Bali swing was reportedly opened north of Ubud at the Zen Hideaway Villa.

The Instagram app soon took the Bali swing to new heights of popularity. Villa guests took selfies and other visitors were soon paying $35.00 for the experience.  Today only guests enjoy the privilege.

Some sources believe the villa’s owner got together with other local entrepreneurs and launched the nearby Bali Swing Park.  The park is specifically dedicated to Bali swings.  If you’re going to Bali and want to be a swinger, check out our official guide to Bali swings complete with information on hours, charges, and more.

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The Wanagiri Hidden Hills Swings

The people of Wanagiri Hidden Hills were quick to jump on this swinging trend.  They have a number of different overlooks, nests, and swings available for visitors.  The view of  Lake Danau Buyan is said to be beautiful.

The swings here are also often aesthetically pleasing.  Enjoy the views from the bamboo platforms too.  The swings are situated on the left side of the road out of Bedugul.

Veteran visitors confirm that the locals can be aggressive in competing for your business.  They all want you to use their platforms and swings.  It’s remarkable how quickly they cashed in on the growing trend to provide nests, platforms, and swings for tourists.  Those in the know suggest taking the turn marked by a large sign noting: “1 km this way”. This route leads to the biggest swing spot in the area.  It features the region’s largest swing, platforms, nests, and even zip-lines.

Charges vary and fluctuate here.  While it’s not uncommon to pay $10.50USD for each swing or each viewpoint, some of the natives are willing to negotiate.  Some visitors have paid as little as $1.18USD per swing.

Location: Jalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Sukasada Kabupaten Buleleng

Hours: All week 9am until 5pm (in general)

Admission: Negotiable/varies

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The Terrace River Pool Swing

Don’t confuse the Terrace River Pool with the Tegalalang Rice Terraces swings.  The swing park here at the Terrace River Pool is growing in popularity.

It features several swings set at different heights, Instagrammable nests, and even has couples swings that start at $21.20USD.

Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Gianyar

Hours: All week 9am until 6pm

Admission: $10.60USD

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The Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swings

You’ll find the most famous Bali swings right here at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.  In fact, Tegalalang itself is quite popular with travelers.  Its years of popularity are due in part to the terraced rice fields that span the valley about less than 25 miles away from Seminyak and six miles north of Ubud.

It’s easy to find the most accessible swing in Bali.  Simply go into the village of Tegalalang and stand so that the cafes are on the valley’s southern side and the various shops are on your left.  From there it’s just a brief stroll down the road.  You’ll see it almost as soon as you spot the rice terraces.

As of late last year, you could swing across the valley here for roughly $17.63USD.  More swings are being constructed and prices are growing even more competitive though as the demand increases.  There are another two swings across the opposite of the valley.

They provide guests with another experience.  They are located above a significantly steeper section of this valley.  You can get some stunning selfies for Instagram here.

Mind you, in order to reach them you will have to hike through the famous rice terraces and down steep slopes too.  Visitors are warned to be especially careful though when it is raining because the above-mentioned slopes become very slippery when wet.  Hikers should wear appropriate hiking boots and be in decent physical shape additionally in order to best avoid suffering a sprained ankle or other injuries.

Ah, but the trek is well worth the effort.  Those who have been there say the view from there is incredible.  In fact, prior to the erection of the swings, hiking there was the area’s main draw.  

Once you arrive at the swings you will be secured in a special harness made for swinging out over it all.  It is not recommended for anyone the least bit afraid of heights since the men who launch you out across the valley are very enthusiastic in order to maximize both the fun and the fear.

Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar

Hours: All week 8 am until 5 pm

Admission: $17.66

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The Bali Swing Park

The country’s most popular place to swing is the Bali Swing park.  Situated less than 10 miles out of Ubud, Bali Swing has 15 single swings available.   It also has a trio of tandem swings so you can be frightened with your friends and family.

You can also take pics on one of the four huge posing stones.  (It’s become the thing to do there.)

There are also half a dozen artistic nests you can pose it too.  They are built natural elements like leaves and branches but are generally lined to be a more comfy spot to be photographed.  (Yup.  Posing in the nests is also a thing.   “When in Rome . . .”)

The park even offers a free shuttle service from Ubud.  Package tours (including other activities such as elephants rides, chasing waterfalls, and rafting) are also available.  It’s generally cheaper to create your own itinerary and hire a driver.

Admission: $28.24

Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.7, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung

Hours: All week 8am until 5pm

Warning!

Not all these activities are for everyone.  Be aware that the demand for Bali swings has led to the creation of swings that are not safely monitored.  Just last summer a man from France lost his life at Tegalalang when he attempted to push his child on a swing but did not let go.  He was pulled along with the swing and fell to his death.

(All images courtesy of original owners) 

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