Once you decide to visit Bali, the biggest challenge is not what to see — it is deciding where to stay. The island is much bigger than most people expect, and choosing the right area can completely change your experience.
If you have read any of my other Bali guides, you may already know that I spent almost two months exploring the island. That gave me the chance to stay in several different resorts and experience what each area is really like, beyond the photos you see online.
In this guide, you will find my favorite areas to stay in Bali, along with the resorts I would personally recommend in each one. I have also included a few extra hotels that stand out for their location, atmosphere, or overall experience, so you can choose the area that best fits your trip.
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Quick Tips
Don't underestimate travel times. Bali traffic can be much heavier than expected, especially in the south of the island.
Stay close to the places you plan to explore. Choosing the right base will save you hours of driving and make your trip much more enjoyable.
Book your hotel in advance if you're visiting during the dry season (July–August) or around the holidays, as the best resorts tend to sell out quickly.
If you're spending a week or more in Bali, consider splitting your stay between two or three different areas instead of using just one base for the entire trip.
Ubud
This is the cultural heart of the island and one of the best areas to stay if you want to experience a more traditional side of Bali while still having plenty of cafés, restaurants, and attractions nearby. Ubud also makes a great base for exploring some of Bali's most popular sights, including the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple, and countless waterfalls. It is also Bali's wellness capital, known for its yoga studios, luxury spas, and relaxing atmosphere.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
It also happens to be one of my favorite areas in Bali. If you have time, treat yourself to a Balinese massage while you are here. I had one of the best massages of my entire trip at Samana Aksata Spa.
Best for: nature, temples, waterfalls, wellness, and first-time visitors.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Luxury
Kappa Senses Ubud — A stylish resort surrounded by lush greenery, perfect if you are looking for a luxurious jungle escape without being too far from central Ubud. Expect elegant suites, beautiful pools, a relaxing spa, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy streets.
Equipoise Luxury Eco Bamboo Resort — If you have ever dreamed of staying in one of Bali's iconic bamboo villas, this is the place. Set among rice fields and tropical forest, it offers a unique eco-luxury experience with incredible views, beautiful architecture, and a true connection to nature.
Mid-Range
The Udaya Resorts & Spa — One of my favorite resorts in Bali. The Udaya perfectly combines luxury with a peaceful jungle setting, while still being just a short drive from central Ubud. The floating breakfast, tropical gardens, beautiful pool, and excellent spa make it an easy recommendation if you are looking for a memorable stay without paying ultra-luxury prices.
The resort's tropical gardens
Breakfast at The Udaya
The Kayon Resort — A fantastic adults-only resort overlooking the jungle, known for its infinity pool and romantic atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a quieter and more luxurious experience in Ubud.
Affordable
Pertiwi Bisma 1 — One of the best-value hotels in Ubud if you want to stay within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and the Monkey Forest. It offers spacious rooms, a lovely pool, and a surprisingly peaceful setting for the price.
Shindu Homestay — A simple but charming family-run homestay that gives you a more authentic local experience. It is a great option for travelers on a budget who value friendly hospitality, a central location, and excellent value for money.
Canggu
If you are into surfing, want to take your first lesson, or simply love trendy cafés, beach clubs, and a lively atmosphere, Canggu is one of the best places to stay in Bali. Often described as the island's trendiest neighborhood, it is known for its vibrant café scene, relaxed surf culture, boutique shops, and some of Bali's best sunsets.
Nelayan Beach, Canggu
Sunset in Canggu
One of the things I loved most about Canggu was its incredible brunch scene. Some of my favorite cafés in Bali are located here, and if you are a coffee lover like me, it is an area you will not want to miss.
Best for: surfing, cafés, beach clubs, nightlife, and digital nomads.
Where to Stay in Canggu
Luxury
LA RESERVE 1785 CANGGU BEACH — When you are looking for one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Canggu, La Reserve 1785 is hard to beat. Inspired by French elegance, this adults-only resort feels peaceful and exclusive, with luxurious suites, tropical gardens, a stunning pool, and a beautiful spa. It is perfect for couples or anyone looking for a quieter stay while still being close to Echo Beach and Canggu's cafés and restaurants.
COMO Uma Canggu — Located right on Echo Beach, COMO Uma Canggu is one of the area's most iconic luxury resorts. It is ideal if you want to combine surfing, beach days, and wellness with five-star comfort. The beachfront pool, COMO Shambhala spa, and excellent restaurants make it easy to spend an entire day without ever leaving the resort.
Mid-Range
Canggu Cabana Beach Resort & Spa — One of my favorite places I stayed in Bali. The resort has a modern tropical design, a beautiful rooftop pool, and a relaxed atmosphere just a short walk from the beach. It feels stylish without the luxury price tag and makes a great base for exploring everything Canggu has to offer.
Canggu Cabana Beach Resort & Spa
Zin Canggu Resort & Villas — If location is your priority, ZIN is an excellent choice. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops, it puts you right in the heart of Canggu while still offering a peaceful retreat with tropical gardens, a lovely pool, and spacious rooms.
Affordable
Amandaya Canggu — A fantastic option if you are looking for great value without sacrificing comfort. The rooms are modern and bright, the pool area is inviting, and it is close enough to enjoy Canggu's cafés and beaches without paying luxury resort prices.
The Prime Canggu Bali by Kanaya Hospitality — A stylish hotel offering clean contemporary rooms, a relaxing pool, and an excellent location for exploring Canggu. It is ideal if you plan to spend most of your day discovering the area and simply want a comfortable place to come back to each evening.
Munduk
This is a completely different side of Bali, far away from the beach clubs and busy tourist areas of the south. Surrounded by mountains, jungle, coffee plantations, and some of the island's most beautiful waterfalls, including Banyumala Twin Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall, and Sekumpul Waterfall, Munduk is one of the best places to stay if you are looking for nature and a slower pace of life. Thanks to its higher elevation, the weather is also noticeably cooler, making it a refreshing escape from Bali's tropical heat.
Munduk mountain views
Best for: waterfalls, nature, mountain views, and a peaceful escape.
Where to Stay in Munduk
Luxury
Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa — One of the most unforgettable resorts I stayed at in Bali. Famous for its award-winning infinity pool overlooking the mountains, this luxury resort is surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical forest, creating one of the most peaceful settings on the island. If you are looking for a unique stay in North Bali, this would be my first recommendation.
Elevate Bali — Perched high above the surrounding valleys, Elevate Bali offers panoramic mountain views, luxurious villas, and one of the most scenic infinity pools in the region. It is an excellent choice for couples looking for a romantic and secluded getaway.
Mid-Range
Munduk Cabins — Modern wooden cabins with incredible views over the surrounding hills. A great option if you want a cosy mountain retreat with easy access to the area's waterfalls and hiking trails.
Puri Lumbung Cottages — One of Munduk's most iconic stays, built in traditional Balinese style and surrounded by rice terraces and lush gardens. It offers an authentic atmosphere while remaining close to the village centre.
Affordable
Atres Villa — A peaceful hillside property with spacious rooms, beautiful views, and excellent value for money. Perfect if you want to experience Munduk without stretching your budget.
Adila Warung & Homestay — A simple, family-run stay known for its warm hospitality, home-cooked food, and convenient location near several waterfalls. An ideal choice for travelers looking for an authentic local experience.
Nusa Dua
If you are dreaming of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and luxury beachfront resorts, Nusa Dua is one of the best places to stay in Bali. Unlike the busier areas of the island, everything here feels more polished, peaceful, and designed for a relaxing vacation.
Nusa Dua beach
This is the perfect area if you want to spend your days by the pool, enjoy spa treatments, walk along the beachfront promenade, or simply unwind without worrying about traffic or crowded streets. It is also a great choice for honeymooners, families, and anyone looking for a more luxurious side of Bali.
Best for: luxury resorts, beach vacations, honeymooners, families, and relaxation.
Where to Stay in Nusa Dua
Luxury
The St. Regis Bali Resort — One of the most luxurious resorts in Bali, offering spacious suites and villas, exceptional service, and direct access to one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
The Mulia Bali — Known for its impressive oceanfront pools, elegant rooms, and world-class dining, The Mulia is ideal if you are looking for a true five-star resort experience.
Mid-Range
Ayodya Resort Bali — One of my favorite resorts in Nusa Dua. Inspired by traditional Balinese architecture, Ayodya Resort combines beautiful tropical gardens, a private beach, multiple swimming pools, and spacious rooms. It offers a luxury resort experience at a much more reasonable price than many of the neighboring five-star hotels.
Ayodya Resort Bali
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali — An elegant beachfront resort known for its beautiful lagoon-style pools, lush tropical gardens, and exceptional service. With direct beach access and a peaceful atmosphere, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Nusa Dua while still being close to restaurants, shopping, and other attractions.
Affordable
Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua — A modern boutique-style resort offering spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, and excellent value for money just minutes from the beach.
Palm Garden Bali — A smaller and quieter property that is perfect if you want to stay in Nusa Dua without the price tag of the larger beachfront resorts.
✦ Before you go
Where you stay in Bali matters just as much as what you see. Every area has its own personality, and choosing the right base can make your trip feel more relaxed, more convenient, and ultimately more memorable.
If you are looking for more inspiration while planning your trip, be sure to read my 7-Day Bali Itinerary, where I share the route I followed, my favorite attractions, cafés, beaches, waterfalls, and travel tips to help you make the most of your time on the island.
