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On the island of Bali, beauty abounds, and that’s part of what makes the Indonesian province a top destination for honeymooners time and again. Set within its enviable environments are properties so picturesque it’s almost impossible to comprehend that Mother Nature herself didn’t create them. And we’re not just gawking over the sandy beaches, terraced rice fields, majestic peaks, and rainforests. Yoga, surfing, exploring, pampering, and wellness on the island are impressive too.
From oceanfront to eco-lodges, the Balinese resorts we’ve rounded up with their gasp-inducing panoramas, enthralling design, unique amenities, and thoughtful services, will make you forget about the long journey it takes to get there. (Seriously, Bali is a honeymooners paradise and so worth all the hours up in the air.) Whatever your definition of a perfect honeymoon, it's waiting for you in Bali.
Best Balinese Resorts of 2024
- Best Overall: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
- Best for Surfers: COMO Uma Canggu
- Best Reviews: Alila Villas Uluwatu
- Best for Relaxation: Viceroy Bali
- Best for Nature Lovers: Padma Resort Ubud
- Best for Wellness: COMO Shambhala Estate
- Best for Luxury: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Best for Instagram: W Bali - Seminyak
- Best Amenities: The Mulia
- Best Perks: The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
Best Overall : Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
- Location: Sayan, Bali
- Amenities: Double-tiered main pool, private villa pools, Megibung dining, floating breakfast, riverside picnics, culture-specific rituals and excursions, traditional Balinese wellness service
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $620 - $1,190
Known for its stunning architecture, its culture of privacy, impeccable service, and outstanding amenities, it’s easy to see why Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan was voted Travel + Leisure’s number one hotel in the world in 2018, and why it’s our top pick for a Balinese honeymoon.
Unique interpretation of local architecture blends with surroundings
Four Seasons partners with a special village where the only foreigners allowed are the hotel's guests
Wellness practitioners on staff
Secluded property, yet only 10-minutes from Ubud center
Property is large and steep
No adults-only designation on the property
When you’re with the right person, it’s possible for almost anywhere to feel romantic. Of course, some places have a significant edge over others. With its wild environs and off-the-beaten-path locality, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is instantly irresistible.
As you’d expect, this romantic riverside retreat has all the bells and whistles. Pair that with a sensual atmosphere and enticing villas that guarantee matrimonial bliss. We honestly don’t know what’s more seductive, the private plunge pools or verdant views.
Besides canoodling behind closed doors, newlyweds can revel in the pleasure of soothing spa treatments, practice aerial yoga, and see Balinese dance performances. And it’s certainly not uncommon for couples to linger over a dinner of flavorful Indonesian dishes at Ayung Terrace for hours.
Best for Surfers : COMO Uma Canggu
- Location: Canggu, Bali
- Amenities: 377-foot lagoon pool, surf lessons, yoga on the beach
- Average Rate per night (Standard Room): $200 - $320
Having direct access to one of the island’s most popular surf beaches and receiving guidance from some of the best surf instructors Bali has to offer, makes Como Uma Canggu a no-brainer as our top pick for surfers.
Learn to surf right at the hotel
Steps to the beach
Located in a bustling, boho-type town with an active nightlife
Only select rooms have direct pool access
Located in one of Bali’s most popular surf towns, COMO Uma Canggu is a surfer’s paradise with epic swells in every direction. Newbies and pros get an opportunity to work on their surfing skills as the resort’s partnership with luxury surf school Tropicsurf, provides professional instructors who teach guests how to navigate Bali’s waves. Even if you don’t plan to participate in the frothy action, it’s still fun to watch folks ride the legendary breaks from a swingy daybed or sun lounger.
This breezy, seaside sensibility flows from the beach club to the guest quarters. Rooms, suites, residences, and penthouses exude an airiness infused with contemporary sophistication.
Location and best-in-class instructors make COMO Uma Canggu our pick as the best option for surfers, though it could just as easily have run away with the top spot in the wellness category as the COMO Shambhala Retreat puts pampering spa rituals, pilates, yoga, meditation, a massive gym with top-of-the-line equipment, and a nutritious cafe, under one roof.
Best Reviews : Alila Villas Uluwatu
- Location: Uluwatu, Bali
- Amenities: Infinity pool, private villa pool in all rooms, 24-hour butler service, two restaurants—one international, the other local
- Average Nightly Rate: $874 - $1,177
We were hard-pressed to find negative reviews about Alila Villas Uluwatu. It was impossible to ignore repeated kudos about the extraordinarily accommodating service, the food, the views, and the architecture.
Exceptionally accommadting staff
Lush natural setting with breathtaking ocean views
Zero-waste policy resort
Far removed from any town center
Long, steep, cliff-side steps to beach
Honeymooners have spoken and Alila Villas Uluwatu received high marks across the board.
Hovering atop limestone crags, this beloved property wins in every conceivable category. Couples rave about the jaw-dropping setting, attractive architecture, and relaxing atmosphere. Truth be told, the phrase “heaven on earth” came up on several occasions.
Seemingly at edge of the earth, all villas have private pools, soul-stirring panoramas of the Indian Ocean, and dedicated butlers to ensure every detail is flawlessly executed.
Travelers also praise the extraordinary level of service and genuine warmth of the entire staff. The food is yet another enticing attribute, with breakfast emerging as a clear favorite. Did we mention the location? It’s a short ride to Uluwatu Temple and some of the best-kept secret beaches on the island. Of course, that means tearing yourself away from utopia. Hmm, decisions decisions.
Best for Relaxation : Viceroy Bali
- Location: Ubud, Bali
- Amenities: Helipad, main infinity pool, private villa pools, floating breakfast, in-villa spa treatments
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $271 - $845
Expertly tucked away on one side of a verdant tropical ancient valley in Ubud, the award-winning Viceroy Bali is a five-star resort known for its tranquil setting and outstanding spa treatments.
Stunning views of ancient rice fields and Valley of The Kings
Buggy transportation to get around resort's tricky terrain
15-minute drive to Ubud city center and several other popular Bali tourist must-sees
Junior Suites do not have private pool
Arcadia awaits in its most pure form at the Viceroy Bali. Perched high above the zen Valley of the Kings, this serene resort has a deeply rooted sense of place, intimacy, and peacefulness. It’s a harmonious marriage of Balinese architecture and natural beauty enhanced by exceptional hospitality. (We’re told there's a no-request-too-big-or-small policy).
Each luxurious villa is a serene sanctuary that invites honeymooners to unwind in the refreshing caress of a private infinity pool (recently opened Junior Suites are without this amenity) while gazing upon leafy treetops.
Sink into the relaxation of restorative yoga, traditional Balinese massages, cooking classes, and walks through the tranquil gardens. If you’re in the mood to leave the calm of the resort behind for a few hours, might we suggest a helicopter tour of Kintamani Volcano and Lake Batur?
Best for Nature Lovers : Padma Resort Ubud
- Location: Payangan, Bali
- Amenities: 291-foot heated infinity pool, one-mile stone-paved running and jogging track, 7.4 acres of flower and fruit gardens plus coffee plantation, animal garden, fishing lagoon, mountain biking
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $207 - $700
Padma Resort Ubud has distinctive hotel programming that fosters interaction with the resort’s striking surroundings and a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture that seamlessly facilitates indoor-outdoor living, attracting nature lovers looking for a luxury resort experience.
Many unique outdoor adventures to choose from including a sunrise hike
Three separate pools (one designated for children)
Walking around can be difficult because of the hill
Hotel caters too much to kids
Nestled in a pristine and luscious river valley, Padma Resort Ubud is a hilltop hideout cradled by spectacular scenery. The resort's green setting gives travelers the feeling of being at some far-flung lodge miles from civilization; in reality, guests are only 35 minutes north of the island’s vibrant cultural heart.
Every aspect of Padma Resort Ubud connects back to the natural world. True to the traditional aesthetics of Balinese architecture, dwellings exist in harmony with the surrounding environment. The same could be said of the organically shaped infinity pool facing the bamboo forest of Payangan (the water temperature is adjusted based on the weather outside) as well as the jungle jogging track.
Activities like agroforestry walks, tours of the animal garden, earth-inspired spa remedies, aerial yoga in the bamboo bale, and mountain biking also follow an eco-oriented path.
Best for Wellness : COMO Shambhala Estate
- Location: Payangan, Bali
- Amenities: Resident wellness experts, 24-hour butler service, riverside picnics, natural mineral water spring and pools
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $648 - $806
The COMO Shambhala Estate is an award-winning luxury wellness retreat frequented by celebrities and average Joes alike, renowned for its immersive holistic approach to vacationing.
Restaurant meals center around wellness and flavor
Rooms and villas arranged for perfect amount of seclusion and quietness
Resort programming makes full use of surrounding nature, including the two rivers that run through the property
Hillside setting means lots of steps
One of the buzziest and most exclusive properties in all of Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate reigns supreme as the premier holistic retreat for health-focused duos who can afford to spare no expense. (In case you needed further evidence of that fact, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are big fans.)
The zen jungle blurs the boundary between the natural and spiritual world. It’s truly the perfect place to embrace wellbeing. Beyond the state-of-the-art facilities, COMO Shambhala Estate employs every conceivable type of specialist. Think of the Ayurvedic doctors, yoga instructors, registered dietitians, and hiking guides as shamans on your individual wellness journey.
From couples massages utilizing the power of intuitive touch to invigorating body scrubs, the spa offerings are a treat for the senses. Guests also get to savor nutritious organic cuisine and shack up in swish villas.
Best for Luxury : Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Location: Kedewatan, Bali
- Amenities: 24-hour butler service for all rooms, traditional Balinese healers on staff, animal farm and vegetable and flower gardens on site
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $1,170 - $1545
As one of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, the Mandapa, planted in the lush Ubud jungle, is every bit as intimate, exclusive, indulgent, and personalized as you would expect from this series of luxury resorts.
Elegant riverside and poolside dining rooms
Private dining available at special spots all over the property
Property is a considerate and generous interpretation of local architecture and decor
10-minute drive from the center of Ubud
Expensive
You’d be safe to assume that Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a paradigm of luxury and good taste. Its name, meaning “temple” in Sanskrit, denotes tranquility—something that’s ingrained in the DNA of this secluded and sumptuous hillside resort.
In keeping with its five-star status, peacefulness meets prestige and sensuous pleasures. The 35 posh suites and 25 private villas with outdoor swimming pools are true works of art. No matter which elegant accommodation you choose, rest easy knowing all guests enjoy the privilege of 24-hour butler service.
With a focus on organic, farm-grown ingredients and sophisticated presentation, mealtime at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is also an upscale experience.
Best for Instagram : W Bali - Seminyak
- Location: Seminyak, Bali
- Amenities: Four-tiered pool patterned after rice fields, 24/7 spa and fitness center, four on-site restaurants (including a private dining room), six international resident djs on rotation
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $413 - $531
With a beachside location on arguably Bali’s most popular beach and contemporary decor reflected from the pristine enclaves of its rooms to the bright colorful lights of its restaurants, there is not an inch of this hotel that isn’t photogenic.
Hotel and beachclub sit right on Bali's most popular beach
Enviable Instagrammable sunsets
Outdoor night parties
Ten-minute drive to downtown Seminyak
May be too trendy a scene for some
Not for those seeking a tranquil getaway
W Bali - Seminyak is Instagram gold.
Scrolling through the resort’s social media feed, you’ll notice a barrage of floating breakfasts, flower-filled terrazzo bathtubs, hand-crafted cocktails, fresh-cracked coconuts, life-size unicorn rafts, bright pink umbrellas, red bean bag cushions, beach parties, swingy chairs, strings of paper lanterns, robe selfies, chic cabanas, swoon-worthy guest rooms with palm-printed pillows, and influencers posing in front of the giant W sign.
We’re pleased to share that it lives up to the hype IRL. From the moment you arrive, it becomes abundantly clear that there’s definitely no wrong time or place to snap a picture. Obviously, violet-tinged sunsets over the cascading pools are particularly breathtaking. And we’d be doing your soon-to-increase number of followers a major disservice not to call out the trendy and uber-photogenic Woobar Bali.
Best Amenities : The Mulia
- Location: Nusa Dua, Bali
- Amenities: Beachfront, several stunning wedding locations on property, twenty spa treatment rooms, four main pools, private pools in villas
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $396 - $543
Located along a stretch of white-sand beaches that boast some of the island’s bluest water, The Mulia offers movie nights on the sand, picnics by the beach, an award-winning spa, and much, much more.
White-sand beach with crystal blue water
Tennis Courts
Dedicated children's pool
Several international and local dining spots to choose from
Private pools only for villas
Nusa Dua is an enclave built for resorts so not much in the way of cultural activities
If you’re drawn to the sort of vacation that entails spending every waking (and sleeping) moment in one cushy spot and not ever having to lift a finger, The Mulia may just be your dream come true.
Basically three properties in one, this massive resort is a beachfront playground with an endless array of amenities. Spread across the palatial holiday complex are a variety of dining concepts, the longest oceanfront infinity pool in Bali, and tennis courts. The sprawling spa is home to 20 treatment suites, aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, a hydrotherapy circuit, and Asia Pacific’s first-ever ice rooms.
Guests can also partake in a plethora of daily activities such as Zumba, aqua aerobics, and partner yoga. Though, it’s not like you really need to do anything when boozy brunches and sensational sorbet-hued sunsets are involved.
Best Perks : The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
- Location: Seminyak, Bali
- Amenities: beachfront villas with private pools, infinity main pool is beachfront, butler service, 24-hour room service
- Average Nightly Rate (Standard Room): $163 - $334
Despite being located in the center of one of Bali’s most bustling towns, this beachfront resort offers pristine grounds with direct access to the beach and many small perks that make a big difference.
Located in the heart of Seminyak
Outdoor spa services
Luxurious private dining set up on the sand
Butler service only available by request; charged separately
Poised on the west coast of Bali, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa has a refined vibe and perks aplenty. Everything is incredibly thoughtful from start to finish. Spacious rooms flaunt Balinese woodwork, king beds, dual bathroom vanities, walk-in closets, and ocean-view balconies.
Spend your days lounging by the beachfront infinity pool and enjoying craft cocktails. Couples keen on bringing back tangible reminders from Bali can book a photo session with a professional photographer.
Final Verdict
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is our top choice for a Balinese honeymoon because it's pretty much all the other resorts rolled into one and then some (minus the beach part, but who needs the beach when the tranquility of the jungle and the exclusivity of the resort more than make up for the missing sand and saltwater?)
From the time you set foot on the property’s footbridge, within view of the main building’s rooftop lotus pond, you know you’re in for something special. Exceptional experiences like touring a secret village open only to Four Seasons guests, full moon yoga, traditional Megibung dining, and wellness rituals that are authentic to Balinese practices, give you an intimate taste of the island’s culture.
Just remember when you go, that the resort does not have a designated space for children so don’t be surprised if you see them running around. And be prepared to do a lot of walking around and stair climbing. But honestly, we think the setting is so beautiful and the staff so accommodating that you won’t even mind the kids or the sore calves.
Which part of Bali is best to stay?
What’s your flavor? Bali has a ton of places to suit the needs of a wide variety of travelers.
If you love surfing and parties, Kuta is a great place. Like to surf but prefer more of a boho-chic pace? Then Canggu is where you’ll want to go. If you love a trendy scene with awesome beaches, parties, and luxury shopping, Seminyak is your best bet. If you want that family beach vacation minus all the scenesters, you’ll be happiest in Sanur or Nusa Dua. And if you're looking for that Eat, Pray, Love experience, head to a wellness resort in Ubud.
How many days in Bali is enough?
Most vacationers say that a trip lasting seven to 12 days is what you need to get the most satisfying experience.
What is the best month to go to Bali?
Bali has two seasons: a wet/rainy season that runs from October to March, and a dry/hot season that runs from April to September, so you'll want to keep that in mind when planning your trip. That said, many travelers find May, June, and September to be great months to visit because the weather is great, but the heavy crowds aren't there.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Bali?
With the average honeymoon cost coming to about 15 percent of the wedding budget, it's no surprise that couples may be looking for ways to save. Flying in February will be the lightest on your pockets, but keep in mind that you'll be there at the height of the rainy season.
Which is better, Bali or Maldives?
Both Bali and Maldives honeymoon destinations are great, but Bali has a wider variety of experiences to be had. If you're looking for sun, sea, and sand one day, a trek through the jungle the next, and a unique ancient spiritual healing and cultural experience while you're there, you can't go wrong with planning a honeymoon in Bali.
Methodology
We evaluated 20 different resorts all over Bali in order to bring you the best of what the island has to offer. We considered factors that would be appealing to honeymooners like level of service, location, ambiance, and notable amenities (plunge pools, spa and wellness treatments, dining choices, butler service, etc.). We also looked at the uniqueness of a resort’s experiences (early morning hikes, riverside dining, hydrotherapy, etc.) and whether or not they would help draw couples closer together.