The best luxury beach hotels in Bali

First on our list is The Legian Bali. We’re mentioning this property first because it takes prime spot on Seminyak Beach, one of Bali’s most popular sandy stretches often flocked with sun-seeking holiday-goers, just like you. This is the place to be for cocktail-induced good vibes and enjoying the thrills of exciting water sports like paragliding or banana boating – you may need a mojito or two to settle your nerves anyway!

Nestled nicely on the shore, The Legian Bali also offers a variety of suites and villas with breath-taking ocean views, best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset to make the most of the golden hours.

For the ultimate stay, we recommend The Beach House, an 8.611ft2 villa situated in its own tropical gardens and boasting a private infinity edge pool overlooking a stretch of Seminyak Beach.

If you’re after five-star island glamour, W Bali - Seminyak is the resort for you. Its contemporary and chic interior design perfectly blends into its stunning coastal setting and lush surrounding rainforests, making it a picture-perfect place to call home for your Bali adventures. 

Plus, with a choice of nearby beaches to head to, sun-seekers will be in their absolute element. If you’re looking to take on some waves, the surfers’ paradise of Petitenget Beach is just a few steps away from the resort’s front door. Rarely overcrowded, it’s also the perfect spot for some light afternoon reading or a peaceful dip in the waters. 

Alternatively, there’s the hidden gem of Mengening Beach only a 40-minute drive away – here you can wonder at its unique black sands and secluded picturesque setting. Remember your camera because this is a memory you’ll want to look back on forever. 

Next on our list of the best beach hotels in Bali is Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort. With Melasti Beach being just a short walk away, we think sun-worshippers will be more than happy setting up camp here. By day you’ll lounge on Melasti Beach’s white sands and by night you’ll recoup in your luxury private villa. 

In fact, it’s the resort’s wide selection of ultra-stylish suites that makes this place so special – particularly if you book a stay in the 3,391ft2 Sanctuary Villas, all boasting spectacular ocean views. Every day you’ll wake up to vistas of vast Indian Ocean and distant sounds of crashing waves tempting you to chuck on your flip-flops first thing and head straight out to stroll along the sands. 

Bali’s luxury beach hotels don’t come much more perfect than this. With the long stretch of Jimbaran Bay as your back garden, those who love nothing more than a relaxing beach day will love Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay the most. And it’s not all sunbathing and practising the art of nothing (although that sounds swell too). 

This beach resort is thriving with exciting people to meet and things to do, including a host of water sports and surfing experiences. So, if you’re feeling up for the challenge, book yourself in for a lesson with the resort’s resident surf instructor. You’ll be riding the waves like a pro in no time. 

Plus, if you simply can’t get enough of the beach scenes, we recommend staying in one of the larger four-bedroom Residence Villas. They’re just mere yards away from Jimbaran Bay, meaning you can head to the shore for a quick swim or a laze on the sands any time you want. 

Last, but by no means least, is Soori Bali. It’s the extraordinary setting that makes this resort so special. The impressive architectural design of the venue is inspired and strengthened by its natural surroundings – the calmness of the shore and the wonders of the traditional Balinese rice fields that sit right next door.

Soori Bali is also one of the most sustainable resorts on the island. It has a genuine connection with the neighbouring villages, and you feel it even from the comfort of your suite – many of which boast views of rolling rice terraces best admired from your private patio, champagne in hand of course. Whatever residence you choose, just make sure you soak up some of the local culture amongst the relaxing beach days. 

Speak to the concierge desk who’ll book you in for one of the resort’s many heritage-focussed excursions, including a day trip to the Kerambitan market guided by one of the resort’s resident chefs. No doubt you’ll come back with bags full of traditional Balinese coffee and exotic aromatic spices.

This is a toughie – there are just so many stunning Bali beaches to choose from. For a lively hedonistic beach day, we recommend visiting Seminyak. Here you’ll enjoy the company of fellow sun-seekers sipping strawberry daiquiris at beachfront bars – plus you’ll have plenty of upscale restaurants to choose from if you fancy ending your day with a tasty bite to eat. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quieter beach known for its unmatchable beauty, you’ve got to check out the undeniably pretty Nusa Penida bay. With its powder-soft sands and luscious green cliffside, this beach has those Instagrammable postcard-perfect vibes. You’ll never want to leave – nor stop taking photos. 

Absolutely. Bali beaches are perfectly safe for swimming. If you’re visiting a popular tourist beach, just make sure you follow warning signs and stay in designated swim zones pointed out by red flags. If you’re still hesitant, the beach’s local lifeguard will be happy to reassure you.