Bali is often branded for its long sand beaches, lush rainforests, crystalline blue waters, looming volcanoes, terraced rice fields, and fiery orange sunsets amongst many more.
However, beyond its dramatic landscape is an island of cultural abundance, a quintessential land where eclectic heritage and exceptional art permeate every area. Around this graceful island, rituals and performances offer travelers a peek into its mystical traditions and reveal the creative nature of the Balinese people.
Complementing Bali’s wonders is its ever-growing accommodation scene, which features dreamy boutique villas, lavish resorts, and everything in between. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Bali, Indonesia (in no particular order)…
The Sebali Resort
At the Sebali Report, every pool villa reveals awe-inspiring views of the Petanu River Valley and the surrounding jungle. This idyllic hideaway is fronted by a traditional Balinese carved door, and upon entrance, you will be escorted across the ravine on a wooden bridge as you marvel at exotic tropical fruit trees.
The Valley View Pool villa boasts a spacious, intimate setting, and offers a personal terrace opening out to an infinity plunge pool, while the River View Pool Villa is a secluded sanctuary within the stunning rainforest.
This Ubud resort focuses on modern cuisine which showcases the utmost respect for local nuances, reviving traditional Indonesian dishes with a touch of influence from neighbouring countries.
Pros
Modern Balinese style
Spacious suites and villas
Infinity plunge pool
Exotic tropical location
Cons
Only children 15+ allowed
Jungle location may not suit everyone
Little noise from next door resort
Ayung Resort Ubud
Breath-taking natural surroundings, traditional Balinese hospitality, and an eclectic art collection fuel together on the banks of Bali’s most sacred waterway, forming the unique and luxurious Ayung resort.
Nestled in the lush tropical rainforest, the property is set in a dramatic, eight-hectare private estate, and reflects the spirituality and sheer splendour of the surrounding landscape.
As a guest at Ayung Resort Ubud – CHSE Certified you will quickly become connected with the passionate, cultural design of this spectacular resort, which is the result of one man’s lifetime spent appreciating East and West philosophies.
The suites and villas boast a cornucopia of culture, history, art, and style, topped with lavishly appointed marble bathrooms and Egyptian bed linens.
Pros
Javanese-carved wooden Villas
Stunning views
Marble bathrooms
Balinese cuisine
Cons
Remote location
Less vegan options
Rooms can be a bit dark
Boutique Hotel Sensation
Art and hospitality combine at this blissful boutique hotel, which is the epic work of architects and fashion designers. A heart-shaped turquoise pool offers the perfect spot for an Instagram shoot, while the eloquently appointed villas also offer picture-perfect backdrops.
The most notable accommodation at Boutique Sensation is The Cloud, which resembles the white puff on a clear sky, and a step inside evokes a true feeling of living above, through fluffy embellishments and a soothing ambiance.
Traditional décor adorns each villa, where an attentive room service offers the convenience of a home away from home. Before hitting the hay, you can take perfume and jewellery-creating lessons, or simply indulge in a serene bath filled with flowers.
Pros
Trendy boutique hotel
Ultra-modern and unique design
Surrounded by rice fields
Attentive room service
Cons
Some outside noise
Weak Wi-Fi signals
Can get booked up
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Backdropped by the Indian Ocean and a lush tropical garden, The Apurva Kempinski Bali stands atop the resplendent cliff of Nusa Dua, and provides the epitome of beachfront luxury.
Presenting itself as a majestic open-air theatre, this prime embodiment of Indonesian elegance showcases 475 iconic rooms, suites, and villas, with over half featuring a private plunge pool.
For a traditional wellness experience, the Apurva Spa offers healing treatments based on the Javanese philosophy ‘Rupasampat Wahyabiantara’, which recognizes the harmony of outer and inner beauty.
An evening of dining here guides you to embark on an astonishing gastronomic journey, with a focus on culinary diversity and locally sourced ingredients.
Pros
Upscale contemporary vibe
Stunning sea views
Private plunge pool
Apurva Spa
Cons
No towel hangers
Crowded lobby
Limited sunbeds
The Stones Hotel
Offering a luxurious getaway beside a shimmering 3000 square-metre pool, a stay at The Stones Hotel – Legian Bali, Autograph Collection – CHSE Certified is a plunge into a world of tropical-inspired glamour, with five-star opulence abounding from every corner.
Centred around the sunbed-lined outdoor pool area, the guestrooms evoke refined elegance through thoughtfully appointed décor, as well as stunning balconies where you can sit out and relish the beautiful Bali weather.
From here, you can step out of your private sanctuary and stroll down to the sandy beach, where a relaxed surfing scene is brimming with a super-friendly atmosphere.
You can fuel your Bali adventures with a delicious breakfast at Stones Kitchen, and return afterwards for a taste of mouth-watering Western, Asian, and authentic Indonesian cuisine.
Pros
Vibrant upscale hotel
Stunning outside pool and cabanas
Classic Indonesian cuisine
Gorgeous Onsite Spa
Cons
Slow check-in
Some weak water pressure
Drinks are pricey
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
A secluded gem on one of Bali’s most vibrant beachfronts, this eclectic IHG Hotel invites you experience the bounty and uniqueness of Bali’s tropical charm, in a pristine haven where casual sophistication is blended with centuries of tradition.
Each one of the 289 rooms, suites, and pool villas at the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, an IHG Hotel is inspired by the vivacious lives of the locals, and beautifully crafted to include Hotel Indigo signature spa-inspired bathrooms and marvellous balconies.
Six distinctive café and bar experiences on-site offer a flavorful journey through Seminyak’s celebrated culinary scene, while the blissful spa experience provides organic, all-natural treatments in a holistic wellness approach.
Pros
Eclectic ambiance
Natural woody interior
Spa-inspired bathrooms
Sugar Sand Restaurant
Cons
Can get booked up
Limited breakfast seating
Pool sometimes busy on weekends
Double – Six, Luxury Hotel
A sensory discovery awaits at this eclectic resort, steeped in timeless elegance and a nod to Seminyak’s casual opulence. Many guestrooms and suites face the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, with epic sunsets that can be relished from private balconies.
The Double – Six, Luxury Hotel – Seminyak is separated from the white sandy beach only by a blissful swimming pool and a thin line of swaying palms. All suites are furnished with sofa sets, as well as a flat-screen cable TV, an Espresso coffee machine, and spacious bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at the on-site spa, which combines Balinese rituals with international elements, before heading out to enjoy Seminyak’s illustrious night scene.
To book, check prices or availability for Double – Six, Luxury Hotel – Seminyak
Pros
Striking upscale decor
Stunning outdoor swimming pool
Central location
Variety of cuisines
Cons
Some noise coming from karaoke
Weak Wi-Fi signals
Andaz Bali
Welcoming guests to a discovery of old and new, this beachfront boutique is eloquently built around a stunning patch of landscape, and modelled on a modern Balinese village.
The result is a homey, lush ambience, reflecting the graceful lure of Sanur. Spread around clusters of courtyards are the beautiful rooms, suites, and villas, each boasting their own character and charm.
Spacious balconies and state-of-the-art amenities at the Andaz Bali – a Concept by Hyatt complement the hospitality experience, and offer an ultimate sense of comfort as you sit back and soak up the blissful tranquillity of the area.
Andaz is Sanur’s largest wellness complex, and boasts ten spa villas, hydrotherapy pools, a yoga studio, and contemporary fitness facilities.
Pros
Luxury beachfront resort
Rooms with modern hints
Fitness facilities
Hydrotherapy pools
Cons
Drinks can be pricey
Restricted hours for spa and gym
Breakfast not included
W Bali
A newfound resort playground situated on the shores of Seminyak, W Bali – Seminyak invites you to trade in ordinary for extraordinary and embodies the archipelago with a rice field-inspired pool.
The 229 luxury suites and villas are decked out with the signature W style, where a vibrant spectrum of green jungle hues and ochre shades represents the iridescence of the surrounding landscape.
In the accommodations, Seminyak’s mystique is evoked with curated local art pieces, while the cutting-edge entertainment systems provide the modern opulence you would expect from the W brand.
The hotel’s restaurants explore the global side of Balinese cuisine, embellished with Western influences.
Pros
Vibrant atmosphere
Full-service spa
Balinese cuisine
Rice field-inspired pool
Cons
Gym is small in size
No evening activities
Can get booked up
Makaii Tiny Villas with private pools
Redefining the villa experience, Makaii Tiny Villas with private pools offers a dreamy accommodation experience characterized by heavenly white huts steeped in boho chic glamour.
As you take a step outside your private sanctuary you can enter a world of relaxation in a private, sky-blue pool, as you surrender to a state of refined serenity amid island-inspired décor, plush swinging chairs, and a thatched-roofed picnic table.
Whilst you may never feel the desire to leave your own villa owing to the personalized room service, if you are in the mood to socialize with like-minded travellers, the property further boasts a blissful shared lounge, a gorgeous garden, and an idyllic terrace hang-out.
Pros
Island inspired decor
Idyllic terrace hang-out
Private pools
Variety of breakfast options
Cons
No in-room refrigerator
No coffee machines
Aloft Bali Seminyak
Greeting guests with a unique experience in the heart of the action, this contemporary, tech-savvy hotel reflects an industrial-inspired, lifestyle-focused approach to hospitality.
Welcoming you with a distinctly local touch, Aloft Bali Seminyak is a social hub that offers its own additions to the bustling Seminyak scene. Kahuna, the rooftop restaurant, serves up an assorted fusion of cuisines with a playful twist on international and local styles and is backdropped by mesmerizing sea views.
The infinity pool and the W XYZ bar offer additional spaces to hang out with next-gen travelers. The exquisite guestrooms boast rainforest showers, GoodVibes amenities, and sinking-soft beds, complementing a blissful night’s sleep in the heart of the tropics.
Pros
Contemporary funky hotel
An infinity pool
Mesmerizing sea views
Kahuna rooftop restaurant
Cons
No smart TVs
No gyms
Streets are noisy at times
IZE Seminyak
A firm favourite with the young, savvy, global crowd, IZE Seminyak awaits with a warm welcome to a stylish and perfectly located base in the heart of Bali’s most fashionable district.
Blissful Balinese bonhomie is combined with contemporary architecture and trendy interiors to offer a cool, urban retreat. Hip and homely, IZE Seminyak is your perfect hub for sightseeing, shopping, or simply lazing by a rooftop pool.
A tempting mix of delicious East-meets-West flavors is served at Meja restaurant, which can be savored inside, street-side, or in the intimacy of your own room.
For a night of social antics, the Rooftop Pool Bar and the cocktail bar ‘Bar 68’ offer an atmospheric setting to share stories with old friends and new.
Pros
Modern architecture
Rooftop pool
24-hour front desk
East-meets-West food
Cons
Can be busy at weekends
Limited breakfast Menu
Can get booked up
Gravity Boutique Hotel
Offering some of the most secret, cherished spots in Bali, this stunning Uluwatu paradise pampers guests with a state-of-the-art service and trendy accessories.
Breathtaking views at Gravity Boutique Hotel can be relished from the hotel’s pool, while Bali’s top beaches and surf spots lie within a 3-to-5-minute drive away.
The intimately decorated bungalows and private suites are designed especially to maximize comfort, and guide guests to surrender to the rhythms of island life and reconnect with nature.
Each accommodation boasts a stunning open-air bathroom, as well as a private balcony with tremendous sunset views. Gravity is replete with a beautifully manicured garden, a lounge area with a Balinese Gazebo, and a restaurant where an eclectic fusion of western recipes and traditional Indonesian food is served.
Pros
Ultra Chic boho decor
Surfing spots 5 minutes away
Traditional Indonesian food
Tremendous sunset views
Cons
Some rooms are a little small for big families
No laundry service
BoHo Canggu
A vibrant, hip lifestyle meets serene countryside at BoHo Canggu, a cool boutique resorted situated less than 5 minutes from the eclectic bars of Eat Street, and 10 minutes from the beautiful waters of Batubolong and Echo beaches.
The surrounding neighbourhood of Canggu was rated by The New York Times as one of the most bohemian chic villages on the planet, and is a haven for yoga aficionados and digital nomads.
This fanciful resort overlooks the expansive rice paddy of Babakan, and invites you to immerse in the timeless landscape of one of the world’s most beautiful farming villages, dotted with Hindu temples.
Pros
Minimalistic modern rooms
Indonesian and international cuisine
Top-notch complimentary services
Great location
Cons
Limited breakfast options
Some weak water pressure issues
PinkPrivate Sanur
This brand-new lifestyle concept offers the deal spot for romantic getaways, and enhances comfort through top-notch complimentary services.
These include an intimate living-room style high tea, a fiery pink bicycle to explore the surrounding splendour, and an eclectic choice of breakfast options.
With only 8 rooms at PinkPrivate Sanur – Cool Adults Only, named after the 8 DOREMI chords and created in a petite aesthetic, the eccentric personality of Pink springs through quirky room embellishments, bespoke colour tints, and opulent décor.
Each room boasts a private terrace topped with a comfy daybed, while the resort’s lush grounds are home to a stunning pool and manicured gardens, promising an experience replete with intimacy and tranquillity.
Pros
Boho chic decor
Stunning pools
Living-room style high tea
Fiery pink bicycles
Cons
No mosquito nets
Extra charges for breakfast
No shuttle service
Tribe Bali Kuta Beach
Nestled at the bustling Kuta Beach, Tribe Bali Kuta Beach introduces you to a unique night scene in one of Bali’s most stylish, contemporary havens.
The locally inspired interior style of this coveted oasis evokes an air of functionality and is designed to provide you with a memorable, Instagrammable adventure.
The 165 chic guestrooms feature a balcony, as well as curated accessories, and an LCD TV to turn your trip into an effortless spot of luxury.
The social and dynamic atmosphere which suffuses the property makes the rooftop restaurant and swimming pool an eclectic spot to wind down, reconnect, and re-discover that inner serenity.
Pros
Stylish contemporary rooms
Eclectic swimming pool
Nearest airport is 7km away
Open-air rooftop restaurant
Cons
Limited breakfast menu
Some room views better than others
Lloyd’s Inn Bali
A hidden oasis of calm, Lloyd’s Inn Bali invites you to go off-grid and reconnect with mother nature. Tucked away in a pristine corner of Seminyak, convenience is at your doorstep.
The beach sits 300m meters away, and a few steps leads you to a myriad of eateries, boutiques, and shops. On a slow afternoon, you can sink into a cubby chair to dive into a book, or laze on a water hammock and soak up the tropical charm.
For dinner, under a luscious canopy of trees you can revel in an enchanting dining experience at Opeum Bistro, helmed by a MasterChef Singapore finalist and a talented Balinese culinary expert.
Pros
Natural architectural design
Dinner under tree canopies
Water hammocks
Beach is 300 meters away
Cons
Room is a bit compact
Wi-Fi connection issues
Small entrance
Bliss Surfer Hotel
Stylish, eccentric, and colorful. These three words typify the hospitality experience at Bliss Surfer Hotel, a quaint boutique-style resort close to Bali’s main surf hub, Kuta.
Artworks and lifestyle features ornate the lobby and guestrooms, which are designed to add a creative flair to your Bali vacation. State-of-the-art amenities complement the minimalist, quirky décor of the rooms, while pool-view balconies enhance the sense of tropical splendor.
Guests at the Bliss Surfer Hotel can enjoy a traditional Balinese body massage at the on-site spa, offering optimum rejuvenation after a day of surfing in one of the world’s most illustrious scenes. The charming bar area is a melting pot of creatives and adventurists and offers a cool, chilled sanctuary to savor delicious drinks and bites
Pros
Funky and upbeat vibe
Charming bar area
Pool-view balconies
Traditional Balinese body massage
Cons
Limited breakfast menu
Some noise
WiFi is intermittent
Body Factory Bali
This unique Bali accommodation is characterized by a great focus on fitness and health. A comprehensive approach to exercise is featured in the exceptional wellness facility on-site, expertly delivered to coalesce with the luxurious tropical location of Canggu.
However, Body Factory Bali is so much more than just a gym. It offers 9, contemporary and stylishly designed rooms which are ideal for solo travelers, friends, or couples in pursuit of a healthy retreat.
The hotel’s ethos is rooted in the four main areas of sleep, perform, nourish, and restore, which are radiated through the property as the key to living and sustaining a health-conscious life.
Pros
Modern chic accommodations
On-site wellness facility
Personal training programs
Tropical location
Cons
No balconies
Some bathrooms are small
TS SUITES Seminyak Bali
Adding a dash of hip to a sophisticated scene, TS SUITES Seminyak Bali opens up a fresh, contemporary lens through which to view the Bali lifestyle.
Located in the beating heart of Seminyak’s trendy district on the main street of Jalan Nakula, the Instagrammable rooftop pool is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh juice or coconut as you relish a magical sunset.
At an affordable price point, you can enjoy some of the largest suites in Seminyak and the best rooftop villas in the area, all of which boast open bathroom concepts, private pools, and a fully stocked mini-bar.
Pros
Unique architecture
Fully stocked mini bars
Rooftop villas
50m infinity pool
Cons
Pool bar is a little pricey
Limited steam irons
Bali’s top-rated Unique hotels Compared
The following table assesses the Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Bali making for an in-depth analysis.
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attractions(km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Sebali Resort | Br. Kepitu Desa Kenderan, 80571 Ubud | $1744 (booking.com) | Yes | 3.5 | 5 |
Ayung Resort Ubud | Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan | $423-$901 | Yes | 5 | 4 |
Boutique Hotel Sensation | Info not available | Info not available | -- | -- | -- |
The Apurva Kempinski Bali | Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan | $385-$954 | Yes | 3.5 | 6 |
The Stones Hotel | Jl. Raya Pantai Kuta, Banjar Legian Kelod | $140-$200 | Yes | 2.4 | 7 |
. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, an IHG Hotel | Jalan Camplung Tanduk No.10 | $327-$3343 | Yes | 1.5 | 10 |
Double – Six, Luxury Hotel | Double Six Beach No.66 | $456-$1790 | Yes | 2.7 | 9 |
Andaz Bali | Jalan Danau Tamblingan 89A, 80228 Sanur | $371-$431 | Yes | 2.8 | 6 |
W Bali | Jl. Petitenget, 80361 Seminyak | $471-$2023 | Yes | 1 | 8 |
Makaii Tiny Villas with private pools | Jalan Pantai Pererenan, 11381 Canggu | $270 (booking.com) | Yes | 2.3 | 7 |
Aloft Bali Seminyak | Jalan Batu Belig No 228, 80361 Seminyak | $104-$142 | Yes | 1.1 | 6 |
IZE Seminyak | Jalan Kayu Aya No. 68, Oberoi - Laksamana, Seminyak, 80361 Seminyak, | $243-$471 | Yes | 2.7 | 8 |
Gravity Boutique Hotel | Jl. Labuan Sait Gravity, 80364 Uluwatu | $221 (booking.com) | Yes | 6 | 4 |
BoHo Canggu | Jl. Raya Babakan no 23 , 80351 Canggu, | $91 (booking.com) | Yes | 2.7 | 9 |
PinkPrivate Sanur | 31 Jalan Tanjung, 80228 Sanur | $85-$128 | Yes | 1.6 | 5 |
Tribe Bali Kuta Beach | Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta Kuta Legian, 80361 Kuta | $85-$143 | Yes | 1 | 4 |
Lloyd’s Inn Bali | Jalan Arjuna ( Double Six Street ) Seminyak, 80361 Seminyak | $174-$206 | Yes | 1.7 | 7 |
Bliss Surfer Hotel | Jl. Sriwijaya, No. 88 , 80361 Legian | $65-$164 | Yes | 1.5 | 9 |
Body Factory Bali | Jalan Nelayan No. 27 Canggu | $224 (2 night stay) | Yes | 1.2 | 9 |
TS SUITES Seminyak Bali | Jalan Nakula No.18, 80361 Legian | $270-$1217 | Yes | 1.5 | 6 |

Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
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