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 travellers 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)…
1. The Sebali Resort – a beautiful, Instagrammable and wow-inducing retreat located in stunning Ubud surroundings
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Sebali Resort
2. Ayung Resort Ubud – CHSE Certified – a lush and romantic tranquil oasis located in a dramatic private tropical rainforest estate
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Ayung Resort Ubud – CHSE Certified
3. Boutique Hotel Sensation – a hip and trendy boutique hotel located just a few steps from Pasut Beach
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Boutique Sensation
4. The Apurva Kempinski Bali – a unique and very Instaworthy upscale hotel located by lush greenery overlooking the ocean
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Apurva Kempinski Bali
5. The Stones Hotel – Legian Bali, Autograph Collection – CHSE Certified – a cool, fun and vibrant upscale resort hotel perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Stones Hotel – Legian Bali, Autograph Collection – CHSE Certified
6. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, an IHG Hotel – a striking and unique boutique hotel with a stunning design
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 flavourful journey through Seminyak’s celebrated culinary scene, while the blissful spa experience provides organic, all-natural treatments in a holistic wellness approach.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, an IHG Hotel
7. Double – Six, Luxury Hotel – Seminyak – a large modern and stylish beachside hotel located in the chic upmarket Seminyak district
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
8. Andaz Bali – a Concept by Hyatt – a trendy, lush and tranquil resort located styled on a contemporary Balinese village
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Andaz Bali – a Concept by Hyatt
9. W Bali – Seminyak – a fun, striking and Insta-worthy celebrity haunt which is one of the hottest addresses on the island
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for W Bali – Seminyak
10. Makaii Tiny Villas with private pools – unique and very romantic accommodation perfect for an Instaworthy Couple’s Break
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Makaii Tiny Villas with private pools
11. Aloft Bali Seminyak – a cool, fun and sociable lifestyle hotel near Batu Belig Beach
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 which 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 mesmerising sea views.
The infinity pool and the W XYZ bar offer additional spaces to hang out with next-gen travellers. The exquisite guestrooms boast rainforest showers, GoodVibes amenities, and sinking-soft beds, complementing a blissful night’s sleep in the heart of the tropics.
- To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Bali Seminyak
12. IZE Seminyak – an ultra-stylish and contemporary large design hotel located in the fashionable Seminyak area
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 flavours are served at Meja restaurant, which can be savoured 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.
- To book, check prices or availability for IZE Seminyak
13. Gravity Boutique Hotel – unique and ultra-chic boho boutique hotel for a beautiful and intimate stay
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Gravity Boutique Hotel
14. BoHo Canggu – trendy Balinese-style private villa accommodation located in 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.
- To book, check prices or availability for BoHo Canggu
15. PinkPrivate Sanur – Cool Adults Only – a hip and fun lifestyle boutique hotel which makes a gorgeous boho retreat experience
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for PinkPrivate Sanur – Cool Adults Only
16. Tribe Bali Kuta Beach – a unique retro-cool boutique hotel located on the popular and lively 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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Tribe Bali Kuta Beach
17. Lloyd’s Inn Bali – a beautiful boutique hotel located in a corner of buzzy Double Six in Seminyak
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 metres 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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Lloyd’s Inn Bali
18. Bliss Surfer Hotel – a funky and upbeat surfer-themed hotel near the nightlife of Jalan Legian street in Kuta
Stylish, eccentric, and colourful. 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 splendour.
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 savour delicious drinks and bites
- To book, check prices or availability for Bliss Surfer Hotel
19. Body Factory Bali – a health-focused retreat with plenty of beautiful people in the hip Canggu district
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 travellers, 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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Body Factory Bali
20. TS SUITES Seminyak Bali – a trendy, modern sophisticated hotel located in a buzzy location near Double Six Beach
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for TS SUITES Seminyak Bali
We also have posts on…
- Cool boutique hotels in Phuket
- Cool boutique hotels in Bangkok
- Cool boutique hotels in Koh Samui
- Cool boutique hotels in Goa
- Cool boutique hotels in Tokyo
- Cool boutique hotels in Kyoto
- Cool boutique hotels in Costa Rica
- Cool and Unusual hotels in the Philippines
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an 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 his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything 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, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.