The 10 best hotels in Bali

Where is it? Uluwatu, in the southern tip of Bali. Expect dramatic clifftop views, white sand beaches, epic surf break, and a stunning temple. 

Why go? Right on the clifftops, Alila Villas are a glamorous (and Modernist dream) which won an award for their environmentally sustainable design. There are 30 in total, each with their own personal butler, because that's a holiday treat if ever we knew one. Inside, luxury bathrooms have deep tubs and a host of locally made, very high quality, toiletires. The beach is way down the cliff, so for the most part, you'll want to hang out around the 50m infinity pool (or, if you book the three-bedroom Penthouse, your private smaller pool). You can also enjoy the spa if the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean isn't quite enough. Later, there's two exceptionally good restaurants serving authentic Indonesian cuisine to choose from. And repeat, and repeat, and ... never ever leave?! 

Where is it? Canggu, a perfect surf spot on the South Coast. 

Why go? Less of a hotel, more of a meticulously kept luxury private complete with a spa-inspired bathroom, a separate living area with kitchen overlooking your very own private swimming pool and a beautiful verandah where you'll no doubt spend a lot of time hanging out on those Dedon loungers. But the hotel features aren't non-existent. You have a 24-hour butler service, free afternoon tea, a sunset cocktail, and a 30-minute massage all included in the standard price. You can access much more for a little extra. Inside, this tropical hideaway the design is super-cool, with exposed timbers and stone, softened by floaty fabrics and candles. If you find yourself getting more zenned out than you’d like, buzzy Seminyak is just 20 minutes away. Introvert, extrovert, explore, relax, all in one (ridiculously nice) place. 

Where is it? Nusa Dua, a quiet secluded spot on the South coast.

Why go? You’ll feel like royalty from the moment you set foot at this expansive resort, not least because your arrival is literally marked by the strike of a gong, as though you're some sort of regal person of note. Welcomes done, you will head to the enormous marble-and-chandeliered reception area which rivals most hotels alone. Accommodation at Laguna is spread throughout a lush resort pocketed with lagoon pools, places to sunbathe and more. The rooms are huge, featuring giant beds and bathrooms you can't even dream of. All of which overlooks tropical gardens or water. Lavish breakfasts include sushi, curries and dim sum, along with more traditional Indonesian food, because it's the most important meal of the day (plus the coldest month averages 27 degrees celcius). After lining the stomach, 'beachfront bar ' is the place for preprandial cocktails. Stick around for the surprisingly impressive nightly fire dance performances too.  

Where is it? Seminyak, a thriving hub of activity on the South coast.

Why go? Seminyak has a lot of hotels, we think this is one of the best. The five-star W has huge contemporary rooms (the Extreme WOW suite is more than 500 square metres, which is... massive!) The rooms are all decorated in sleek whites and muted tones with splashes of bold colour, while features include serious luxuries like Bose sound systems. Outside, four terraced pools with plenty of sunbeds lead down to the beachfront, and waiters are on hand to bring you Margarita after Margarita. Bars and restaurants are abound in this area – our favourites include the Chill Bar, which is within the 24/7 spa area (because every second of the day ought to be as chill as possible) and the beachside Starfish Bloo serving ridiculously good Pan Asian cuisine. Yoga sessions are available on request too. 

Where is it? Sanur, home to some of the most picturesque coastline in Southeast Bali. 

Why go? The beachfront setting is pretty enviable, for starters. But also, Maya comprises of beautifully designed apartments that are stacked, Modernist style, over pools. Yup. The contemporary interiors have a stylish Danish mid-century vibe with glass doors opening onto balconies and terraces where lush planting has been used to increase privacy, because frankly, why not just have the best of everything archetecturally in one place. Food and drink are a real feature here too: Reef is the signature restaurant for al fresco dining, and it has an incredibly comprehensive breakfast menu. Kuu serves some seriously good contemporary Japanese, and Graze is open all day for cafe-style goods. The Tree Bar overlooks Sanur beach and is ideal for a cocktail or two. The sea-facing spa’s pretty special too, but you were always going to get a massage weren't you.

Where is it? Pemuteran, on the North-West coast, near the Island of Java. 

Why go? This boutique retreat is perfect for anyone really wanting to get away from it all. Combining Balinese tradition with luxury, ten Javanese wood houses set around a pool feature traditional furniture and modern art, open-air showers and outdoor terraces. Beautiful stuff all around, really. The sense of tranquillity is completed with a strong range of holistic treatments, and healthy, delicious food inspired by local cuisines. The beach is a nice 15-minute stroll, and there are opportunities for diving, snorkelling and visiting nearby waterfalls. The location also boasts ridiculous views of dramatic mountains and relatively untouched greenery. Real peace and quiet, this. 

Where is it? Seminyak, always good to have another option somewhere so vibrant! 

Why go? Stroll along a frangipani-lined path (that's the tropical native flowers, not the dessert) to your front door and be prepared to be wowed. Behind your front door, yes, your own door, you’ll find a private garden with plunge pool and sunbeds. There's also a detached, thatched villa of a traditional wood construction – instant solitude. You feel calm (and lavish) just looking at the photo of this place. Further into your abode, you'll spot the enormous beds and spacious bathrooms. Have breakfast in your own garden, or at the restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, completely up to you. Either way, check out the top-end spa afterwards. There’s free afternoon tea, meals can be served in your villa and the bars and shops of Seminyak are minutes away, including top hotspot Potatohead beach bar. Plenty to do, and plenty to retreat to. Ideal holidaying. 

Where is it? Ubud, in the 'uplands' of Bali. Think rainforest more than coast here. 

Why go? Bali’s cultural centre offers four Komaneka resorts; we’ve plumped for this one at Monkey Forest because it’s a little oasis within a tropical jungle of palms and ferns, but with the advantage of being close the action. Thank us later! Guests have their own traditional Balinese style villas, with petal-strewn beds – but this is a holiday, so there's also all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel (and probably more) including a host of bathroom treats. For lounging, there’s a heated infinity pool in a lush garden, plus a spa for beauty and massage treatments. Staff are delightful, there’s a daily-changing breakfast menu, and free afternoon tea, with cake. Because we all deserve to have our cake and eat it sometimes. Just watch those monkeys don't get it before you. Outside, you have the sacred monkey forest, loads of amazing walks to walk, and temples to respectfully visit. 

Where is it? Selemadag, a narrow stretch in the South-West going from coast waaaaay inland. This specific spot is inland. 

Why go? Well, say you're looking to have a proper retreat of a holiday, away from all the norms? It truly couldn’t be easier than being in a lofty bamboo treehouse in the middle of the rainforests of mount Batukaru. Vertigo-sufferer? Don't even worry, there's luxurious Javanese wooden villas with verandahs, private bathrooms, coffee machines, bathrobes and free toiletries. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a small spa for personalised massages, morning yoga sessions, and free laundry service. You'll also find a diverse selection of off-site activities include mountain trekking, Balinese cooking classes, visiting local healers, and meeting the local community at the regular full moon ceremonies. This is an immersive, restorative and luxurious way to enjoy a new place, people, and culture. 

Where is it? Canggu

Why go? Experience Bali on a budget at this sweet eco stay in the heart of surf capital Canggu. Prices start at £6 for a dorm bed, and around £25 for your own space. £25!! Why wouldn't you go. Rooms are perfectly fine for sleeping and lightly chilling in, but outside you'll find there are plenty of facilities including daily yoga sessions, a pool, and massage and beauty treatments, along with a great all-day vegan café. On-site, there’s a no-smoking or alcohol policy, but Serenity is close to plenty of  bars and restaurants. So you know, recover here, indulge elsewhere. It’s a five-minute walk to the beach, and 20 minutes from the popular shopping and nightlife areas of Seminyak and Kuta. Supremely located and kind on the bank account, the best of all worlds.