The Ultimate Guide to Bali Accommodation

. Where should you stay in Bali?

Congratulations, you’ve made the decision to come on holiday to Bali! It’s a great choice, whatever your needs. And we can take the slog out of the research. We will help you choose the best location and the best Bali accommodation to fit you perfectly.

Chic Seminyak

First up, Seminyak. If you want glamour, class, and a little pizzazz on your holiday, Seminyak is your best bet. It is, after all, the home of chic restaurants, upmarket stores, famous beach clubs (we love Potato Head and Kudeta), and chic nightlife (catch me at Champagne Bar). Seminyak is perfect for all you sophisticates.

Gourmet dinners, rooftop sunset cocktails, spa packages – your life of luxury awaits. If you stay here you can choose from high end all inclusive hotels or you can rent your dream villa with staff on hand to tend to your every need.

Chilled out Canggu

Looking for something a little more chilled, a little more laid back? Why not consider Canggu? You love the surf scene? See yourself as a bit of a hipster, a bit of a yogi? Want to gaze out at rice fields or waves or street art while you tuck into a vegan feast? This is your motherland.

Don’t discount it either if you’re travelling with kids: Canggu is also pretty great for families with its relaxed vibe. Canggu is all about the chill, but it’s not just relaxed beach bars. The night life is really taking off here with a few great lively options for partying all night long.

Canggu accommodation centres on boutique villas, with a great choice of different styles, sizes, and prices. Eco-friendly, kid-friendly, luxurious, or value for money, you can find it all here.

Undiscovered Umalas

If you’re having trouble deciding between Seminyak and Canggu, let me throw another option into the mix – Umalas. Never heard of it? Well, that’s its beauty. An undiscovered gem for tourists but quite known within the expat community, Umalas nestles in between Canggu and Seminyak.

If you want to escape from it all, while still having easy access to cosmopolitan Seminyak and cool Canggu, Umalas is well worth considering. It’s still home to swathes of green rice fields. It’s a quiet, calm oasis – with more and more great eateries appearing by the week.

Arty Ubud

If you’re looking for Bali accommodation, there’s no way you haven’t already thought about Ubud. Bali’s spiritual center is filled with temples, art, jungles, rice fields, health food cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and yoga studios. Want to find yourself? Hoping to absorb art or learn your yoga craft? Longing to explore jungle or pump up your adrenaline with white water rafting? Ubud is well worth your consideration.

Relaxing Sanur

Or how about Sanur? Relaxed and off the beaten track, this beach resort is perfect for families or for those looking for a slower-paced holiday. Packed with charming laid-back restaurants clustered around a long golden beach, this is a great place for an oceanside holiday with its safe swimming and calm waters. It’s also the perfect spot for taking trips to Nusa Lembongan and the Gilis – fast boats leave directly from here.

Stunning Bukit

Last but not least, we suggest you take a look at Bukit. This is a dream destination for everyone from surfers to honeymooners. The Bukit peninsula is in the south of Bali.  It features ancient Hindu temples (don’t miss the kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple but please don’t feed the monkeys, this is an action that has consequences…), stunning white sand beaches, clifftop views, exclusive beach clubs, amazing surf with challenging waves that can really test your surf skills, quiet villages and luxury resorts.

This is one of the least developed parts of Bali (although it has developed a lot the last two years). Bear in mind that if you stay here, you won’t have access to the range of shops and eateries you would find if you stayed in Seminyak or Canggu. Accommodation here is all about luxury hotels and resorts.

What sort of Bali accommodation should you go for?

Entertaining a group in Canggu – both in and out the villa: Tara, Cassia or Lotus villas

Are you a big group looking for a special celebration or just for a fun break with friends and/or family? We’d really recommend you consider one of our larger Bali accommodation properties with their own entertainment facilities located in Canggu.

Tara, Cassia and Lotus can be rented separately or in any combination and offer some great extras if partying is your intent. Tara and Cassia both have a hidden secret. Downstairs there’s an entertainment room tucked away. This is for free if you rent Tara and at an extra cost if you rent Cassia.

This is a real prize: the entertainment rooms have a private bar, smart flat screen TVs with Netflix and satellite channels, a sound system and a home cinema – and in Cassia there’s also DJ equipment and disco lights and, if you wish, a live DJ available to rent. On top of this, both Tara and Cassia have karaoke facilities. Lotus has an upstairs terrace with a 2nd outdoor living room!

Best of all however, is that all the entertainment rooms have soundproofing. This is a real bonus in Canggu, where villas have to turn off their music systems at 11pm as this is considered a residential area. Not you! You can continue to party on in your special sound proofed room, disturbing no-one. So get your loved ones together and have a truly fun night to remember.

Don’t forget, we can help with your party planning should you want catering, DJ hire, decorations or anything else. Oh, and these villas also have a few other little things you might enjoy – large private pools with sunken bar areas, outdoor dining, a chef…

Exploring beyond your villa

And when your group of fun loving friends grows tired of partying at home, you have Canggu as your playground. Perfect! There’s a whole world of cool places to try, but Old Man’s is an absolute must: stalwart of the Canggu beach bar scene, this is the perfect laid back venue for a sunset beer.

Fancy turning things up a notch? Canggu is also home to Bali’s biggest beach club. Finn’s welcomes some of the world’s best DJs.  It also has 9 bars, countless restaurants and four pools. And floodlit surfing. Don’t go to the bar until after that one. If it’s a Friday, you’ve got to head to Black Sand Brewery to mingle with the hipster crowd of Canggu. Follow it up with dancing till the early hours at Sand Bar.

Nirvana and chill in Pereranan: Sound of the Sea Villa

Maybe your dreams of Bali are more about finding true inner serenity, indulging in yoga in peace by the sea, followed by quiet dinners on the beach and a cocktail or two in your jacuzzi. If so, you need to check out our Sound of the Sea Villa.

This is one of my personal favourites among all the Bali accommodation. Located right by the beach in Pereranan (pantai Lima to be exact), on the edge of Canggu, it’s the best of both worlds. You have a real sense of escape here, but if you want a slice of the action, it’s still only a short drive or bike ride away.

Sound of the Sea Villa is so close to the sea that you can hear the waves crashing on the shore from your ocean-view living room. It’s perfect for all you yogis. It has its own yoga space floating on a pond – the absolute best way to get in tune with yourself. The space can also be used for in-house massages.

There’s a private pool – and a childrens’ pool too if you’re bringing the kids – and a jacuzzi (with unheated water). If you’re feeling a little more lively, there’s a tennis court, plus you’re right by a beach with world class surfing – contact us if you’re interested in surfing lessons and we can help you with that too.

Exploring beyong your Perenanan villa

And when you’ve had enough of your own company, hop on a bike and cycle 10-15 minutes to Batu Bolong and Echo Beach to hang out at boho beachclub La Brisa or treat yourself to a steam/sauna/ice plunge circuit at Amo. Plus you can’t miss wandering around Perenanan itself – with its black sand beaches, rice fields and temple.

It’s a beautiful place to explore – and there are some great new eateries popping up too, like Baked or Honey Kitchen for brunch and Shelter for a special dinner and cocktails. This truly is the unspoiled side of Bali – but with all your luxuries and conveniences within easy reach.

Tired of Canggu’s crowds? Find your oasis with easy access to excitement at Ambalama 7bed

Escape the crowds of Canggu and live it up at Cemagi beach in Ambalama, a 7bed villa set in 5,900m2 of lush tropical gardens. Enter through the charming bridge over the cobblestone pond, and let the kids run freely through the ultra-large grass area before they jump into the pool – there’s a shallow kids’ pool for the younger children.

As for you, how about starting your day with a rejuvenating sunrise yoga session in this picturesque outdoor space? Or for the less energetic, step out onto your private balcony and enjoy your morning coffee. Swim laps of the 25m pool or simply lounge on the pool chairs, soaking up the sun. The pool area also leads out to a huge garden, providing endless space for you and your loved ones to explore.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The sprawling grass area can also transform into the most magical setting for dinner parties, events, or even a dreamy wedding.

And when your day’s done, head up to the rooftop lounge to sip on the best Martini in town as you watch the sunset.

Work and play from your dream home in Berawa

Calling all digital nomads! Looking for the next place to base yourself? Want something modern with easy access to all you need for daily life, plus super reliable internet and a usable home office in a location that you love?

We’ve got a few suggestions that could work perfectly for you, all located in central Berawa, within walking distance of some amazing restaurants and cafes, a great Western style supermarket, and a park that’s perfect for your morning jog before the sun gets too much. Hop on a scooter and in a few moments you’ll be at the beach where you’ll find some of the best beach clubs in Bali. Sound like your kind of lifestyle?

Cruz, Under The Sun, Soho and Verde 4bed villas

In the centre of Berawa lie our four brand new villas that are ideally suited as a home from home for those of you travelling and remote working. Cruz, Under The Sun, Soho and Verde are all four bedroom villas in the same complex, just a few minute’s walk from some of our favourite brunch-to-dinner spots such as Nude and Cinta Café.

Modern and built to exacting Western standards, all four villas are bathed in light from the massive feature windows and include comfortable sofas, flat screen smart TVs, AC, office space in each bedroom, ultra modern kitchens and luxury bathrooms, making your day to day life seamless and luxurious.

The bedrooms are super comfy, with high quality mattresses, Egyptian cotton linen and 100% goosedown pillows. And there’s some wonderful extras too – each villa has a private pool with sunloungers and a barbecue area.

Chill and pamper in beachside Berawa:

Jumah 4bed villa

If you’re a small-medium group after Bali accommodation that offers a more chilled experience, take a look at Jumah 4bed villa in Berawa, which sleeps a total of 8 people. Located close to the beach and nestled in beautifully tended, restful gardens, Jumah is a light-filled sanctuary, with luxuries like a 20m pool and a cinema room to ensure you feel pampered.

A ten-minute walk will find you on the beach, where you can walk or run right the way up the coast to Batubolong beach, or even further. And if you’re feeling a bit more lively, Finns Beach Club and Atlas Beach Fest are also within easy walking distance.

318 Canggu 5bed villa

If you want plenty of space to relax in a luxury villa right by the beach, you need to try our 318 Canggu villa. Set on 1.400m2 of land; this villa boasts a 9*4 private pool, a large garden, and a selection of perfect spots to chill, including a pool club lounge and two outdoor terraces furnished with all the comfy sofas you could ever need.

Fun for all the family in Canggu and Seminyak

If you’ve been searching for Bali accommodation that’s expansive enough for your whole extended family, you’ll know that it’s pretty slim pickings. However, we’ve got some great solutions for you, even if you’re bringing 15 cousins, the in-laws and a couple of great aunts along for the ride.

Sally 17bed villa complex

First up, whatever the size of your group, you might want to take a look at our Sally complex. You can rent out the whole complex – that’s a grand total of 17 bedrooms – or you can rent out various combinations of villas within the complex to suit the specific needs of your family.

If you’re bringing everyone along, the whole complex can sleep 34, and that’s across 9 villas, each with its own pool. What this means is that you can be together as a group, but you can also have your own space and privacy.

The villas within the complex include 1, 2 3 and 4 bed options so you can configure this to suit your group’s needs. The 4bed Imperial House is the jewel in the crown here, with views out over the rice fields, an enormous pool, and a home cinema.

Exploring beyong your Berawa villa

What’s more, this villa complex is right in Berawa, so you’ve got everything to hand that your family might need or desire. It’s definitely worth bearing in mind that Berawa is a kid-friendly sort of a neighbourhood – you’ve got Finns Recreation Club with a huge water park, kid’s club and bowling centre. You’ve got affordable local style eatery Made’s Warung with its huge playground. Milk ‘n Madu also has yummy pizzas, live music at least once a week and a cool playground. Do try the brand new Tiny cafe with its eco-friendly playground and its healthy food choices.

Tangram and Abakoi 6bed villas

If your family prefers more of a Seminyak vibe, take a peek at our Tangram and Abakoi interconnected villas which, when combined, have 12 bedrooms and fit 30 people – of course, you can also rent them separately if your group is smaller.

Each of the villas here features a family room with two bunkbeds that fits 4 to 6 people, ideal if you have small children you’d like to have sleeping in the same room with you. One of the family rooms is also interconnected with a twin room, if you also have older children who want some independence – but not too much. It’s not just about the family friendly sleeping arrangements either – this pair of villas also gives you two 16 metre pools for the kids to play in – and beautifully tended gardens with sun loungers and gazebos perfect for getting a massage for the adults.

And if you want a break, just get in touch and we can arrange a babysitting service for you. There’s also a free crib and high chair. Plus there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area – the whole family will enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, and there’s every kind of eatery you can imagine, from inexpensive local style buffets to high end gastronomy. And for the young adults in your group there’s a truly vibrant night life with clubs and bars open until the early hours.

Fun for all the family in Berawa – and fun for your wallet too: Amore 16bed villa complex

Perhaps you need a large villa for your group but you don’t want to pay for ultra-luxury? We’d suggest looking at Amore, a great villa that accommodates up to 16 people – but for a good price.

Amore offers plenty of space for your group to feel relaxed and not standing on each other’s toes. It’s comprised of four 4bed villas with four pools and generous living and dining spaces. It may not have a home cinema (it does have smart flatscreen TVs with Netflix), but it has everything you need. It’s even got a mini spa area with one massage bed per villa (so multiply times 4).

What’s more it’s right in the heart of Berawa, with a fabulous array of cafes and shopping on your doorstep. We’re also throwing in a shuttle bus service right into Canggu!

Having it all – under one roof!

Whether you’re holidaying with a big group of friends and family or whether you’re organizing a group event or retreat, you might want to consider one of our “all inclusive” options – large villas with a whole host of entertainment options all on site. Cinema, gym, wine cellar – you name it, we’ve got a villa that can provide what you’re after.

Anam 10bed villa

Let’s head to Seminyak first. This is where you’ll find Anam, a 10bed villa that sleeps up to 25 and that has more amenities than you thought possible. There’s two large pools with sunloungers and a gazebo for shade; there’s a fully equipped gym, and there’s the perfect yoga space located on the rooftop lounge area with a sound system. This is a perfect choice if you want to host a yoga retreat in style and comfort.

For your evening entertainment, there’s even a home cinema and an underground wine cellar, as well as a chef on call (extra cost for lunch or dinner). And if you and your guests want to venture beyond the villa, it’s just two minutes away from Seminyak beach, and from Eat Street, the best place to go for restaurants and night life.

Tiga Puluh 7bed villa

Also in Seminyak we’ve got Tiga Puluh with its enormous 500sqm pavillion, perfect for hosting group activities. The villa has room for 18 guests, with seven bedrooms set around the 20m pool, all with direct pool and garden access.

Lots of open, airy spaces mean that guests can breathe freely, with plenty of room to relax away from others. There’s a chef to help with dinner if need be, but there’s also a great fully equipped kitchen. In the evenings, there’s a dedicated air conditioned TV room with Netflix and DVDs. And of course, you are also in the heart of Seminyak, with all its eateries, beach clubs and nightclubs close at hand.

Naty 6bed villa

Let’s take a trip to Umalas too, where we have 6bed villa Naty. Perfect for hosting a group of up to 12 people, this 2,600 sqm plot features a 25m semi Olympic swimming pool, an air conditioned gym, a trampoline and a yoga space. When you want to get everyone together for fun, there’s also a home cinema room with Netflix, a barbecue pavillion, and a pool table.

And there’s plenty of privacy too – the 6 bedrooms are all set up as separate bungalows, each with their own living room area as well as office space and bathrooms. On top of all that, the villa is fully staffed, with security guard and butler service.

If your guests want to venture outside the villa, Umalas has a growing number of cafes, upscale restaurants and even spas. Try Warung Dua for an inexpensive and authentic Balinese meal, or Nook for a healthy and delicious meal with rice field views.

The Goldilocks villas that truly hit the spot:

Tamantis 9bed villa complex and Marton 3bed villa

I hear you. You’re flicking through these villas. Overly big. Too small. Excessively fancy. Too basic.  Far from all the fun. Too close to all the fun. Where’s that one that is just right? I have it right here. Say hello to Tamantis, a group of 3 villas that are among our most popular – so get in there early because they book up quickly.

Tamantis and Marton are all based in the perfect location of Berawa. They’re a short walk to the beach, they’re close to Finns and Atlas beach clubs yet they’re also in easy walking distance of Berawa’s restaurant scene.

The three Tamantis villas are all identical. They all have 3 bedrooms (each with a bathroom and office space), a private pool, an outdoor living room, dining and kitchenette by the pool and a pool table area. And then to complete the complex, there is Marton – this is also a 3bed villa but with a touch more luxury.

This one also has a private pool, plus it has an entertainment room with a smart TV (in addition to the living room which also has a smart TV), a pool table and multigym equipment. Villa Marton also comes with 2 Finns cards giving you access to the world famous beach club just a stroll away.

Keluarga, Harmony and Cinta 3bed villas

Also in Berawa we have another set of 3bed villas you might want to consider. Keluarga, Harmony and Cinta – you can rent these separately (each houses 6 people) or as a complex (for up to 23 people). These three pretty villas will be going straight on your Insta with their well tended gardens with glorious pools, open air dining, and luxurious bath tubs. Locationwise, you’re golden: Berawa beach is just two minutes away by bike or car, plus you’re close to all the cafes, restaurants and bars that line Berawa street.

Under The Sun 4bed villa Seminyak

How about a Goldilocks villa in Seminyak? We have the perfect choice for you, right in the heart of the action – but still offering peace and quiet. Under The Sun 4bed villa is in the perfect location in central Seminyak. A short walk from all the action, this villa also provides the respite that you need at the end of a busy day. With its newly renovated décor, private pool and comfy beds, you can rest assured that when you’re done with partying, you can come back home and luxuriate in peace, until you’re ready to do it all again tomorrow. And if you’re a big group, you might like to know that we can add two extra beds to this villa for free, making it possible to sleep 10 people in total.

Experience Jimbaran’s best:

Infinity pool, breathtaking 180-degree view, magnificent scenery: Long House 8bed

Imagine a place where the kids can watch their favorite movies in a private home cinema, while you unwind with a game of chess or dive into a good book from the library. Welcome to The Long House – an 8bed villa that’s the ultimate destination for your summer holidays!

The real highlight, however, is the stunning pool area. As you take the elevator to the upper floor, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking infinity pool. Spend your days swimming, soaking up the sun, or heading out a short way to indulge in the thrill of water sports like paragliding, flyboarding, and seawalking. For those seeking deeper restoration, the on-site spa offers a range of indulgent treatments. These range from soothing acupressure to the rejuvenating four-hand massage. Pamper yourself and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalized.

But the true gem of The Long House Villa is its abundance of spaces to unwind and soak in the breathtaking 180-degree views of Jimbaran. You can either choose to lounge by the pool, enjoy a glass of Chardonnay at the fully-equipped bar, or relax in one of the living room areas.

A View to Die For: Tiara Mas 5bed in the stunning scenery of Jimbaran Bay

The Tiara Mas 5bed villa is an absolute gem, with a 180-degree view that will leave you speechless. Imagine waking up to that stunning panorama of Jimbaran Bay every morning – it’s the stuff dreams are made of!

As you enter, the spacious reception area greets you with its traditional Balinese decor. This sets the tone for an immersive cultural experience.

And the amenities are just as impressive. The large private pool overlooking the bay is the perfect spot to soak up the sun. The home cinema room and spa will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Those private balconies in the upstairs bedrooms? Jaw-dropping. And the open-plan dining area by the pool is ideal for hosting unforgettable alfresco meals. Let the fully equipped Western-style kitchen inspire your culinary powers! Or fire up the grill for a delicious barbecue while the kids roam free in the expansive grass area.

So take your pick! Full on luxury? Beach side chilling? Heart of the nightlife action? Whatever you’re looking for, we have the right kind of Bali accommodation to make your holiday just perfect.

To find out about:

What’s new in 2024 in Seminyak click here.

The best villas to stay at in Bali click here.

The Bali Villas of the month click here.

The best private pool villas in Seminyak click here.

The Seminyak hitlist click here.

Grab these villa deals in Seminyak and Canggu quick here.

For luxury villas to fit all budgets and sizes click here.

Large villas in Bali click here.

For more information on Bali family villas during your school summer vacation click here.

Your guide to the best villas in Canggu whatever your needs here.

Things to do in Bali click here.

The 10 must do day trips in Bali click here.

For more informaton on where to stay in Bali click here.