For those willing to take the road less travelled, this underdog getaway is well worth the trip.
There’s a wealth of great getaway options here in Bali waiting to receive eager holidaymakers. There’s just one catch. With so many people already flocking up and down on the island to visit those perennially popular go-to destinations, you may be having a tough time finding any availability in the future.
But even if you’ve been a little slow off the blocks arranging your next trip, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still great breaks out there if you know where to look. You can experience an amazing vacation without the booking bunfight by travelling “outside” the south coast of Bali.
East Bali
The combination of black sand beaches, spill-down mountains, gigantic volcanoes, ancient temples and lush rice terraces, Eastern Bali is a world in itself. There are loads of places to explore in the eastern part of the island. Starting in the main road of Ida Bagus Mantra, your long drive will be entertained by natural sensations of the volcanic mountains and crystalline beaches. Here, you can also absorb the traditional lifestyle in the typical Balinese villages.
West Bali
Those who are in search for peace and pure, consider settling in West Bali. In the west, there is hardly any tourism, except for a few spots like Tanah Lot Temple. The rest of West Bali is still relatively unknown and mysterious. Living here is not an extended holiday. It means dealing with local rules and values. Also, just like in North Bali (see North Bali article) it is important to adopt a mindset living day by day and taking life as it is. People do their daily activities tranquil, slow and relaxed here. What doesn’t come today, will come tomorrow.
North Bali
For culture, traditional villages and the peaceful and tranquil setting, consider settling in the north of Bali. The lifestyle in the north is quite simple, so don’t expect smoothie bowls and sushi but local specialities and lots of nature. The atmosphere here is warm, welcoming, relaxed and carefree. The people are warm. Because the Balinese culture is located even deeper here than in the south, there are several cultural things to take into account. Life is the way it is and you have to be able to improvise well. This is because there is no planning and people live here day by day. Problems are approached, viewed and solved differently. Not everything has to be solved by the minute and there is rarely rush or stress.
Via the narrow roads through mountains and villages, you reach beautiful natural beauty. The black beaches, rainforests and waterfalls are a feast for the eyes. Between the rice fields and greenery, impressive archaeological remains and temples with stone carvings can be admired. What dominates here is space and tranquillity. Wherever you go there are beaches and mountains to be admired almost everywhere. Nature clearly prevails here.
Our Recommendation of Places to Stay (Alphabetical Order)
Alaya Resort Ubud
With 106 luxurious rooms, Alaya Resort Ubud is a sanctuary of serenity and sophistication in the culturally charged village of Ubud. It has been built with rare sensitivity towards the surrounding environment and shares its rice terrace views with a number of the communities’ local independent cafes and eateries, including the neighbouring Bebek Bengil restaurant and Monkey Forest. As part of Ubud’s evolving hospitality scene, the exotic boutique property offers guests a stylish place to stay that reflects Ubud’s and Bali’s unique artistry. A number of Bali’s most respected and talented designers have collaborated to create this elegant hotel with a distinct sense of belonging.
For relaxation, DaLa Spa at Alaya Ubud was designed to take the experience of Balinese relaxation to the next level in a serene setting that is sensitive to the surrounding environment. The spa lies next to a productive rice terrace and overlooks a small flowing river edged by native trees and tropical flora. It is a dedicated space for personal indulgence where age-old Indonesian healing and beauty traditions are put into practice to recharge the body, mind and spirit.
Amarta Beach Retreat
For the beachfront stay of your aspirations, Amarta Beach Retreat welcomes you. A boutique establishment at heart, this Bali accommodation is perfect for weddings, honeymoons, personal holidays and even day trips to the spa. Just steps from the unparalleled Pasut Beach—a black sand paradise that’s worth every photo—you’re smack dab in the middle of a magical adventure. With an emphasis on the local community just as much as every guest that comes to stay, this Nakula facility is a holistic approach to tropical accommodation. This beach retreat honours Bali in every aspect, from the villas to the spa and everywhere in between.
Amarta Beach Retreat, a Nakula destination, features a collection of private villas suited to a number of palates. The Ocean Villa, Garden Suite, Garden Villa and Sasana Ocean Deluxe are all available for the holidaymaker in you. All rooms are well equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay in touch with your loved ones back home as you embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Whatever configuration you elect, you can savour a romantic yet understated environment within the walls of your own private space. From the bed to the balcony, a homey locale awaits.
The property at Amarta Beach Retreat extends far beyond your personal accommodation. Guests are welcome to join in on the fun at the outdoor infinity pool, which is open year-round. You can find a place to lie down amidst the private beach area, without having to worry about who’s coming and going. If you’re seeking a place to practice the art of R&R, take your pick of the garden, terrace or any of the outdoor lounging areas meant just for that. Should you need assistance at any of our outdoor facilities, just hop on over to the front desk, which is open 24 hours for the sake of our guests.
Amarta Beach Retreat by Nakula is proud to offer a range of indoor facilities. Reward yourself with a facial at the spa, or treat yourself and your significant other to an expert couples massage at the wellness centre. Take advantage of the beachfront restaurant after your day of exploration, or stop by the cafe for a croissant and some coffee before heading toward a novel destination. It doesn’t matter which indoor area you wind up frequenting; what matters is that you take advantage of all Amarta Beach Retreat has to offer.
www.nakula.com/properties/amarta-beach-retreat
Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud
Blue Karma’s Ethic, Ethnic touch can be felt from the very moment you enter their Nestling Escape. Inspired by Alexa Aguila Genoyer’s travels, her artistic touch is discovered as soon as you step into the lobby and translates through her colourful paintings in contrast with the natural local materials, such as teak and lava stone. She has succeeded in creating a very special ambience that makes modernity serve tradition nestled into the abundant greenery.
Hidden in the hillside at a place where heaven and earth blissfully meet, their joglo-style suites have been carefully crafted from Javanese wood, making your stay ethnic and luxurious. Each suite is individual, yet all as charming as the next. Having views of the tropical jungle, abundant rice paddies and a stunning infinity pool; makes your retreat in Ubud worth spending.
For the culinary journey, you can indulge in globally inspired fare and wellness cuisine at the Botanist Restaurant. Their innovative chef sources local ingredients and superfoods (Moringa) to create divine dishes for all meals of the day. Speciality dishes include health-boosting moringa and matcha creations, along with additional offerings from the land and sea.
To offer you the time and space to reconnect with your inner self and disconnect from the outside world, their Sarang Yoga Shala comes with retreat packages, such as Hatha Yoga/ Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga/ Yoga Nidra, Meditation or Healing, and Young Yogis Class. You can also pamper in the treatment room or experience outdoor massage under a gazebo at Flying Bamboo Spa. It offers body and facial treatments, special body massage (Balinese & Hot stone massage), foot reflexology and Colonic treatment.
www.dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/bluekarmaubud
Honai Resort
Honai Resort in central Ubud, Bali, is inspired by the elliptical tribal houses of Papua, the westernmost island of Indonesia. The founder of Honai believes that culture can provide a positive impact on the environment and an educational experience for visitors. Yet many will ask why Papua-style houses are built in an area that has a strong Balinese cultural background, as in Ubud. The answer is that Bali is a hub of many cultures, including India, by way of ancient Java, and China. In this spirit of cultural blending, the Honai Resort draws its inspiration from Papua.
The resort has 12 spacious rooms, 55-meters square. There is also a yoga studio that can accommodate up to 40 people, with experienced instructors. Its view overlooking paddy fields makes it a peaceful venue for practising yoga. The Honai Resort spa, with expert therapists, offers treatments with natural products. The restaurant serves a menu of vegetarian options. Honai Resort, a unique wellness retreat, is a great option for people who want to enjoy Ubud from a different angle.
Mathis Retreat Ubud
At the heart of the Balinese ricefields, Mathis Retreat offers its guests an original and different escape. An ideal address to associate with a stay at Villa Mathis, less than an hour from Ubud, towards the sea and at Mathis Lodge in Amed, East Bali. On the principle of Secret Retreats accommodations in Asia, Mathis Retreat offers a concept of intimate and unique hotel in Ubud, making the property an original and authentic vision of Balinese luxury.
All 21 rooms and bungalows, encased in lush tropical vegetation, are decorated and arranged for your comfort, mixing modernity and Balinese tradition for the pleasure of the eyes. Large bedrooms and living rooms have been created for your relaxation, all equipped with air conditioning, with an area of between 40 and50 m2, king or queen size bed (twins on request), sofa with terrace for the bedrooms or garden private for bungalows, full bathroom with bath and shower.
Overlooking the surrounding ricefields paradise, Their Terracotta restaurant offers a traditional cuisine, using natural, local and original products. Surprise for the taste buds, feast for the eyes – unless it be the opposite! – Terracotta enchant you with a pure Balinese cuisine subtly adapted an advanced international flavors.
www.dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/mathisretreatubud
Mathis Lodge Amed
AMED is renowned for its local and relaxed atmosphere and its crystal clear waters suitable for swimming, snorkeling or diving. Mathis Lodge has decided to take the height by overlooking this whole area at more than 400 m above sea level, this place is a must see if you come to Bali as the view, the setting and the decoration of this unique place will remain you never engraved in your memories.
Made up of 20 individual lodges spread over the 2 hectares of the property, some lodges are equipped with an outdoor jacuzzi or an infinity pool, to keep you refreshed at all times. The larger ones can accommodate a family of 4 in complete comfort. The refined decoration style takes us into an ethnic atmosphere of East Indonesia between Papua, Sumba or Sumbawa. The materials used are mostly natural between stone, wood, straw and tropical plants. The comfort and interior fittings contrast with the exterior and its surroundings – the bedding is worthy of a large luxury hotel, the bathroom products are 100% natural. The terraces are furnished with a large sofa and a king size day bed in the shade to take full advantage of the exceptional view from the property. A broadband fiber optic wifi is available in the rooms and in the common areas.
With a breathtaking view and a panoramic bar overlooking the property, their ASMAT restaurant will welcome you to start your evening under the best possible auspices. Mathis Lodge is one of the leading Boutique Hotels on the island due to its exceptional environment. From the lodge, many activities are possible, from a short walk in the surrounding mountains to excursions with a driver and an experienced guide. Discovery Packages, including hotel nights and excursions, will allow you to shine on the island while discovering at your leisure our properties of Umalas, Ubud, and Amed.
www.dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/mathislodgeamed
Rumah Luwih Beach Resort
If you happen to be an architecture lover, this property is a beachfront luxury colonial resort you’ll surely don’t want to miss. Rumah Luwih is magnificently styled after a classic colonial Indonesian mansion. Through architecture and its interior design, the resort invites each guest to immerse in every detail that makes it a unique residential ambiance. Be it a pattern, detail, furniture selection or antiques, there is almost no bare and plain walls and space – every spot has been thoughtfully adorned with those elements combined empty space to create the harmony. It is a pleasure for the eyes, indeed! Add to all of these the beachfront location, allowing you to feel the black sands on your feet, just a few steps away from your room’s door.
Wapa Di Ume Sidemen
This resort will let you experience the beautiful Bali’s natural resources through the exquisiteness of amenities, food and breathtaking scenery. Discovering native culture and environment while relaxing is definitely the most rewarding treat that you can give to yourself and your loved ones. There are a lot of benefits that you can get from nature that technology and city life cannot provide, especially on your weary body. If you are looking for a place that can give you extreme rejuvenation, this has got to be a place where divine tranquillity resides. A place where the green field grow. A place where a lot of excitement and adventure awaits.
In honour to the resort 2nd anniversary, they have launched ‘Kampung Experience’ package where you can embrace the true village-life experience. This package offers a journey of mystery, excitement and healing! Starting from IDR 2.000.000 Net for 2 nights stay at Lanai Room, you can get daily breakfast at a traditional market, 1x set lunch, dinner credit, one hour Balinese massage and faily afternoon tea by the river.
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