Updated July 28, 2025

Bali is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations. Every visitor has a reason to go to Bali, whether it’s for relaxing on the beach or exploring spirituality. The best thing about Bali, however, is that accommodations are plentiful and diverse, especially when it comes to finding the most opulent full-service private villas on the island. If you’re in the market for luxurious accommodations, Bali can give you the best choices available.

Related article: 5 Reasons Why Bali is the Perfect Wellness Retreat Destination

The Best Places to Stay in Bali

Guests who visit Bali need to choose their destination carefully to ensure that they get the most out of their Balinese vacation. Things that come into play when choosing a place to stay include the distances to beaches, restaurants, bars, and even select tourist attractions. The best places to stay in, however, come from the most popular choices of visitors regardless of Bali’s infamous traffic and relative locations to tourist hotspots. 

1. Seminyak

Image: The Villa Noku beachfront provides a front-row view of the surf breaks. 

Tranquil beaches, luxurious resorts, and elegant beach clubs make Seminyak a sought after destination. Over the past ten years, it has undergone extensive development in resorts and tourist attractions. The area is located on the west coast of Bali, where guests can enjoy scenic sunset views from beachfront restaurants and clubs. The beach itself is a 3-kilometer expanse of white sand, with one of the island’s most popular surf breaks and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. 

2. Ubud

Image: A scenic rice terrace in Ubud. 

Known to many as the vibrant arts and culture center of Bali, Ubud offers travelers a slice of authentic Balinese life. Ubud Village is 38 kilometers from the international airport, or about an hour drive because of its terrain.  The area is located in the central highlands of Bali and is known for its diverse mix of activities and attractions, from temples and volcanic plateaus to traditional rice terraces and excellent wellness retreats. 

3. Canggu

Image: The aerial view of Villa Bogor in Canggu. 

Canggu is popular for its long line of beaches and waves for surfers of all levels. The clear and surf-friendly waters have made Canggu a top spot for people looking for a memorable surfing experience. While not all villas in Canggu are located on the beachfront, many of them are still within the neighborhood and located a short drive away, the better to enjoy the area’s beach clubs, coffee shops, and restaurants.

4. Kuta

Image: A good place for lounging by the beach at Kuta. 

Nestled along the beautiful coastline of the Bali isthmus, Kuta is without a doubt the island’s party capital. Travelers here can expect a lively social whirlwind in the many beach clubs, bars, and restaurants that Kuta Beach is famous for, but there’s a little more to Kuta Beach than just the nightlife and the surfing. It also hosts the biggest waterpark in Southeast Asia, some of the world’s popular surfing destinations, and the quintessential tropical beaches.

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5. Nusa Dua

Image: The stunning infinity pool with a view at Villa Grand Cliff Nusa Dua. 

On the beautiful Bukit Peninsula of Southern Bali, Nusa Dua features beaches with glorious golden sand and warm, deep water for swimming. The Nusa Dua area is known for its exclusive resorts and luxury villas that offer every convenience within reach, from water sports to fine-dining restaurants. 

6. Sanur

Image: A shot of the sunrise in Sanur. 

One of the traditional tourist destinations in Bali, Sanur is the best place guests seeking utmost relaxation and tranquility. The beach is generally quiet and uncrowded. Visitors who are up early enjoy the stunning sunrise, and can have a good choice of activities from a number of luxurious day spas, fashion boutiques and local art and craft galleries in the area.

7. Cemagi

Image: The gateway from the pool to the beach at  Villa Semarapura in Cemagi.

Further out into Bali’s southwestern coast and a good distance away from the hotspots of Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta, Cemagi is a tranquil location known for its black sand and relaxed atmosphere. Stepping into Cemagi feels like stepping back in time to a moment when Bali was less crowded and overwhelmed by tourists. For those looking to go back further in time, Cemagi also acts as a nearby home base for the dive sites on the northern coast.

8. Uluwatu

Image: A view of the beach from the cliffs of Uluwatu. 

Known among visitors for its surfing breaks, the Uluwatu area is also known for its laid-back charm. While many properties and accommodations are located on the cliffs instead of by the beach, it is still worth exploring as a place to stay. Upscale restaurants, beach clubs, and bars have set up shop here, making it an ideal area for romantic dates or just letting time pass by. And don’t forget about Uluwatu Temple, where you can also watch the kecak dance at sunset.

Related article: Top 6 Temples to Visit in Bali, Indonesia

Explore The Best Places to Stay in Bali

The best places in Bali don’t always have to do with closeness to tourist attractions, cultural enclaves or entertainment hotspots. Popular villas in places like Seminyak and Canggu will always be popular with a younger and more active crowd, but those who seek peace and tranquility on the Island of Gods will often choose the rentals that are as far away from the action as possible, the better to experience relative peace and quiet.

In the end, the best place to stay in Bali is always the one that needs your specific interests and meets requirements for a fulfilling vacation. If you’re planning on visiting Bali soon, get in touch with our Reservations specialists and find the villa that’s right for you.

Need ideas for your vacation? Consult our Bali Travel Guide.

Image source: depositphotos.com