
“Life, religion and art all converge in Bali. They have no word in their language for ‘artist’ or ‘art.’ Everyone is an artist,” Anais Nin once wrote about Bali. Rich with cultural traditions—music, dance, craftsmen, art, temples—it is no surprise a vibrant community of artists and designers have also taken up residence here. Add gorgeous mountain landscapes, crystal clear waterfalls and lakes and and world-class resorts with a focus on wellness and you are truly in another world here. Eat, pray, love, repeat.
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Perfect forAdventurers | Romantics | Soul Searchers | Ultimate Indulgers
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When to goMarch-May | June-August | September-November
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Ideal length of stay1 Week
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
One Week: Essential Bali
Though Bali’s incredible resorts make it tempting to just stay put, there’s lots to discover on this culturally rich island, and Indagare can plan a customized itinerary that includes time for both relaxing and special-access exploring. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Days 1-2: Ubud
Arguably Bali’s most charming city, Ubud also remains the central hunting ground for the island’s best handicrafts. The countryside around Ubud is home to pretty, local farms set amid rice paddies—for a taste of the setting, hike Campuhan Ridge in the early morning. Another early-morning hike option is to the top of the still-active Batur Volcano to see the sunrise over the surrounding landscape and lake. After your hike, explore the temple of Pura Ulun Danu, once housed within the huge crater but relocated after the 1917 eruption.
Days 3-5: Uluwatu
With some of Bali’s most spectacular beaches, Uluwatu is also home to the excellent surf breaks and Indagare can book expeditions through our preferred surf school. Alternately, a day at Finn’s Beach Club starts with sunbeds and watersports and ends with bonfires and sunset cocktails come evening. The 11th-century temple of Uluwatu perches over the edge of cliffs with the emerald blue ocean sitting beyond. A day trip to one of the islands off the coast, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, is a must for snorkeling and diving aficionados.
Days 6-8: Sumba Island
As the only resort on the entirely undeveloped island of Sumba, Nihi sits on 560 acres of unspoiled natural land, including 1.5 miles of gorgeous and wild private beach. Originally built as a collection of rustic bungalows for surfers lured by its globally coveted, exclusive wave break, the property has since transformed into a luxurious, villa-style resort that doesn’t sacrifice its deep connection to—and protection of—the local community.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special perks, including upgrades, early check-in, spa credits, and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
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Alila Villas Uluwatu
For more evidence that eco-friendly can also be architecturally jaw-dropping, book a stay at Alila Uluwatu’s installation-worthy resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- One Bedroom Pool Villa. Courtesy COMO Shambhala EstateRead More
COMO Shambhala Estate
No matter how you picture this twenty-two bedroom property before you arrive, Ubud’s COMO Shambhala Estate will leave you speechless.
- Courtesy Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveRead More
Mandapa
The latest addition to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection of properties (to which Puerto Rico’s Dorado Beach and Thailand’s Phulay Bay also belong), Mandapa is a great option for families who would like to stay in Ubud and appreciate a full-service...
- Photo by Ken Seet, courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and ResortsRead More
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
While lacking the Balinese sense of place that the Como Shambhala Estate and Amandari offer, this Four Seasons is a fantastic Ubud area resort option for families with children.
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Amandari
Perched on the edge of a river gorge just outside of Ubud, Amandari was inspired by the layout of a traditional Balinese village, with river-stone walkways, thatched public spaces and high stone walls.