Beyond the resort: A guide to the personalised luxury of Balinese villas

Right in the heart of Seminyak lies the traditionally designed Villa Shantika. Featuring an open-concept flow, the indoors and outdoors blend between one another, the ceilings soar complete with a mezzanine level ideal for lazy afternoons spent buried in a book, and the freestanding terrazzo tub is primed for relaxing.

Reasons to stay:

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Private pool right outside the living room
• Expansive alfresco poolside area

Featuring private balconies on each of the two bedrooms, a glistening private pool and a fully equipped kitchen – ideal for those who unwind working over the stove – Swan Villa is luxurious but isn’t boastful about it. Spend the afternoon taking it easy poolside before heading to one of the Petitenget district’s vibrant eateries.

Reasons to stay:

• Private pool
• Air conditioning
• Fully equipped kitchen

Luxury villa in Canggu

Opening its doors this year, Villa Chagall seamlessly blends contemporary charm with traditional Balinese design elements, evident in its furnishings and finer details. With daily housekeeping, pool maintenance, and concierge services, you can fully immerse yourself in relaxation, whether it’s at the beach or a yoga studio.

Reasons to stay:

• Air conditioning
• Private pool
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Garden

After a day exploring Canggu’s eclectic streets, filled with organic eateries, yoga studios, and beach clubs, retreat to the stylish haven of Blueview. This contemporary stay, nestled in the town center, seamlessly blends natural elements of stone, grass, and wood in its open plan design.

Reasons to stay:

• Air conditioning
• Private pool
• Private shower in each bedroom

Luxury villas in Uluwatu

This clifftop jigsaw puzzle of striking Modernist architecture – perched 100m above the Indian Ocean – houses 65 villas on the southern tip of Bali. Each has its own pool and cabana, but guests also gather at the 50-metre pool with views across the ocean, at the yoga pavilion and in the four restaurants.

Reasons to stay:

• Two swimming pools
• Fitness centre
• Spa and wellness centre

Luxury villa in Ubud

Although a resort also offering rooms and suites, Mandapa by Ritz-Carlton Reserve also have a luxe offering of private villas to escape to – with each being individually decorated. With a pillowtop bed dressed with Frette Italian sheets, you’re set to slumber oh so soundly.

Reasons to stay:

• Full service spa
• 24-hour fitness centre
• Outdoor pool
• Three restaurants

Luxury villa in Jimbaran

Expect massages, flower baths, 24-hour butler service and a sunset reservations at one of the resort’s 19 restaurants during stays at its 78 one-and-two-bedroom villas on the clifftop of Jimbaran Bay. Many of the “resort within a resort’s” villas across the 222-acre property have ocean views; all have private pools.

Reasons to stay:

• 19 restaurants
• 12 pools
• Spa at Ayana
• Gym
• Shopping arcade

Luxury villa in Umulas

A short drive from Canggu and Seminyak, contemporary Villa Levante, designed by Bali-based Biombo Architects, offers a unique luxury experience. The villa boasts an indoor-outdoor tropical garden, a swimming pool bisected by a bridge, soaring ceilings, and a sunken lounge.

Reasons to stay:

• Private pool and hot tub
• Dedicated workspace
• Kitchen

What is the best area to stay in Bali?

Ubud, often described as Bali’s cultural heart offers lush landscapes, spiritual retreats, sacred temples and artistic pursuits; whereas Seminyak provides high-end shopping and vibrant nightlife along some pretty pristine beaches. Canggu caters to surfers and digital nomads with trendy cafes and bohemian atmos while Uluwatu, perched on a limestome clifftop, offers dramatic scenery and world-class surf breaks. These are just a few of Bali’s famed regions, so you’re pretty spoilt for choice.