There’s no shortage of hotels and resorts in Bali and its tourism and hospitality industries get more competitive each year. It takes a lot to stand out in the crowded pack of picture perfect places to stay on the island, but, according to the travel experts, two new Bali resorts stand out not just as among the hottest on the island but the whole world.
Luxury lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently just published their annual Hot List — which listed the best new hotels, cruises, and itineraries from all over the world. The publication describes their annual list as “the absolute best of the best; the game-changing, boundary pushing, vacation-making openings that are so good, we’re already dreaming about going back”.
Last year, Condé Nast Traveler’s team of editors and contributors went to hundreds of new properties to assess them on everything from their restaurants to their swimming pools to their wi-fi. Out of their final list of 75 hotels and seven cruises in 33 countries, the only two from Indonesia are both in Bali.
Capella Ubud in Gianyar Regency is a luxury tent-style accommodation (think “glamping”) nestled in the middle of the lush green forests of the Keliki Valley. Designed by Bali and Bangkok-based architect Bill Bensley, the resort is inspired by early 19th century and the era of spice-trade explorers. A one-night stay in one of their sumptuous tents starts at around $1,345.
Moving towards the south, Six Senses Uluwatu in Badung Regency is located on the top of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Condé Nast Traveler mentioned that it’s the only hotel in Bali with a Certificate of Sustainability, earned through eco-friendly practices such as composting food, recycling grey water, and growing its own organic produce.
The resort’s spa pavilion provides Balinese-inspired treatments using herbs grown in the aforementioned organic garden, making it a destination stay for those planning a wellness trip. One-bedroom villas at Six Senses Uluwatu start at $850 per night.
Beyond Bali, other luxury accommodations in Asia that made the list are the Datai Langkawi in Malaysia, Joali in Maldives, Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia, and the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai in China.
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