Latest news with #Ubud

Condé Nast Traveler

4 days ago

Condé Nast Traveler

15 Things to Know Before Visiting Bali

When planning your trip to Bali, keep in mind that many shops, restaurants, and businesses may close on sacred days, according to the Hindu calendar. Polina Kuzovkova/Unsplash Know the sacred days Hindu tradition has deep roots in Bali, and the island hosts numerous religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. On these sacred days, many shops, restaurants, and businesses may close, so it's wise to consider this when planning your trip. Even if you're not observing the rituals yourself, visitors are expected to respect local customs and adjust their activities accordingly. While ceremonies are often vibrant and open to observation, visitors should be respectful: Ask permission before taking photos, dress modestly, especially when entering temples, and avoid blocking processions or interrupting rituals. The most significant of these events is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, which will next be observed from March 19 to March 20, 2026. During this 24-hour period, the entire island comes to a complete standstill—airports close, roads are empty, and even internet and broadcast services go offline. Everyone, including tourists, must stay indoors or within resort grounds, keep lights dimmed and curtains drawn at night, and avoid making loud noise. Go beyond Canggu There's so much more to Bali than Canggu and Ubud—or even the well-trodden paths of Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Venture beyond these tourist hotspots and you'll find areas that offer just as much, if not more, in nature and cultural richness without the crowds. Pererenan is Bali's up-and-coming spot, offering laid-back beaches and a food scene that might just be redefining island dining. On the eastern coast, Manggis is ideal for those seeking solace, where big-name brands like Amankila and Alila overlook the Lombok Strait. Further northeast, Amed is known for diving, snorkeling, and volcanic black sand beaches, while Munduk in the highlands is blessed with cool mountain climate, waterfalls, and scenic treks. Just off the mainland, the Nusa Islands—Ceningan, Lembongan, and Penida—offer a different kind of beachside escape with dramatic coastlines and a slower pace that feels worlds away from Bali's bustle. Beware Bali belly For those that haven't heard of 'Bali Belly,' or those who haven't experienced it, consider yourself lucky. Bali Belly is quite real and a common nickname for traveler's diarrhea, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water leading to gastrointestinal distress. It typically resolves in a few days with rest and hydration. You can avoid it by sticking to bottled or boiled water and saying no to iced drinks (unless you can confirm that that ice was made from purified water). Many clinics also provide mobile IV drip services straight to your hotel or villa. There's so much more to Bali than Canggu and Ubud. Travelers would do well to explore the island beyond the usual tourist hot spots. Alexa West/Unsplash Temples, national parks, and some beaches sometimes have official dual pricing, which means tourists do occasionally pay more than locals. Fabio Verhorstert/Unsplash Tourists pay more than locals Tourists typically pay more than locals at many attractions on the island. Temples, national parks, and some beaches sometimes have official dual pricing, with foreigners typically paying higher entrance fees than Indonesian citizens. For example, locals might pay IDR 10,000 (0.60¢ USD) while tourists are charged IDR 50,000 ($3 USD) or more. In informal settings like markets, taxis, or tours, prices can also be higher for tourists unless negotiated. Don't feed the animals Stray dogs and cats are a frequent sight across Bali and wild monkeys freely roam jungle areas and temple grounds. While they may seem harmless, it's best to observe from a distance and avoid them. Bali monkeys are known to pickpocket tourists, so keep your phones, glasses, hats, and snacks in your bag.

Telegraph

5 days ago

Telegraph

The 19 best things to do in Bali

Despite its diminutive size (about 95 miles at the widest point), Bali must surely be one of the most diverse islands in the world. You see huge differences between the landscapes of the arid Bukit Peninsula – bursting like an over-ripe papaya with resorts and luxury hotels – and the paddies and desa-desa (villages) you pass through to bustling Ubud, still peddling its claim as the island's traditional heartland. Further uphill, you'll find dramatic volcanic scenes and – even today – spectacularly unspoiled jungle-clad valleys. Bali rewards those who take the time to venture away from the normal confines of the tourist trail. Here are the real highlights. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Bali. Find out more below, or for more Bali inspiration, see our guides for the best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Walk with Buffalo Learn about Bali's rice-farming heritage Farmer Pak Sudana has established a grass-roots conservation project for his small herd of rare pink buffalo. Traditionally common in the paddies of West Bali, pink buffalo are now more often raised for use in religious sacrifices or for the brutal sport of chariot racing. Under Sudana's guidance, you can help drive the small herd along the beach to the inlet where they bathe and wallow contentedly, like pink whales. You will also learn about the complexities of rice cultivation. Insider tip: Allow enough time to accept Sudana's invitation for snacks at his nearby home. His wife, Ketut, makes the best Bali kopi (coffee) and you can learn about village life before having the opportunity to visit a traditional family temple. Waterbom Bali Cool off in one of Asia's most spectacular water parks Waterbom has been the number one destination for families on the island since it opened in 1993. There are 26 slides across five hectares, offering enough thrills to challenge kids of all ages. You can easily spend an entire day at this water park with more than enough activities to keep the youngsters occupied while the parents chill out in one of the many designated areas. Insider Tip: If you are going as a family or group, consider renting a private gazebo. There are more than 50 to choose from, ranging from the more basic to the VIP Oasis Gazebos, which come with a concierge service and space for up to 16 people. Potato Head Beach Club Have fun at one of Asia's best beach clubs Situated right on Seminyak Beach, Potato Head Beach Club is part of the vast Desa Potato Head, a sprawling complex of restaurants, pools, hotels and entertainment venues. Indonesian-owned Potato Head places great importance on sustainability. Set up as a creative village, Potato Head is an innovative, interactive experience that even offers children a Waste Tour and a chance to practice crafts that focus on up-cycling. Insider Tip: Arrive before 4.30pm, when the Beach Club is free to enter and there's no minimum spend. After that, there's a charge per visitor, fully redeemable against food and beverages. Kids under 12 enter for free. Be sure to ask about the range of complimentary kids activities. White-water rafting on the Ayung River Raft on Ubud's sacred jungle river The Ayung River is known for the luxury resorts that line the ridgetop on its eastern banks. However, it's only from water level that you realise just how dense and lush the jungle still is at the bottom of the valley. A rafting tour down the Ayung is a real insight into this unexpectedly wild, hidden world and one of the most exciting family activities to do on the island. Insider Tip: For a truly unique family holiday experience, consider booking at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, which is probably the only luxury hotel in the world that you can check into directly from a white water raft. Return to index Best free things to do Perancak Fishing Boats Visit one of the world's most vibrant fishing fleets Perancak river inlet, near Negara city in West Bali, is home to more than 100 spectacularly decorated selerek fishing boats. With their rearing prows and ranks of propellers spiking out of the gunwales, they resemble a colourful fleet of Viking longboats. Notice that these unique boats are moored in pairs: traditionally considered to be 'husband and wife'. These boats were constructed on Madura, an island off Java, but this is the biggest collection of these vessels in the country. Insider Tip: For a closer look at the fleet – and at the mangrove forest that lines the Perancak inlet – ask Ibu Anita at Warung Lesehan Taman Pesisir riverside eatery to arrange a boatman to take you for an hour-long tour. Campuhan Ridge Walk Enjoy a view of the famous Ubud paddies While the picturesque rice paddy landscapes of Tegalalang, a 20-minute drive north of Ubud, are now entirely overshadowed by selfie spots, terrace cafés and giant swings, Campuhan Ridge Walk remains relatively unspoiled. The two-mile route has been paved so that it is accessible to pushchairs, but it retains its natural appeal. The mornings in particular are a great time to visit in order to spot birds, and you might even meet a local farmer who will take the time to explain the unique Balinese rice-farming techniques. Insider Tip: A lovely – and less well-known – five-mile walk loops through the paddies north of Ubud. Walk north up Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, cross over and then return southwards on Subak Juwuk Manis. A subak is an ancient irrigation channel and both of these are marked on Google Maps. Bunut Bolong sacred tree Visit West Bali's famous 'tunnel tree' The banyan tree, known as Bunut Bolong, that forms a tunnel over the main north-south highland road is big enough for motorbikes, cars and even trucks to pass through. You might notice that local drivers usually beep their horns as they approach, saluting the spirits and demons who are believed to inhabit the tree. Not only is it a unique photo opportunity, but also a fascinating cultural site. Insider Tip: Be sure to stop for snacks at the little cliffside warung (eatery) on the highland side of the tunnel. The little terrace offers unbeatable views of the uninhabited jungle that fills this side of the island. Return to index Best for adrenaline junkies Take a surf lesson Surf Yeh Sumbul Beach While Uluwatu attracts Bali's big-wave chargers, Yeh Sumbul's relatively gentle beachbreak is perhaps the best and least crowded spot to learn on the entire island. The waves here are equally suited to longboards or shortboards and the relaxed atmosphere of the beachside cafés and homestays – here and in nearby Medewi – adds to the chilled beach-bumming vibe. Insider Tip: Once you've mastered Yeh Sumbul beachbreak, you can graduate a mile to the east to Medewi's more challenging left-hand point break. Absolute beginners at Medewi quickly realise that the sharp rocks will punish those who haven't at least mastered their turns. Dive with rays Experience unforgettable schools of mantas The appropriately-named Manta Bay is a manta 'cleaning station' near Nusa Penida, Bali's neighbouring island. It is one of the best places in the world to dive among large groups of manta rays as well as reef sharks, eels and turtles. Nusa Lembongan and tiny Nusa Ceningan (less than 2.5 miles long) lie closer to Bali and both have established dive centres and excellent reefs. Insider Tip: Most people reach Manta Bay on a boat tour via Nusa Lembongan. Lembongan's appealing – and inexplicably underrated – Jungutbatu Beach offers fantastic snorkelling and world-class surfing, right in the same bay. Cycle down Bali's volcanoes Cruise down the slopes of an active volcano While the cycle ride from Ubud to the crater rim of Batur (representing about 1,300m of altitude gain) would be an almost superhuman challenge for most people, the downhill cruise is a blissful way to experience Bali's dramatic volcanic landscapes. Six to seven-hour trips typically start with breakfast in the highland village of Penelokan and include several stops for insights into village life along the way. Insider Tip: Warning. Apart from guided tours such as this, Bali is not a recommended destination for a cycling holiday; the roads that circle the coastline are thick with buses and lorries and almost anywhere inland it is insanely steep, not to mention invariably hot and humid. Foil on an offshore reef Experience a different type of surfing on Sanur's barrier reef Foiling (riding a surfboard that seems to fly above the waves on a hydrofoil fin) is not something you'd want to attempt at crowded Kuta Beach. Instead, head out with the team at Sanur's exclusive Rip Curl School of Surf. They know all the tricks and are so confident that they guarantee you'll be foiling by the end of your first session – or the second foiling session is free. Insider Tip: The easiest way to escape crowded surf line-outs in South Bali is to take a boat to an offshore reef such as Kuta Reef, Airport Reef or Sanur Reef. Few people realise that it's possible to take a three-hour speedboat ride from Kuta all the way to the paradisiacal surf camps at legendary G-Land on eastern Java. Return to index Best for nature lovers Sangeh Monkey Forest A stress-free alternative to Ubud's famous Monkey Temple Sangeh Monkey Forest is a half-hour drive from Ubud. Its population of resident macaques are habituated to human worshippers, but spared the vast numbers of tourists that visit the town's Monkey Forest, often rated as Bali's most popular tourist spot. Sangeh, by comparison, is a much more relaxing place to wander, relatively free from thieving primate hands and the simian aggression that is a part of the main temple experience. Insider Tip: Look out for kittens in the trees; Sangeh's monkeys regularly catnap babies from the neighbourhood and nurse them as pets. Unfortunately, the kittens rarely survive due to the monkey's ignorance concerning suitable cat food. Serangan Turtle Rehabilitation Help release baby turtles The Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on Serangan Island, near Sanur, has helped rescue many thousands of hatchlings and injured turtles since it opened in 2006. A visit to the WWF-funded project is a fascinating educational experience. Unlike other regional organisations, when you release a turtle from TCEC, you release it from a boat into deep water in the bay, thus giving it a crucial headstart on predators. Insider Tip: The facility is free to visit. If you wish to 'adopt' a hatchling, there's a fee; you'll then transport your charge (in half a coconut) to the release site via a boat. Children are given a certificate inscribed with their name and the name they gave to the hatchling. Snorkeling at Menjangan Explore Bali's secret diving spot Menjangan Island, at the remote western end of Bali's north coast, is less than a mile at its longest point. The turquoise reefs that surround it are so packed with submarine gardens, drop-offs and coral formations that some divers have compared it to the Maldives. You'll often see sea turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, rays and eels here and, with a bit of luck, even dolphins and whale sharks. Insider Tip: Visibility is best in the morning. Most hotels and homestays in the area can arrange tours to the island (about 15 minutes across the bay), but there are always guides at Labuhan Lalang jetty on the mainland who can arrange a half-day trip. Return to index Best for hikers Batur Volcano Tackle Bali's most popular hike The hike up Mount Batur volcano for a rendezvous with sunrise is an uber-Instagrammable item on many Bali bucket-lists, so most tour operators on the island can arrange it. Depending on the location of your hotel, expect to leave at around 2am for the transfer to the trailhead. Also, expect to share the summit with two or three hundred other people; unsurprisingly, the Instagram shots don't usually show the crowds. Insider Tip: If the sunrise hike is not your scene, consider the popular 4x4 excursion to Mount Batur. You'll leave a little later – around 4am – and will share the parking area with a hundred or more kitted-out Jeep-style Suzuki Jimnys. Mount Batukaru Visit West Bali's most enigmatic pilgrimage spot For something more adventurous – and certainly far more solitary – head to Mount Batukaru in West Bali. Bali's second-highest peak (2,275m) is far removed from the tourist trail. The climb from Pura Luhur Batukaru – the temple that serves as the trailhead – takes you through soaring bamboo stands and up through spice-scented forests of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. The peak, rising out of untouched jungle, offers a magnificent view of the uninhabited rainforests at the heart of West Bali. Insider Tip: The 12-mile return hike to the summit can be completed in about nine hours, but camping on the summit is an unforgettable experience – and a less exhausting challenge. Prepare for a cold night and carry plenty of water. Swim in a waterfall Discover the Balinese Highland – the land of waterfalls The 15m-high Tegenungan Waterfall is a popular picnic and swimming spot due to its location halfway between Ubud and the tourist resorts of South Bali. Further off, on the northern flanks of the volcanoes, you'll find Sekumpul Waterfall, where you descend to a beautiful pool that is filled by no less than seven crashing falls, the tallest of which drops about 80 metres. Insider Tip: Juwuk Manis Waterfall in West Bali is a rarely-visited yet beautiful spot. Climb down the flight of 868 steps and you'll usually have the chance to picnic and swim in complete solitude. Return to index Best for culture Rambut Siwi Temple Visit Bali's forgotten Sea Temple Bali is famous for its series of so-called 'sea temples'. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, in particular, entice vast crowds. But if you want to experience true serenity and spirituality, head instead to Rambut Siwi Temple. Standing on the clifftop, you can gaze along many miles of deserted beach and watch the sun drop behind Java and its volcanic landscape. Insider Tip: Be sure to climb down the steps to the beach to explore the spooky shrines at the foot of the cliff. Also, look out for the unique 'drive-through blessings' on the main road where Hindu drivers stop to let priests bless their journey. Align your chakras Experience an ancient aspect of Asian culture with a yoga class Yoga has become almost synonymous with the 'Island of the Gods' and wherever you stay, you're unlikely to be more than 10 minutes from a class. While it's an industry that has historically been dominated by expats, happily, there are more Balinese yogis with each passing year. Shanti Shanti Shanti Om. Insider Tip: Fivelements Retreat, ranking among the world's best wellness retreats, offers yoga classes – including Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga – among an incredible selection of holistic wellness packages. The Yoga Barn, one of the world's leaders in the yoga industry, offers around 25 varied classes each day. Return to index How we choose Every activity or experience to do in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Mark Eveleigh I first fell in love with West Bali during a surf trip 25 years ago. Since then, I've returned at every opportunity and, whenever I'm not on assignment, I write from a bamboo and thatch house in the West Balinese village of Pekutatan.

Yahoo

14-07-2025

Business
Yahoo

IHG to introduce Kimpton brand in Indonesia

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new addition to its luxury & lifestyle portfolio with the signing of a management agreement to launch the first Kimpton hotel in Indonesia. Slated for an early 2026 launch, the new 101-room Kimpton hotel is poised to be the first IHG property in Ubud, Bali. The agreement for the property is signed with PT Mustika Adiperkasa and GHS K K. Nestled along the sacred Wos River, the hotel will offer three restaurants, a café/deli, and wellness amenities, including a gym, spa, and swimming pool. GHS K K president Satoru Kondo said: 'We've built a strong partnership with IHG with hotels across Japan and are excited to now further that relationship through the introduction of the Kimpton brand to Bali. 'As we continue to expand our existing portfolio, we value the strength of IHG's brands and their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Kimpton's distinctive style and heartfelt approach to hospitality align perfectly with our vision for this unique Ubud location.' Located 90 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Ubud is known for attractions such as the Ubud Palace, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. IHG Hotels & Resorts East Asia and Pacific (EAPAC) senior vice-president and managing director Rajit Sukumaran said: 'It's great to continue to expand our partnership with GHS K K Kimpton Bali Ubud, which marks the continued momentum in our luxury and lifestyle growth in Indonesia. 'Kimpton Bali Ubud, situated in Bali's cultural, spiritual and creative heart toward the north, will offer that unique experience and together with the popularity of the Kimpton brand, add more choices for guests when choosing to travel to Bali.' In Indonesia, IHG has 31 hotels already operational and another 11 under development. The upcoming Ubud hotel will join the other ten properties in the country, which include a Regent property in Canggu, Bali, and a Six Senses property in Uluwatu, Bali. Established in 1981, Kimpton has been expanding its Asian presence since the opening of Kimpton Da'An in Taipei in 2019. The brand has properties in Thailand, as well as upcoming openings in Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, China, and Greece. "IHG to introduce Kimpton brand in Indonesia" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Viceroy Bali Receives 2025 Global Recognition Award for Bali's Best Luxury Resort

Yahoo

10-07-2025

Business
Yahoo

Viceroy Bali Receives 2025 Global Recognition Award for Bali's Best Luxury Resort

BALI, Indonesia, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Recognition Awards™ has honored Viceroy Bali with a 2025 Global Recognition Award for Bali's Best Luxury Resort, celebrating the property's outstanding achievements in luxury hospitality and its ongoing commitment to excellence in the industry. The award recognizes the resort's exceptional standards in luxury hospitality, following its previous recognition as the World's #1 Resort by Condé Nast Traveler in 2018 and multiple World Luxury Hotel Awards, including Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort Worldwide in 2024. The Global Recognition Awards™, founded by CEO Jethro Sparks and headquartered in New York, USA, is recognized as a gold standard in business excellence. The awards program employs a rigorous evaluation process led by an esteemed panel of international judges, ensuring that only the most deserving businesses and individuals are celebrated for their achievements in fields such as hospitality, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The 40-villa resort, perched on a secluded ridge overlooking the Petanu River gorge, has distinguished itself through its collection of private pool villas, each featuring heated infinity pools and panoramic views of rice paddies, tropical jungle, and Mount Agung. The property's strategic positioning provides guests with tranquility while maintaining accessibility to Ubud's cultural center through a complimentary shuttle service operating from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Viceroy Bali, a family-owned luxury resort nestled in Ubud's Valley of the Kings, stood out for its personalized service, world-class amenities, and sustained excellence in the hospitality industry. Established in 2005 by Margaret Syrowatka and now directed by Amanda Syrowatka, it features 40 private pool villas with panoramic jungle views. The property is renowned for its award-winning dining at Apéritif Restaurant and comprehensive wellness offerings at Akoya Spa, further cementing its reputation as a leading luxury destination in Indonesia. The resort's Akoya Spa combines Western wellness techniques with traditional Balinese healing practices. It features three couples' treatment rooms with full bath facilities and sweeping valley views. Swiss-trained therapists deliver treatments that incorporate traditional Indonesian healing methods, with advanced options including IV infusion therapies and regenerative wellness programmes overseen by trained medical staff. The 2025 Global Recognition Award adds to Viceroy Bali's extensive collection of international accolades, which includes consistent TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards and World Travel Awards recognition. The resort's crowning achievement came when Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it the World's #1 Resort from among 429,000 entries, demonstrating sustained excellence across multiple years of operation. CasCades Restaurant offers all-day dining with spectacular jungle valley views. It offers both international and traditional Indonesian cuisine. The restaurant's authentic Balinese Rijsttafel has become particularly popular among guests seeking cultural culinary experiences. The Pinstripe Bar offers a sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s, with expertly crafted cocktails and live entertainment in an elevated position providing stunning valley views. The resort's location in Ubud's Valley of the Kings provides legal protection against future development, ensuring that every villa maintains unobstructed jungle views. This careful planning creates a sense of seclusion that appeals to couples seeking a private escape. The property's intimate scale of 40 villas, combined with family ownership, creates a distinctive luxury experience that stands apart from larger commercial resorts. The family-owned resort continues to attract discerning guests through its combination of extraordinary natural setting, exceptional accommodation, world-class dining, personalized service, comprehensive wellness facilities, and authentic cultural experiences that maintain genuine Balinese character while delivering international luxury standards. About Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry. Contact Spokesperson: Alex SterlingName of Company: Global Recognition AwardsWebsite: Email Address: alex@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

Travel + Leisure

08-07-2025

Travel + Leisure

The 5 Best Resorts in Indonesia of 2025

Indonesia may comprise more than 17,000 islands, but when it comes to resorts in this massive Southeast Asian nation, T+L readers far and away love those on Bali the most. It makes sense, when you think about the beauty and variety of things to do across the island's 2,230 square miles. From the temple in Uluwatu perched high above the sea to the tranquil yoga retreats tucked away in the jungles of Ubud, Bali is an ideal escape for both wellness seekers and those looking for something more adventurous. The same can be said about its luxury resorts, which offer myriad experiences you won't find anywhere else. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. One of the many Dining Beyond Culinary Experiences at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali. Richard Bryant/Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve In the southern resort region of Nusa Dua, The Mulia once again earned the runner-up spot on this year's list, and readers raved about the food: 'The restaurants are exceptional, especially the Sunday Brunch at Soleil—it was a highlight of our trip.' They also loved the family-friendly offerings: 'Our kids loved playing in their kids pool, kids club, and at the beach. It was the perfect place for a family vacation in Bali.' The Mulia's neighbor in Nusa Dua, The St. Regis Bali Resort, secured the No. 5 spot this year, thanks to an 'absolutely wonderful team. From the airport greeter to the drive out to the resort, everyone is exceptional! They recall your name, your preferences and are genuine in their effort to see that you have a great experience while enjoying the resort.' Rounding out the list is The Ritz-Carlton, Bali (No. 3), also in Nusa Dua, and the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay (No. 4). Aside from the Four Seasons' amenities like the Sundara Beach Club and the Healing Village Spa, it offers adventure-focused experiences for guests like helicopter tours, fishing expeditions, and surfing lessons. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve The Reserve two-bedroom pool villa. Richard Bryant/Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve 'Feels like heaven.' That's how one reader described this year's winner, which occupies a large swath of verdant jungle along the Ayung River in Ubud. 'It's completely immersed in nature, and wellness is at its core,' added the reader. The resort is made up of 35 suites and 25 pool villas, the latter named for the private swimming pool that comes with each one. But even entry-level suites here are enormous by most resort standards, clocking in at 1,076 square feet with views of the rain forest or rice paddies. Service was also a major draw, as one guest noted: 'The entire staff is top notch, extremely respectful and friendly.' As for the food? 'The restaurants are without exception outstanding. The set menu at Kubu [Madapa's fine-dining venue] is highly recommended.' The entire staff is top notch, extremely respectful and friendly. — T+L Reader 1. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Reader score: 99.18 2. The Mulia Reader score: 98.72 3. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Reader score: 98.64 4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Reader score: 98.36 5. The St. Regis Bali Resort Reader score: 97.68