Bali’s beaches are some of the most popular destinations in the world but that level of popularity has a downside. The more famous beaches, such as Kuta, are crowded 365 days a year and a tropical getaway isn’t a getaway if you’re still sharing it with hundreds of other people.
Have no fear though, as the island has plenty of hotels with more private beaches where you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Visit these 8 Bali beachfront hotels where you can enjoy a romantic private dinner at the beach or to see some world-class surfers tearing it up under the full moon.
The private beach dinner is a great setting if you want to pop the question
Image credit: @amankila
An oldie but a goodie, Amankila first opened in 1992 but the fact that it still ranks as one of the best Bali beachfront hotels to this day speaks to the quality of this luxurious resort. Located at a secluded hill in east Bali overlooking the Lombok Strait, the resort is surrounded by a lush jungle, adding to its serene quality.
The three-tiered infinity pool directly overlooks the ocean
Image credit: @amankila
Even with its remote location though, there are more than enough activities here to keep guests occupied. In the morning, visitors can arrange for a private snorkelling cruise to the nearby lagoon or simply spend the day at the resort’s three-tiered infinity pool that directly overlooks the ocean.
The volcanic black sand is soft to walk on
Image credit: @moonhee_thethree
For couples, there’s the private candlelight dinner by the beach with a bonfire to cap off your romantic evening. The resort’s private beach is known for its soft, volcanic black sand, perfect if you feel like enjoying a leisurely walk by the ocean.
Interior of the garden suite
Image credit: Aman Resort
Part of the luxurious Aman Resorts group, each of Amankila’s 34 rooms is fashioned after beach houses with thatched roofs and private terraces. The base Garden Suite starts at around Rp. 11,000,000 (~USD746.54) a night with a view of the surrounding hillside.
Address: Jl. Raya Manggis, Manggis, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Telephone: 363 413 33
The hotel’s circular pool provides a great spot to see all the surfing action
Image credit: @pta_au
Situated by the surfer’s paradise Keramas Beach, Komune Resort & Beach Club is the place to go if you’re planning to catch one of the area’s world-class waves. Even if you don’t surf, it’s still fun to watch all the surfing action late into the night thanks to the hotel’s gigantic floodlights.
The fruit bowl mini skatepark at the hotel grounds
Image credit: Komune Resort & Beach Club
Komune’s commitment to physical activities isn’t limited to just surfing, the hotel actually has a small skatepark on site and a trampoline for kids to enjoy. Adults and fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the resort’s gym and outdoor workout area designed for CrossFit practitioners.
Floating breakfast at the Pool Suites’ exclusive pool
Image credit: @dailysweatfitness
For those looking to simply relax though, the Beach Club and its circular pool is the perfect spot to unwind and see surfers take a crack at the ocean. Of course, you could also simply take a walk at the black sand beach itself, which is typically quieter than the more touristy beach of Seminyak.
The Beachfront Pool Suites come with a private daybed by the pool
Image credit: Komune Resort & Beach Club
If you’re planning on spending the day enjoying the activities, the standard Suite (Rp. 950,000, ~USD64.60) should be more than enough. For those looking for more luxurious accommodations though, the Beachfront Pool Suites (Rp. 1,250,000, ~USD85.01) is equipped with an exclusive pool and a daybed for you to relax on all day long.
Address: Pantai Keramas St, Medahan, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali 80361
Telephone: 361 301 8888
Sunset viewed from The Legian’s infinity pool
Image credit: @thelegianbali
As one of the island’s best-known properties, The Legian Bali is the gold standard in judging Bali’s beachfront hotels. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Seminyak, the hotel is a great place for those wanting to get close to Bali’s entertainment and nightlife center.
Lounge by the hotel’s beachfront daybed if you want to get closer to the ocean
Image credit: @thelegianbali
While you wait for nightfall though, spoil yourself with the sight of Bali’s gorgeous sunset right from the hotel’s infinity pool. If you’re looking for a crowd to mingle in, the famed KU DE TA beach club is quite literally within walking distance.
Daily afternoon teas served at the hotel
Image credit: @luana_llc
Still, there’s no shame in being a shut-in given the hotel’s top-notch service which a reviewer described as “being treated like royalty”. During the course of their stay, each guest is served complimentary afternoon tea complete with hors d’oeuvres in a three-tiered cake stand that would fit right into Downton Abbey.
Interior view of the Studio Suite
Image credit: Agoda
This level of service does come at a price as the Studio Suite starts at Rp. 6,000,000 (~USD408.02). If you’re looking for something extra, The Club has private villas starting with the 1 Bedroom Villa (Rp. 8,500,000, ~USD578.03) complete with a private butler and exclusive swimming pool.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Telephone: 361 730 622
The basic Monsoon Deluxe room
Image credit: The Menjangan
Blending luxurious accommodations with eco-tourism philosophy, The Menjangan ranks as one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. The hotel is one of the few properties located inside the West Bali National Park named after the nearby Menjangan Island.
Going on a ‘Finding Nemo’ trip at Menjangan Island
Image credit: @megumi_tshifa
The island is known for its rich marine biodiversity, and you can arrange a snorkeling trip of your own through the hotel. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land though, there’re plenty of wild animals to keep you company around the property.
The Menjangan has a stable on site and you can take one of its horses for a walk by the beach
Image credit: @niniekmariani
You’re never completely alone here as it’s common to go for a solitary walk on the beach only to have a herd of deer or a pack of monkeys following you around. If you’d like, you can also head down to the stable and take one of their horses out for a leisurely ride around the beach.
View from the Bali Tower Bistro located at the hotel
Image credit: @wahyudwiuntoro
Despite being located in the middle of nowhere, The Menjangan doesn’t skimp on the luxury with the basic Monsoon Deluxe (Rp. 1,100,000, ~USD74.80) room blending a rural wooded interior with luxuries such as pool and hot tub access, daily breakfast, and a welcome drink.
Address: Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk No.Km. 17, Pejarakan, Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155
Telephone: 362 947 00
Bird’s-eye view of the hotel and its numerous lagoon pools
Image credit: @thelagunabali
If your first priority when choosing hotels is the quality of the swimming pool, prepare to be spoiled by The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The name is a bit of a mouthful but with 7 lagoon-style pools spread around the property, we’re more than happy to overlook this digression.
Book the Deluxe Lagoon View Room with direct pool access if you plan on doing a lot of swimming
Image credit: @thelagunabali
For those who’re intimidated by the open ocean but still want a taste of the sea, the 7 pools are divided into freshwater and saltwater pools. You don’t have to worry though as the Nusa Dua Beach where the hotel is located is a popular swimming spot thanks to its calm waters.
Fresh seafood banquet by the beach in Arwana Restaurant
Image credit: @arwanarestaurantbali
Once you’re feeling famished after all the swimming, head on over to the Arwana Restaurant just by the beach. Arwana specializes in fresh seafood where the chef personally handpicks the ingredients every morning right from the Kedonganan Fish Market in Jimbaran.
The Deluxe Lagoon Access Studio rooms sit right next to the lagoon pools
Image credit: The Laguna Bali
The basic Deluxe Garden View Room starts at Rp. 1,900,000 (~USD128.94) but if you plan on spending time in the pool, we recommend upgrading to the Deluxe Lagoon Access Studio (Rp. 3,900,000, ~USD265.80) where you can jump in directly to the lagoon swimming pools from the balcony.
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2, Jl. Nusa Dua, Bali 80363
Telephone: 361 771 327
The Unique Mexican restaurant at RIMBA has a picturesque rooftop bar with an infinity pond
Image credit: @rimbajimbaran
One of three hotels located inside the huge AYANA resort complex, RIMBA Jimbaran Bali By AYANA has everything you need to keep you occupied during your stay. It’s actually located the furthest away from the ocean of Jimbaran Bay compared to its sister hotels, but shuttle services are always ready to whisk you to any of the properties and facilities inside the complex.
Pose under this unique cliff on the resort’s private Kubu Beach
Image credit: @yuupur_
From a tennis court, a golf putting course, and of course, the private Kubu Beach, you’re never going to run out of things to do here. RIMBA itself has several gorgeous swimming pools on the property but you’re also free to use the swimming pools on the other properties if you so choose.
Catching Bali’s sunset at the cliffside Rock Bar
Image credit: @rockbarbali
Likewise, the F&B options are also aplenty but special mention goes to the famed Rock Bar, reached through an inclinator ride by the cliff. Perched on a cliffside rock formation, the bar serves world-class cocktails and tapas complete with a gorgeous sunset view and no words can do the experience justice.
The Hillside Room interior with a small balcony overlooking the surrounding forest
Image credit: RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA
The basic Hillside Room starts at Rp. 2,200,000 (~USD149.29). There’s also the Pool Access Room (Rp. 4,700,000, ~USD320.33) with an exclusive pool but we feel this is a little bit overkill as we have zero complaints about the complex’s numerous public pools.
Address: Sejahtera, Jl. Karang Mas, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364
Telephone: 361 846 8468
The hotel’s rooftop swimming pool offers a view of Benoa beach
Image credit: @tijilibenoa
Beachfront accommodations typically don’t come cheap but Tijili Hotel Benoa isn’t your typical hotel. Located at Cape Benoa, the hotel has all the accommodations you expect from a quality hotel plus all the water sport activities the cape is known for.
Tanjung Benoa is famous for its water sport activities, including parasailing
Image credit: @tanjungbenoawatersport
On any given day, you can expect to see a couple of jet skis, parasailers, and banana boats roaming around the open sea. If you prefer to be a spectator though, the hotel’s rooftop pool gives you a perfect vantage point to view all the action from afar.
The basic Deluxe Courtyard View Room doesn’t skimp on personality
Image credit: Agoda
As expected from a boutique hotel, the basic Deluxe Courtyard View Room starts at an affordable Rp. 900,000 (~USD61.07). We also especially like the Warung Bamboo restaurant by the beach as the restaurant’s curved roof makes for a pretty charming place to eat in.
Address: Jl. Pratama No.62, Tj. Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Telephone: 361 472 8900
You can also ask the hotel to add some decorations for special occasions
Image credit: @samaberesort
Located at the southern tip of Bali at the end of Nusa Dua Beach, Samabe Bali Suites & Villa’s breathtaking cliffside location is the perfect setup for a romantic getaway. The private beach below, accessed through a lift, is where you’re going to spend the majority of your time.
With gorgeous views and architecture, even a simple walk around the property can be rewarding
Image credit: @samaberesort
At the beach, there are several caves where you can relax in the shade while being served complimentary afternoon teas from the hotel. By nightfall, the caves transform into a romantic setting for the hotel’s private cave dinner with a 4-course meal and you can even have the cave decorated for special occasions.
Even if you’re not big on weddings, there’s no resisting the charm of Samabe’s Pearl Chapel
Image credit: @studioblue_bali
For those looking to tie the knot, the hotel’s Pearl Chapel, a glass structure perched on the cliff’s edge overlooking the ocean, makes for a gorgeous wedding venue. If you ask nicely, you can also arrange a private visit to the chapel where you can simply take in the views or grab some photos of the stunning architecture.
Bedroom of the pool villa with the pool visible to the right
Image credit: Agoda
The base Ocean Front Samabe Suite starts at Rp. 4,400,00 (~USD299.88) but for couples, we recommend upgrading to the 1-Bedroom Ocean Pool Villa (Rp. 6,700,000, ~USD459.20) with a private sea-facing infinity pool. All rooms are also equipped with a telescope if you feel like stargazing a night.
Address: Barong – Barong Sawangan, Jl. Pura, Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Telephone: 361 8468633
There’s no better way to wake up in the morning than having the sea breeze blowing in your hair with the crashing waves as a soundtrack.
At these Bali beachfront hotels, you can finally see what people mean when they say life’s a beach, if only for a few days.
For more things to do in Bali, check out these stories:
Cover image adapted from @samaberesort, @thelegianbali, and @amankila
Enjoying The Smart Local Indonesia? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more stories like this.
These family-friendly itineraries in Singapore will bring your kids and loved ones to educational sites,…
Tourists are now allowed back into Bali on regular visas on arrival, as Indonesia's tourism…
Good news - the new Singapore VTL for Indonesians has been announced by the city-state.…
Keraton Kasepuhan is one of Cirebon's oldest palaces and it has stunning architecture and an…
Hey Beach Cafe is the cafe for your next Instagram post with coastal-themed decorations inspired…
Check out Dusun Bambu in Bandung, a Sundanese-style resort which offers scenic nature views and…