Bali, the Island of the Gods, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality. For the discerning traveller seeking the epitome of luxury, Bali offers an array of unparalleled dining, drinking, and staying experiences. From hidden cave restaurants to beachfront bars and opulent resorts, this guide uncovers the best that Bali has to offer. Join us as we explore the finest culinary delights, sophisticated cocktail bars, and luxurious retreats that make Bali a top destination for those seeking an unforgettable, indulgent getaway.
Pro tip: Do’s and Don’ts in Bali
When navigating Bali, luxury travellers should consider hiring a private driver or using ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for comfort and convenience. Travellers should also plan to stay by areas as it can take much longer as traffic can significantly extend your travel time, sometimes what looks like an hour on the map may end up as 2 hours in reality. The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. Luxury travellers should explore areas like Seminyak for upscale dining and shopping, Uluwatu for stunning cliffside views and exclusive resorts, and Ubud for its cultural and wellness retreats. However, it’s advisable to avoid Kuta if seeking a more serene and refined experience, as it is known for its bustling nightlife and crowds. For a more exclusive experience, consider booking private tours and bespoke experiences to explore Bali’s hidden gems away from the tourist hotspots.
Best Places to Eat in Bali
Discover the culinary gems of Bali, where traditional flavours meet modern innovation. From intimate fine dining experiences set in ancient caves to sustainable, farm-to-table concepts, Bali offers a diverse array of dining options that cater to every gourmet enthusiast. Whether you are savouring authentic Indonesian cuisine or indulging in contemporary international dishes, these top dining spots promise a memorable gastronomic journey.
Nusantara by Locavore, Ubud
Regional Indonesian cuisine with an emphasis on local sourcing
Nusantara by Locavore dives deep into Indonesian regional cuisine. This sister restaurant to Locavore focuses on lesser-known dishes and ingredients, presenting them with the same dedication to local sourcing and sustainability. Each dish, such as the Udang Bakar Padang and the Kare Kambing tells a story of Indonesia’s diverse culinary heritage, prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
Locavore NXT, Ubud
Modern European menu with Indonesian produce and a focus on sustainability
Locavore is celebrated for its commitment to local ingredients and sustainability. Chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah have created a menu that celebrates Indonesian produce through modern European techniques. The restaurant’s new concept, Locavore NXT, offers an immersive dining experience with a rooftop food forest and underground mushroom chamber. Dishes include Daluman with mud crab, Jatiluwih rice and pea aubergine, Picung with watermelon, and pineapple with lardo, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
The Sawah Terrace at Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud
Traditional Balinese dishes in a picturesque setting amidst rice terraces
The Sawah Terrace offers an exquisite journey into Balinese cuisine, set amidst the lush rice terraces and the tranquil Ayung River. The restaurant focuses on traditional Balinese dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. Signature dishes include the aromatic Bebek Betutu and Sate Lilit, each bursting with rich flavours that highlight the island’s culinary heritage. The serene and picturesque setting enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Bali. Head chef I Wayan Eka ensures that every dish reflects the true essence of Balinese culture and flavours.
Kubu Restaurant at Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud
Ingredient focused contemporary fine dining
Kubu at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, offers a unique and intimate dining experience with its signature bamboo cocoons overlooking the serene Ayung River. Led by chef Wayan Eka Sunarya, Kubu specialises in an ingredient focused menu with European techniques. Guests can indulge in dishes like The Beans using seasonal Balinese legumes, cashew cream, kelp pickle and a rich free range duck egg yolk confit, as well as the Tuna Cheek, a char-grilled yellow fin tuna cheek, banana blossom, olive and blacked “Salak” tapenade and chimichurri. The restaurant’s tranquil setting, complemented by the natural sounds of the river, enhances the overall dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking luxury dining in an outdoor setting in Bali.
Secret Tables by Secret Retreats: Localised Rebels
A gathering of chefs for a special occasion
Secret Tables by Secret Retreats offers exclusive dining experiences for discerning travellers and food enthusiasts, showcasing renowned chefs and regional culinary heritage. Secret Retreats, who focuses on authentic travel in Asia, curates these events. “The Localised Rebels” at Locavore NXT in Bali featured seven chef teams, highlighting sustainable and local sourcing with mystery box ingredients. Participating restaurants included Echo, Blackitch Artisan Kitchen, Locavore NXT, Restaurant Nusantara, Restaurant Au Jardin, The Red Box, Gallery by Chele, The Embassy, Awei Metta, Lotus Group, LabX, Herbivore by Locavore, Makan the Change, Sombok, Apéritif, Farmlore, and Gen. They crafted innovative dishes merging local and international methods and featured zero-proof cocktails from Intangible Bar in Chiangmai, celebrating culinary innovation and sustainability.
Rumari at Raffles Bali, Jimbaran Bay
Southeast Asian flavours with local and sustainable ingredients
Rumari at Raffles Bali, led by Executive Chef Gaetan Biesuz offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends contemporary Southeast Asian flavours with stunning views of Jimbaran Bay. The restaurant follows an 80/20 sourcing principle, with 80% of ingredients locally procured to emphasize sustainability. The tasting menus, available in five, seven, and nine courses, showcase Indonesia’s culinary heritage through dishes like sous-vide duck egg from Brebes Farm, Padang-style crab, and Kalas curry glazed river prawns. Each dining experience begins with a traditional Balinese hand-washing ritual and features innovative beverage pairings, making Rumari a premier destination for fine dining in Bali
Motel Mexicola, Seminyak
Casual Mexican for live music and nightlife
Motel Mexicola brings the flavours of Mexico to Bali with a lively, colourful setting. The menu features classic Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and ceviche, all made with high-quality ingredients. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with retro decor and upbeat music, makes it a favourite for both dining and nightlife.
Kaum at Potato Head, Seminyak
Elevated Indonesian communal dining
Kaum, meaning “clan” or “tribe,” serves traditional Indonesian cuisine with a contemporary flair. The menu is developed by Albert Susanto and his team of chefs and anthropologists, featuring dishes from various Indonesian regions, highlighting unique flavours and cooking techniques with dishes like the Babi Genyol and the Gulai Ayam Hitam. The vibrant setting within Potato Head Beach Club adds to the overall experience, making it a cultural and culinary hotspot.
Dome at Potato Head, Seminyak
Contemporary dining with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients
Inspired by futurist Buckminster Fuller, Dome at Potato Head blends a natural wine bar, restaurant, and lifestyle hub. Chef Diego Recarte’s menu focuses on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes like Beef and Oyster Tartare and the Cuttlefish Noodles. The ever-changing menu and innovative pairings make Dome a must-visit for adventurous diners.
Shelter, Pererenan
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired woodfire cooking
Shelter in Pererenan, founded by British-born chef Stephen Moore, offers a unique dining experience that blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired flavours. Chef Moore, with over 20 years of experience in prestigious restaurants like Sydney’s Rockpool and the Aman resorts, brings his expertise to Bali. The menu features contemporary dishes such as the smoked morcilla and chorizo jam on toasted brioche with crispy garlic, as well as the truffled straciatella with coffee sourdough crisp and Javanese honey. The vibrant restaurant setting and commitment to fresh, organic ingredients make Shelter a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Origen, Pererenan
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a farm-to-table approach
Origen, co-founded by Alvaro Rosales Machado and Casandra Escamilla Frutos, celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine with a farm-to-table approach. The menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients available, offering dishes like the Mole Madre and Taco Lechon. Executive Chef Alejandro Urbina Andrade, raised in Veracruz, infuses each dish with authentic Mexican flavours using locally sourced produce. The restaurant’s warm interiors and traditional furnishings create a romantic and immersive dining experience.
Il Ristorante Luca Fantin, Uluwatu
Luxurious dining experience with contemporary Italian cuisine
Il Ristorante Luca Fantin, nestled within the luxurious Bulgari Resort Bali, offers an intimate dining experience with just 36 seats, providing an exclusive atmosphere for discerning guests. Opened in 2017, the restaurant is helmed by Resident Head Chef Alessandro Mazzali, who brings his refined culinary skills from his experience at the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante Luca Fantin in Tokyo and other prestigious kitchens across Europe. The restaurant is renowned for its contemporary Italian cuisine, creatively interpreting classic dishes using local, organic ingredients. Guests can indulge in a five or seven course degustation menu, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring over 200 predominantly Italian wines. The setting, enhanced by soft lighting and a reflection pool, offers a seductive ambiance perfect for a luxurious dining experience.
The Cave by Ryan Clift, Uluwatu
Unique tasting menu in a 25,000-year-old natural cave
Hidden within a 25,000-year-old natural cave, The Cave by Ryan Clift at The Edge in Uluwatu offers an extraordinary subterranean dining experience. Chef Ryan Clift, renowned for his work at Tippling Club in Singapore, presents a seven-course tasting menu that combines local and international flavours. The cave’s intimate and dramatic setting enhances the sensory journey, making each dish an exploration of flavours and textures, with an added cinematographic light show cast upon the walls of the cave. Diners are treated to culinary masterpieces like the Custard and Caviar, as well as the Mint Pea Soup, all while surrounded by stalactites and ancient rock formations.
The Warung at Alila Villas, Uluwatu
Contemporary Balinese cuisine with breathtaking ocean views
The Warung at Alila Villas offers authentic Indonesian cuisine with a modern twist. Executive Sous Chef Ananta Putra uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to bring traditional dishes to life. The open-air dining space, overlooking the Indian Ocean, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying specialties like the must have Bebek Goreng and the Balinese Mengibung, a communal dining experience. The serene and luxurious setting enhances the dining as lunch and dinner offers different ambiances.
Yuki, Uluwatu
Japanese meets Balinese culinary elements
Yuki Uluwatu offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Balinese cuisine in a beautiful ambiance, while the menu features dishes like the Popcorn Chicken, Tuna Tartare and Wagyu Beef Sando, all prepared with a Balinese twist. Unlike Yuki Seminyak, which focuses more on seafood and a livelier environment, Yuki Uluwatu blends the serene clifftop environment with its meat-centric culinary offerings, creating a more relaxed and scenic dining experience.
Best Places to Drink in Bali
Bali’s vibrant bar scene is as dynamic as its landscape, offering everything from chic beachside bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges. Explore the island’s best drinking venues where expert mixologists craft innovative cocktails using local arak and premium spirits. Whether you are looking to unwind with a sunset drink or enjoy a night out in a stylish setting, Bali’s top bars provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
Bar Vera, Pererenan
Sophisticated cocktails and stylish ambiance
Located in the heart of Pererenan, Bar Vera is not only known for its sophisticated cocktails and stylish ambiance, but they also do good sharing plates. The bar offers an extensive selection of artisanal drinks crafted with precision, making it a perfect spot for an elegant evening out. A cocktail programme curated by Zachary Chua ensures that every cocktail is a masterpiece, especially with their Corpse Reviver No.2 twists.
Ambar Bar at Mandapa, Ubud
Breathtaking views and a menu of classic and contemporary cocktails
Perched within the Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ambar Bar provides breathtaking views of the Ayung River and the lush jungle. The bar’s menu focuses on classic and contemporary cocktails, featuring premium spirits and fresh local ingredients. Head Mixologist Ayardi Saputra, renowned for his innovative use of local herbs and spices, curates a unique drinking experience.
Telu Bar at Four Seasons, Jimbaran Bay
Balinese spirit of Tri Hita Karana inspired menu
Telu Bar is an intimate venue known for its innovative use of local ingredients in cocktail creations. The bar celebrates the rich botanical diversity of Bali with a menu featuring unique concoctions like the Heart Beat Negroni and Sensation with Head Bartender Jan Jurecka bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to the bar, ensuring each drink is a work of art.
Best Luxury Stays in Bali
Experience the pinnacle of luxury in Bali, where opulent resorts and private villas offer unparalleled comfort and stunning views. These exclusive accommodations provide bespoke services, world-class amenities, and unique experiences that cater to discerning travellers. From cliffside retreats with private infinity pools to serene jungle hideaways, Bali’s finest luxury stays promise an unforgettable escape into paradise.
Alila Villas, Uluwatu
Private villas with stunning ocean views and a commitment to sustainability
Alila Villas Uluwatu epitomises luxury, perched atop limestone cliffs with breathtaking ocean views. Each villa, designed by the award-winning architectural firm WOHA, offers a seamless blend of contemporary Balinese architecture and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy private infinity pools, outdoor cabanas, and spacious living areas with indoor and outdoor showers. Dining options include CIRE, where East Asian and Mediterranean dishes are served with a focus on healthy ingredients, and The Warung, offering traditional Indonesian fare. The resort’s Spa Alila provides bespoke treatments combining Asian and Western techniques, while the Sunset Cabana Bar offers panoramic ocean views and innovative cocktails. The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its design and operations, including a dedicated Sustainability Lab.
Bulgari Resort Bali, Uluwatu
Italian luxury villas with Balinese charm
Bulgari Resort Bali blends Italian luxury with Balinese charm. The resort features elegantly appointed villas with private pools and stunning ocean views. Guests can dine at Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin, offering refined Italian cuisine, or enjoy cocktails at The Bar, with its panoramic views. The resort’s spa provides a range of treatments inspired by Balinese and contemporary techniques. Unique activities include the Melukat Ceremony, a traditional Balinese purification ritual, and Kamasan painting classes, offering a deep dive into local culture. Dining at La Spiaggia, with its breathtaking ocean views, adds another layer of luxury to the experience. Bulgari Resort’s attention to detail and exclusive services make it a top choice for discerning travellers seeking opulence and tranquillity.
Desa Potato Head Studios, Seminyak
Eco-luxury combining cutting-edge design with eco-conscious practices
Desa Potato Head Studios in Seminyak combines cutting-edge design with eco-conscious practices. The resort features stylish studios and suites, a beach club, and multiple dining options. Guests can explore various culinary offerings from seafood at Ijen to vegan at Tanaman, to Indonesian at Kaum and innovative at Dome, each offering a unique dining experience. The resort emphasises sustainability with initiatives such as zero-waste operations and a creative centre promoting local culture and arts. The fairly newly opened Klymax Discotheque offers a state of the art sound system with a constant international lineup such as Erykah Badu and resident DJ Harvey. The beach club’s vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails also make it a perfect spot for modern luxury travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement.
The Full NXT Experience at Locavore, Ubud
Immersive culinary adventure with exclusive dining experiences
The Full NXT Experience at Locavore offers an immersive culinary adventure. Guests stay in one of three beautifully designed cottages and enjoy exclusive access to Locavore’s innovative dining experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, staff meal breakfasts and private tastings. The experience is tailored to food enthusiasts who appreciate sustainability and local ingredients, providing a unique insight into the culinary world of Bali.
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud
A secluded sanctuary amidst lush greenery and rice terraces
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, is a secluded sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery and rice terraces, offering an unparalleled escape into nature and luxury. This resort features exquisitely designed villas and suites with private pools, spacious living areas, and outdoor pavilions, complemented by an amazing personalised butler service. Wellness programs include a spa with treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, yoga, and meditation sessions. Dining options are exceptional, with Kubu, an intimate bamboo restaurant offering an ingredient-focused contemporary cuisine in private cocoons by the Ayung River, and Sawah Terrace, which serves traditional Balinese dishes with views of the rice paddies. Additional amenities include The Library for afternoon tea and The Pool Bar for arak masterclasses. Guests can enjoy activities such as guided treks, cultural tours, and cooking classes. Mandapa’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement enhances its appeal, making it a premier destination for an immersive and indulgent Balinese experience.
Intercontinental Bali Resort, Jimbaran Bay
Traditional Balinese architecture with modern comforts
Intercontinental Bali Resort, situated along the pristine shores of Jimbaran Bay, offers a luxurious blend of traditional Balinese architecture and modern comforts. With 425 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the resort features private terraces, spacious living areas, and luxurious bathrooms. Guests can indulge in diverse dining options, including Italian at Bella Cucina, beachfront dining at Sunset Beach Bar & Grill and one of the best fried rice on the island, available at the all day dining Taman Gita. The resort’s Spa Uluwatu offers rejuvenating treatments in a serene setting, while six swimming pools and a range of water sports provide ample recreation. Families can enjoy a dedicated Kids’ Club, and cultural enthusiasts can partake in traditional Balinese activities. Combining luxury, comfort, and cultural experiences, Intercontinental Bali Resort is an ideal destination for a memorable stay in Bali.
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