The Kardashians’ favourite resort, and 4 other luxury retreats in Bali that are off the beaten track
Last year, more than 1.2 million Australians visited Bali – a beloved Indonesian island often described as “the ultimate holiday destination”.
Sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashians left it all behind to holiday at the palatial The Soori Bali – one of the ultra-luxe resorts in Tabanan
You may be very familiar with the island’s iconic destinations such as Kuta and Nusa Dua. You might have surfed the spectacular waves of Uluwatu and sipped cocktails at Seminyak’s ultra-stylish Potato Head Beach Club, too – but have you heard of Munduk’s incredible Golf Gate?
Check out some of Bali’s lesser known destinations, the island’s best-kept secrets – where rice paddies are greener, resorts are ultra-luxe and serenity abounds.
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Canggu
Often referred to as “the new Seminyak”, the ultra-stylish area of Canggu is regarded as Bali’s most stylish hotspot, home to a vibrant surfing beach and happening strips lined with trendy coffee shops, chic clothing boutiques and cool bars, such as Finns Beach Club, frequented by a relaxed crowd.
Situated amid the lush rice terraces and temples of Canggu, you will find The Santai Umalas Bali: a luxury resort offering a collection of pristine private pool villas with a 24-hour butler service.
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Classic Balinese style meets contemporary comfort in the resort’s huge villas, each one of which comes with a private swimming pool, a fully-equipped kitchen and a spacious living and dining area.
Air conditioning and daily replenished soft drinks in your minibar keep will keep you cool all day long, while your private swimming pool will be the perfect place to unwind under the sun.
Tabanan
Tabanan is Bali as it should be: terraced rice paddies, black sand beaches, looming mountains and temples perched above the water.
One of Bali’s most untouched regions, a sanctuary of peace and spectacular natural beauty, Tabanan has recently become popular after the Kardashians were spotted holidaying in one of the ultra-luxe resorts in the area.
The sisters and media personalities Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian left it all behind to holiday at the palatial Soori Bali.
You might have surfed the spectacular waves of Uluwatu and sipped cocktails at Seminyak’s ultra-stylish Potato Head Beach Club – but have you heard of Munduk’s incredible Golf Gate?
Regarded as one of the best resorts in Bali, this contemporary property is set on the edge of the ocean, bordered by black diamond sand beaches and punctuated by volcanic rock cliffs jutting over the Indian Ocean.
All 44 villas feature indulgent private pools and sweeping vistas of the mystical Batukaru Mountain, Unesco World Heritage-listed terrace rice fields or the sparkling Indian Ocean.
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Manggis
Located on Bali’s unspoilt east coast 90 minutes from the airport, Manggis lies just west of the popular seaside town of Candi Dasa.
Offering breathtaking beauty without the bustle of the island’s more touristic areas, this traditional village is a peaceful destination perfect for a romantic escape.
It is here, set in a coconut grove on the volcanic-sand Bultan Beach, with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Agung – Bali’s most sacred mountain and home to the ancient Pura Besakih temples – that you will find the top rated hotel in the area: the award-winning Alila Manggis.
Alila Manggis, set in a coconut grove on the volcanic-sand Bultan Beach, with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Agung – Bali’s most sacred mountain – is the top rated hotel in the area
The secluded property, ranked among the top five resorts in Indonesia, marries the renowned luxury of the premium Alila brand with local Balinese tradition.
Each room boasts a private terrace, ideally designed to maximise the impressive views of the picturesque coconut grove and Indian Ocean beyond, queen or twin bedding, replete with soft high-thread-count sheets, liquid-crystal-display television and modern en suite.
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Nusa Penida
If you are curious to know what Bali would look like without tourists, the breathtaking island of Nusa Penida is the answer.
Like a drop in the middle of the ocean, located southeast of Bali, this relatively undeveloped island offers a true insight into life on a tropical island and is easily reached on a speed boat.
Expect to find crystal-clear waters, impressive cliffs dropping into the ocean and laid-back vibes on this magical island.
Situated 13km (8 miles) from the famous Puncak Mundi Temple, Penida Bambu Green Villas is the newest eco-luxury resort on Nusa Penida, offering a collection of just five environmentally friendly boutique bungalows crafted with bamboo.
You will be able to reconnect with nature in this resort, with each villa boasting plush bedding, a beautifully decorated open-air bathroom, striking views looking out over the lush mountains and the resort’s swimming pool, and a private hammock that will be your favourite spot throughout the stay!
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Amed
Set on the east coast of Bali, Amed Beach is the place to visit if you are a keen diver – and if you want to escape the more popular beach destinations.
Offering impressive diving spots, picturesque rice paddies and towering green mountains – all commanded by the mighty Mount Agung, Bali’s largest active volcano – Amed really is a tropical paradise.
If you are curious to know what Bali would look like without tourists, the breathtaking island of Nusa Penida is the answer
If you are looking for sheer luxury in an authentic location, look no further than The Griya Villas and Spa.
Situated on a hilltop and offering sweeping views over the beautiful, tranquil bay of Lipah and beyond to Lombok, the resort is an oasis of privacy and serenity.
It boasts 14 private-pool villas offering striking views over the ocean and hills, with a spacious and private outdoor area, modern bathrooms with romantic bathtubs, fully equipped kitchenettes, Bose home cinema system and a minibar filled with everything you can think of.
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Munduk
A secluded mountain village in central Bali, hidden amid lush jungle, surrounded by towering mountains bejewelled with cascading waterfalls, Munduk has to be Bali’s jewel in the crown.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Seminyak, and spend a few days disconnecting from the world – you have found the perfect spot.
With an 18-metre-long infinity pool perched on the edge of the mountain at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level, some of the best views on the island and luxurious Balinese-styled villas and suites, Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa sets the stage for the most relaxing – and romantic – holiday you will ever take.
With no other tourist developments around the resort – just rice paddies and coffee plantations, the property allows you to experience the area and discover a more authentic side of Bali.
It will take about two and a half hours to reach this idyllic location from Bali Denpasar Airport – but it will be worth it when you take a dip in the resort’s jaw-dropping infinity pool.
The nine villas and three suites, all designed by award-winning Balinese architect Popo Danes, are secluded sanctuaries where traditional architecture and modern touches blend to perfection – all offering sweeping views over the mountains and unparalleled luxury.
If you are looking for romantic seclusion in an untouched natural backdrop, you should be adding Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa to your list.
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American media sisters spent their holiday at luxurious Soori Bali in Tabanan – one of our 5 best-kept secret destinations on Indonesian island