1. Puri Madawi, Petitenget
(Puri Madawi)
A great-value gem just a five-minute stroll from a less busy section of the south-east’s coastline, this family-run hideaway offers 16 lodgings – all set amid tropical gardens – and features plenty of traditional design, from locally made furniture to colourful artwork.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere with evening strolls, horseback rides along Batu Belig beach and walks to the nearby Masceti Temple.
Keep in mind that staff can also organise cooking classes, book snorkelling trips or help arrange transport to some of the best island hikes, including mountainous challenges like Agung or Batur.
Booking info: Double rooms start from £70, per night including breakfast. More info via i-Escape
2. Aura House Bali, Abiansemal
(Aura House)
Constructed entirely from locally grown bamboo, this three-storey house looks like it took root in the Ayung River gorge.
It’s part of the Green Village project, a pioneering eco-focused community with its own permaculture farm and sustainably run Green School, set deep in the jungle around 30 minutes from Ubud.
Its two bedrooms have space for four adults; plus there a beautifully breezy lounge area, forest-view plunge pool and fully equipped kitchen (yes, that’s made from bamboo, too).
Booking info: Whole villa from US$195 (£154) per night, including breakfast on first day. More info via Aura House
3. Amankila, Manggis
(Amankila)
Just visible in the hilltops above Bali’s east coast, Amankila emanates a deep-seated spirituality. Royal ruins and ancient temples surround this hideaway, with views over the Lombok Strait.
Thatched-roof private suites peek out amid the trees, perfumed by frangipani-lined walkways. But don’t get too comfy: there are reefs to snorkel, coves to kayak and the Tirta Gangga water palace and Lempuyang temple to explore.
Booking info: Double rooms from £574 per night, including breakfast and airporttransfers. Visit Aman’s website
4. The Menjangan Resort, West Bali National Park
(The Menjangan Resort)
It’s not uncommon to see muntjac deer sunning themselves on the soft sands of The Menjangan’s private beach – and who can blame them?
This rainforest retreat takes up a slice of West Bali NP, with a clutch of elegant rooms and plentiful opportunities to explore.
Kayak through the mangroves, go horseriding in the forest or simply birdwatch from your terrace and perhaps spot a rare Bali starling. Round off the day with a Balinese cooking class or by dining al fresco amid the hoots and howls of the jungle.
Booking info: Double rooms start from £122 per night. Book via The Menjangan’s website
5. Hideout Bali, Selat
(Hideout Bali)
Tucked away in a lush tangle of towering ferns, this wall-free bamboo retreat is open to the elements yet offers the utmost privacy.
Hidden high up near misty Mount Agung, it has hammocks to snooze in, ukuleles to tinker on and everything from yoga mats to art supplies to play with – plus a free-to-use scooter so that you can nip around rustic eastern Bali’s rainforest and temples.
Wake up to views of the river and gardens, then set out to trek nearby rice paddies, climb the mountain and visit the night market.
Booking info: Double rooms start from £127 per night, including breakfast. Book via Hideout Bali
6. Bambu Indah, Ubud
(Copper House, Bambu Indah)
(Bambu Indah)
With its handful of hand-carved teak houses and bamboo ‘tents’ set among the treetops, Bambu, Indah is super-stylish yet sustainable – and won’t blow your budget.
After a dawn yoga session, bathe in the freshwater pools and breakfast on organic ingredients – the restaurant has even replaced plates with bamboo leaves, and straws with papaya stems.
Go hiking in Tjampuhan’s Sacred Hills, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (famous for its bold macaques), or spy swallows swooping through the skies from your own veranda.
Booking info: Double rooms start from £85 per night, including breakfast. Book via Bambu Indah
7. The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Seminyak
(The Seminyak Beach Resort)
After spending a week or two in the wilds of Bali, checking into this ritzy retreat is just the tonic.
It’s a resort, yes, but think quiet luxury, complimentary bike hire and tours to local attractions, such as Tanah Lot Temple and the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces.
Wake up early and climb Mount Agung, visit traditional villages, watch Balinese dances and even picnic in rice paddies, before heading back to the hotel to try out yogha sessions or meditative breathing, and to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
Booking info: Double rooms start from £275 per night, including breakfast. Book via The Seminyak
