BALI GUIDE
THE SPLENDID ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BALI: WHERE ANCIENT TRADITION MEETS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
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THE SPLENDID ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BALI: WHERE ANCIENT TRADITION MEETS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN 〰️
This is a Bali that transcends the ordinary- a place where private villas perch above hidden cliffs, where world-class spas harness the healing power of nature, and where gourmet dining experiences unfold under starlit skies. Whether you’re wandering through sacred temples, savoring the artistry of Balinese cuisine, or simply basking in the tranquility of a sunset over the Indian Ocean, Bali offers a luxury experience that is as diverse as it is unforgettable.
WHERE TO STAY
Uluwatu
Perched dramatically on the limestone cliffs of Bali’s southern Bukit Peninsula, Six Senses Uluwatu is a master-class in modern biophilic design - a place where architecture, light, and landscape move in quiet rhythm with the sea. Built entirely from sustainably sourced timber and local stone, the resort’s tiered geometry mirrors the contours of the cliffs themselves, creating uninterrupted sightlines that draw the eye to the horizon.
Inside its more than 100 suites and villas, natural textures reign: smooth teak, woven rattan, and linen drapery framing cinematic views of the Indian Ocean. Sustainability isn’t a statement here - it’s a structure. From its organic gardens and on-site beehives to its zero-waste composting tours, the property’s circular design ethos touches every detail.
The spa is a serene pavilion suspended above the water - all soft light and volcanic stone - where guests can begin with a sauna or steam ritual before drifting into one of eight treatment rooms for intuitive Balinese massages and reflexology. Each day unfolds with a rotating program of movement - sunrise yoga, sound-led meditation, and Pilates overlooking the cliffs - balancing design’s stillness with the pulse of the living landscape.
Ubud
A Jungle Escape,High above Ubud’s lush jungle canopy, the Hanging Gardens of Bali offers a serene sanctuary for romance, adventure, and relaxation. Surrounded by the Ayung River’s gentle flow, this resort blends traditional Balinese design with modern luxury, featuring private villas with tranquil pools that harmonize with nature.
The highlight is the iconic two-tiered infinity pool, a breathtaking masterpiece that cascades over the rainforest, creating the illusion of floating above the Ayung River gorge. Crafted by local artisans using volcanic stone, it’s a symbol of the resort’s authentic elegance.
With world-class amenities, personalized service, and rejuvenating spa experiences, Hanging Gardens of Bali redefines luxury, offering an intimate connection to nature and an unforgettable escape.
To discover more about Hanging Gardens of Bali and to book a link to their website can be found here.
Sanur
Nestled along the serene coastline of Sanur, The Meru Sanur emerges as a sanctuary of refined luxury and holistic well-being. This all-suite resort seamlessly blends traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern comforts, offering guests an immersive experience that rejuvenates both body and soul.
Each suite at The Meru Sanur, ranging from the 83-square-meter Tropical Suite to the expansive 209-square-meter Presidential Suite, is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and connection to nature. Private terraces or balconies provide tranquil views of lush gardens or the ocean, while interiors feature natural materials like ironwood and merbau, enhancing the warm, tropical ambiance. Bathrooms are equipped with rain showers and bathtubs strategically placed to offer serene vistas, complemented by smart toilets and luxurious amenities .
Dining at The Meru Sanur is a culinary journey through Indonesia’s rich flavors and international cuisines available at the three onsite restaurants. Arunika, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers live cooking stations and an extensive array of dishes, making it an ideal spot for leisurely meals throughout the day. The Svasana Spa at The Meru Sanur offers a comprehensive wellness experience rooted in Balinese traditions. Treatments are designed to engage all five senses, incorporating elements like aromatherapy, sound healing, and energy cleansing .
The Meru Sanur stands as a testament to Bali’s ability to harmonize tradition with modern luxury. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a culinary adventure, or a holistic wellness journey, this resort offers an experience that caters to all facets of rejuvenation.
To discover more about The Meru Sanur a link to their website can be found here.
Uluwatu
Discover Karma Kandara: Bali’s Luxurious Cliffside Haven, Perched on Bali’s exclusive Bukit Peninsula, Karma Kandara is a sanctuary where tradition meets luxury. This resort offers private villas blending Balinese architecture with modern elegance, featuring tropical courtyards, private pools, and natural materials like teakwood and ironwood.
The Karma Spa, set into limestone cliffs, boasts stunning ocean views and unique treatments, from Balinese healing rituals to sound therapy. Meanwhile, Karma Beach embraces barefoot luxury with watersports, yoga, spa treatments, and chic evenings under the stars.
Whether for intimate gatherings or family adventures, Karma Kandara delivers a perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, and Balinese spirit. Dive in and discover why it’s a destination we will always suggest to those heading to Bali.
To discover more about Karma Kandara a link to their website can be found here.
Pererenan
Tucked into the lush heart of Pererenan, Further Hotel isn’t just a place to stay - it’s a living, breathing part of Bali’s vibrant culture. Redefining the concept of hospitality, Further disperses its boutique suites across four distinct sites, seamlessly weaving guest experiences into the lively local rhythm.
With a keen eye for design and connection, Further offers more than luxury accommodations; it crafts moments. Urban King Suites and Twin Sanctuaries invite guests to unwind in sunlit spaces, complete with outdoor showers and tranquil patios, while rooftops like Portion pool and bar offers the perfect sunset hangout.
Further Hotel is a true standout - a rare balance of thoughtful luxury, soulful community, and effortless cool. To discover more about Further Hotel and to book a link to their website can be found here.
Seminyak
Located in Seminyak, The legian a Bali icon designed by Architect Jaya Ibrahim; a retreat where tropical modernism meets old-world grace and where privilege whispers instead of shouts. The Legian belongs to the illustrious Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, yet it wears the badge lightly. Three tiered infinity pools step toward the Indian Ocean, mirroring Bali’s rice terraces and guiding every gaze to a sunset that glows molten. Suites begin at ninety-nine square metres, each one facing the sea with teak shutters and breezy balconies. Beyond them, fourteen villas hide behind frangipani hedges, each with a private pool and a butler who appears as if by magic.
Wellness by The Legian is more than a spa, it is a holistic cocoon. Begin with the heat circuit: hot and cold plunge pools, sauna and steam room, then drift to a cedar-scented treatment suite for an ila rose quartz facial or a Balinese deep-tissue massage. The Spa opens from nine to nine and guests can join sunrise yoga, spinning or Pilates classes in the Technogym-powered studio nearby . Nutrition follows the “food is medicine” philosophy, so green juices and raw plates appear as naturally as cocktails at sunset.
Where many resorts compete for attention, The Legian simply breathes. Space, light and sea do the talking while service anticipates every unspoken wish. Add a spa that heals, dining that dazzles and venues that turn celebrations into legend and you have a beachfront classic that feels both timeless and completely of the moment.
To discover more about The Legian a link to their website can be found here.
Where to dine: Our must-try dining options
JOHN HARDY
John Hardy’s boutique is more than a jewelry store - it’s a serene sanctuary of Balinese craftsmanship. The space blends traditional architecture with modern elegance, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind each handmade piece. Guests can dine at the Long Table for an unforgettable farm-to-table experience. It’s luxury with soul - rooted in heritage, elevated by design.
TO BOOK
TEJA
Perched above the sweeping cerulean expanse of the Indian Ocean in Uluwatu, Teja Uluwatu weaves together elemental warmth and refined European cuisine in a space that is both raw and elevated. Rooted in the Sanskrit term teja - fire’s luminous energy - the restaurant channels this primal force through live-fire cooking, where premium ingredients are coaxed into bold yet elegant simplicity.
Guests arrive amidst handcrafted textures and natural finishes, setting the stage for an immersive gathering where food becomes ritual and design becomes dialogue. Here, meals are not merely consumed but celebrated - an offering to tradition, connection and the elemental spark of creation.
TO BOOK
MAMA SAN
A vibrant and contemporary Asian dining experience located in Seminyak. This elegant restaurant and lounge features a stunningly designed upstairs supper club, perfect for gatherings with friends or family. We recommend trying the slow-cooked beef rendang!
TO BOOKFU HOUSE
A cool new spot in Seminyak that combines traditional elements with innovative flair, designed to be a vibrant centre for Thai-inspired and modern Asian cuisine. It features a delightful mix of both contemporary and classic dishes, each presented with a modern touch.
TO BOOK
SALT LICK
Perched above the iconic KU DE TA in Seminyak, Saltlick Bali offers a refined wood-fired steak experience with sweeping ocean vistas. Chef Jeremy Hunt curates a menu spotlighting premium, in-house aged cuts like Wagyu and Black Angus, seared to perfection over a custom-built grill.
TO BOOKSATOSHI
SATOSHI Restaurant x Music Library in Kerobokan is where design, flavour and sound converge in a single, cinematic experience. Four tons of hand-cut Indonesian limestone and soaring vinyl shelves set the tone-modern Japanese minimalism wrapped in warm, architectural drama.
Chef Igor Grishechkin’s Itameshi cuisine blends Japanese precision with Italian soul, resulting in dishes that feel sculptural yet deeply comforting. Paired with a curated vinyl collection and an Italian-made K-Array sound system, dinner unfolds more like a sensory performance than a meal.
TO BOOK
LA BRISSA
Located in Canngu, as one of the most celebrated eco-friendly venues on the island. The menu is a delight for seafood enthusiasts, emphasising local and sustainable ingredients. It’s not just a dining spot; it’s a memorable experience. We recommend visiting in the enchanting sunset hours for drinks and dinner.
TO BOOKKARMA BEACH
Located in Ungasan, Karma Beach provides a laid-back approach to luxury, allowing you to unwind and soak in the stunning surroundings. Spend your days engaging in exciting water sports or lounging on the beach, and enjoy vibrant nights with music from their resident DJ.
TO BOOK
POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB
A true Bali icon located in Seminyak, Potato Head Beach Club boasts an infinity pool, a lively beach bar, top-notch DJs, breathtaking sunset vistas, and an energetic vibe. It's the ultimate place to catch the sunset while enjoying some of the best wood-fired pizza and drinks.
TO BOOK
spa‘s & wellness
MELLO DAY SPA
Mello Spa has redefined what a spa experience can be—seamlessly blending modern luxury with holistic wellness. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking more than just pampering. Highly recommended for a truly meaningful escape in Bali.
From the moment I was picked from my villa in Mello’s private car, the experience felt intentional and elevated. I opted for the Body Massage with Gua Sha, a transformative full-body treatment that delivers both immediate results and lasting impact. Designed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and enhance circulation, it effectively reduces puffiness and eases deep-seated tension.
The treatment begins with a deeply relaxing massage, followed by rhythmic Gua Sha strokes using Mello’s signature IMBIBE Copper Body Gua Sha tool. The result? A beautifully balanced body, a clear mind, and a renewed sense of calm.
TO BOOK
BODY WORKS
What truly sets Bodyworks apart, however, is its breathtaking design. Inspired by Moroccan riads, the spa’s architecture is a visual feast—think terracotta hues, mosaic-tiled fountains, arched doorways, and lush courtyards bathed in natural light. Each treatment room feels like a hidden oasis, where the sensory experience begins the moment you walk through the door. More than just a place to relax, Bodyworks Spa is a cultural and aesthetic experience, making it a must-visit for design lovers and wellness seekers alike.
TO BOOK
SPRING SPA
Spring Spa in Seminyak blends minimalist style with Balinese charm, offering a polished yet relaxing escape. The serene, contemporary space feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional spa. Treatments are consistently excellent - from hydrating facials to expert massages - all delivered with care and a contemporary touch. Perfect for solo unwinding or a luxe self-care day with friends.
TO BOOK
PYRAMIDS OF CHI
Tucked away in the lush jungle of Ubud, Pyramids of Chi is a truly unique wellness destination that invites guests on a transformative inner journey. Designed around two majestic, purpose-built pyramids, the center blends ancient wisdom with modern healing techniques to create powerful experiences for mind, body, and spirit.
TO BOOK
shopping
KIM SOO
Located in Seminyak, Kim Soo was born from a desire to make the rare and beautiful accessible, we exist to enrich the space your customers live in. Often handcrafted and always sourced from across the Indonesian Archipelago, their finely honed catalogue captures the unique craftsmanship of our island home while celebrating people, places and things with soul. With over 200 products spanning ceramics, textiles and everything in between, our collections beautiful intertwine to bring you a broad and considered product range just for you.
TO DISCOVER MOREBIASA PLUS
BIASA redefines tropical luxury with its signature fusion of sculptural silhouettes, time-honored craftsmanship, and effortless sophistication. Designed for the cosmopolitan wanderer and those who dare to dress differently, each piece whispers a story of meticulous artistry-where hand-loomed fabrics, intricate embroidery, and modern cuts converge into wearable poetry.
TO DISCOVER MORE
A look at Novea Townhouses by LeyLines
In Bingin, life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Mornings begin with the scent of sea breeze and the low hum of scooters heading toward the surf. Just steps from the shoreline, Novea Townhouses by LeyLines redefines what it means to live - or invest - in Bali’s most dynamic coastal area.
The Novea Townhouses stand as sculptural expressions of modern tropical design. Every line, surface, and perspective is composed with precision - balancing bold geometry and soft light in a palette of local timber, polished stone, and quietly luxurious detailing.
“With every project at LeyLines, design grows from the land and its people - rooted in local craftsmanship and materials - to elevate daily life while deepening our clients’ connection to the environment and community. We create spaces that invite belonging, spark understanding, and turn everyday moments into richer, more connected experiences.”
— Aimee Hartshorn, Head of Design
Novea’s form follows both function and feeling. The architecture blurs the threshold between indoors and outdoors, creating spaces that perform with tropical precision. Natural ventilation, energy-efficient materials, and thoughtful layouts ensure each townhouse feels open, cool, and private. Beyond its design, Novea represents LeyLines’ investment philosophy in motion:homes that live beautifully and perform consistently. With Bali’s tourism and digital nomad community expanding, the project is strategically positioned to attract long-stay guests, wellness travelers, and professionals seeking both luxury and belonging.
"At LeyLines, we transform Bali's unmatched allure into profitable investments that seamlessly blend luxurious tropical living with high-ROI opportunities. Our distinctive approach delivers turnkey villas in emerging coastal hubs, crafted with eco-conscious design, modern-tropical aesthetics, and premium materials to create award-winning developments built to last and designed to impress.”
— James Hartshorn, CoFounder of LeyLines
Explore future projects and the evolving design philosophy of LeyLines at LeyLines.com.
Bali is a lively tropical haven that presents a diverse array of experiences and spiritual opportunities, making it one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. We trust you found our Bali guide helpful and that our suggestions will enhance your time on this beautiful island, allowing you to create unforgettable memories!
- Team Splendid x