The ultimate Bali round trip – 9 great hotel experiences

Bali sees more than 5 million tourists every year and are on many’s bucket lists. A lot of these tourists flock around the southern part of Bali and Ubud, which also have so many fantastic things to see and experience. But Bali has so much more to offer than the often crowded areas down south. This round trip will make you explore different areas of Bali and at the same time great hotels ranging from $ to $$$. 

For this trip you will need a car. Renting a car in Bali is easy, just make sure you have an international driving permit. 

The round trip goes clockwise around the island along the coast and has 9 nights at 9 different hotels. Driving time between the hotel destinations varies between 20 min and a single longer trip of 3.5 hours, mostly it will be around a 1 hour drive between the destinations. But remember traffic in Bali can be hard to predict, heavy traffic especially around Denpasar, Canggu and Ubud is not rare, but also pleasant surprises such as a Balinese ceremony can suddenly stop the traffic no matter where in Bali you are.

Night 1 Echo Beach: COMO Uma Canggu $$$

From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport head westwards to COMO Uma Canggu.

Praised for the architectural design of their 12 penthouse pool suites and great Sunday brunch. They also have a well known surf school. Here you will find luxury and privacy, and don’t miss out on a treatment at the Shambhala Spa.

Night 2 Pejarakan: Menjangan Dynasty Resort $$

The drive to this resort is the longest and even though google maps might suggest you cut through the island and drive north, I recommend the around 10 min longer trip past Gilimanuk. When you reach the resort you will get rewarded with tranquility and the lazy life by the water. This is actually a glamping resort and you will absolutely fall in love with your glamping tent. It got that perfect mix of luxury paired with what feels like an expedition tent. You should definitely go diving or snorkeling while you are here. A boat will pick you up by the beach right in front of the resort. The dive center is well equipped and arranges fantastic boat trips to nearby coral reefs.

Night 3 Gobleg: Munduk Moding Plantation $$

Today’s drive will bring you inland and up in the mountains to the amazing nature resort, Munduk Moding Plantation. Be ready for driving on narrow roads but with stunning views. The plantation is located 1000 meters (3281 ft) above sea level and is a working coffee plantation where they also grow a selection of vegetables. Here you will get fascinated by the intimate experience and the breathtaking mountain views. Spend your day walking the plantation and afterwards take a dip in the wonderful infinity pool. If it gets a little chilly towards the evening, soak in the view from the heated jacuzzi and after head for dinner where you will enjoy cuisines made mostly of ingredients grown on-site. End the evening by the bonfire.

Next morning you will love their breakfast on the balcony and when drinking your morning coffee or tea already be planning when you can come back.

Night 4 Bedugul: Handara Golf & Resort Bali $

This will be the round trip’s shortest drive and will only take around 20 min. A big part of the Handara experience is arriving at the iconic Handara Gate and from there driving through the scenic landscape to the resort entrance. If you are a golf player take the chance to play a round on their 18 holes golf course surrounded by a spectacular mountain view with dramatic backdrops. The course is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano at around 1140 meters. The cooler mountain weather allows for a more comfortable round than Balis other golf courses. If you are not a golf player don’t skip this stop. You will enjoy the fresh mountain air and enjoy taking a walk around the area, it is like walking in a botanical garden with the rainforest surrounding. You can also take the step and get a golf lesson or two. You might fall in love with the sport.

Night 5 Lovina: Lilin Lovina Beach $

This drive will take you back towards the ocean. At Lilin Lovina Beach you will experience how Bali was 20 years ago. Get ready for quiet, peaceful and beautiful. The hotel is located right on the beach with your own private outside bathroom. Sleeping so close to the ocean is a special experience, you will be lulled to sleep by the waves.

Night 6 Tejakula: The Tiing Tejakula Villas $

From one peaceful ocean stay to the next. The Tiing offers calmness and relaxation. Unwind in your own private pool or hang around by the hotel pool. You could consider booking the pool villa with mountain view, there is a beautiful scenic view to the mountains from here. They offer lots of activities on and around the resort but you can also choose to just relax and soak in the peaceful, private, and very relaxing atmosphere at this secluded location. 

Night 7 Amed: The Griya Villas and Spa $$

After approximately a one hour drive you will reach The Griya. The Griya demonstrates beautiful Balinese design in natural surroundings. Located on the hilltop it gives you an unobstructed view of the bay so no matter which villa you end up in you will have a spectacular landscape scene unfolding. And all villas have their own infinity pool. Amed is the perfect location for a lot of diving experiences and it is at The Griya that we were so lucky to get one of the best massages we have ever had.

Night 8 Ubud: Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan (Ubud) $$$

This is one of the longer drives but when you reach the majestic entrance at Four Seasons you will forget all about car rides and busy traffic. When you walk the footbridge to enter the famous lotus pond you will instantly be transported into a world of tranquility. Just the smell of the lush and tropical vegetation paired with the sounds of the river is out of this world. The footbridge is suspended above the rainforest and is the only way to reach the lobby. You will quickly realize that this riverside resort deserves a longer stay to have time to soak in the experience and to go on a river rafting adventure, take a yoga lesson in their outdoor yoga bale or pamper yourself with a treatment at the wonderful luxurious spa. And don’t forget to take a dip in the pool by the river.

Night 9 Nusa Dua: The Apurva Kempinski $$$

This is a huge hotel, but it’s such a good experience every time. You can’t help but to be amazed by the grand foyer that meets you first thing with its shining marble floors and the view of the ocean from this hillside resort. If you are ready to spend a little extra you can upgrade your stay to a suite which includes Cliff Lounge access, it’s well worth it. It gives access to the lounge with a daily canape buffet and the wonderful outdoors hydro jet spa pool. Kempinski has a fabulous kids club and you can kayak and paddleboard right in front of the hotel. And make sure to book a table at Izakaya By Oku, the best japanese restaurant on the island. A lot of people also come here to dine at Koral. It’s an aquarian fine dining restaurant. But be aware that you will need to book a table here several days ahead of arrival.