Known as the Island of Gods, Bali boasts more than 20,000 temples; two active volcanoes; some 2,000 species of fish and other sea life; a thriving arts scene; and an abundance of spa and wellness resorts. Its distinct religion, culture and natural setting have drawn travelers from around the globe for decades, many seeking a slice of serenity. Today Bali draws everyone from backpackers to business travelers and digital nomads to celebrities. David Bowie even dictated his ashes be scattered around Bali.

Visitors benefit from being based in the area with the most attractions of interest since heavy traffic across the island can add hours to any outing. Beachgoers in search of upscale resorts, spas, golfing and fine dining will find Nusa Dua on the southern end of Bali a fitting option, with water sports galore including surfing or other activities like paragliding. While most of Bali’s wellness resorts reside in Ubud, Nusa Dua features its fair share, such as REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort with three-night or longer mindfulness retreats. Top brands such as Conrad Bali also concentrate on wellness, with features such as forest bathing at Bedugul rainforest and sound healing sessions.

Nearby Sanur, a family-style resort location, offers everything from Japanese restaurants to a cat café. Its recently renovated boardwalk runs along Sanur’s 5 miles of coastline connecting its beaches, resorts, shops and restaurants.

© Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana

Daytrips include Turtle Conservation and Education Center on nearby Serangan Island, about 20 minutes away. Baby turtle release programs take place during the summer at various beaches including Sea Turtle Village on Sanur’s Karang Beach. Sanur also proves an ideal jumping off point for scuba diving or snorkeling at Nusa Penida, one of Bali’s offshore islands, known for its manta rays as well as its vistas. Other highlights include Goa Giri Putri Temple in the island’s largest cave, a pilgrimage site for many Balinese.

Both Kuta and Seminyak are lively party locations, with Seminyak offering luxury hotels such as W Bali – Seminyak and The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa. But southern Bali’s current hot spot, Canggu, lies about a half hour north of Seminyak. Canggu hums with Western-style brunch spots, nightclubs, yoga studios and relaxing beach clubs such as La Brisa and Finn’s. Surfing lessons with Matahari Surf School and sunsets are popular at Batu Bolong Beach. Canggu is also home to Samada Bali’s Organic Sunday Market.

From any of the southern locations you can explore two of Bali’s most iconic temples. Pura Tanah Lot, a pilgrimage site for Balinese situated on a rock in the ocean, offers a photo spot for visitors, with crowds descending on the area at sunset. The postcard-worthy Pura Uluwatu temple perches on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The best time to visit is sunset, and visitors are warned to hang on to accessories, such as sunglasses and jewelry, which the monkeys at the temple are known to grab. Consider staying for a traditional trance-like kecak performance at Pura Uluwatu. Also known as the Ramayana monkey chant, kecak features a circle of up to 150 performers all chanting the word “chak” repeatedly in unison. Uluwatu village, originally popular with surfers for its world-renowned consistent waves, also teems with resort hotels on cliffsides such as Bulgari Resort Bali, with one of the best beaches on the island.

Uluwatu Temple © Rodri Golab | Dreamstime.com

At the heart of Bali sits Ubud, whose name derives from the Balinese word ubad, meaning “medicine.” Here you’ll find temples, wellness resorts such as Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, along with Michelin-worthy cuisine. A prime base for outdoor adventure, Ubud also attracts art lovers with its hands-on classes in batik, wood carving and other local
disciplines.

Ubud also harbors some 1,260 long-tailed macaques in Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The Monkey Forest houses Hindu temples, traditional Balinese dance performances and, mostly, the highly entertaining monkeys. Guided treks along cliffside rice terraces, such as the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are popular in Ubud. Visit during the greenest months (March, August and September).

Ubud’s Tirta Empul Temple is a sacred spot, as Balinese believe the water in this temple holds a holy power. Meanwhile, northeast of Ubud, Sidemen offers an ideal launching spot for visiting Pura Besakih, or Mother Temple, a sprawling Hindu temple complex set on the slopes of Mount Agung. For the intrepid, it’s possible to also climb Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, or take a much easier sunrise hike up Mount Batur and end at Batur Natural Hot Spring next to Batur Crater Lake.

© REVĪVŌ BALI

All in all, Bali proves an ideal place to recharge, whether at a wellness retreat in the mountains or soaking up a Balinese massage on the beach.

LODGING
Ayana Resort Bali 
Overlooking southern Bali’s Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Bali features four hotels: AYANA Bali Resort, AYANA Villas Bali, AYANA Bali Segara and AYANA Bali Rimba. The property offers 14 pools; 30 restaurants; a wellness spa; and an on-site museum, SAKA, dedicated to Balinese culture.
647Q+GP, Jimbaran, South
Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
$$$–$$$$

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts 
Hilton’s recently opened Umana Bali at Ungasan, the island’s southernmost tip, offers 72 villas, each with a private infinity-edge pool and outdoor hot tub. The on-site Lohma Spa focuses on holistic healing with yoga, meditation and more.
Jl. Melasti, Ungasan, Kec.Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Ba-dung, Bali

$$$$$

Tanah Gajah, A Resort by Hadiprana 
Set in Ubud’s rice paddies, Tanah Gajah focuses on spiritual renewal, mental clarity and physical rejuvenation at its spa, as well as sustainability. Guests can also access tennis courts and kecak performances.
Jalan Goa Gajah, Tengkulak
Kaja Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
$$$$

© The Apruva Kempinski Bali

DINING

Koral Restaurant
Set in an aquarium within The Apurva Kempinski Hotel, Koral Restaurant surrounds diners with sea critters viewed through massive windows. Michelin star chef Jean- Baptiste Natali serves artisanal set menus, from sea- food-based to vegan dishes, alongside an extensive wine list and inventive cocktails.
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua
Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali
$$$$$

Locavore NXT
Located in rice fields outside Ubud, Locavore NXT offers a multicourse tasting menu using ingredients grown in its rooftop “food forest,” subterranean mushroom chamber and koji fermentation lab. Other ingredients come from local farmers and fishermen.
Jl. A.A. Gede Rai Gang Pura
Panti Bija, Lodtunduh, Ubud,
Gianyar, Bali
$$$$$

Sa’Mesa Seminyak 
Sa’Mesa focuses on communal dining with strangers, serving pasta and burrata at shared large tables to foster new friendships and showcase slow Italian-style dining. House-made limoncello gets the party started. There is also a location in Canggu.
Petitenget St Jl. Petitenget
No.1a, Seminyak, Kuta Utara,
Badung Regency, Bali
$$$$

Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida © Biletskiy | Dreamstime.com

INFO TO GO
You can visit Bali year-round, but be aware of the mild monsoon season mid-December to March. Visitors from select countries can apply for a visa on arrival online. Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport), the main international gateway, lies about 12 miles from Canggu, 6 miles from Seminyak and about 25 miles from Ubud, which can take one to two hours, depending on traffic. Online ride apps such as GOJEK, Grab and Bluebird taxi offer the best options for airport transit, or transfers with private companies can be booked in advance. It’s also possible to catch a taxi at the airport at the official taxi stand in the international arrivals hall.