A central meeting spot where visitors go to worship wellness and meditate on the sprawling green grounds and within the bamboo studios. All levels of aspiring-yogis are welcome, and the teachers (Wayan Marcus Wistika is a favorite) are fantastic.
Known locally as Mandala Suci Wanara Wana. A hit with adults (gorgeous hand-carved temples) and kids (monkeys!). The Balinese long-tail macaques are cheeky, so take precautions: Don't take food you don't want to lose and don't even think about hiding it in your handbag — these guys are smart.
An unbelievably picturesque temple on a tiny rock island. It has such a beautiful view, it makes navigating the crowds totally worth it. Tanah Lot is also one of seven sea temples on the Island of the God. For a less crowded experience, head south to Uluwatu Temple situated on a scenic limestone cliff.
In a refurbished furniture factory, Balinese head chef Ketut Udiana introduces some of the region's best dishes, like ayam bakar taliwang (grilled chicken with sambal) from Lombok and buntu bakar sambal kemangi (grilled oxtail with honey and chili chutney) from Java. On Saturdays, groove to live local acts with a side of grilled small plates till late.
The Balinese rijsttafel (rice table) set meal will give you a delectable sampling of local dishes: tum bebek (minced duck wrapped in banana leaf), pork satay, bubuh injin (black rice pudding). Pair the meal with one of their palm or rice wines made on the island.
Under the themes of Harvested, Hooked, and Farmed, Kevin Cherkas (with Michelin-star training at Arzak, El Bulli, Daniel) serves the freshest produce, seafood, and poultry from his open kitchen at the bar. After dinner, head outside to the garden lounge for innovative cocktails and dessert under the stars and coconut trees.
You're here for an Argentine-style asado with endless rice paddies as your backyard. Start with Mexican-influenced appetizers like lamb empanaditas, feast on the babi guling (suckling pig) you saw as you came in, and end with delicious chocolate-ancho chili truffles for dessert.
Inventive plates inspired by Southeast Asian street food: lamb martabak, yellow curry clams, peking duck salad with green mango. Upstairs, sit in leather chesterfields surrounded by 1920s Shanghai-esque interiors as you sip on coconut mojitos and graze on beef and bamboo dumplings.
Fresh, organic food served in a cafe that welcomes visitors to stay the whole afternoon. Get the bali raja tataki — cocoa cayenne seared tuna, daikon, and beets in mangosteen sauce.
Also known as "Dirty Duck," this is the original spot for Ubud's famous crispy smoked duck and suckling pig. With tables overlooking rice fields.
The founding chefs, Dutch Eelke Plasmeijer and Indonesian Ray Adriansyah, are pioneers in the locavore movement on the island. Watch them work at the open kitchen as they plate scallops from Lombok, oysters from Sumbawa Island, pigs and produce from farms nearby. You'll want to make reservations for this one.
Great Spanish food with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean from the cliffside restaurant. Finish with cocktails and a sunset dip in the infinity pool on the cliff's edge.
Simple, organic meals served in a beautiful garden with a thatched roof.
The family-friendly, all-suites hotel sits right on the beach, which means sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. There is an emphasis on public spaces, so the shy/or crowd-adverse can opt for one of eleven private villas at The Club.
Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung
Bali, 80361
Inspired by Japanese ryokans, One Eleven is a Zen oasis in the middle of Bali’s party central. Sleep in one of nine one-bedroom villas, soak in a deep stone tub or your own fourteen-meter pool, and have an omakase dinner at Shiro by wonderfully deft Japanese chef Hiroki Mimaki.
#3 Pangkung Sari, Seminyak
Bali, 80361
Grown-ups get some respite thanks to the 16-years-old-and-above-only guests rule. Modern sleek lines and polished limestone meet traditional Balinese aesthetics under thatched roofs in the 29 pavilions. Even though Nusa Dua Beach is only six minutes away, you might not want to leave, what with 24-hour butlers, outdoor baths, the recently expanded pool, and new dining options.
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kuta Selatan, Kuta
Bali, 80363
All the usual yoga, ayurvedic, and spa treatments in a nine-hectare estate on the banks of Ayung River. As expected of the Island of the Gods, there are ten temples on the grounds where staff go to pray during the day. Stop by the water garden to pay respect to Ganesha — you can't walk in alone; you'll need to be escorted by someone from the hotel. Retire in plush rooms under thatched rooftops.
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Ubud, Gianyar
Bali, 80571
Stone pillars and archways, hidden pathways, fish ponds; there's a spirituality and calm here that seeps from the earth below. A six-day program begins with morning meditations in the open-air yoga shala overlooking the jungle, and ends with a day of silence and a purification ritual at the Tirta Empul temple.
Read more on Fathom: A Balinese Retreat Where You Keep Calm and Carry On in Silence
Jalan Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud
Bali,
Forty-four private villas are set in the rainforest overlooking Ayung River. If you can't manage a stay, stop by for a drink at the Garden Bar above the world's most photogenic infinity pool.
Desa Buahan, Payangan
Bali, 80571
A co-working space slash restaurant slash well-appointed Airbnb. Perfect for longer stays and digital nomads.
Retreat to the jungles of Bali on a three-, seven-, or ten-day program. Learn about long-term benefits of an ayurvedic lifestyle in a luxurious setting with daily therapeutic treatments, morning laughing yoga, and vegetarian meals designed to heal and restore.
Read more on Fathom: Detox Your Mind, Body, and Soul in Bali's Jungle
Br. Bebengan Tangeb, Abianbase Mengwi, Badung
Bali, 80351
How about a resort situated on a black sand beach that shimmers in the sunlight? You can't swim in the sea due to the strong rip currents, but you can ride a horse at sunrise and sunset along the local, gorgeous beach.
Banjar Dukuh, Desa Kelating, Kerambitan, Tabanan
Bali, 82161
An intimate private villa in the lush, forested hills leading up to Mt. Agung. This area is virtually untouched, making it a peaceful, spectacular destination. Four wonderful staff (and some charming resident chickens) will take care of you at the villa, and shuttles will bring you to nearby parent property, Alila Manggis, if you fancy a cooking class set among rice fields.
Ogang, Sidemen, Karangasem
Bali, 80864
Private bungalows with their own plunge pools. Blissful spa treatments overlooking Ayung River. The food at the hotel restaurant is among the best in Bali. Jurg, the chatty owner, is always nearby to provide insight into the most worthwhile daytrips.
The service is impeccable, from Javanese beauty rituals to cooking classes in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Arrange for an evening sail on the 66-foot catamaran, then have dinner under a canopy bed on the beach.
Incredible views, top-notch spa, legendary surf break. Villas have their own pool and outdoor living room. A cabana bar juts out from the cliffs over the Indian Ocean. Ask for the top floor room for a 180-degree sea view.
Read More on Fathom: Heaven at the End of the World
Antique wooden homes brought in from around the country were restored to make up the eco-village that is now this ashram-inspired boutique hotel. Each house is different, though all have traditional Indonesian accents. Spend the day at a spa, doing yoga in the garden, or touring the organic vegetable farms. Day guests are welcome.
It's hard to miss the geometic prints and bright colors drawing inspiration from Marrakech, Rio, and Kerala. Lace dresses and camis make it easy to go straight from the beach to a Saturday session.
Bali's rich cultural and crafstman heritage is showcased in the detailed pieces by New York-born Balinese designer Sri Luce Rusna. Browse her intricate necklaces, rings, and brooches. Consider bringing home Java bangles or a pair of Balinese subeng studs — usually associated with royalty.
French designer Magali Pascal imports Paris' bourgeois bohème spirit in her silk, lace, and suede pieces. Her lacey shorts and dresses add a touch of chic to a day at the beach.
Aussies opened their flagship store and café at the Temple of Enthusiasm, supplying locals and traveling beach bums with custom bikes, surfboards, coffee, and beer on tap. Check their Facebook page before you go, there's almost always something happening (movie nights, Sunday sessions).
The concept store brings in international and local designers and pours coffee from Australia's Common Grounds, Nylon, and Toby's Estate.
Beautiful porcelain, stoneware, and raku ceramics fill their glass storefront. The two Italian founders bring experience and techniques from their home country. Drop in for one- or two-day classes at their on-site ceramic arts center.
Rattan tables, Javanese batik-covered vintage school chairs, handmade terracotta. Creative director Anna Pretty (with an impressive background with Philippe Starck, Tom Dixon, Habitat) brings a modern touch to traditional techniques.
A secondhand bookshop that also serves a pretty great brunch.
Find handicrafts, textiles, and home goods from artisans across Indonesia’s archipelago. Pick up adorable palm-sized animals that can be used as Christmas tree ornaments or toys for your favorite little kid.
Beautiful woven bags, baskets, trays, and other essentials for the perfectly accessorized home.