Is there anywhere as idyllic as Bali, Indonesia’s own Island of the Gods? For couples looking to visit for the first time, or to return and explore further afield, there’s truly no better island destination (one I’m fortunate enough to call home), thanks to its rich heritage (5,000 years and counting!), fascinating traditions, ancient wellness culture, heart-thumping activities, verdant jungles, spectacular surf lines, and dynamic dining scene.
Of course, knowing where to base yourself when you arrive is important because Bali is also famed for its often chaotic traffic and regular religious festivals, which can make travel a little challenging.
I’ve compiled the best areas to stay in Bali for couples, explain why places like Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Sanur are worthy of your attention, give insights as to who they might appeal to – whether you’re looking for adventure, spirituality, or a night on the town – and suggest some of my favourite Bali hotels and resorts to stay at in each.
Ubud: Tranquility, Culture, and Boutique Romance in Bali’s Highlands
Perfect for honeymooners, lovers, and culture creatures, Ubud, Bali’s spiritual capital, is a destination like no other in the world. Located in the rolling jungle-clad hills an hour’s drive from the Bali airport, Ubud is as zen as any locale you’ll find in Asia and has been attracting visitors since the 1930s, when celebrities like Charlie Chaplin would venture to Indonesia as a guest of Ubud’s royal family.
Unlike Seminyak and Canggu, which are coastal enclaves famed for their beaches and nightlife, Ubud runs at a different pace. Punctuated by ancient, incense-smoke-stained temples, emerald green rice terraces, gently swaying palm trees, vibrant local villages, and romance-inducing resorts, a visit to Ubud, Bali’s imperial capital, is a chance to slow down, embrace nature, and reconnect with yourself and loved ones.
Populated by priests, artisans, gurus, and the odd hippy, Ubud is best known for its indulgent spas, curious boutique hotels, eclectic dining scene, timeless ceremonies, and bohemian persona, making it a great spot for you and your partner to base yourself for a few days or, as I often do, visit for a day of art, culture, and coffee.
While central Ubud, with its bustling palace and temples and newly opened central markets, is always a hive of activity, it’s also easy for couples to escape to the many bucolic villages that surround Ubud town, to explore meandering rivers and towering waterfalls, climb soaring jungle-clad volcanoes, visit time-weathered temples, and immerse themselves in the island’s Hindu culture with a water blessing or Melukat.
Pros:
- Ubud is the real Bali, where you’ll find tropical jungles and idyllic rice terraces, and enjoy a cooler climate.
- Ubud is home to some of Bali’s best accommodation, from luxury resorts to fun, family-owned boutique hotels.
- It’s also home to the island’s wellness scene, so expect plenty of spas, vegan, plant-based and healthy restaurants, wellness clinics, yoga and meditation studios, and cultural and artistic spaces.
- Ubud is the cultural and religious heartland of the island.
Cons:
- You’ll have to trade towels for sarongs as there’s no beach access without an hour’s drive south.
- Ubud’s town centre can get crowded during peak hours and ceremonies at its many temples.
- With wellness in mind, don’t expect a vibrant nightlife scene after dusk (unless folk music and poetry jamming are your thing).
What to Do as a Couple
Couples visiting Ubud should expect to slow down, take a breath, and tap into the destination’s spiritual energy.
Set out early to walk through the Unesco-listed Tegallalang Rice Terraces as the sun rises, followed by coffee at one of the region’s little single-origin hotspots (I love Fas.a.Fas Bakery & Café, which has amazing French-style pastries and heady Sumatran coffee).
Visit the curious monkeys of Sangeh Monkey Forest (skip the uber-touristy Ubud Monkey Forest, where you’re likely to be bitten or robbed by its primate residents) or take in a cooking class, a great way for couples to bond as they learn authentic Balinese recipes.
After lunch at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3, home to arguably Ubud’s best suckling pig, couples should take a walk through Ubud Art Market, which is packed with great souvenirs and locally-produced art, indulge in a couples treatment at one of Ubud’s many wellness centres (my wife and I are big fans of Jaens Spa), or cleanse their spirits during a Balinese water purification ceremony.
If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck as Ubud has everything from world-class mixology (I love Pinstripe at the Viceroy Bali, which has an old club-like ambience), and a fascinating take on Indonesian cuisine (chef Will Meyrick’s Hujan Locale is always popular), through to innovative fine-dining, like the chef’s table at Syrco Base, which is perfectly suited for couples looking to celebrate in style.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Ubud is all about relaxation and communing with nature, so expect both boutique family-run hotels and sublime wellness-oriented resorts set amidst rice terraces.
Tanah Gajah Ubud
Once the private home of one of Indonesia’s most famous architects,
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is now a luxury retreat made up of indulgent pool villas, a working rice field and farm, organic gardens, and The Tempayan, one of Ubud’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Abisena Ubud
Hidden away north of Ubud, the Abisena Ubud is an intimate retreat nestled among rice terraces and overlooking a verdant jungle valley.
Couples can disappear from the world in the resort’s pool villas, soak in the indoor swimming pool, enjoy a host of treatments at the spa, and even meet the local farmers on guided tours.
Seminyak: Beachside Style, Dining, and Design-Forward Stays
Vibrant, fun, and always evolving, Seminyak is one of Bali’s most popular and most established tourism destinations. Home to glorious beaches, popular nightclubs, restaurants, and beach clubs, as well as indulgent resorts and design-driven boutique hotels, Seminyak makes for a great base from which to explore the island, offering couples convenience, sophisticated living, and the best of contemporary Bali.
Offering a great cross-section of the Bali travel experience, Seminyak is a 35-45 minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and shares the same beach as neighbouring Legian and Kuta (although I think Seminyak’s a little more sophisticated). Its best-known spots include Petitenget, home to great pool and beach clubs like Mrs Sippy and Ku De Ta, and popular resorts like the W Bali (Seminyak) and Alila; Kayu Ayu or Eat Street, a haven for foodies; and Batu Beliq, a laid-back beachfront enclave.
Eclectic, convenient, and established, Seminyak has a little something for everyone, from romantic five-star resorts perched on the sand and intimate villa properties where honeymooners can escape the masses, to art galleries, great restaurants, nightclubs like La Favela and Shi Shi, friendly beachfront bars with live music, and plenty of indulgent spas for a spot of couple’s pampering.
Pros:
- Seminyak is well-established, so expect great dining, wellness, and nightlife experiences.
- Located near Sunset Road, it offers easy access to the airport, as well as Ubud, Canggu, and even Uluwatu.
- With a wide range of luxury villas and beachfront hotels, there’s something for every couple.
- Seminyak is great for couples who want to capture the best of Bali without always being on the move.
Cons:
- It’s pretty touristy, so it can get crowded, especially during holidays.
- Bali beaches are beautiful in the dry season but can get a little treacherous during the wet season.
- Traffic congestion is common during peak hours.
What to Do as a Couple
Unlike some parts of Bali, Seminyak has a little something for every couple. Kick your day off with a walk along iconic Double Six Beach before getting in some people watching over a chilled coconut at one of the beachfront warungs or restaurants (I’m a big fan of the fresh juices at La Plancha) before walking up to Seminyak Square, the heart of Kaya Ayu and a great spot to snap up a bargain at the many boutiques and surfwear shops.
Grab a burger at Sisterfields nearby before strolling down to Mrs Sippy, one of the island’s most popular pool clubs, and don’t forget to take the leap from its Instagrammable diving platform!
Catch a picturesque sunset at Ku De Ta, another iconic beachfront haven in Seminyak that’s home to a range of innovative, soul-cooling cocktails, or groove to the day’s end at popular beach club Potatohead before making your way up the street to Motel Mexicola, a brilliant taverna where the tacos are delicious and the margaritas flow into the early hours.
Couples looking for something a little more intimate should make their way to Amici, a modern Italian eatery on Jalan Petitenget, before dancing the night away next door at The Iron Fairies Bali, one of Bali’s best nightclubs.
Talking of clubbing, Seminyak is also home to two iconic venues – La Favela, which is always a hive of activity (be sure to dress to the nines), and ShiShi Nightclub, which keeps the energy going well into the morning hours.
For some respite, try the innovative midnight massage at the Away Spa at the W Seminyak, and for couples looking to take something special home with them, Petitenget is also home to a brilliant John Hardy boutique (you can even book a jewellery-making class).
Where to Stay in Seminyak
Seminyak is home to many well-established resorts, each with a host of indulgent amenities, as well as tons of great private villas, many with beach access. Here are some of our favourites.
Noku House
If you’re on a couples trip, you might want to book Elite Havens Noku House, one of Bali’s most iconic beachfront villas. This striking property sleeps 12 and features a private villa pool that reaches all the way to Double Six Beach.
The Legian Seminyak
One of Seminyak’s most beautiful beachfront resorts has to be The Legian, which is perched on Petitenget Beach and features sublime suites with spectacular views.
Be sure to leave time for a sunset martini poolside – it’s one of my favourite sundowner spots on the island.
Kuta: Lively, Accessible, and Best for Budget-Minded Couples
Kuta is where Bali’s tourism chapter began, and even today, its warren of tiny lanes that lead down to the beach is packed with bars, restaurants, boutique hotels, and gift shops. While it’s most famous for its beachfront, where the crowds mass each evening to greet the sunrise, Kuta is also a popular hub because of its proximity to the beach and major attractions, including Beachwalk and Discovery Malls, and Waterbom Bali water park.
The spirit of Kuta lies on its beautiful beachfront, a popular setting for live music festivals and small, local beach bars. Kuta has long been popular with Australians, who identify with its laid-back, anything-goes beachfront vibe, but you’ll find travellers from all over the world staying at its many affordable hotels and resorts, and visiting its many tattoo parlours, live music venues, nightclubs, and beachfront market stalls.
Couples visiting Kuta can make it their own – hide from the world in your intimate pool villa, work on your tan as you watch planes land at the airport nearby, or paint the town red at some of Bali’s most fun nightlife venues.
Pros:
- Kuta has always been popular due to its proximity to the airport, Uluwatu, and Seminyak.
- The area is best known for having some of the most affordable accommodation options on the island, ranging from boutique hotels and private pool villas.
- Expect an energy that lasts all night at its many restaurants, clubs, and live music venues.
- Kuta is great for couples looking to stay in the heart of the action without bruising their wallets.
Cons:
- With popularity comes crowds, so expect bustling streets and plenty of traffic.
- Kuta has always been a working-class holiday destination that might lack the refinement of Seminyak or Nusa Dua.
- Kuta is always evolving, which means its narrow lanes are always seeing new construction projects.
What to Do as a Couple
Kuta is great for couples looking to make a dollar stretch while still being close to the beach.
Join the locals on Kuta Beach first thing for a group beginner surf class, led by friendly local surfers who love to share their passion for the sea. Afterward, sate your post-class appetite with breakfast at Beachwalk (% Arabica is a personal favourite), one of Bali’s most popular outdoor shopping malls, before delving into the narrow lanes that lead away from the beach in search of a bargain or two (look out for Poppies Lane, it’s one of the best).
You’ll also find great deals on beachwear at Beachwalk, home to brands like Billabong, Quicksilver, Victoria’s Secret, and Onitsuka Tiger.
After all the retail therapy, couples might be in need of a foot massage, so head to Taman Air Spa, which offers a range of modern wellness treatments (the hydrotherapy sessions in the Vichy showers and whirlpool baths are a great way to beat the heat).
As the sun begins to sink, head to rooftop hotspot Kuta Social Club at Mamaka by Ovolo for sensational dining and cocktails backdropped by resident DJs. For a touch of local cuisine, you can’t go past Amanaia Kuta, an elegant Indonesian eatery that showcases recipes from across Bali and the rest of the archipelago.
To cap off the night, strut your stuff on the dancefloor to live music. The vibe at the Hard Rock Café in Kuta is always brilliant as it showcases some of the best bands from across Indonesia.
Where to Stay in Kuta
Kuta’s accommodation scene has always been about family-friendly resorts, many only steps away from the beach, and budget-friendly local hotels.
Mamaka by Ovolo
Design-savvy Mamaka by Ovolo is always a popular option. It’s perched right on the beach, in the heart of Kuta’s coastal strip, and features luxurious, playful rooms and suites with spectacular sea views.
Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa
A classic beachfront locale, Bali Mandira is great for couples looking to soak up the beachfront ambience while its expansive swimming pools (one with a great waterfall slide) and Azure Beach Club mean all the best parts of a tropical vacation in Bali come to you.
Uluwatu: Clifftop Seclusion, Ocean Views, and Refined Romance
Capturing the spirit of the island’s timeless surf culture, Uluwatu is a microcosm of the greater Bali experience. Its winding coastal roads, clifftop retreats, pounding surf breaks, and world-class beach clubs make it a very popular destination for couples looking for sun, sea, and seduction.
Perched on the western tip of the Bukit Peninsula (which it shares with other popular destinations like Ungasan, Melasti, and Nusa Dua), to the southeast of the airport, ‘Ulu’, as it’s known locally, is all about that laid back surf lifestyle, making it popular with tourists and expats alike. It’s also home to one of the island’s most important temples, injecting a dose of ancient cultural heritage into its sun-kissed mix, while some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts rule supreme over its idyllic beaches.
Whether you’re looking to stay close to the breaks or are just looking to visit for a day of smooth DJ-spun beats and cocktails on the sand, you can’t beat Uluwatu, Bali’s surf capital.
Pros:
- Uluwatu’s proximity to the airport means less time in traffic and more time by the pool.
- Perfect for couples, Uluwatu is famed for its boutique hotels and villas as well as luxe resorts.
- Facing west, Ulu is home to some of Bali’s best sunset spots.
- It’s also a haven for foodies, with an eclectic, ever-evolving culinary scene.
Cons:
- You’ll need a scooter, a car, or a driver to practically navigate Uluwatu and its coastal roads.
- This is a haven for surf bunnies, so don’t expect a nightlife scene akin to Seminyak or Canggu.
- Be prepared to hike down to some of the best hidden beaches.
What to Do as a Couple
Whether you’re in Bali to hit the brakes or realign the chakras, there is plenty on offer in Uluwatu and across the Bukit Peninsula. Start with a couple’s surf lesson at Padang Padang, a hidden beautiful beach with great waves and a fantastic chilled-out vibe. Afterward, walk up the hill to one of the local restaurants (The Place With No Name does a great breakfast spread) to recharge.
If you’re still in beach mode, make your way over to Melasti Beach, home to Sundays Beach Club and the acclaimed White Rock, which features rows of cabanas and infinity pools perched above one of Bali’s best coastal vistas.
Couples might also like to spend the afternoon with a new perspective, with a helicopter flight that takes in Bali’s towering volcanoes, verdant rice terraces, and idyllic beaches from the nearby Fly Bali Heliport. Once you’re back on terra firma, make for the Lohma Spa at Umana Bali, home to indulgent spa treatments (I love the singing bowls meditation sessions).
Finally, head to a personal favourite, Ulu Cliffhouse, for sunset cocktails and a stunning alfresco dinner before grooving the night away at Savaya, one of the world’s leading clubs, which is perched on the edge of towering sea cliffs and welcomes world-class DJs throughout the year.
Alternatively, mark the end of the day with the captivating Kecak cultural performance at Uluwatu Temple, one of the island’s most iconic and revered Hindu shrines.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Accommodation in Uluwatu tends to be more intimate than in the likes of Seminyak or Nusa Dua so expect cool surf cottages and design-driven beach hotels.
Alila Villas Uluwatu
One of Bali’s most indulgent havens, Alila Villas is perched on a limestone plateau and offers exceptional privacy from each of its private pool villas. Be sure to leave time for an aperitivo at the Sunset Cocktail Bar.
Ulu Cliffhouse
Not only is Ulu Cliffhouse one of the island’s most popular little pool clubs, but it also features six spacious suites (my go-to is The Peak, with its free-standing copper bathtub), meaning the party can go on all night.
Canggu: Trendy Cafés, Creative Energy, and Surfside Social Vibes
Probably the most popular destination on Bali for couples looking to tap into Bali’s contemporary persona, Canggu has evolved from villages wreathed by rice terraces to a thriving, cosmopolitan destination over the last few years, one that attracts tourists, expats, artists, digital nomads and surfers alike (although many have a love-hate relationship with the ultra-trending precinct and its oh-so-cool foreign visitors).
Canggu is actually comprised of several vibrant neighbourhoods, including Berawa, a popular foodie haven, Canggu, famed for its picture-perfect beach bars, restaurants, and trendy crowds, and Pererenan, home to wide open spaces (at least for now), a chilled surf vibe and great coffee shops.
For couples, a few days in Canggu is a must, offering a chance to tap into Bali’s modern side, from groovy Instagrammable cafes and galleries to innovative boutiques, laid-back beach clubs, and even world-class nightclubs and fine-dining restaurants. It’s perfectly suited for urbanites who don’t want to surrender their almond milk lattes and goji smoothie bowls but still want a dose of ‘Vitamin sea and sun’.
Pros:
- Canggu has an intoxicating energy thanks to its vibrant food and culture scene and younger demographic.
- There are accommodation options for everyone, from chic hostels all the way to luxury resorts and private pool villas.
- You’ll come here for surfing and coffee and stay for the people watching.
- Canggu is an easy scooter ride from Seminyak, Echo Beach, and Seseh.
Cons:
- Traffic is bad – sometimes really bad – so expect delays wherever you go.
- If you’re looking for harmony and tranquillity, you’re looking in the wrong place.
- Canggu is modern Bali (for good or ill), so expect more bikini shops and teppanyaki tables than Barong statues and temples.
What to Do as a Couple
Slap on the sunscreen, don those Dior shades, and rub shoulders with the beautiful with breakfast at Crate Cafe, a breezy, affordable eatery that’s abuzz throughout the day – try the Hippy Hippy Shake protein bowl to fuel you up for the day ahead.
From Crate, walk down Canggu’s main drag, Jalan Pantai Batu Balong, home to cool boutiques and bustling cafes, to Love Anchor, a fun retail hub filled with local stallholders selling everything from knock-off Gucci to handcrafted sarongs.
Tap into the competitive nature of your relationship at Bali Social Club, which has some of the best paddle (the unofficial religion of Canngu) courts on the island. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, have it licked off during a session of ‘puppy yoga’ – it’s exactly how it sounds – or make for the tranquil Spring Spa, where the ‘lime in the coconut’ body scrub will strip away the years.
By late afternoon, you should be headed to the beach, first for a private surf lesson on one of Bali’s most beautiful breaks, and then with cocktails at La Brisa, a fascinating pirate-themed pool club perched above the sand.
Dress to impress when you head out for dinner; start with drinks on the rooftop of Santanera, a sophisticated South American restaurant with an enviable drinks list, and then descend to the main dining room for glorious Argentine beef cuts and fresh seafood. Afterward, make for Maison Kitsune, a new hotspot that regularly welcomes international DJs and live music acts.
Where to Stay in Canggu
Whether you choose to stay in a private villa with a pool or prefer a deluxe suite with beach views, there’s accommodation for every sun-loving couple in Canggu.
Regent Bali
One of the most seductive new resorts on the island, the Regent Bali has a stunning location right on the beach and offers couples luxurious suites and villas, sublime restaurants, and an indulgent, contemporary spa.
Hotel Tugu Bali
For a touch of Balinese culture, you can’t skip Hotel Tugu, which resembles a living museum dedicated to Bali’s rich history and culture.
Sanur: Coastal Calm, Cultural Depth, and Underrated Charm
While Sanur had, for many years, a rather sleepy reputation as a haven for retirees looking to spend their remaining days in the southern Bali sun, all that’s changing. Sanur, with its idyllic coastline, established restaurants, and luxurious residential precincts, is enjoying a renaissance, spurred by the opening of the new Icon Mall and fuelled by a new generation of travellers looking for tranquillity and sophistication.
Located on the southeast coast, across the harbour from the resorts of Nusa Dua, Sanur is home to consulates and mansions, intimate resorts, retro retail, and verdant parks, offering a distinctly different experience than Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu – think more Facebook than Instagram. It also opens up the wonders of Bali’s east coast, making forays to Ubud, Amed, and Karangasem and its Mount Agung all the easier.
Pros:
- Expect plenty of peace and quiet, less traffic and crowds, and a more sedated pace of life.
- Sanur’s beaches are safe and protected, and famed for their sunrise vistas.
- Easy access to eastern Bali as well as the Nusa Islands.
- Some of Bali’s most established restaurants can be found in Sanur.
Cons:
- There’s little in the way of nightlife
- Hotels can be a little dated – however, that’s changing with new arrivals opening this year
- Not ideal for those seeking trend-forward design or social energy
What to Do as a Couple
Sanur is all about that chilled-out beach living, so start your day down on the coast with a bike ride along the seven-kilometre-long bike-friendly Sanur Beach Path – you can opt for the beach route, with its views over Mertasari Beach, Sanur Harbour, and distant Mount Agung, or through the rice terraces that run along the back of Sanur.
Finish your ride with breakfast at one of the neighbourhood’s leading beachfront cafes – Neyalan is a great spot for both Asian and international fare with tables on the sand.
Alternatively, early birds can delve into the Pasar Tradisional Desa Sanur, a local morning market that’s packed with local produce, spices, and Balinese culinary ingredients. Inspired, couples might like to follow their market visit with a Balinese cooking class at one of Sanur’s leading resorts (the Maya Sanur Resort & Spa does a great class) before delving into the island’s spirituality with a visit to Pura Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari, Sanur’s most revered temple.
To get a sense of Sanur’s new evolution, make for the sprawling Icon Mall, which is set right on the beach – the top floor has an open-air observation lounge – and once you’ve given your credit card a workout, make for the down-to-earth Sindhu Night Market, a great spot at which to try Indonesian street food staples. However, keep your appetite relatively intact for dinner at Byrd House, Sanur’s most elegant beachfront restaurant and the perfect setting for couples looking for a little coastal romance.
Where to Stay in Sanur
Sanur’s accommodation options have typically been dominated by beachfront resorts, but increasingly, there are great private pool villas available for couples looking for a little privacy.
Andaz Bali
Trendy and comfortable, Andaz Bali, part of the Hyatt group, makes the most of its beachfront location with modern guest rooms and suites, innovative restaurants, and a breathtaking swimming pool that runs along the beachfront.
Villa Svarga
Part of Elite Havens, Villa Svarga is your private oasis in Sanur. Catering to up to 10 guests, this sublime villa, set within the prestigious Batujimbar Estate, features five bedrooms, an infinity pool, and a rooftop lawn for those sunset moments.
Legian: Accessible Comfort with a Classic Beachfront Feel
Nestled between Seminyak and Kuta, unassuming little Legian offers the best of both worlds. There’s still the beach, with its beachfront resorts and the laid-back charm of coastal bars and restaurants, as well as the affordable options, ranging from day spas, smaller, family-owned resorts and cafes to sports bars and great local shopping options.
With a great walking path along the beach that leads either to Seminyak or Kuta, and easy access to all of southern Bali’s leading locales, Legian is understated yet convenient, affordable yet still tranquil, making it popular with couples looking for a low-intensity mid-range beach destination that’s still close to all the action.
Pros:
- Legian is easy to navigate and offers direct beach access to both Seminyak and Kuta.
- It’s also only a short drive from the airport.
- Casual, unpretentious vibe with good-value hotels.
- Walkable, unpretentious, and laid-back.
Cons:
- You won’t find the same levels of luxury and sophistication as you would in Seminyak and Canggu.
- Legian is undoubtedly a touristy hub and one that can get quite crowded.
- It offers a more budget-forward take on the Bali vacation so don’t expect fancy restaurants, boutiques, or nightlife.
What to Do as a Couple
Couples looking to spend most of their Bali vacation out in the sun will find Legian an ideal setting. The whole neighbourhood is focused around the beach, with its rustic warungs (restaurants) and waterfront resorts.
Start the day off with a group surfing lesson – there are a number of local operators offering multiple classes each morning and the surf in Legian is much more tame than in Uluwatu or Canggu.
Once you’ve burned off some calories in the surf line, make for Kanoa, a personal favourite and a great spot for a sun-kissed breakfast on the beach. You can continue with a walk along Legian’s elegant promenade, which winds west to Double Six in Seminyak or east to Discovery Mall in Kuta. The route is dotted with restaurants and hole-in-the-wall bars where the cocktails are cheap and the coconuts chilled.
Cool those heels at The Spa at Padma Resort Legian, where the ‘Padma Signature Touch’ is a three-hour treatment that promises to poke and prod you into submission. Alternatively, explore the beach at sunset on horseback, with Mesari Stables offering gentle little ponies who love to pose for photo ops.
For a touch of fun, make for the Magani Hotel & Spa, which hosts regular drag shows that are very popular with locals and tourists alike, before enjoying a romantic evening at The Plantation Grill, an elegant steakhouse that’s accessible via a short walk along the promenade.
Where to Stay in Legian
Legian is far more sedate than neighbouring Seminyak and Kuta so expect relaxing beachfront resorts and quiet family-owned pool villa hotels where tranquility is the order of the day.
Padma Resort Legian
A popular luxury resort with Australian and European travellers, Padma Resort features an elegant spa, five expansive swimming pools, one with a swim-up bar, a modern fitness centre, a tennis court, and direct beach access.
Nusa Dua: Bali’s Luxury Gated Enclave
Serene, organised, and manicured, Nusa Dua has always been the hub for refined tourism in Bali and hosts many of the island’s leading luxury resorts, making it ideal for couples looking for romance and tranquillity under the Balinese sun – especially first-timers.
Located on the island’s southeastern coast, Nusa Dua is centred around an expansive, modern gated resort complex of landscaped gardens and manicured lawns, where the manmade beaches are some of the best on the island.
Nusa Dua will appeal to couples looking for time together, a tropical climate, and a breathtaking setting. While it’s easily accessible from the airport, it’s a little way away from the likes of Seminyak, Canggu, and even Uluwatu.
However, its stunning resorts, which include the Conrad Bali, The Laguna, and (my favourite) the heavenly St. Regis Bali, and the endless stretches of pristine white sandy beach – including acclaimed Pantai Mengiat and Geger Beach – more than make up for the lack of nightclubs!
Pros
- Nusa Dua is safe, serene, and well-managed – it feels like one huge resort.
- Traffic isn’t really an issue here, and walking within the resort complex is easy.
- With so many resorts on offer, you’ll never run out of places to visit.
Cons
- Nusa Dua lacks the vitalistic energy of Seminyak and Canggu and the cultural immersion of Ubud.
- The resort complex can get very busy when major conferences are being held there or during public holidays.
- The precinct can become a little ‘over-managed’ and sterile after a while.
What to Do as a Couple
Nusa Dua, despite being a resort complex, still offers a host of activities for couples looking to experience the best of Bali. Start your day with a walk (or take a hotel bicycle) along the beautiful seven-kilometre-long Nusa Dua Promenade, a paved coastal road that lingers along the beachfront.
Before it gets too hot, you and your betrothed might also want to try your hands at jet-skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding or take a morning snorkelling excursion to nearby coral reefs.
After lunch at one of Nusa Dua’s local restaurants – Mama Krisna Coffee & Kitchen serves up a great Balinese classic, nasi campur – explore historic Pura Geger Dalem Pemutih, which, perched high on a clifftop, is one of Bali’s most important cultural sites.
Find peace in both body and mind with a couple’s spa treatment – I love the spa at the St. Regis Resort where treatments can be followed by a dip in the Aqua-Vitale pool with its various water jets – before making your way to Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, where The Devdan Show combined aerobatics, dance and singing in a showcase of Indonesian and Balinese culture.
Finish up with dinner at the Koral Aquarium Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, one of Bali’s most popular and romantic dining experiences.
Where to Stay in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua’s accommodation scene is focused on the beachfront resorts of the Nusa Dua Tourist Resort complex. However, there’s a property for every budget and every traveller.
St. Regis Bali
Perfectly suited for the romantically inclined, the St. Regis Resort Bali is best known for its expansive lagoon swimming pool, which winds its way through the resort, as well as its stunning beachfront and its spectacular Kayuputi Pan-Asian fine dining restaurant.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a a cliffside resort considered among Bali’s most luxurious houses of slumber and features sublime suites and villas, most with full sea views, as well as a comprehensive wellness enclave and a host of world-class restaurants – couples will love the open-air Reef Beach Club.
FAQs for Couples Planning a Bali Getaway
What is the Most Romantic Place in Bali?
That really depends on your definition of romance but for most visitors to Bali, that would probably be best summed up as seclusion and tropical natural beauty, making places like Nusa Dua and Uluwatu, with their stunning beaches and awe-inspiring sunsets, clear leaders.
However, if you’re more interested in shared discovery, spiritual well-being, and cultural immersion, you can’t go past Ubud, and if your idea of a great romantic escape is dancing the night away followed by a marathon spa session, then Seminyak and Canggu won’t disappoint.
Is Ubud or Seminyak Better for Couples?
When it comes to choosing the best area to stay in Bali for couples, Ubud is better suited to those who want to connect with nature, who value yoga, nutrition, and alternative living, and who want to immerse themselves in Bali’s 5,000-year-old culture. The cosmopolitan Seminyak is best suited for couples who value convenience, great dining, a thriving nightlife scene, and proximity to the beach.
Where Should I Stay in Bali for a Honeymoon?
For a romantic honeymoon to remember, you can’t beat a little tropical seclusion in Uluwatu or Ubud. While one is all about the beach and the other all about tumbling jungle peaks and rice terraces, they both offer the chance for couples to disappear into their private accommodation, luxuriate at world-class spas, and dine by candlelight.
If that all sounds ideal but you always want access to a myriad of facilities, then Nusa Dua’s top houses of slumber might be a better fit.
How Many Days Should Couples Spend in Bali?
A week to a week and a half in Bali allows you enough time to explore the island properly while still finding time to connect with each other and with each destination you visit.
Travel can take time in Bali, so allowing for days of exploration and days of relaxation will ensure that you see all that Bali has to offer without needing a holiday to recover from your holiday.
If you opt for 10 days you’ll also have time to explore a little further afield, including the north Bali coast, Amed, famed for its scuba diving, and the Nusa Islands to the east of Bali.
Choosing the Best Area For Your Bali Couple’s Escape
Want to find peace? Bali has you covered.
Want to hit the town in the company of world-class DJs? Strap those dancing shoes on.
Want to commune with nature? Even in the busiest neighbourhoods on the island, the tranquil rice terraces, brooding volcanoes, dense jungles, and plummeting waterfalls of central Bali are never far from reach.
From Seminyak and Canggu to Ubud and Nusa Dua, couples can bond over cooking classes, pamper themselves in modern spas, and enjoy the slower pace of life that has sustained the Balinese for eons.
Bali beckons couples with a kaleidoscope of experiences, far beyond the quintessential beach escape (although that is a big drawcard for many) you’ll find elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Weaving together neighbourhoods steeped in culture, vibrant culinary hubs, and pristine shores, Bali is really whatever you need it to be and most visitors combine all these locales into one unforgettable itinerary (like this ultimate five day Bali itinerary for first timers).