Top 10 most stunningly beautiful hotels in Indonesia

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (October 22, 2018): Top 10 most stunningly beautiful hotels in Indonesia

Located on the volcanic Ring of Fire in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a beguiling nation of over 17,000 islands known as tropical idylls, whose individual landscapes and heritage reveal extraordinary beauty. Venturing across Indonesia, you’ll encounter a wealth of UNESCO protected sites, religious celebrations, exhilarating wildlife and dramatic landscapes that are as diverse as the people who inhabit the country. More than 500 languages and dialects are spoken by its more than 250 million inhabitants, which makes Indonesia’s the world’s 4th most populous nation. The country’s wide range of attractions provides an endless resource for adventurous trekking, cultural itineraries, scuba diving, or just lounging by a pool in a five-star resort. Here’s my list of the 10 most amazing luxury hotels in Indonesia.

There is more information (with Youtube clips) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Indonesian hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. THE OBEROI LOMBOK

Located on the enchanting Medana Bay, with exclusive beach access and sunset views of Bali’s volcanic Mount Agung, The Oberoi Lombok is unique amongst luxury hotels in Lombok. Spanning twenty four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the resort is abundant with towering indigenous trees, flaming bougainvillea and also boasts a spectacular infinity pool. Accommodation is divided between thatched villas and pavilions, all of which are afforded breathtaking ocean and lush garden views. The hotel’s open air, thatched dining spaces serve fine international cuisine, local delicacies and Lombok coffee, complimented by live, traditional music and dance from Indonesia.

Following the the devastating earthquake on 5th August, 2018, The Oberoi Lombok received cosmetic (but not structural) damage and is temporarily closed for renovations (but will reopen soon).

Hotel website: The Oberoi Lombok

9. ALILA PURNAMA, KOMODO ISLAND

The Alila Purnama – translated as The Full Moon – is one of the most luxurious liveaboard Phinisi ships in Asia and an ideal choice for those looking for an exciting cruise in Indonesia. Classing itself as 6 star hotel standard, this floating property provides ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to ten guests. Handcrafted in the traditional style of a Phinisi, the 46 m (150 ft) long Alila Purnama consists of three decks, 4 double deluxe suites and 1 master suite with a private deck. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia.

Hotel website: Alila Purnama

8. SIX SENSES ULUWATU, BALI

The newly opened Six Senses Uluwatu Hotel is set in Pecatu in the southernmost tip of Bali which is the home of “Pura Uluwatu”, the sacred temple considered one of Indonesia’s core spiritual pillars. The beautiful cliff-top Balinese-inspired Uluwatu resort offers uninterrupted ocean views from every angle. The resort comprises 103 suites and villas, inspired by local design, embracing nature and offering every creature comfort. The Six Senses Spa features locally inspired specialty treatments, multi-day integrated wellness programs and complimentary morning yoga sessions. The resort features multiple swimming pools, an open air event venue, function space, three restaurants including a chef’s table, a cooking school and an extensive organic garden and farm.

Hotel website: Six Senses Uluwatu

7. AMANWANA, MOYO ISLAND

Mother Nature is allowed full reign across the 36,000 hectares of nature reserve that make up private Moyo Island, in the coral-rich Flores Sea. Here in this wildlife lover’s paradise, Amanwana has set up camp, with 20 safari tents amid the rainforest or on the shore. Low-impact and eco-friendly, the tents are nonetheless equipped with hardwood floors and soaring, air-conditioned canopies sheltering sumptuous daybeds, ensuite bathrooms and net-draped kingsize beds. Visits from friendly macaques and inquisitive deer are not uncommon, and hint at the abundance of nature to be found further inland, or out to sea. Amanwana is also the ideal base for sailing expeditions in search of the Komodo Dragonon onboard the Aman group’s luxurious Phinisi cruisers.

Hotel website: Amanwana
Other accolades: Amanwana features in my top 10 list of the world’s most luxurious glamping resorts.
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a 60 minute massage for 2).

6. BAWAH PRIVATE ISLAND

Located just 150 nautical miles north-east of Singapore, and easily accessible via private seaplane, this untouched beauty of 6 islands offers a whole new destination to discerning travelers. A playground of over 300 hectares, 3 crystal blue lagoons, 13 powder white beaches, lush jungle canopy for trekking and more importantly a philosophy of environmental and conservation policies, Bawah Island is a hotel project of love to integrate people with nature and sets the benchmark for future resorts in Indonesia. Taking the route that “less means more”, Bawah Private Island only accepts a maximum of 70 guest at any one time; The 35 safari-style tented villas offer the privacy of your own home but also invite you to enjoy the nature that surrounds Bawah Island.

Hotel website: Bawah Private Island
Other accolades: Bawah Private Island features in my list of the best new hotels of 2017.

5. MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, BALI

Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word for “temple,” Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, stands as a tropical shrine dedicated to the self. Fronting the Ayung River near the Ubud jungle, the hotel replicates a traditional Indonesian village, complete with working rice paddies. Showcasing the architecture and craftsmanship of the area, each of the 60 luxury suites and villas features a private outdoor space (some of them with pools) with views of the river or surrounding scenery. Four restaurants serve health-conscious cuisine sourced from the organic garden, although you can also arrange a romantic dinner overlooking the river or rice terrace. The spa offers a variety of programs focused on physical and spiritual well-being.

Hotel website: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Other accolades: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Bali, the best hotels in Ubud, and the world’s best Ritz-Carlton hotels.
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
Review: read my review of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve here.

4. FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY, BALI

Designed as a traditional Balinese village, this luxurious all-villa enclave spreads across 14 hectares (35 acres) of oceanfront in Bali, giving resort guests direct access to the beach right at sea level. The resort offers 147 villas set amid lush tropical gardens. The luxurious villas – each with a private plunge pool – terrace down a hillside woven with brilliant flowers and Balinese temples. Here, you can steep yourself in local island culture, unwind with holistic spa treatments and enjoy a wide range of dining options, including the beachfront Sundara restaurant. More sensory delights await at open-air Taman Wantilan restaurant, where theatre-style dining is presented by a brigade of specialty chefs at nine culinary exhibitions or show kitchens.

Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Bali.
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).
Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay here.

3. AMANKILA, BALI

Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila (peaceful hill), a secluded seaside hotel overlooking Indonesia’s Lombok Strait and managed by Aman Resorts, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand. The 34 free-standing thatched-roof suites offer exceptional views from their hillside locations, and are connected to the resort’s facilities by raised walkways. Guests can relax around the signature three-tiered pool or at the beach club on Amankila’s beach, with its silverblack sands and turquoise waters. What separates Amankila from other luxury Bali hotels is that it is situated in Karangasem, one of Bali’s most traditional regencies, offering easy access to untouched rural countryside, local crafts and the region’s royal past.

Hotel website: Amankila
Other accolades: Amankila also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most beautiful hotel pools and the best luxury hotels in Bali.
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one lunch or dinner for 2).
Review: read my review of Amankila here.

2. NIHI SUMBA, SUMBA ISLAND

Awarded the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2016 and 2017, Nihi Sumba is for travelers who seek a new type of luxury: activity-driven experiences, cultural immersion, freedom and fun. Located on Indonesia’s remote Sumba island, the hotel offers private access to one of the world’s best left-hand breaks for surfers. The 28 villas, crafted by local artisans using native teak and rattan, feature expansive outdoor rooms and private plunge pools. Excursions take you to villages and ancient sites. Here, you can go on a spa safari, go horseback riding or swim beneath a waterfall. Dining experiences include beach picnics, dinner under the stars and weekly themed events.

Hotel website: Nihi Sumba
Other accolades: Nihi Sumba features in my top 10 list of the world’s best eco-friendly luxury hotels.
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a 50-minute massage for up to two people).

1. AMANJIWO, BOROBODUR, JAVA

Framed by emerald-green rice plains and the peaks of the Menoreh Hills in rural Central Java, Amanjiwo lies within view of the mystical stupas of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Buddhist monument directly informs the design of Amanjiwo, a temple-like hideaway with a towering domed roof, colonnades and walls built of local blush-beige paras stone. Here, guests intersperse days of sightseeing – at serene Borobudur, bustling Yogyakarta or any number of vibrant villages – with spells of relaxation at Amanjiwo’s spa, the 40 m (130 ft) pool, and the majestic open-air restaurant.

Hotel website: Amanjiwo
Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one lunch or dinner for 2).
Review: read my review of Amanjiwo here.