The best pool villas in Bali

From bright green rice terraces cut into sweeping valleys, to ribbons of golden sand clinging to the shoreline – you haven’t truly experienced Bali until you’ve discovered the island’s interior and coast. We’ve picked the best pool villas in Bali to help you explore (and relax) in style.  

The eco-friendly pool villa

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Close to Uluwatu Temple on the southern coast, you’ll find an eco-friendly clifftop escape with super-sleek cutting-edge design. Sitting 100 metres above the ocean, the resort has a 50-metre long infinity pool on the cliff edge and a spectacular overhanging cliffside cabana where you can sign up for unique experiences, such as aerial yoga. The luxurious 291m² pool villas each have a dedicated butler, relaxation cabanas and ocean views – but upgrade to a Two Bedroom Pool Villa if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world stay with family or friends. At a whopping 2000m², it’s as if you’ve hired a whole hotel to yourself, complete with a 21-metre long infinity pool. Book a treatment at the holistic spa and enjoy a gastronomic journey at Quila, an exclusive experience catering for only 10 guests each night.

The villa with the royal treatment

The Royal Santrian, Luxury Beach Villas

You’ll get a taste of the high life at this regal retreat, a little gem that we’ve made exclusive to Kuoni guests in the UK. This boutique resort, brushed up against tranquil Tanjung Benoa beach, has just 20 opulent villas, each with a private pool, gazebo and outdoor daybed. The Deluxe Villas are deliciously private, cocooned in a walled garden and set back from the honey-hued sands, whereas the Royal Villas have the added benefit of ocean views and a spa-inspired bathroom. Whichever villa you choose, you can be sure of the star treatment. The royal butlers are on hand to cater to your wildest whims, whether you’d like martinis delivered to your door or to arrange a magical moment for two, such as a romantic candlelit dinner or a couple’s massage in the Royal Spa.

The pool villa with an edgy view

Viceroy Bali

Perched on the edge of a valley with a spectacular outlook over the Petanu River gorge, this is one of the most tranquil spots in Bali – and the views from the villas at Viceroy Bali are jaw-dropping. This astounding hilltop hideaway, exclusive to Kuoni in the UK, is only a few minutes’ drive from arty Ubud and has 40 beautiful villas and suites. The box-fresh suites, just added in 2022, have marble floors and modern décor, but if it’s a private pool you’re looking for, opt for a villa. These Instagram-worthy abodes have an al-fresco terrace, heated pool, and a day bed that floats over the water’s edge, giving you a prime stomach-flipping view of the valley below. During your stay, book a treatment in the spa (which has the most incredible curved relaxation terrace) and dine on fine French cuisine at Cascades Restaurant, high in the treetop canopy. It’s one of the best restaurants on the island.

The affordable pool villa

The Elysian

With an air of seclusion, it’s hard to believe The Elysian sits in the heart of fashionable Seminyak, close to trendy beach clubs, restaurants and one of Bali’s most popular beaches. This boutique stay has incredibly welcoming staff and you can stay in a one- or two- bedroom villa tucked away in a high-walled garden. You’ll have your own private pool, sun deck and an open-plan dining and entertainment area – slide back the big doors to fully appreciate your indoor-outdoor living space. Each villa has modern touches, including a pre-loaded iPod Nano and Apple TV with box office movies. These villas offer a great value escape in this vibrant area.

The huge 4* pool villa

The Ubud Village Resort & Spa

You’ll find 30 huge villas at Ubud Village Resort & Spa on the outskirts of this cultural town. The smallest villa here is a whopping 284m² and we highly recommend opting for one with views over the emerald-coloured rice fields. You can wake up in your four-poster bed and take a dip in your private pool before relaxing on your daybed and soaking up those countryside views. You’ll also have an open-air pavilion for dining – perfect for a romantic in-villa meal. You can try local experiences during your stay, including wood carving, rice planting and dance lessons, or get out and about by trekking, cycling, and rafting.

The luxury pool villa

The Samaya Seminyak

This award-winning sanctuary is on a tranquil stretch of Seminyak Beach – and is positioned for the most astounding sunsets. Villas start from 220m² in size and all of these contemporary hideaways have a lap pool, four-poster bed and 24-hour butler service. Our choice would be the One Bedroom Royal Courtyard Villa. Hop in a golf buggy from the main resort and in two minutes, you’ll arrive at a more peaceful and exclusive area with larger 300m² villas. These are perfect for a honeymoon and have a poolside gazebo with a comfy day bed in a private garden. Start each morning at Breeze with breakfast overlooking the beach and wind down with an in-villa meal or one of the romantic dining experiences surrounded by candles.

This feature was updated on 19th June 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.