Six of the best adults-only resorts in Bali
By Jenny Hewett
Hear that? It’s the sound of sweet, unadulterated silence. The type of peace and quiet that is interrupted only by the rush of a waterfall or the evening crescendo of an insect orchestra. Bali accommodates a range of travellers, and is especially good value for families at full decibel, but it offers exclusivity for adults, too. Whether you want to escape to paradise for the silly season or you unintentionally booked your trip during school holidays, here are six of the best kid-free resorts on the Island of Gods.
Desa Hay, Canggu
Pool and pavilion at Desa Hay.
A micro stay without mini people. This intimate six-villa resort is set among manicured gardens in a traditional village in quiet north Canggu, and its wraparound jade-green pool, modern suites and dining area are pockets of pure calm. Conscious about more than the potential company? A member of Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection for its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the hotel planted 3000 mangrove trees to offset its build and launched a fund to help pay for the education of orphaned Balinese children. See slh.com
The Asa Maia, Uluwatu
Progressive wellness at Asa Maia.
Screaming on the inside as you endure the 7.5-degree ice-plunge at this laidback wellness resort is all the noise you need. This boutique stay on the Bukit errs on the progressive side of the “clean” movement, with contrast therapy, yoga and a gym offered alongside cocktails and zero judgment. The 10 restored gladaks (traditionally handmade Javanese homes) feature standalone tubs, while the geometric subterranean cold and hot pools are straight out of a sci-fi movie. See theasamaia.com
La Reserve 1785, Pererenan
Opulence at La Reserve.
Only a whisper from Echo Beach, this opulent escape was originally built in the 1930s by a French antiques collector. Located in Pererenan, an emerging microcosm of cool on the western edge of Canggu, the French-inspired resort is dressed with grown-up interiors, such as 200-year-old parquet floors, four-poster beds, posh art, and some of its 13 suites have plunge pools. Ooh la la. See slh.com
K Club
Next-level glamping: K Club’s Sensual Infinity Pool Tent Suite.
If you like glamping with a side of doof-doof, this jungle retreat in Ubud unleashes romance for rebels. Suspended over a ravine, the resort’s luxury Kanva tents are off limits to kids and the Sensual Infinity Pool Tent Suite takes experiential lodging up a notch with a matching tented infinity pool. On-site jungle pool club Kabana hosts a regular roster of house and techno DJs and last year rolled out a two-day continuous festival. BYO stamina. See kclububud.com
Samanvaya Resort & Spa, Sidemen
Samanvaya and the hills beyond.
The east Bali rural area of Sidemen Valley is a bit of a trek from the resorts of the south, making it less appealing to families. Just over 90 minutes’ drive from Denpasar airport, depending on traffic, this bamboo bolthole in the foreground of Mount Agung is surrounded by rice fields, and its new pool villas and two infinity pools merge into an ocean of swaying green. There are plenty of local crafts to seek out, including textile weaving and jewellery making. See amanvaya-bali.com
Meno House, Gili Meno
Splashy views from Meno House.
The “Gilis” are officially part of neighbouring island Lombok, but the trio of islands is synonymous with Bali. Gili T and Gili Air play to a more debaucherous crowd, but Gili Meno, although underrated, is fast becoming a haven for adults seeking serenity minus the hum of cars and motorbikes (or the screams of offspring). With just six rooms, a tasty seafood-leaning menu, a white-sand beach and snorkelling with sea turtles out the front at Turtle Point, there really is nothing better to do here but switch off. See menohousegili.com
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