The Best Hotels in Kuta, Bali, for Every Traveller

The villas at AlamKulKul were designed with a Balinese village in mind, so they come with thatched roof, traditional carved-wood doors, local handicrafts and artefacts. Dining-wise the focus is also local specialities served on woven bamboo and banana leaves. If you’d like a culture fix, wood-carving and flower-decorating workshops are on offer, alongside traditional dance performances.

Combining sleek luxury with true Balinese hospitality, the Anvaya Beach Resort Bali offers a variety of modern rooms with cool, marble floors – some even lead to direct pool access. Take a yoga class on the private sandy beach, or peruse the hotel’s signature walk-in (and stumble out) wine cellar. Mum and dad can unwind at the Sakanti Spa while little ones play at the Anvaya Kids Club.

The highlight at Sulis Beach Hotel is its rooftop pool, with superb views overlooking the Indian Ocean. So grab a lounger and spend the day with a book from the hotel’s mini-library. Travelling with a large group? Opt for a family room that sleeps up to five, with a large balcony overlooking lush greenery. All the rooms are bright and spacious, with king-size or twin beds and decorated with wooden furnishings.

With a 3,000sqm (32,292sqft) pool and vertical garden, the Stones is a Kuta oasis. Book a simple deluxe suite – complete with an iPod docking station – or upgrade to the Autograph Suite for a private pool. Travelling with children? The Jasper Kids’ Club should keep them out of your hair while you visit the spa. Don’t miss the breakfast doughnuts at the morning buffet – they are worth the calories.

For easy access to Kuta’s beaches and attractions, stay at Aryaduta. Rooms are contemporary, with bamboo artwork, rainfall showers and free-standing baths. If you’re staying with friends, ask for a room with an interconnecting balcony. Head to the rooftop pool bar at sunset before a meal at Henry’s Grill & Bar, which specialises in steaks – the 30-day aged rib-eye is a hit – and fine wines.

Each boutique room at the Vira is individually designed with traditional, sculpted lampstands and Balinese fabrics on the beds, and comes with a range of bath toiletries. Lounge by the pool and enjoy authentic Balinese cuisine at DeDari Kitchen. Alternatively, try out the beachside Dip Dock Grill & Bar for freshly barbecued meat and seafood.

Gaze up at the twinkling night sky from the rooftop bar at Vasanti Kuta Hotel. The balmy Balinese weather means you can enjoy a piña colada all year round, and when tropical storms hit, retreat to Dery’s Restaurant and Bar inside. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms offer views of palm trees, while bathrooms have a walk-in rainfall shower and some have a free-standing bath. The iBox Lippo Mall is a two-minute walk away, in case you have a Starbucks craving.

You’ll want to spend most of your time sunbathing by the outdoor pool at the Kana Kuta Hotel, as it’s surrounded by scented frangipani flowers. Fitness buffs will enjoy the adjoining gym for an early-morning workout. Stroll across to the on-site Seleriana restaurant for lunch, and try its popular sop buntut, oxtail soup. Alternatively, head to Star Anise for an evening performance of traditional Balinese dance. When it comes to sleeping options, choose from simple doubles to a spacious family duplex.

With four-poster beds and private plunge pools, Rama Beach Resort feels more like a luxurious home than a hotel. Our favourite is the Suite Pool Villa with its leafy terrace, cosy reading nook and giant bed. The homely feel continues into the open-air Dewi Sinta Restaurant, where you can dig into Indonesian dishes such as the signature nasi campur – rice with various sides. Want to recreate it back home? Join a cooking class with the chefs.