The Best Hotels to Book in Sanur, Bali

Situated right on the white sands of Sanur beach, the eco-friendly Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is blessed with unrivalled sunrise views every morning. Make the most of this from the comfort of your king-sized bed as the large glass windows allow streams of light into your room. Jump straight into your private infinity pool from the sun loungers on the wood-decked balcony or, alternatively, order a floating tapas tray straight to your room.

A short walk from Sanur beach, Villa Casis boasts open-plan living with spacious balconies and dining, all overlooking the private pool and garden, filled with red, yellow and orange flowers. Some rooms have four-poster beds and outdoor bathtubs. The location is easily accessible by car and very close to the shops and restaurants Sanur is so well known for. Despite this central location, it remains sheltered from the outside world.

Blending modern luxuries with traditional Balinese nuances, the Alantara is perfect for anyone looking for serenity. Indulge in the signature chocolate bath at the Pudak Spa, or opt for the house cocktail Sanur Erotica, served directly from the pool bar. Did someone say pool? With island pagodas, cute little bridges and floating breakfasts, it’s an Instagram winner.

Art lovers will enjoy perusing the on-site gallery at Sudamala Suites, showcasing works by local and international artists, which spill onto the hotel walls. Inside this five-star hotel, spacious rooms feature intricately carved Balinese furniture. King-sized beds and rainfall showers come as standard. Luxury really comes into its own on the hotel’s private beach, just a 10-minute cycle away. Grab a gourmet picnic to take with you. Alternatively, book a diving expedition or a cultural tour of Bali for a deeper look inside the country.

The Samata is perfect for some R&R. Given the small number of rooms, you’ll receive highly personal service from the welcoming staff. Choose from an ocean view suite, one- or two-bedroom villa. For pampering, stay in the spa suite for a free daily massage. The aquamarine-tiled bathrooms are a highlight, with walk-in rainfall showers and huge glass windows. Outside, it’s hard to tell where the lush gardens end and verdant rice paddies begin. Health foods rule at the gourmet, on-site restaurant, Zenso – try the homemade grilled white snapper pappardelle with cherry tomatoes and baby rocket.

Situated north of central Sanur, just a five-minute walk from the beach, Pondok-Ayu is a solid budget option in a quiet end of town. All rooms are designed with cool marble floors and wooden French doors, opening out onto a balcony with a view of the pool. Play a round of golf at the local course or book a horse-riding excursion through reception. Those with an early flight will appreciate that this hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

A boutique hotel inside a tropical garden – what’s not to love? Karmagali Boutique Suites are located in central Sanur. Interior house plants bring the tropical garden inside your suite. The beds themselves are all four poster, raised on marble plinths. The hotel is very keen on sustainable tourism, using recycled materials for all its locally crafted furniture and serving sustainable food – the tuna tataki is delicious.