Discover the Island of a Thousand Temples: our guide to Bali
19 January 2022
Bali villas for rent
The perfect stay in
Bali, Indonesia
Say the words “Tropical jungle paradise” and you’re thinking of Bali. Boasting a rich culture and natural beauty that will take your breath away, it’s not hard to see how this awe-inspiring destination is also known as the ‘Island of the Gods’. You can spend blissful days touring temples, hiking through lush jungles, or lazing on picture-perfect beaches outside one of our luxury Bali villas for rent while the warm Indian Ocean laps at your toes.
A deeply spiritual island where the sheer magnificence of nature is all around you, Bali offers the trip of a lifetime. One of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali measures 90 50 miles and is filled with beaches of sugar-soft sand, lush forests, and endless archaeological sites. Home to around four million people, it’s friendly and relaxed and offers millions of visitors a genuinely warm welcome every year.
A deeply spiritual island where the sheer magnificence of nature is all around you, Bali offers the trip of a lifetime. One of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali measures 90 50 miles and is filled with beaches of sugar-soft sand, lush forests, and endless archaeological sites. Home to around four million people, it’s friendly and relaxed and offers millions of visitors a genuinely warm welcome every year.
Javanese culture is apparent in all aspects of Bali life, from the Wayang puppet theatres, songs and intricate dancing to the architecture of the island’s temples and the vibrant, spicy cuisine. Water sports lovers are in paradise on Bali, with some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region. A chance encounter with a whale shark is a distinct possibility, as these gentle giants of the ocean are frequent visitors to these waters. After an exciting day of exploring all the sights and sounds on offer, relax next to your private pool at one of our luxury Bali villa rentals.
Things
you can’t miss in Bali
- Sample island delicacies in a Warung - a small, local eatery that serves traditional food.
- Experience swimming beneath a tropical waterfall. Bali is home to many waterfalls, and swimming under one is a must-do for any water lover.
- No trip to Bali is complete without experiencing the soothing and meditative techniques of Balinese massage.
Our insider tips for Bali
Popular destinations in Bali
Kuta, a beach town that never sleeps
Imagine long, sandy beaches, rolling, gentle waves, and a glittering backdrop of bars, restaurants and boutiques and you have Kuta. This charming town has transformed from a quiet fishing village to a haven for surfers and beach lovers. This is also the place to sample some of the best street food on offer, such as nasi bungkus, little pockets of rice often wrapped in banana leaves to eat on the go. If you need to unwind with a bit of pampering, there are plenty of spas offering a full menu of treatments to rebalance mind, body and spirit.
Seminyak, sophistication under the sun
Seminyak is nestled between Legian and Canggu, offering visitors a languid, laid-back atmosphere where culture, cuisine and care are the watchwords. This is where you’ll find the island’s most exclusive spas, best restaurants and most charming boutiques, as well as plenty of beaches where you can witness that magical Bali sunset. Surrounded by natural beauty and with plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained, Seminyak has a unique character that captivates visitors, drawing them back time and time again.
Canggu, revive mind, body, and soul
Canggu is perhaps the most popular destination in Bali. This relatively recent holiday spot was once home to acres of rice fields and a few hard-core surfers. Today, it’s evolved into a vibrant and lively destination that’s relaxed, fun and full of personality. Serene spas offer massages that will restore tired muscles, while the beach sunsets are perfect for soothing the soul. Water sports are plentiful, and the calm waters are ideal for both experienced divers and surfers, as well as those who are just learning how to ‘pop up’ on a surfboard.
Bali villas you will love
Our luxury Bali villas for rent
Nag Shampa
16 PEOPLE -
8 Bedrooms -
8 Bathrooms
The Arsana Estate
14 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Villa Anam
20 PEOPLE -
10 Bedrooms -
10 Bathrooms
Villa Inti
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
5 Bathrooms
Villa San
14 PEOPLE -
6 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Villa Mana
21 PEOPLE -
7 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
“What I love about Bali is that while it is an incredibly vibrant destination, with endless temples to explore, lush rice terraces to wander through, and local delights to be sampled at the night markets, this is a versatile and eclectic island, filled with endless charm.”
Kimya Fouladi
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your Bali stay
Your luxury onefinestay rental villa in Bali comes with a host of additional services, including wellness activities, sports and equipment hire, dinner reservations, a personal chef, childcare, car hire, entertainment, and celebratory decorations. Just ask your dedicated concierge for more details.
Essential Bali information
When to visit Bali
JAN
78F
FEB
78F
MAR
80F
APR
80F
MAY
82F
JUN
80F
JUL
80F
AUG
80F
SEP
80F
OCT
80F
NOV
80F
DEC
80F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: early spring tends to be a little wet, so the best spring month to visit Bali is April. The rainy season has ended by this point, and the beaches, temples and restaurants are still quiet and peaceful. Once the dry season starts in May, expect the humidity to drop and temperatures to stabilise at around the mid to high-20s °C.
During summer: summer in Bali is technically during the ‘winter’ months on the island, but from June onwards until the end of August, you can expect warm, dry weather, lots of festivals, including the Bali Arts Festival, and a vibrant atmosphere. The temperature range doesn’t change much from the spring, and humidity is low.
During autumn: as the autumn months draw in, this is the perfect time to book one of our luxury Bali villas or vacation rentals if you like peace and quiet. Towards the end of the autumn, you may catch the occasional downpour, but these are quickly over, and the island’s sunny skies return quickly. Festivals include the Nusa Dua Fiesta - an event filled with cultural performances, dancing and puppetry.
During winter: December brings some heavy thunderstorms, but once again, these move through relatively quickly, giving the island’s jungles a brilliant freshness that’s a pleasure to hike through. Surf conditions are for the experienced only while the temples are getting ready for the Lunar New Year and the most important religious holiday on the island, Galungan.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport or train station to your Bali villa rental.
By plane
The central hub for air travel in Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in Tuban. This busy airport connects the island to the rest of the world, particularly Australia and Southeast Asia. There are several domestic airlines serving many of the other Indonesian archipelago locations and are ideal if you want to go island-hopping.
By boat
Ferries run from Java daily, with the crossing taking just 30 minutes. Cruise boats and catamarans also sail into Benoa Harbour from the Gili Islands of Lombok and Nusa Lembongan.
By car
Once on Bali, getting around is easy as the island has a good transport infrastructure. If you want to hire a car, your dedicated concierge can arrange this for you. It is advisable to choose a 4x4, as some of the inland roads can be a little challenging. You will need an international driving permit (IDP) and a current driving licence. Remember that you drive on the left on the island. If you’d prefer not to drive yourself, then your concierge can arrange a VIP transfer direct to your private Bali villa on arrival, as well as a driver for the duration of your trip.
Local tips
- When visiting temples and holy sites, always cover your shoulders and knees and be respectful of the people around you.
- It is best to avoid tap water and only drink bottled or filtered water in Bali.
- Beware of monkeys on the island, while they may look cute, they are notorious for stealing tourist belongings when left unattended.
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