It goes without saying that Bali is one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Every inch of the island is worth visiting! However, having too many options can be a real problem when it comes to deciding where to stay in Bali for that perfect holiday.
Every area of Bali has its own feel and unique charm. Some places might make you want to stay forever, while others might make you feel like you should just move on—not because they’re not worth visiting, but because each area brings its own ‘vibe.’ Your job is to choose where your footsteps will take you next.
In this guide, we’ve captured every area in Bali that’s worth visiting, including location, vibe, hotel suggestions, and what’s interesting there, so you’ll never be confused about where to stay in Bali for your next adventure.
Canggu
Imagine sipping coffee at a trendy café, opening your laptop for a remote work session, then heading to the beach in the afternoon to catch waves with a global community of creatives. That’s Canggu, the epicenter of digital nomads and hipster vibes in Bali. The lifestyle here feels laid-back yet buzzing with energy, thanks to its mix of surfers, expats, and young travelers from all over the world.
Why stay here: world-class surf breaks, stylish cafés, creative vibes, and lively spots like Café Del Mar Bali for sunset cocktails.
Best for: surfers, digital nomads, young couples.
Recommended places to stay in Canggu:
Kos One Hostel – From around USD 15/night. Backpacker-friendly with a social pool area and just minutes away from Batu Bolong Beach.
COMO Uma Canggu – From around USD 200/night. A luxury beachfront escape with modern design, wellness facilities, and a surf-inspired lifestyle.
Partygoers who want to stay close to Café del Mar have great options within minutes. Trendy hostels like Kos One Hostel or Commo Uma Canggu are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be in the heart of Canggu. Both are just 12-15 minutes away from Cafe Del Mar.
Tip: For first-timers, Batu Bolong Beach is the most accessible surf spot, while Echo Beach offers stronger waves for more advanced surfers.
Seminyak
Seminyak is where Bali feels the most cosmopolitan. The streets are lined with designer boutiques, trendy beach clubs, and fine dining restaurants that rival those in major world capitals. If your idea of a holiday is all about a luxury lifestyle, sipping cocktails by the pool, catching sunsets at a beach Club, and shopping at Seminyak Village, then Seminyak is easily the number one choice.
Why stay here: world-class beach clubs, top-rated restaurants, and luxury shopping.
Best for: couples, luxury travelers, stylish partygoers.
Recommended hotels in Seminyak:
W Bali – Seminyak – From around USD 450/night. A 5-star beachfront resort with a legendary pool scene and one of the best Sunday brunches in Bali.
The Legian Bali – From around USD 400/night. An elegant, ocean-facing resort with understated luxury and impeccable service.
Even though they are not in Canggu, it will only take you a 12 to 15-minute ride from Cafe Del Mar Bali to W Bali and Legian Bali. Perfect place to stay if you don’t really like travelling far after a party.
Tip: Stay at least 2–3 nights to balance daytime relaxation at luxury spas and pool clubs with vibrant nightlife experiences. If you are still undecided about choosing a place to stay between Canggu and Seminyak, you can check our recommendation here.
Kuta
Kuta is probably Bali’s most famous destination, and to this day it remains a magnet for travelers who love a lively, bustling vibe. The beach is wide and perfect for beginners learning to surf, with plenty of affordable surf schools right on the sand. Budget hostels line almost every corner, and the nightlife here is legendary, think bars, live music, and late-night clubs. If you’re a backpacker or partygoer, Kuta always has something waiting for you.
Why stay here: budget-friendly, exciting nightlife, beginner-friendly surf.
Best for: backpackers, solo travelers, party lovers.
Recommended places to stay in Kuta:
Hard Rock Hotel Bali – From around USD 120/night. A fun, family-friendly hotel with the largest free-form pool in Bali, live music vibes, and direct beach access.
Budget guesthouses near Kuta Beach – Prices start from USD 8–15/night, great for travelers who just need a clean bed and want to be close to the action.
If you don’t mind a short ride, Kuta offers nightlife and family-friendly stays. Hard Rock Hotel Bali in Kuta is iconic for music lovers, while some guesthouses near Kuta Beach are good if you are tight on budget, yet still within an hour of Café del Mar.
Tip: Kuta can get very busy, especially during sunset. For a more relaxed vibe, explore the quieter northern end of Kuta Beach in the morning.
Sanur
If you’re looking for classic Bali charm with a slower pace, Sanur is the answer. Its calm, shallow beach is safe for swimming, while the paved seaside path is perfect for morning jogs or cycling. The vibe here feels timeless. Sanur is where you’ll still catch glimpses of “old Bali,” making it an ideal escape for families and senior travelers who prefer relaxation over crowds.
Why stay here: peaceful beaches, traditional ambiance, family-friendly atmosphere.
Best for: families, senior travelers, those seeking a quieter holiday.
Recommended places to stay in Sanur:
Hyatt Regency Bali – From around USD 180/night. A beachfront resort with lush gardens, kids’ facilities, and direct access to Sanur Beach.
Sudamala Resort, Sanur – From around USD 130/night. A boutique stay with Balinese-style suites, an art gallery, and a serene pool.
Both Hyatt Regency Bali and Sudamala Resort, Sanur are only 45 minutes away from Cafe Del Mar, Bali. Short trips won’t be a problem as these hotels provide a quieter retreat.
Tip: Sanur’s beaches are best enjoyed at sunrise.
Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. Here, mornings begin with the sound of nature and views of endless rice terraces, followed by a yoga class or a traditional batik workshop. The area is rich with hidden gems: waterfalls, ancient temples, art galleries, and eco-lodges nestled deep in the jungle. Ubud is the perfect choice for those seeking peace, creativity, and a closer connection to nature.
Why stay here: rice terraces, temples, art, yoga & wellness.
Best for: wellness seekers, culture lovers, couples.
Recommended places to stay in Ubud:
Abisena Wellness and Resort – From around USD 150/night. A wellness-focused resort offering yoga classes, spa treatments, and panoramic jungle views.
Hanging Gardens of Bali – From around USD 400/night. Famous for its iconic split-level infinity pool overlooking the forest canopy.
Bambu Indah Eco-Lodge – From around USD 200/night. A unique eco-friendly boutique stay in bamboo houses surrounded by nature.
Not everyone comes to Bali just to party. If you’re staying in Ubud for yoga, wellness, and culture, you can still dip into Bali’s nightlife. Resorts like Abisena Wellness and Resort, the eco-chic Bambu Indah, or the jungle hideaway Hanging Gardens Bali are about 1-1.5 hours away, close enough for a night out in Canggu before retreating to nature.
Tip: Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Tegallalang Rice Terraces are must-visits, but for a quieter experience, explore hidden waterfalls like Tukad Cepung or Tegenungan early in the morning.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is famous for its dramatic cliffs and unbeatable sunsets. Imagine staying in a cliffside villa with an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, pure luxury. The area is also home to world-class surf breaks, the iconic Uluwatu Temple, and nearby Jimbaran Bay, where you can enjoy a seafood dinner right by the beach. It’s a dreamy destination for honeymoons or a luxury escape.
Why stay here: breathtaking sunsets, cliffside villas, beautiful beaches.
Best for: couples, surfers, and luxury seekers.
Recommended places to stay in Uluwatu:
Bvlgari Resort Bali – From USD 1,000/night. Ultimate luxury with private villas perched on cliffs, fine dining, and world-class service.
Alila Villas Uluwatu – From USD 900/night. Known for its sleek design and infinity pool that seems to float above the ocean.
Suarga Padang Padang – From USD 400/night. A more sustainable luxury option, just steps away from Padang Padang Beach.
These hotels are located in South Bali and take you 1 hour and 15 minutes driving/ riding a scooter away from Cafe Del Mar Bali.
Tip: Don’t miss the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple during sunset, it’s one of Bali’s most iconic cultural performances.
Nusa Dua
If you’re looking for comfort, luxury, and worry-free holidays, Nusa Dua is Bali’s ultimate resort enclave. This gated area in the south offers pristine private beaches, family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs, world-class spas, and top-notch dining. Everything here is designed for relaxation and indulgence, perfect for honeymooners and families alike.
Why stay here: luxury resorts, private beaches, family-friendly facilities.
Best for: families, honeymooners, and luxury travelers.
Recommended places to stay in Nusa Dua:
The St. Regis Bali Resort – From USD 700/night. Extravagant beachfront suites and villas with butler service.
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort – From USD 400/night. Famous for its seven lagoon-style swimming pools and beachfront location.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort – From USD 350/night. French-inspired luxury with direct beach access and a vibrant dining scene.
Down south, Nusa Dua is home to Bali’s most exclusive stays. Think five-star beachfront luxury at St. Regis, The Laguna, and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. While they’re 1.5–2 hours from Café del Mar Bali, they’re perfect for those who want to mix one wild night out with days of indulgence.
Tip: Nusa Dua is home to the Water Blow, a natural rock formation where huge waves crash dramatically, best seen during high tide.
Amed
For ocean lovers, Amed is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. This quiet fishing village on the east coast offers direct access to top diving and snorkeling sites, in addition to the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck in nearby Tulamben. Futhermore, with rustic vibes and fewer crowds, Amed is perfect for travelers seeking both serenity and underwater adventure.
Why stay here: diving, snorkeling, and authentic rustic vibes.
Best for: divers, offbeat explorers, slow travelers.
Recommended places to stay in Amed:
Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort – From USD 100/night. A beachfront boutique resort with tropical gardens and easy access to dive spots.
Blue Moon Villas – From USD 70/night. Ocean-view villas with a cozy, laid-back feel.
Life in Amed Boutique Hotel – From USD 90/night. A colorful and artistic hotel right by the beach.
On the far side of the island, places like Palm Garden Amed Beach, Blue Moon Villas, and Life in Amed Boutique Hotel cater to divers and snorkelers. It will take you 3 hours to reach here from Canggu, so nightlife in Canggu becomes more of a planned adventure than a casual outing.
Tip: Rent a scooter and explore Amed’s black sand beaches and coastal viewpoints. You’ll find plenty of hidden photo spots along the way.
Lovina
It is located in North Bali. Lovina would offer totally different experience compared to the busy south. Here, mornings start with a boat ride to spot dolphins at sunrise, followed by quiet days on calm beaches and friendly local hospitality. Far from the crowds, Lovina is ideal for travelers who want to experience a more authentic side of Bali.
Why stay here: dolphin watching, calm waves, local charm.
Best for: families, cultural travelers, relaxation seekers.
Recommended places to stay in Lovina:
The Lovina Bali Resort – From USD 120/night. A beachfront resort with family-friendly facilities and dolphin tours available.
Puri Bagus Lovina Resort – From USD 100/night. Traditional Balinese-style villas with spa and beachfront access.
Villa Agung Beach Inn – From USD 50/night. A budget-friendly stay with warm hospitality and sea views.
Just like Amed, The Lovina Resort, Puri Bagus Lovina, and Villa Agung Beach Inn are set in Bali’s tranquil north.
Tip: Pair your Lovina trip with a visit to the Banjar Hot Springs or Gitgit Waterfall, both just a short drive away.
Final Thoughts
In conlusion, there are no right or wrong answers when choosing where to stay in Bali. It all depends on your preferred experiences.
For luxury and romance, head to Seminyak, Uluwatu, or Nusa Dua. Looking for culture and wellness? Ubud is unbeatable. For diving and snorkeling, explore Amed. However, if you want to mix fun with chill vibes, Canggu or Lembongan are perfect areas. Whatever your style, Bali has the perfect spot for you.
And whatever your style, Café del Mar Bali always delivers with unmatched ambiance, refreshing sips, and sunsets that never miss.