With between 1,500 and 3,000 hotels on Bali, the choice can be mind-boggling. Indonesia’s celebrated Hindu “Island of the Gods” is the realm of traditional artists, so you’ll often find a level of design flair and sense of hospitality that other tourism hotspots can only dream of emulating.
Location is all-important. Southern Bali – closest to the airport and capital – has become infamous for its traffic jams. If you’re aiming for a classic beach-resort holiday with little exploring, you can find some postcard-perfect properties almost within sight of the airport. But bear in mind that you’ll often get more value for your money if you avoid the tourist trail. It’s easy to escape if you head along the east coast, or to relatively unknown (and almost completely undeveloped) West Bali.
