Bali is not the same place it used to be.
When I went there for the first time in 2011 – the island was known for having cheap places to stay. There were a lot of young backpackers in the hostels.
Now, though – the island is home to some of best luxury resorts Bali. When I visited the island in September – I had the chance to see this change for myself.
Also, guess what? I can see a whole new side of Bali now.
I reserved a plan that included everything at Viceroy Bali – which is one of the top Bali stays. The resort is a great place to relax because it combines luxury with the culture of the area. It has private villas, a lovely infinity pool, and everything else you could want for a luxurious vacation.
The shift budget luxury
When I got to Bali for the first time – I found a cozy, cheap hostel close to Kuta Beach. It worked out great for my tight vacation budget. It felt nice there – and I met a lot of other travelers. We had fun at the neighborhood markets and ate some tasty street food. At that time – high-end places seemed very far away and impossible to reach.
Now, as I walk around – I keep seeing luxury resorts Bali. These places have great facilities. A lot of them have private pools, gourmet restaurants, and spas. What a big difference there is now. I remember the trip to Ubud – where I stayed at the Viceroy Bali. The lush green jungle views were great – and the atmosphere was peaceful. I had to pinch myself to believe I was in the same place I once visited as a backpacker.
Why the change?
I think there are a few reasons for this change.
To begin – Bali has become a famous place for high-class tourists to visit. People want one-of-a-kind adventures – which is what luxury resorts offer. They have private luxurious villas, butlers for each guest, and spa services for all occasions.
Also, the growth of social media has been very important. Travel blogs and people with a lot of followers show off these resorts – which brings in more guests. I love looking through Instagram because it has so many beautiful pictures of luxury accommodations I want to visit.
Personal experience with luxury resorts
The Mulia was the first luxury resort I really stayed at in Bali. That was in 2022. I was there for a special event and thought – “why not give myself a treat?” I felt like royalty as soon as I got there. The staff gave me warm smiles and cool drinks when I walked in.
Also, the view from my room was beautiful – with the ocean below. I hung out by the pool and ate fancy meals during the day. It was a wonderful break from my normal schedule.
I also remember having a nice dinner on the beach one night. The gentle breeze and the sound of the waves made it memorable. I learned that luxury doesn’t just mean spending a lot of money – it also means making experiences that will last a lifetime.
The balance between budget and luxury
I like the idea of luxury accommodation – but I also like that there are still choices that aren’t too expensive. Some travelers want to have fun without spending a lot of money. Bali is a great place to do that. You can still find many guesthouses and restaurants in Bali where you can eat real Balinese food without spending a lot of money.
I stayed at a cute hostel in Ubud during my trip last year. It was a fun way to meet people from the area and learn about their culture. In the evenings – I talked with other travelers. So, basically – everyone can enjoy Bali in their own unique way thanks to this mix between cheap and fancy.
