Seminyak, Bali

Located in buzzy southern area of Bali, Seminyak is famed for its beautiful golden sand beaches and luxury hotels and resorts.

One of the most stylish parts of the region, Seminyak exudes a lively yet tasteful atmosphere and upmarket feel. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums it up, and this energy also extends to the chic fashion boutiques that line its streets.

The caramel beaches are amongst some of the most scenic on the island and are ideal for surfing, long walks and spectacular sunsets; also, you can avoid the hordes of visitors that overcrowd the nearby Kuta beach. After a long day enjoying all the beach has to offer, we can’t think of anything better than watching a mesmerising sunset casting its golden glow across the ocean with a cocktail in hand. Soak this up from your own oceanfront villa or join the well-heeled visitors and expats at Seminyak’s sleek beach bars - this is bound to be a highlight if you like the sound of sipping a tropical drink under colourful parasols and twinkling lights, with a breeze in your hair and sand between your toes.

Without a doubt, this beach town provides a comfortable place in which to stay as it's home to some of Bali's best spas, most exclusive villas and fine dining restaurants to boot - with new places opening almost weekly. If you're tempted to indulge in spa treatments here, take your pick between the contemporary AWAY Spa at W Bali, the more traditional Spa Alila at Alila Seminyak, or arguably the finest The Spa at The Legian; depending on which luxury property you choose to stay in. We recommend all these hotels, as well as The Oberoi Bali for this five-star resort was the very first to pop up here in 1978 before the hype caught on, and also offers a serene spa.

While these idyllic relaxation spots are a huge draw, we believe that the biggest plus of these hotels are their magnificent pools and heavenly beachfront locations, which embrace the sophisticated Seminyak to its full effect.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson