Towards Bali's southern corner, sleek Seminyak has long been synonymous with oceanfront luxury. Famed for its beautiful beach hotels, buzzy nightlife and superb surf, the area is popular with couples, groups of friends and families on holiday, as well as being home to a burgeoning community of international residents. Accommodation options range from affordable party pads to gorgeous private villa hideaways, with the best places to stay in Seminyak set moments from the town’s enormous sandy beach.

Sink your toes into the sand at Seminyak Beach or Petitenget Beach, where you’ll find ample opportunities for sunbathing, seaside strolls and surfing. Many hotels are happy to arrange lessons with expert instructors; this is a great place to hone your wave-riding skills. Those less eager to hire a board will find beach clubs and lively bars aplenty, promising cracking cocktails and uninterrupted sunset views. Venture into central Seminyak for designer shopping at the boutiques of Japan Laksmana, or to pop into art galleries and eateries. As is the case across Bali, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to rejuvenating spas and yoga classes, too.

Kick back poolside in the afternoons, feast on fresh seafood in the evenings or don your glad rags for a big night out. The legendary Potato Head Beach Club is not to be missed; its stylish suites and studios are amongst the best places to stay in Seminyak.

The Best Places to Stay in Seminyak

For a Beach Break

• The Oberoi opened in 1978, as the first luxury resort in Bali. Expect mouth-watering food and excellent service, as well as direct access to gorgeous Seminyak Beach. Bali's best restaurants and clubs are nearby, too. Book a private pool villa for luxurious bliss!
• The Legian is a beautiful beach resort with elegant rooms and suites featuring draped four-poster beds and ocean views. Soak up the sun beside one of three pools, dine on fresh seafood by moonlight in the romantic restaurant, or kick back on your private terrace. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the gym and yoga classes. Gorgeous.
• Potato Head Suites & Studios is a hip beachfront property with 226 contemporary rooms and suites. Highlights include the cool cocktail bar's mixology workshops, as well as yoga, reflexology, surf lessons and fantastic food. The onsite beach club is a party hotspot. One for travellers in search of chic design, great eco-credentials and epic cocktails. Swish and super-romantic.

For Families or Groups

• The Amala offers luxurious villas with 10-12 metre private pools — a sure-fire hit with the kids! Contemporary interiors feature plenty of stone and wood, and the villas have an appealingly secluded feel. The buzz of Seminyak is just a ten minute stroll away, however, with plenty to explore. The Amala Spa promises gorgeous in-villa treatments, too, and there are great Balinese cooking classes.
• Taman Mesari Luxury Villas is made up of 12 modern villas with private plunge pools, big whirlpool tubs and kitchenettes. White, minimalist exteriors feature curved walls and shaded covered walkways, whilst the Indonesian restaurant has a more traditional bamboo roof and relaxed feel. Great for groups or families seeking extra privacy.
• Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel offers one-bedroom villas and one superb two-bedroom villa. Travel with friends and book a number of villas, gathering at Rush Bamboo Restaurant or the 25-metre pool for days together, or take the two-bedroom villa if holidaying as a family. Spaces are cool and contemporary, the gardens are beautiful, and you're an easy walk from both central Seminyak and the beach.

FOR GREAT VALUE

• IZE Seminyak is a hip, lively choice on Seminyak's main street. Popular with a youthful crowd, the property has cool, modern interiors and a stunning rooftop pool. The bar and restaurant have a fun buzz, you're perfectly poised to see the best of Seminyak, and the price is super reasonable. Slick and stylish.
• Viva Dash Hotel Seminyak is a trendy, affordable hotel for fun-loving friends, families and sociable individuals. Gather at the bar for happy hour, take a dip in the courtyard or rooftop pools and retreat to modern rooms with bright, graffiti-style artwork at the end of the evening.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Most visitors arrive at Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport — which is also sometimes called Bali International or Denpasar International — a major hub for Australia and South East Asia. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, you might need to travel via Jakarta Airport. Speak to your hotel about arranging an airport transfer, or hop into one of the many airport taxis on arrival, pre-paid at a ticket booth just before the duty-free area. The airport is just over 30 minutes' drive from Seminyak.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Close to the equator, tropical Bali is hot and humid year-round. July - August and the Christmas holidays are the most popular time to visit, but you'll find good weather and good deals April - June and in September, outside the rainy season but without the crowds.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Bali.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Indonesia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.