Unlike many luxury properties in Bali that go for a traditional Indonesian look, the adult-only Bale has a sophisticated Japanese-inspired style. Housed in open pavilions set within walled gardens, the 29 minimalist rooms feature private infinity pools and luxurious bathrooms with outdoor showers and handmade soap. There are two excellent restaurants and a small fitness center with yoga classes, plus the hotel has a private beach club with loungers on a nice stretch of sand a short walk away. Rates can be steep, but freebies such as breakfast, airport transfers, welcome massages, and free daily restocking of the minibar add value.

Set on remote clifftop overlooking a beautiful sandy beach in Uluwatu, this luxurious resort offers 54 stunning multi-room villas set in private gardens with infinity pools. All villas feature full kitchens, outdoor dining areas, and upscale amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor showers. The gorgeous, serene grounds include two pools (one of them overlooking the ocean), a top-notch spa with cliffside massage huts, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a rooftop bar with views. But the highlight here is the hip beach club, complete with cabanas and a restaurant, and accessed via a funicular.

Arguably the best hotel in the Ungasan area, the Banyan Tree Ungasan has a quiet, secluded vibe, with discreet, low-rise villas that do little to hint at this property's top-of-the-line luxury (at 3,391 square feet, even the smallest villas are massive). All villas have terraces and full kitchens, mini-fridges with minibars, wine coolers, safes, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, as well as large flat-screen TVs and BOSE stereo systems. There are numerous on-site dining options, ranging from a casual pool bar to a themed buffet restaurant, which frequently features traditional dance and music performances.

Set on 20 acres of gorgeous tropical gardens bursting with kamboja trees and colorful flowers, the Samabe Bali draws travelers who want to get away from it all. The property's 81 suites and villas -- surrounded by lush grounds and soothing lily ponds -- are all housed in thatched structures with indoor-outdoor designs and expansive ocean views. The spa has two beautiful rooms and a sauna, and features an array of traditional Indonesian treatments. The gym is equipped with just a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, but there are also plenty of fitness classes offered daily free of charge, including yoga and tai chi on the beach. There are also a kids’ club, a wedding chapel with stunning panoramic ocean views, two fully equipped meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Tucked away on a private stretch of sand, Kayumanis Nusa Dua is an intimate and luxurious adult-only retreat that feels a world away from the large neighboring resorts. Each of the property’s 20 villas is housed in a beautiful pavilion with an indoor-outdoor design and tasteful, traditional Indonesian decor. All have private pools, outdoor bathrooms, and top-notch services such as personal butlers, and drivers for free private day trips to as far a Jimabaran. The on-site beach is not the prettiest around, but it is sandy and relaxing, and has padded lounge chairs and a beach club. The spa is small but excellent, and also offers in-room treatments. The on-site Italian restaurant is mediocre, but there's a great Indonesian restaurant on-site and plenty of other options within a short distance of the hotel. The Bale Hotel offers a similar adult-only experience, but it's not right on the beach and can be pricier.

Despite being right off a busy road, The Royal Santrian has a serene atmosphere, with 62 acres of lush tropical grounds next to a sandy beach. The 20 one-bedroom villas -- all set in their own private gardens with pools -- feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars (replenished daily at no extra charge), safes, air-conditioning, and outdoor showers enclosed in a pebble garden. Freebies include Wi-Fi, afternoon tea, loaner bikes, and shuttle service to Bali Collection and the Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua areas.

Popular with honeymooners, couples, and families with older children, the Tanadewa is a quiet, intimate hotel with 16 villas tucked away amid lush tropical grounds or walled gardens. All feature private plunge pools, king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, free bottled water (refilled daily), outdoor showers, and butler service. The hotel is known for its excellent spa, which offers water massages, facials, body scrubs, and mind-releasing rituals. 

Amaroossa Suite Bali is a four-pearl boutique hotel located in a quiet, residential area near Nusa Dua, about a 15-minute drive to Kuta Beach and the airport. There are 60 rooms, 10 of which are Pool Suites with private plunge pools; two-bedroom Family Suites and units with small kitchens are also available. The hotel has a gorgeous swimming pool and whirlpool pool surrounded by tropical greenery, a restaurant, a bar, and meeting rooms. Travelers might want to check rates at the Ayodya Resort Bali, another four-pearl property in the same general area, which is closer to the beach and has a fitness center.