The Best Hotels in Bali, From Beach Bungalows to Cliffside Villas
"Anyone familiar with the work of eccentric hotel designer Bill Bensley knows that a stay at one of his projects is never a straight-line affair. But with Capella Ubud, a luxe tented camp 20 minutes north of Ubud, he takes his kookiness up a notch. Inspired by tales of European explorers poking around the Indonesian archipelago in the 19th century, he designed a whimsical base camp on a sloping patch of jungle where the 22 one-bedroom suites (with sprawling outdoor decks and private plunge pools), reception desk, and fitness center each take over their own tents. All are furnished with Bensley's signature mix of clashing patterns—ikat-pillows, vintage trunks, and sofas upholstered in cowhide—and design quirks ranging from peek-a-boo windows in the showers to brass monkeys dotting the roofs. Dining options include Indonesian omakase-style menus at Api Jiwa, while breakfast-to-dinner Mads Lange dishes out comforting lobster wontons and crab tacos. Come nightfall, head to the campfire for marshmallows, hot cocoa, and vintage Indonesian flicks." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman
