Hilton might best be known for its compact and comfortable city hotels that are a favourite among business travellers. But beyond those properties, the brand has hundreds of resorts in some of the world’s most beautiful holiday hotspots — from boho luxury in Mexico’s Los Cabos to sparkling overwater villas in the Maldives.
In Bali, Hilton’s resort offering sprawls over an ocean clifftop in Uluwatu, an exclusive west coast beach enclave that’s home to ultra-luxurious hotels including the Bulgari, Jumeirah and Alila Villas. It’s worlds apart from Ubud’s jungles and Canggu’s backpacker bars. Instead, you’ll find white sand beaches, epic surf breaks, and breezy cafés — all just under an hour’s drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
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While Uluwatu may not be as easy to explore on foot as the other areas on the island, Hilton Bali Resort itself is a hub of activity that will keep even the most active visitors entertained. Guests can enjoy on-site tennis courts, a daily schedule of activities, plus a selection of four restaurants including traditional Balinese cuisine, themed buffets and a three-storey indoor-to-outdoor lounge on the beachfront serving contemporary dishes.
Resorts have a reputation for being busy, but this hotel has something for everyone, even if you’re not a fan of mingling with the crowds. While the main building features contemporary family-friendly rooms with views of lush gardens or the Indian Ocean, a selection of private villas tucked at the back of the property offer a far more peaceful sanctuary.
Middle East Traveller checked in to a One Bedroom Pool Villa at Hilton Bali Resort, set within a gated enclave that guarantees privacy while maintaining easy access to all the hotel’s amenities.
The Hotel
Nestled within 28 acres of lush greenery, the pristine white facade of Hilton Bali Resort cascades down a 40-metre cliff, leading to an idyllic beach — a gorgeous stretch of golden sand that’s washed over by the Indian Ocean’s waves.
Upon check-in, a resort map becomes an essential guide to navigating the expansive grounds. On top of the cliff, you’ll find the hotel’s vast event spaces (popular with grand weddings and business conferences), the two-hectare villa enclave and even a helipad for those looking to make a grand entrance.
Venture down to beach level to uncover stunning curved pools, spa facilities set across several buildings, and chic beachfront eateries. Dotting the shoreline, shaded sun beds offer the perfect retreat to soak up the Balinese sun. For a panoramic view, ascend the stairs to the hotel’s 360-degree observation deck.
The Arrival
As you pass through the hotel’s flower-adorned entrance arch, the expansive main lobby unfolds before you. Constructed in a traditional Balinese style, the building’s sloping wooden rafters and majestic pillars frame panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, with the terracotta roofs of the resort’s outbuildings nestled among lush trees and greenery in the foreground.
After a brief security scan, the check-in process takes place at desks tucked into alcoves in a breezy space to the right of the main open lobby area. Here, friendly staff welcome you with a cool towel and refreshing drink to combat the heat while completing the formalities. Then, armed with a resort map, it’s off to your room.
The Room
Hilton Bali Resort has 408 rooms and suites, but for a more exclusive stay check in to one of the hotel’s 19 villas. These standalone hideaways, in a separate gated enclave , have their own private plunge pools, semi-open dining pavillions and outdoor terraces.
Built in traditional Balinese style, complete with thatched roofs, each villa is cocooned by lush greenery making for a truly secluded retreat. For a dash of jungle adventure, step through the French doors and rinse off under the outdoor shower or soak in the dramatic egg-shaped bath, all under the gaze of a stunning chandelier in the open-plan bathroom.
Uluwatu is known for its cheeky monkeys, so you’ll need to keep those doors shut during the day — unless you’re in the mood for some unexpected visitors.
The Service
Speedy buggies shuttle guests from the lobby to their villas and the executive lounge, where complimentary cocktails and nibbles are served poolside several times each day, plus a special breakfast spread in the mornings away from the crowds at the main buffet.
The perk is available for those in select rooms or with Hilton Honors Diamond status. It’s not a particularly long walk, but during hot afternoons the ride is a welcome respite from the hot Balinese sun.
The Restaurants and Bars
Start the day by tucking into a sprawling breakfast spread at buffet restaurant Grain, where American favourites like hash browns and sweet hot cakes are served alongside Indonesian specialities. Try the creamy, smooth bubur congee soup prepared with your choice of toppings, or for a more revitalising option order the delicious dragon fruit smoothie bowl with salted granola crumble.
At night, the restaurant hosts themed evening dinners which change depending on the day of the week, with extensive spreads showcasing the culinary flair of Spain, the US Deep South and Asia. Across the lobby, Paon Bali serves tasty versions of Indonesia’s most popular dishes including moreishly crispy gorengan fritters filled with sweetcorn and generous portions of skewered meats slathered in nutty satay sauce.
Down by the beach, The Shore turns out fresh pizzas and flatbreads all day, with twists on traditional toppings including fermented tomatoes and Middle Eastern dukkah spices sprinkled over garlicky hummus. For a slice of indulgence, order the Tartufo, which combines truffle paste with roasted potato and the earthy, woodsy flavours of rosemary.
After sunset, the beachside vibes move up a notch as the space transforms into a chic three-storey lounge restaurant serving up contemporary fine dining dishes and a menu of grilled meats. It’s the perfect space to feel the ocean breeze while digging in to slabs of dry-aged steak, edamame Scotch eggs and a whole host of other inventive creations.
The Activities
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or looking for an action-packed holiday, the resort’s expansive grounds cater to all. Lounge in a cabana overlooking the Indian Ocean, unwind at the spa, or amp up the energy with a daily schedule of complimentary activities including water basketball, tug of war and polo.
An elevator ride down from the main lobby at the beach, the resort boasts four freeform swimming pools that meander through verdant tropical gardens, complete with their own sandy lagoon. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated space with a thrilling 30-metre waterslide, while adults can unwind in two outdoor Jacuzzis set among the trees.
Tennis fans can practice their best serve at one of the three covered hard courts, with expert instructors offering lessons for all age levels and abilities for an extra fee. The fitness centre, with its own sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, is open 24 hours a day for in-house guests.
The hotel offers a busy recreation schedule that kicks off at 7am and extends well into the evening. Complimentary activities range from sunrise yoga on the beach to Balinese cultural ceremonies and visits to local temples. On Mondays and Fridays, guests can enjoy free five-minute head and shoulder massages at the Mandara Spa, where treatments are performed in atmospheric Balinese-style rooms.
The schedule also features several off-site excursions available for an additional fee, with top options including countryside quad biking and visits to Pura Lempuyang, a temple perched on the steep slopes of an active volcano with views over lush green forests and Bali’s highest peak Mount Agung.
Another standout is the Tuesday cooking class at Paon’s outdoor kitchen, where participants can explore the complex flavours and textures of local cuisine under the guidance of an expert chef. It’s not just a demonstration — expect to get stuck in with slicing, mixing, frying and rolling while whipping up a fragrant rendang curry and sweet dadar gulung (Indonesian coconut pancakes).
Why Stay?
Beyond the breathtaking Indian Ocean vistas and idyllic beach, Hilton Bali Resort boasts an array of activities, dining options, and relaxation options to satisfy every guest, regardless of budget or travel style. For an elevated experience, opt for a villa stay, where you’ll enjoy a secluded ‘resort within a resort’ feel while still having convenient access to all the usual hotel facilities.
The Essentials
- Rates: Rooms start at USD150 per night for a Deluxe Garden Room
- Phone number: +62 361 773 377
- Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/dpsbahi-hilton-bali-resort/
- Address: Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
