The Best Boujie and Quirkily-Unique Stays in Bali

There are very few places that visually indulged me on the level that Bali photos and videos did in the run-up to my solo trip. It felt like every photo I saw of this destination was ripped straight from a mythical paradise that I’d only ever seen behind my eyelids in my dreams.

At times, I wondered whether any place could really have THIS many unbelievable backdrops and villas in one place. It seemed almost too good to be true.

The prices that you would pay in the UK for anything close to what Bali had to offer would make me not even dare to look! But in planning my trip to Bali, it suddenly seemed as though I could create the bougie trip of a lifetime without bursting my budget into a million pieces. So I fell down the ultimate ‘Sherilyn Planning Hole’.

Now that my jet-lag has started to ease, I’ve finally managed to gather my thoughts, share my content and spend some time reflecting on the most unique, mind-blowing and memorable stays I was lucky enough to experience in Bali.

These recommendations are based purely on my own personal experiences and preferences, so don’t come at me if it’s not your jam, not your budget or not your vibe. I’m sharing for my love of sharing, and hopefully this gives you some ideas on where to stay if you’re planning your own Bali Bucket List adventure.

So here's my favourite boujie and unique stays in Bali!

Mades Punia Jungle - Ubud

This was easily one of my most special and favourite stays of my entire Bali trip. I booked it while I was back in the UK as I was craving a full tropical jungle immersion. But as soon as I touched down in Bali, I soon realised how “outdoorsy” even the most modern-looking accommodation was (lizards, mozzies and ants would find there way into every room!) - So i panicked when I realised that I had committed to accommodation in the heart of the jungle that had an entire wall missing (!) and my bedroom was fully open and exposed to the elements!

I tried to cancel, but it was non-refundable which actually turned out to be the best thing ever, because when I arrived for my week-long stay, I felt like I was in absolute paradise. My room took my breath away - it overlooked the tops of palm trees, I would watch the run rise above the trees right from my bed and the peaceful sounds of nature made me fall in love with the place.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but I didn’t see one single mosquito the whole time I was there, I became at peace with the little geckos that would hide on the walls and even felt comfortable with a much larger lizard that made himself at home in the top corner of the room. The infinity pool was great (although WAY too deep for the floating breakfast - I almost drowned trying to capture my instagram moment), the food was incredibly low-cost and delicious, and the staff couldn’t do enough for me, I even sat the the table drinking tea and watching the most glorious tropical storm roll in. I loved this rustic gorgeous experience and would recommend it to anyone! Something to note, it’s literally OUTSIDE in the elements and has clearly become a little weathered over the years, so it could definitely do with a refurb, but for the price and the priceless memories, it’s beyond worth it!

Makaii Tiny Villas - Canggu

Instagram heaven! A teeny, tiny cylinder of a villa that has it’s own plunge pool that you can jump into from your bed, the roof has a lid that lifts up so that you can gaze up at the clouds and it has a cute outdoor shower. A delicious floating breakfast was included in the stay and it’s not too far from some of Canggu’s hotspots. I stayed one night here as a little treat and it was fab - there are only about 4 villas, so they get snapped up super quick. The only downside with MY stay was that there was a lottttt of construction happening opposite my room. So it didn’t make for much of a relaxing poolside experience and I was sure that the builders could see me naked AF in the shower 😅

Patal Kalkian Villa

Now this was a stay to remember! Right opposite Mount Agung volcano, up many hills, you’ll find this stunning hotel. Our room was huge and stepping onto our balcony unfolded the most magical view of the volcano in all it’s glory. We would sit for hours and watch the clouds float around the mountain. The hotel is a tad on the old-fashioned side, but it didn’t matter one bit. The view and the service does all the talking - I’ve never seen anything like it! There’s also a gorgeous infinity pool that frames the volcano perfectly.

A huge bonus is that the hotel doesn’t have many rooms so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the moment and enjoy having the pool completely to yourself.

Moon Villas Umalas - Canggu

I booked this stunning villa to host a business meeting that I had with one of my marketing clients, and it was perfect - I only wish I’d booked it for a few extra nights just to enjoy the facilities. It’s more of an art gallery than a villa, so many beautiful design pieces, sculptures and ornaments. Everywhere you looked it was like a perfectly framed shot from a magazine. Even the swimming pool had five giant white stone Buddha heads sitting in it with a waterfall at the back. The reception is an actual art gallery where you can purchase the pieces of art and the staff were really helpful and attentive. I stayed in the one bedroom villa, but there were a number of different sizes which I’m sure were equally as gorgeous, I feel like it was a super hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle.

The Four Seasons - Ubud

I lucked out BIG TIME with this one! This accommodation will set you back around £800 per night, but it’s like a completely different world. Luxury beyond luxury! My friend was hired for a work campaign there and invited me to stay for one of the nights she was there. Walking across the bridge that was raised above the jungle and a gushing river to get to the hotel reception, I stopped on my tracks, put my hands the air and said out loud “How is THIS my life?!” (thankfully, I don’t think anybody saw) It was like something out of a film. It was so grand, yet so immersed in nature. Me and my friend spent the day hopping in and out of the plunge pools, getting driven around in golf buggies and watching river rafters float by as we relaxed in the infinity pool. I don’t have the words to describe this stay, but wow!

Long term accommodation

I realised the hard way that hopping around from accommodation to accommodation is extremely tiring, very distracting and frustrating when it comes to wanting the same standard everywhere you go. Not all wifi is good wifi even if the hotel says it is, many places will avoid telling you that there