Unique hotels and things to do in Ubud and Canggu, Bali: a luxury travel writer’s guide

Built in the early 1800s, the palace has been home to Ubud’s royal family ever since. Unlike the bustling energy of the nearby Art Market, the palace offers a serene, intimate insight into the town’s royal and cultural heritage. In the 19th century, it drew artists and musicians, which turned Ubud into a creative hotspot — a legacy still alive today with nightly Legong dance performances that showcase traditional Balinese artistry.

The palace is closely connected to Balinese Hinduism, with nearby temples such as Pura Gunung Lebah adding a sense of spirituality to your visit. What I loved most was how peaceful it felt — you could wander, absorb the carvings, take in the architecture, and surround yourself with the quiet of this historic environment, and still be minutes away from lively Ubud. While it provides a striking contrast to the bustling heart of Ubud, the palace fits seamlessly into the town’s artistic atmosphere. It’s where Ubud’s creative spirit was born, surrounded by intricate monuments and ornate statues.

An authentic culinary experience and one of the most unforgettable things to do in Ubud, Sun Sun Warung is a must-try. Hidden on one of Ubud’s busy side streets, upon entering the grounds, I was greeted with staff dressed head-to-toe in sarongs and udengs, and shrines and temples decorated in vibrant Balinese flowers.

I was asked to take my shoes off before stepping inside the restaurant, with a choice to sit at a table or on the floor — the classic way. It feels like you have been transported into a living village in Ubud, allowing you to fully experience the Balinese culture. Every dish on the menu is local to Bali, including the bebek nyat-nyat, which is a Bali-style duck created using the nyat-nyat cooking method. However, this family-run restaurant is renowned for its nasi cumpur — a colourful plate of rice, vegetables, sambal, and spiced meats.

Located within easy reach of Batu Bolong Beach, Chesa Canggu immediatley impressed me with its welcoming, tranquil vibe. I was greeted by staff dressed in a traditional pakaian adat Bali, and thoughtful touches like rose petals on arrival. The contemporary decor blends natural textures with minimalist elegance, showcasing the boho-chic Bali aesthetic.

The 36-room property offers tropical poolside rooms, two serene swimming pools, and an intimate courtyard that feels like a private sanctuary — perfect for unwinding or enjoying sunset views over the water. I had the privilege of staying in a spacious bedroom with a plush king-size bed, a cosy day bed, and a private terrace overlooking the crystal-clear pool. The hotel’s two pools offered options for both social energy and serene seclusion, with the quiet courtyard quickly becoming my personal haven. Dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Thara Kitchen & Bar, elevates the stay further, with globally inspired cuisine rooted in local ingredients. Chesa Canggu is perfect for access to Canggu’s vibrant surf and cafe culture, but also for pure relaxation.

Bodyworks Spa began as a humble space with twinkling star lamps, mosaic mirrors, and playful terrazzo floors. This was a bold vision for a more luxurious approach to wellness in a time when beach massages were the only option.

Over the years, it grew into a sanctuary of vibrant terracotta archways, river-stone courtyards, and frangipani trees, blending Balinese charm with influences from Moroccan and Indian design. I visited to escape the bustle of Bali, and what struck me most was the meticulous attention to ritual and detail that makes each visit feel personal. I chose the signature Bodyworks Bliss Massage, beginning with a gentle foot scrub that melted into deep, restorative pressure, leaving every muscle relaxed. To elevate the experience, I added a flower bath — a swirl of petals and serenity that left me floating in pure zen. Every treatment is designed to rejuvenate and restore. For anyone craving authentic Balinese wellness in an Instagram-worthy setting, Bodyworks Spa is a unique sanctuary.

KYND Community Cafe is dedicated to showing how delicious plant-based food can truly be. Opened in 2017 as a tiny 20-seat cafe, it has since expanded into multiple locations, including a plant-based pizzeria and an ice creamery, serving hundreds of guests daily.

From the moment you enter KYND, it’s clear why it’s on every traveller’s Bali itinerary. Each angle is a photo opportunity, decorated in pastel-pink walls, palm motifs, motivational neon quotes, and cosy corners. Sitting indoors or outdoors, you instantly feel part of a joyful space. Each dish is a visual delight, with signature açaí smoothie bowls topped with personalised fruit lettering — you can spell your name or a message, making each bowl uniquely yours. The sweet açaí bowl was topped with island fruits & house-made granola. While drinks like green tea arrived in a pink teapot, perfectly matching the cafe’s aesthetic.

Transforming into one of Bali’s most lively destinations on a Sunday, La Brisa Market is open from 10am. The iconic beach club buzzes with energy, as local artisans and vendors fill the space with handmade jewellery, upcycled clothing, eco-friendly beauty products, and artisanal homewares.

Walking through stalls draped in bohemian fabrics, impossible not to be drawn in by the creativity and quality on display. It was hard to resist the pearl-studded purses, flowy island dresses, and decadent homemade cakes, all while sipping a chilled glass of wine and soaking up the relaxed, tropical atmosphere by the beach. After exploring the stalls, I headed to the beach club for the evening, enjoying music and breathtaking sunset views, rounding out a perfect Sunday.

Located off the southern coast of Bali, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime boat trip to Nusa Penida. A day trip to Nusa Penida is a dream adventure wrapped in postcard-perfect scenery. A quick speedboat ride brings you to the island, where the day begins at the Manta Point.

Swimming alongside groups of baby manta rays and the giant, graceful adults was an unforgettable moment. From there, the next stops were Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay, where the clam, sapphire sea revealed neon coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. Snorkelling here is magical with local guides who capture underwater photos with the marine life. I then climbed to Kelingking Beach’s cliff viewpoint, where the iconic T-Rex-shaped coastline stretched into turquoise waters below, dotted with pearl-white sands and mischievous monkeys. For lunch at AMARTA Penida, a cliffside restaurant overlooking Mount Agung, I enjoyed creamy cassava gnocchi pesto that tasted heavenly. The day concluded with a final snorkelling stop, swimming alongside turtles and spotting starfish beneath the surface. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Click the link below to book a Nusa Penida tour.