When it comes to a holiday in Bali you could quite easily flit from one fantastic hotel pool to another, working your way around the island in a never-ending stream of Instagram moments. (That’s the way I like to travel anyway!)
From infinity pools in the jungle to giant saltwater lagoons, I’ve handpicked 5 of the best pools in Bali to suit every type of traveller.
Top 5 Hotel Pools in Bali
1. Hanging Gardens Of Bali
The most famous hotel pool in Bali is found at the Hanging Gardens Of Bali, which holds the prestigious title of “World’s Best Swimming Pool” according to Conde Nast Traveller.
The two-tier structure is suspended over the edge of the dense Ubud jungle and was designed to give swimmers the sensation of floating above the treetops.
There’s just 44 private villas at this award-winning boutique property but don’t worry if you aren’t able to snag a room here as you can buy a day pass for the Hanging Gardens of Bali.
Choose from various day pass packages, some with meals and spa treatments included, and hop on the complimentary shuttle from Ubud to spend a day lounging around Bali’s most famous pool.
Book a room at Hanging Gardens of BaliIf relaxation and privacy are your priority then check out Villa Finder who have handpicked, high-quality villas in Bali that come with private pools and a complimentary concierge team to help plan your stay. Book one of their dreamy Seminyak villas for a luxury base near some of Bali's best restaurants, beach clubs, spas and boutiques.
2. Alila Ubud
The pool at the Alila Ubud often gets sidelined by its more famous neighbour but that’s ok, we’d rather keep it as our little secret!
This beautiful boutique hotel features 56 rooms and villas that have been designed in traditional Balinese style and come with stunning panoramic views of the jungle.
Having been a lucky guest at this elegant resort, I can personally vouch for how incredible the infinity pool looks at sunset when the mixture of mist rising from the rainforest and pink fluffy clouds are reflected in the water. The pool looks pretty at night too when candles light the stairway down to the poolside lounge and lanterns bob on the water. You can read more about my stay at Alila Ubud here.
Check room rates at Alila Ubud3. Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Not all the best hotel pools in Bali are found in the jungle! What I love about the pools at the Hard Rock Hotel Bali is that they combine Balinese style with serious fun factor – including triple and twin waterslides and a Kids Water Park that’s great for families.
The Hard Rock Hotel Bali recently announced that their waterslides are getting a makeover and the triple slide seen above will be replaced with an even bigger and better waterslide by December 2024.
The main pool is the largest free-form swimming pool in Bali and even has its own sand island where they hold outdoor performances. There’s also a chill out pool, exclusively for guests of the Premium Wings, and plenty of poolside cabanas you can rent for an indulgent day with food and drinks included.
Overall, this hotel is well suited for those who want to be in the thick of the fun in Kuta.
Find rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Bali4. Alila Villas Ulawatu
This stylish sister hotel to the Alila Ubud is somewhere we considered for our destination wedding due to its stunning cliff-edge Sunset Cabana. When not hosting weddings, this cabana is a chill-out zone for those hanging out at the incredible infinity pool overlooking the cliffs of Uluwatu.
Found on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is a laid-back area of the island known for its great surf and beautiful beaches. The golden sands at the likes of Bingin Beach attract a cool crowd who end their days at legendary clifftop surf bar Single Fin.
But the all-villa accommodation at Alila Uluwatu is so exceptionally well designed, I’m not sure how guests ever leave the resort to be honest.
Check rates at Alila Villas Uluwatu5. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran makes this list because you can hire a luxury lilo to float around its 1,300 sqm saltwater lagoon! (Why swim when you can float up to the pool bar hey?!)
Accommodation at this family-friendly resort features split-level rooms with lagoon views and fresh, funky interiors, and the location is great for enjoying sunset cocktails and seafood dinners on the beach at Jimbaran.
Book rooms at Le Meridien Bali JimbaranHave you swum in an incredible pool in Bali? I’d love to know about it.
Read next:
Want a giggle? Read about what happened when I ordered a floating breakfast in a pool in Bali. It didn’t end well!
Looking for somewhere a bit more budget friendly? Check out The Broke Backpacker’s guide to the best hostels in Bali.
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Originally published October 2016 and updated October 2024.
I’ve stayed in Alila Uluwatu and Hanging Gardens and I agree both have spectacular pools.
I’m dying to swim in them!!!
The pool at Padma Ubud was divine!!
Another I need to go suss out it seems 😀