Since Bali upgraded its airport to accept international flights in 1968, the island has been a popular destination for tourists, initially during the contemporaneous emergence of the low budget global backpacker phenomenon, as a new generation sought meaning from the cultures of the east. 

As with so many Southeast Asian destinations, these early trailblazers discovered some of the most astonishingly beautiful beaches and secret places which, in those early years, had little if any facilities. However by the global economic boom of the 1980's, wealthier tourists began to follow in their pioneering footfalls and before long tourist development rapidly evolved to meet the demands of more extravagant visitors. 

So it is that now in Bali, as elsewhere, luxury hotels of the highest order are serving even the most discerning of clients. 

Ngura Rai International Airport has likewise undergone significant changes, and when you arrive, VIP and luxury visitors have the option of being greeted on the runway for fast track visa formalities, luggage collection, and priority check-in. A range of high specification vehicles is available for onward transfer. 

During your stay, private yacht and helicopter charters are available, customisable to your aspirations. Private luxury dining at some of Bali’s most iconic locations can also be arranged and can provide a highly enjoyable and memorable feature of your visit. 

There are many very fine hotels and resorts on some of Bali’s beaches, and travellers are spoilt for choice, with a host of internationally known brands and many very beautiful individual resorts. 

On Jimbaran Beach, the southernmost of the sandy strips that connect the Bukit Peninsula to the rest of Bali, the Belmond Jimaran Puri Resort sits on one of Bali’s finest beaches. Its deluxe pool villas are a luxurious haven of tranquillity with lovely spacious living areas including a private terrace and pool. 

On Seminyak Beach, the speciality suites and beach house of The Legian resort provides excellent exclusive and delicate private spaces with personal butler services. The resort also has a beautiful infinity pool and sophisticated spa and fitness facilities. 

North of Seminyak, situated in Canngu, the Ametis Villa Resort welcomes every guest with a personal butler in their remarkable luxury villas, each privately enclosed with a spacious terrace and pool. Each villa also has beautiful bedrooms, exquisite bathrooms, lovely spacious living areas and a gourmet kitchen. If you want a break from the wholly private living, dining and relaxation, there is a restaurant and some shared spaces in the resort to meet up with other guests. 

The stylish Maya Sanur Resort, on the eastern Sanur beach, pre-dates the advent of modern tourism and has been welcoming the intrepid elite traveller since the 1930’s. Stunningly upgraded with interesting modern architectural design features, while retaining a distinctly Balinese air, this charming eco-friendly luxury resort has three swimming pools and an award-winning spa. 

The very best luxury accommodation to be found on Bali is not on the beach however, but inland amid the beautiful tranquillity of Ubud, an area of outstanding natural beauty, true Balinese lifestyle and artist villages. Aside from the wonderful natural aura that pervades the area, its location in the heart of Bali’s interior lends itself to visiting many of the island’s most cherished cultural features. 

The villas at the Ritz-Carlton Mandapa, overlooking the beautiful curves of the rice terraces, reflects both sumptuous luxury and lovely traditional Balinese charm, each with its own private Balinese garden, large pool, living area and the 24 services of a butler. In the public spaces of the resort, there are four dining areas, an elegant library, exquisite spa and a pool bar.

Another exclusive luxury haven in Ubud is the boutique style Uma By Como resort, whose suites each have their own infinity plunge pool and landscaped courtyard with naturalistic tropical garden. Dining can be private within your own space, or at the two sophisticated dining areas each in lavish garden settings serving world-class cuisine. The resort also has wide range of spa facilities, swimming pool, sauna and gym.