Places I've Loved Staying In — Indonesia Edition

This is a collection of places that felt like something more than just a bed for the night. These are homes away from home — places that made me pause, breathe deeper, and remember why I love to travel.

They held space. Told stories. Fed me, creatively and emotionally. And if you’re someone who values detail, beauty, local connection, and that quiet feeling of belonging — even just for a little while — this guide is for you.

Bali is full of beautiful hotels, guesthouses, and villas — here are a few of my favourites so far.

1. Bandido – Bingin, Bali

No wonder my dog used to wander in daily. Bandido feels like a stay you dreamed up with your most creative friends over a long dinner, and then actually built.

Bamboo villas. Thoughtful curves. An open kitchen that practically demands you slow-cook something barefoot. Created by a group of friends (and their dog Bandida), each villa is named after their mothers — which tells you everything you need to know about the warmth of this place.

Think open-air spaces, natural textures, local art, and soft angles made for slow days and gathering nights.

What I love most is how alive the space feels, like it’s designed for connection — lazy mornings by the pool and conversations that stretch far beyond what you expected. Trendy, yes — but deeply rooted in Bali, in community and in craft.

If this place was a person: Warm, wildly creative, wearing a perfectly worn-in T-shirt and some saltwater. The kind of friend who throws a dinner party just because it’s Tuesday.

Location: Bingin, Bali

Open-air bamboo villas and slow gatherings at Bandido, Bingin. Follow @bandidobali for more.

2. Roots Tree House — Ungasan, Bali

Yes, actual treehouses. But also, full comfort. Roots is hidden in lush Ungasan, surrounded by birdsong and just the right kind of stillness. You enter through a round door that feels like a storybook — but the kind designed for grownups with a soft heart and a travel itch.

Each treehouse is unique and every corner is intentional: textured interiors, hand-build structures, filtered light. You wake up naturally, You feel calm. Roots is made for for slow mornings and early nights.

There’s a yoga shala, a peaceful pool area, and just enough company without ever losing your solitude.

If this place were a person: Nature-loving, journal nearby, always awake at sunrise. The kind of friend who brings herbal tea and never rushes your quiet.

Location: Ungasan, Bali

A quiet hideaway in the nature, where you can hear yourself think. Follow @rootstreehouse for more.

3. La Joya Biu Biu — Balangan, Bali

Cliffside calm and saltwater dreams. La Joya is a peaceful, tucked-away retreat built of stone, silence, and stunning views.

I stayed in the cliff-front bungalow with a private pool — and It felt like waking up mid-dream. The pool drops away into endless sky, and below, a private beach waits if you’re up for the climb.

The design is rustic and rooted in Bali style: natural textures, open-air spaces, and big, breezy rooms. There’s an ocean-view spa (no joke — the best massage I’ve ever had), generous pool areas, and cliffside dining that includes delicious BBQ nights under the stars.

It’s romantic, grounded, and serene — made for honeymooners and solo dreamers alike.

If this place were a person: Sun-kissed, sarong-wrapped, always chasing golden hour — and the kind of friend who never says no to a sunset cocktail.

Location: Balangan, Bali

Cliffside calm, sunsets, and a secret beach below. Follow @lajoyabiubiubali for more.

4. La Siesta Bungalow — Gili Air, Lombok

Tucked between sandy paths and papaya trees, La Siesta feels like an island secret. Cozy teak wood bungalows, soft white cotton curtains, and an open-air bathroom with a bathtub nestled among green plants — everything about this stay invites you to exhale.

It’s beautifully designed, simple yet intentional. Butterfly pea flowers bloom in the garden. The pool invites you for a dip in the midday sun. Cows roam just outside the hotel. And you? You’re somewhere between a morning coffee and an afternoon siesta.

Gili Air has no cars, no scooters — just bikes, horses and time. And this little stay fits right in.

If this place was a person: Rested, soft-eyed, always offering coffee and a quiet place to sit. The kind of friend who reminds you to slow down and stay a little longer than planned.

Location: Gili Air, Lombok

Soft light, teak bungalows and that kind of stillness you don’t want to leave. Follow @lasiestagiliair for more.

Still Collecting Places

If you ever find yourself nearby, I hope one of these places gives you something, too. Maybe rest. Maybe inspiration. Maybe just one really good morning.

This guide will keep growing — and I’ll keep sharing more as I go. Cafés, markets, creative corners and stays that feel like postcards come to life.

Got a place you think I’d love? Send me a note @journeyed.co or through the contact page.

— Jessica