If you’re looking for quiet boutique hotels in Bali, away from beach clubs and traffic, these stays in Sidemen, Amed, and Munduk are some of the best places to slow down and still travel beautifully.
Endless rice terraces, Mount Agung rising in the distance and quiet villages, everything from the ‘Old Bali’ and more, is present here.
This guide is for all travellers who value a sunset over the volcano more than a reservation in the beach clubs. It focuses specifically on quiet boutique hotels in Bali, in Sidemen, Munduk, and Amed, not resort-heavy areas like Ubud or Canggu.
If you want to see the real Bali – while staying at design-forward, sustainable and luxury boutique hotels, this is for you!
Quiet Boutique Hotels in Bali at a Glance
Sidemen I The Hideout – Iconic bamboo living and off-grid luxury
Munduk I Munduk Cabins – Cozy design, fire pits and misty jungle views
Amed I MATHIS Lodge – Remote mountain-top seclusion above the sea
Why Sidemen is the “New Ubud” (Best Hotels in Sidemen)
There is something about Sidemen, its river valleys, unique villages, and the magical sight of Mount Agung ever so present. Sidemen is just one of these true last offbeat places in Bali to escape to. It’s unspoiled by cafe culture, dominated by nature and peaceful Balinese atmosphere. This is the place where the hotel IS the holiday.
The Hideout: For the Ultimate Eco Adventure
The Hideout isn’t just a hotel – here you’ll find Bali’s iconic bamboo houses. Tucked away in the mountains of the Karangasem regency, these hideouts offer an off-grid experience that’s like living in a luxe treehouse.
Some hideouts have modern glass windows; others are completely open letting you hear the jungle. The outdoor stone bathtubs, surrounded by tropical ferns, are easily the most photogenic spots in all of Bali.
Book The Hideout if you want a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, and capture unique photos of your entire trip.
Samanvaya Luxury Resort: The Soulful Adult-Only Escape
This is where you go to actually feel Bali. Samanvaya is an adults-only sanctuary that perfectly balances high-end comfort with deep cultural roots. It’s tucked right into the rice terraces, meaning you wake up to a vast open view and the smell of fresh tropical air.
What makes it special? The Ananda Wellness & Bath House. It’s not just a spa; it’s a full sensory experience with a natural temperature jacuzzi and a hot tub that overlooks the valley. If you stay in one of their new “Wellness Villas,” you get a private pool sanctuary designed for total renewal!
If you travel as a couple or solo, booking Samanvaya is the best choice if you’re looking for a soulful, wellness-focused retreat.
Wapa di Ume Sidemen: 5-Star Serenity with a View
If you want the reliability of a 5-star resort but the intimacy of a boutique stay, Wapa di Ume is just that! The two-tiered infinity pool is what makes this place truly stand out. It literally looks like it’s floating over the jungle. They also offer incredible ‘Luxury Tents’ for a glamping feel that still has air conditioning and a private pool.
Book Wapa di Ume if you want 5-star service, a world-class infinity pool, and the option of a floating breakfast without the crowds. This is one of those quiet luxury hotels in Bali that you can’t miss!
Jungle Mist & Waterfalls: The Best Munduk Quiet Boutique Hotels in Bali
Leaving the volcano views of Sidemen behind, head north into the clouds. Munduk is cooler, quieter, and feels like Bali’s best-kept secret. Days here evolve around chasing waterfalls, visiting temples at the Twin Lakes and just enjoying a different climate – the cozy one if you will.
Munduk Cabins: Scandinavian Design Meets Balinese Jungle
Munduk Cabins is a boutique masterpiece consisting of just six private cabins. It is the antithesis of the large, sprawling resorts – focusing instead on intimacy, fire pits, and “hygge” in the tropics.
The “Wow” Factor: The Outdoor Jacuzzis and the Fire Pit. Because Munduk is located in the highlands, the air gets crisp and cool at night (often dropping to 15°C-18°C). This is the place to be, soaking in a hot tub on your private deck, watching the fog roll through the valley, or roasting marshmallows at their communal fire pit.
If you appreciate architecture and crave lush mountain views, book Munduk Cabins to experience the ‘cozy’ side of Bali.
Elevate Bali by Hanging Gardens: The Romantic Sanctuary
Elevate Bali is brought to you by the team behind the world-famous Hanging Gardens of Bali. It’s significantly more modern, focusing on privacy and sophisticated design.
The best room to stay? Volcano Vista Villa! Each villa features an oversized private infinity pool that juts out over the jungle canopy. Unlike most Munduk stays, this is pure, sleek luxury and a high-end stay in Bali you need to see. Another highlight is their ‘Floating Star-Lit Dinner’ – a private multi-course meal served on a floating platform in your pool under the clear mountain sky.
Book your Volcano View Villa with Elevate Bali if you are on a honeymoon or anniversary and want total “don’t-disturb-me” luxury with the best service.
Munduk Moding Plantation: The Architectural Icon
This isn’t just a hotel, it’s a working 5-hectare organic coffee plantation that feels like a private estate. It’s the highest-rated luxury resort in North Bali, designed for travelers who want absolute seclusion without sacrificing 5-star service.
Without a doubt, the most outstanding feature is the ‘Sky Pool’. This pool actually disappears into the abyss of the Munduk valley. The second highlight is their ‘Coffee Experience’. You can harvest your own beans, have them roasted on-site, and enjoy a private cupping session with their master roaster.
There’s a reason their infinity pool is all over Pinterest – swimming into the Munduk mist is a true bucket-list experience. With limited villas, it’s best to check your dates early and book your stay at Munduk Moding Plantation!
Planning your mountain escape? Don’t miss my deep-dive into the North, featuring the best hidden waterfalls and things to see. Read my Complete Munduk Itinerary Guide.
Coastal Slow Living: Where to Stay in Amed
Let’s swap chilly mountain vibes for warm beach days, quiet fishing villages and days out at sea diving and snorkeling. Amed already feels a world away from crowded West Bali, treating travellers with slow mornings and sunsets over volcanoes.
MATHIS Lodge, Amed: The “Edge of the World” Escape
Located 400 meters above sea level, MATHIS is accessible only by a steep road. It’s the most “remote-feeling” luxury stay on the island. What makes it special is the Uninterrupted Silence. The architecture uses natural materials to blend into the mountain, making the 12-meter infinity pools feel like natural springs.
Foodie lovers will appreciate their ‘Breakfast in the Clouds’. It’s a private setup on a mountain ridge where you can watch the sunrise over the Lombok Strait.
If you’re looking for a peaceful stay away from the ocean, where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean from your own mountain perch, you can book your retreat at MATHIS.
The Griya Villas and Spa: The Gold Standard of East Bali
The Griya is the only true resort-style luxury option in Amed. While most of Amed is rather low-key, The Griya provides a lush compound of 14 private villas that feel like a hidden village. What else stands out? The Chana Rooftop Bar. It’s the most sophisticated sunset spot in East Bali, serving cocktails that actually rival the bars in Seminyak.
Whether you’re here to dive the nearby wrecks or just want a sunset over the volcano that you’ll remember for a lifetime, reserve your villa at The Griya here. It’s a true design-led retreat in Bali and consistent stay on this side of the island.
Tropical Habitat Bali: The Design-Lover’s Hideaway
A sleek, modern-tropical sanctuary with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. You can step directly from your living room into a private pool. What can make your stay even more special, is their ‘Breakfast in the Paddies’, a private setup in the middle of the fields with 360-degree mountain views.
If you prefer modern architecture in nature over staying at the ocean, this is your spot. Because they only have a handful of villas, they book out months in advance. Check the dates for your Tropical Habitat stay here!
Want more coastal secrets? Check out my full Amed guide for the best local snorkel spots, sunset viewpoints, and hidden warungs. Explore the Full Amed Guide here.
The Quiet Boutique Hotels in Bali Luxury Circuit: How to Plan Your Trip
To avoid spending your whole holiday in a car, follow this ‘Mountain to Sea’ loop:
Sidemen (3 Nights): The Cultural Start – Land at the airport and head straight to The Hideout or Wapa di Ume. Focus on rice paddy treks, enjoy the hotel and volcano views
Munduk (2 Nights): The Adventure Middle – Drive north to Munduk Cabins or Munduk Moding. Focus on chasing waterfalls, coffee tasting, and dive into the “Sky Pool.”
Amed (3 Nights): The Coastal Finale – Finish on the coast at The Griya or MATHIS. Focus on private boat trips, diving the Liberty Wreck, and sunset cocktails view volcano views
How to get around Sidemen, Munduk and Amed
Do not use local taxis for these legs. Book a private 5 seater car transfer for the 3-hour+ gaps between regions. It’s the only way to travel comfortably with luggage on Bali’s winding mountain roads.
What to Do in Each Region
Things to See and Do in Sidemen
Sidemen is the Bali people dream about before the crowds arrived – a sea of rice terraces tucked under the shadow of the mighty Mount Agung.
If you are lucky enough to visit during the Galungan or Kuningan festivals, head to Penglipuran, often called the cleanest village in the world. The valley transforms into a masterpiece as hundreds of towering penjors (ornate bamboo poles) line the winding village roads.
It is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Tukad Cepung – a sun-drenched waterfall hidden inside a cave. Book trekking to the Gembleng Waterfall infinity pools and watching the mist rise over the paddies, Sidemen offers a total, high-end immersion into the island’s spiritual heart.
How to Spend Your Days in Munduk
Munduk, immersed in the misty air of the highlands, feels like a lush, jungle sanctuary. It is the adventure capital for the luxury traveler, where you can spend mornings hiking to the towering Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and afternoons canoeing across the silent, fog-covered Lake Tamblingan and even tick off Ulan Danu Bratan Temple on the way.
The Highlights of Visiting Amed
Amed is where the mountains meet the sea, offering a rugged coastline of black sand and the dramatic Agung views on the island. This is the ultimate base for exploring East Bali’s sights. You can beat the sunrise crowds to the Lempuyang Temple (the famous “Gates of Heaven”) or wander through the royal water gardens of Tirta Gangga before the tour buses arrive.
When you aren’t exploring temples, the luxury here is ocean-focused – spend your afternoons snorkeling the USAT Liberty shipwreck or hiring a private Jukung boat for a sunset sail.
This Sidemen-Munduk-Amed circuit is where you’ll find the Bali that actually changes you. By choosing these low-key boutique hotels in Bali, you aren’t just booking a room – you’re supporting local communities and preserving the quiet luxury that makes this island so special.
Pack a light sweater for the Munduk mist, bring your snorkel for the Amed reefs, and leave plenty of space in your itinerary to simply sit and watch the clouds roll over Mount Agung. This is the Bali trip you’ll still be talking about ten years from now!
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