Evaluation: Soori Bali (Indonesia) – Luxurious Journey Knowledgeable

January 29, 2026

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Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight evaluation.

Just a few weeks in the past, I loved a terrific vacation in Bali, Indonesia. You’ll be able to learn my journey studies right here:

Evaluation: Soori Bali, Indonesia

Nestled between terraced rice fields, jungle-clad Mount Batukaru, and a volcanic black-sand seashore on Bali’s southwest coast, Soori Bali is a refined sanctuary the place minimalist structure and nature exist in good concord. Initially conceived by architect Soo Ok. Chan as a personal retreat, the imaginative and prescient advanced into the primary Soori life-style resort, that includes 48 thoughtfully designed villas — from intimate one-bedroom pool villas to the expansive ten-bedroom Soori Property — every crafted with native supplies, open-air residing areas, non-public swimming pools, and sweeping views of land and sea. Emphasizing gentle, air, and unobstructed connections to the environment, the resort gives an environment that feels each elemental and opulent. Eating is an integral a part of the expertise, with Ombak showcasing Mediterranean delicacies constituted of contemporary native and garden-sourced substances, and Cotta celebrating Indonesian flavors with magnificence. The serene, uncrowded seashore invitations dawn yoga, quiet walks, and uninterrupted moments with the ocean, making Soori Bali one in every of Asia’s greatest seashore resorts.

Soori Bali options in my record of the prime 10 greatest luxurious resorts in Bali.

Have you ever ever stayed at Soori Bali? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Soori Bali, which you’ll be able to watch right here:

On this evaluation of Soori Bali:

Professionals & Issues I Like

Soori Bali’s best luxurious might be its location removed from Bali’s tourist-heavy hubs — and that’s very a lot a very good factor. Set within the rural Tabanan Regency on the island’s southwest coast, the resort feels blissfully faraway from the excitement of Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud, permitting visitors to expertise a quieter, extra genuine aspect of Bali. Surrounding the property are working rice fields, conventional villages, and the dramatic Indian Ocean shoreline, with Mount Batukaru forming an impressive inland backdrop. This sense of area and stillness is uncommon on the island and provides Soori Bali its distinctly restorative ambiance. Right here, the rhythm of on a regular basis life strikes slower, inviting visitors to wake to rice-field sunrises and crash of ocean waves — the right antidote to the hustle of recent life. Regardless of its seclusion, the resort continues to be inside simple attain of cultural landmarks, whereas Bali’s Worldwide Airport is roughly a 90-minute drive away.

Friends arrive at Soori Bali by way of the foyer positioned on the highest level of the property. From right here, the resort unfolds step by step downhill. Slightly below the foyer lies a putting black-tiled swimming pool that visually echoes the volcanic sand of the seashore past. The pool space represents Soori’s central hub and is surrounded by the resort’s key services, together with two eating places, the library, and the spa. To the east of the pool, two rows of personal pool villas lengthen towards the shoreline, whereas to the west, the secluded ten-bedroom Soori Property enjoys its personal privileged place. Your entire property stretches gracefully alongside an impressive black-sand seashore, the place the distinction of darkish volcanic sand, manicured inexperienced lawns, and the deep blue ocean creates a spectacular visible composition. Additional west alongside the shoreline, reached by a ten-minute buggy trip, a dramatic cliffside setting reveals the teppanyaki restaurant and tranquil rest salas (extra on that beneath).

Soori Bali is the architectural imaginative and prescient of its acclaimed owner-architect Soo Ok Chan, founding father of the internationally revered SCDA Architects, whose portfolio consists of icons equivalent to Park Hyatt Maldives, W Lodge Seminyak, and 4 Seasons Lijiang. At Soori, Chan’s signature design philosophy is clear in each line and materials alternative — understated, site-responsive, and deeply respectful of place. The resort unfolds organically throughout the panorama, following historic irrigation strains and conventional pathways. Volcanic stone, timber, water options, and open courtyards are used to blur boundaries between indoors and outside, creating areas that really feel grounded and serene. Structure right here will not be ornamental however purposeful: views are framed with precision, gentle and breeze are fastidiously harnessed, and privateness is subtly engineered into each villa. The result’s a masterclass in modern tropical structure that enhances Bali’s pure magnificence.

Not solely the structure but in addition Soori Bali’s magnificent interiors draw immediately from the island’s pure palette, craftsmanship, and supplies, creating areas that really feel deeply rooted of their environment. Partitions all through the resort are clad in paras kelating, a cool gray sandstone manually extracted and transported from the banks of a close-by river. Within the spa, intricate flower-patterned tiles had been specifically created by artisans from Pejaten, a neighboring village famend for its terracotta traditions. Batu candi, an area volcanic stone, echoes the colour and character of the resort’s black-sand seashore and is subtly woven into villa interiors, reinforcing the connection between in and out. Bronze and stone equipment discovered throughout the property are the results of shut collaboration between SCDA Architects and native craftsmen, making certain every element feels intentional quite than decorative.

Soori Bali gives an unique assortment of villas and residences throughout eight distinct lodging classes, every that includes its personal non-public pool and sweeping views of both the rice fields or the Indian Ocean. From intimate one-bedroom pool villas designed for {couples} to expansive multi-bedroom residences ideally suited for households or teams, each area is thoughtfully curated with modern Balinese model and luxury in thoughts. Interiors emphasize pure gentle, seamless indoor–outside residing, and handcrafted particulars that echo the encompassing panorama, whereas outside pavilions and terraces grow to be pure extensions of the residing areas. The biggest villas embody non-public gyms and spa remedy rooms, permitting for totally personalised stays. Attentive butler service and stylish finishes improve the sense of privateness and calm that defines Soori Bali’s villa expertise.

Throughout my vacation, I stayed in a stunning Deluxe Ocean Pool Villa. Inside, the villa featured a king-size mattress, a separate sitting space, and a spacious rest room full with a deep soaking tub, double self-importance, and an out of doors bathe. Outdoors, a broad deck and an infinity pool sat alongside a contemporary sala, providing uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. One stage beneath the Ocean Pool Villas, the Seaside Pool Villas line the resort’s magnificent shoreline, separated from the sand by a lush garden. Every beachfront villa consists of its personal non-public pool and a semi-outdoor pavilion, good for quiet moments of contemplation. For households or teams, the Seaside Pool Villas may be mixed with the Ocean Pool Villas above to kind a two-bedroom residence — a uncommon configuration that balances privateness with togetherness, all set in opposition to the dramatic backdrop of Bali’s west coast.

Eating at Soori Bali is as a lot part of the expertise as its gorgeous setting, providing a celebration of Bali’s culinary richness infused with contemporary native substances and worldwide aptitude. The resort options 4 eating venues, every with its personal character.
- Cotta, positioned by the principle pool and open to the ocean breeze, is the resort’s all-day eating restaurant. Lunch options Asia’s favorites, whereas dinner highlights genuine Indonesian delicacies from throughout the archipelago with a robust Balinese focus. Cotta additionally gives a altering breakfast menu every morning.
- Situated subsequent to Cotta, Ombak, the signature beachfront restaurant, focuses on Mediterranean delicacies, combining premium substances with clever wine pairings that replicate the chef’s worldly expertise. The Ombak Bar and Lounge – adjoining to the restaurant – is an ideal place to observe the ever-changing sunsets of Bali’s stunning western coast.
- For lighter fare, refreshing juices, and natural snacks, The Studying Room gives a relaxed, informal retreat.
- On the pinnacle of the resort’s culinary choices is Keiyo, Soori Bali’s most unique venue: an intimate, eight-seat teppanyaki restaurant perched dramatically on a cliff above the ocean. Right here, visitors collect across the chef for a stay culinary efficiency, having fun with a menu that fuses conventional teppanyaki methods with modern influences, all framed by sweeping panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Wellness at Soori Bali goes far past routine spa remedies; it’s a holistic strategy to therapeutic and rejuvenation deeply rooted in Balinese custom and trendy wellness practices. The Soori Spa is a serene sanctuary positioned above the pool space, the place natural and high-quality pure substances are utilized in each signature remedy. Therapies vary from conventional Balinese massages to modern holistic rituals that soothe each physique and thoughts. The design of the spa itself — with its earth-toned tiles, open areas, and contemplative ambiance — encourages quiet reflection. Many visitors spotlight the meditative high quality of spa experiences right here, from sound therapeutic classes to natural facials and beachfront yoga at dawn. With each element calibrated to advertise steadiness and renewal, Soori Bali’s spa is a cornerstone of the resort’s immersive wellness philosophy. The spa can also be dwelling to a small however nicely outfitted fitness center and a Yoga room.

Certainly one of Soori Bali’s most unforgettable options is its stretch of dramatic black-sand seashore — a volcanic shoreline that gives a putting distinction to the island’s in any other case acquainted golden sands. The rugged shoreline and the rhythmic surf of the Indian Ocean create a dramatic stage for dawn walks, barefoot afternoons, or sundown reflections with a cocktail in hand. The distinction between the resort’s inexperienced legal guidelines and the darkish sands gives photographers and vacationers alike with postcard-worthy scenes at each flip. Whereas the ocean right here is highly effective, it underscores the uncooked fantastic thing about Bali’s west coast and delivers a sensory expertise that stays with you lengthy after departure. Coupled with attentive beachfront service — together with solar loungers positioned on the garden above the sand and bespoke picnic setups — the black seashore turns into each a spot of untamed magnificence and serene rest throughout every keep.

Soori Bali will not be solely a retreat for rest but in addition a gateway to genuine Balinese experiences by way of its Journeys by Soori, a collection of bespoke excursions solely provided to resort visitors. These curated journeys are designed to supply deeper, extra significant encounters with the island, permitting guests to discover its landscapes, tradition, and traditions. One spotlight is the Journey of Arcadia, a half-day journey by way of the guts of Tabanan Regency in a panoramic classic Volkswagen convertible. The route winds uphill towards Mount Batukaru, revealing breathtaking vistas, earlier than culminating at a secluded waterfall the place a shallow pure pool invitations a refreshing swim. Friends are handled to a hearty, natural picnic ready by Soori Bali, providing the right mix of surroundings, tradition, and delicacies. Whether or not trekking by way of emerald rice fields, biking alongside quiet village paths, or having fun with non-public cultural experiences, Soori Bali focusses on an immersive exploration of Bali’s pure and cultural treasures.

Cons & Issues To Know

Whereas Soori Bali’s secluded setting is a significant draw for many visitors, it may also be a disadvantage for vacationers who need fast entry to Bali’s social scene, buying, or nightlife. The resort is about 90 minutes from the airport and much from hotspots like Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud, making spontaneous outings much less handy. Friends who take pleasure in exploring Bali’s a number of areas in a brief keep might discover the situation a bit limiting except they’re content material to stay totally on property and to depend on the resort’s distinctive vary of excursions.

The dramatic black-sand seashore is visually gorgeous, however the Indian Ocean alongside Bali’s west coast may be highly effective, with sturdy currents and rolling waves. In consequence, swimming within the sea is usually restricted, that means most visitors will swim within the resort’s swimming pools quite than the ocean itself. These in search of calm, swimmable seashores might choose Bali’s east coast or close by islands.

Soori Bali is deliberately tranquil, which can not attraction to vacationers in search of a vigorous or social resort setting. Evenings are calm and understated, with no nightlife or organized leisure past refined eating and sundown cocktails. That mentioned, this serene ambiance is exactly why most visitors select Soori Bali within the first place — to disconnect and unwind in a peaceable setting far faraway from the island’s busier vacationer hubs. For these craving buzz, music, or late-night power, the resort might really feel too quiet, however for others, the stillness is its best luxurious.

Though the standard of eating at Soori Bali is persistently excessive, the restricted variety of eating places means menus can begin to really feel acquainted throughout prolonged stays. Friends spending every week or extra on the resort may need for larger selection or extra frequent menu modifications, notably at dinner. That is additional accentuated by the resort’s distant location, as there are not any eating places inside strolling distance, making visitors largely reliant on the on-property eating venues all through their keep.

One other minor level value noting is that the naming of the lodging may be barely complicated. Whereas Soori Bali refers to its models as “villas,” many will not be completely standalone buildings. As an illustration, the Ocean Pool Villas and Seaside Pool Villas occupy the higher and decrease ranges of the identical compound, sharing a standard entrance earlier than separating into non-public areas. In observe, they operate extra like expansive, multi-level suites quite than conventional indifferent villas. This doesn’t detract from privateness or consolation, however IMHO, the time period “suite” would possibly higher replicate the architectural actuality and assist handle expectations for visitors particularly in search of totally impartial villas.

My Verdict

Format: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
Total expertise: distinctive – 9/10

Ideas & Save Cash

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving Soori Bali by way of Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Each day breakfast for as much as two visitors per bed room
- $100 USD resort credit score, to be utilized throughout keep
- Early check-in / late check-out, topic to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Get monetary savings: learn right here my ideas for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Soori Bali (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for making ready your journey in time.

Finest Time To Go to

The most effective time to go to Bali is usually in the course of the dry season, which runs from Could to September. Throughout these months, the island experiences decrease humidity, loads of sunshine, and minimal rainfall, making it ideally suited for outside actions equivalent to beachgoing, sightseeing, mountaineering, and water sports activities. June, July, and August supply probably the most dependable climate, though they’re additionally the busiest and costliest months because of excessive vacationer demand.

The months of Could, June, and September are sometimes thought-about probably the most balanced time to go to. Climate situations are nonetheless glorious, however crowds are lighter and costs are typically extra affordable than throughout peak season. This era is especially nicely suited to vacationers who need to discover the island comfortably whereas avoiding the busiest occasions.

The moist season lasts from October to April and is characterised by larger humidity and brief however intense tropical rain showers, mostly within the afternoons or evenings. Whereas January and February are usually the wettest months, journey in the course of the moist season can nonetheless be pleasing, particularly for guests centered on wellness retreats, cultural experiences, or a quieter ambiance. Throughout this time, the panorama is particularly lush and lodging charges are sometimes decrease.

How To Get There

Attending to Soori Bali is easy, although its secluded setting means a little bit of journey is required. The resort is positioned in Tabanan Regency on Bali’s southwest coast, round 90 minutes by automotive from Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport (DPS), relying on site visitors. Most visitors select to rearrange a personal airport switch by way of the resort, which stays probably the most seamless and comfy possibility after a protracted flight. Alternatively, hiring a automotive with an area driver is a well-liked alternative for visitors planning to discover Bali throughout their keep. For these in search of the quickest and most unique arrival, Soori Bali additionally has its personal helipad, permitting visitors to succeed in the resort by helicopter whereas having fun with spectacular aerial views of Bali’s shoreline and rice fields.

Pictures

Under is a collection of my pictures from Soori Bali. To view extra photos, together with breakfast and dinner on the numerous eating places, click on right here.