Sanur, Bali: Our Favourite Area to Stay | Hotels, Restaurants, Spas & More
Sanur, Bali has been one of our favourite places to stay for many years.
I've been travelling to Bali since I was five years old, and over more than 30 years I've watched the island transform from a much quieter destination into one of the world's most popular holiday spots.
While many parts of Bali have become increasingly busy and developed, Sanur has always had a slightly different feeling.
It's relaxed, easy to get around, family-friendly and has a great mix of beaches, restaurants, cafes, shops, spas and accommodation.
For our family, it's one of those places that just feels easy.
And after returning to Bali for more than three decades, that's something I really value.
Why Stay in Sanur?
Sanur is a fantastic option if you want to experience Bali without being right in the middle of the busiest tourist areas.
The beachfront is lined with a long pathway that's popular for walking and cycling, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels within easy reach.
It's also particularly appealing for families.
You can have a relaxed morning at the beach, find somewhere for lunch, enjoy a spa treatment in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner nearby without spending hours sitting in traffic.
Sanur also makes a convenient base if you want to explore other parts of Bali while still returning to somewhere quieter at the end of the day.
A Note About Bali Hotel Standards
One thing I always recommend to first-time visitors is to adjust your expectations slightly when it comes to accommodation in Bali.
Bali is a tropical island, and the combination of heat, humidity and heavy rainfall can cause buildings, furniture and rooms to age faster than you might expect.
So even a hotel that was built relatively recently can sometimes look or feel more weathered than you would expect from its age.
It's also not unusual to occasionally encounter mosquitoes or other insects in a room, even in higher-end accommodation. You're staying in a tropical environment, after all.
That doesn't automatically mean a hotel isn't clean or well maintained.
For this reason, I recommend paying close attention to recent guest reviews and current photographs, rather than judging a property purely by its star rating, age or promotional photos.
For us, cleanliness, friendly staff, location, overall experience and value are much more important than everything looking brand new.
Our Sanur Hotel Recommendations
We've stayed in a variety of accommodation around Sanur, from smaller intimate hotels through to luxury resorts.
Here are some of the properties we've personally experienced or would recommend looking at across different budgets.
Samaradana — Affordable & Intimate
If you're looking for somewhere smaller and more affordable, Samaradana is one we've stayed at and enjoyed.
It's an intimate property rather than a large resort, which gives it a more personal feel.
There are several room options, including standard and double rooms, as well as studio-style apartments with a kitchenette.
There's also a small swimming pool.
For us, one of the biggest positives was the staff. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which can make such a difference when you're staying somewhere for several nights.
It's a good choice if you don't want to spend a large portion of your Bali budget on accommodation and would rather put that money towards restaurants, activities and exploring.
The Kayangan Sanur — Apartment-Style Mid-Range
The Kayangan Sanur is another interesting option, particularly if you like the idea of having a little more space and apartment-style accommodation.
One of the highlights is the rooftop swimming pool, which has beautiful views towards the beach.
The property has double rooms as well as larger suite/apartment-style accommodation, with kitchenettes available in some room types.
The rooms are a decent size and the beach is only around a five-minute walk away.
One thing to be aware of if you're booking a kitchenette is that, in our experience, there was an additional charge if we wanted gas connected to the stovetop.
It's worth checking exactly what's included with your particular room before booking.
THE 1O1 Bali Oasis Sanur
Another mid-range option worth considering is THE 1O1 Bali Oasis Sanur.
This is a larger four-star property located along the main Sanur area, putting you close to restaurants, shops and plenty of things to do.
One of the standout features is its large lagoon-style swimming pool, along with a second pool and spa facilities.
There are a range of accommodation options, including studio rooms, lagoon-access rooms and family rooms.
For families, the family duplex rooms can be particularly appealing because they offer more space and can accommodate up to four guests.
The beach is a little further away than it is from The Kayangan, but you're very conveniently located for Sanur's main restaurant and shopping area.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa — Luxury
If you're looking for something more luxurious, Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is a beautiful option.
The resort sits directly on the beachfront and has a more contemporary luxury-resort atmosphere.
There are a range of rooms and suites, including options with lagoon pool access, as well as restaurants, swimming pools and the resort's spa.
This is the kind of property where you can spend a significant amount of your holiday simply enjoying the resort itself.
It's a good option if you want the convenience of a luxury hotel while still being able to walk out into Sanur and explore the restaurants and shops.
Hyatt Regency Bali — Luxury Resort
Another luxury option is Hyatt Regency Bali.
This is a much larger resort experience, set within extensive tropical gardens and directly by the beach.
It's a beautiful choice if you want a traditional full-service luxury resort, with multiple pools, restaurants, lush gardens and plenty of space.
The resort has hundreds of rooms and a much more expansive feel than some of the smaller Sanur properties.
Which Sanur Hotel Should You Choose?
There's no single best hotel for everyone.
If you're travelling on a tighter budget and want somewhere small and friendly, Samaradana is worth looking at.
For more space and an apartment-style setup, The Kayangan is interesting.
For families wanting more resort facilities and a central location, THE 1O1 Bali Oasis is worth considering.
And if your priority is a luxury beachfront experience, Maya Sanur and Hyatt Regency Bali are two properties to put on your list.
ICON BALI
Another newer addition to Sanur is ICON BALI, located along Jalan Danau Tamblingan.
For visitors, it provides another option for shopping, dining and entertainment, and it's particularly useful when you need a break from the heat.
For families, having somewhere air-conditioned nearby can be a real bonus.
It's another example of how Sanur continues to develop while still remaining a relatively relaxed part of Bali.
Best Spas in Sanur
For me, a Bali holiday isn't complete without at least one massage or spa treatment!
Two places we particularly like are KOA and The Nest.
The Nest Beachside Spa
The Nest Beachside Spa is located directly on Sanur Beach, with views towards the Bali Sea and Nusa Lembongan. They offer massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures, among other treatments.
One thing that makes it particularly appealing is the beachfront setting. You get that beautiful tropical Sanur atmosphere before and after your treatment.
They also offer a selection of child-friendly treatments, although children need to be supervised and considerate of other guests.
The Nest recommends booking ahead, particularly if you have a specific day and time in mind.
There's also The Nest Boutique Spa, located on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, if you'd prefer a spa in the heart of Sanur rather than directly on the beach.
Our Favourite Places to Eat in Sanur
One of the things we love about Sanur is the variety of food.
You can find everything from local Indonesian food to Italian, international restaurants, bakeries, cafes and family-friendly dining.
Here are some of our personal favourites.
Shotgun Social
If you're travelling with children, Shotgun Social is definitely worth knowing about.
The restaurant has a large playground, making it much easier for parents to enjoy their meal while the kids have somewhere to play. The restaurant describes itself as family-friendly and also has kids' activities, live music and other events.
Our favourite events have been their Sunday Funday family days, with activities for children throughout the day.
We also love their Taco Tuesday and the live music.
Promotions and event schedules can change, so always check their current calendar before you go.
Massimo Italian Restaurant
Massimo is one of our absolute favourites for Italian food in Sanur.
It's located along Jalan Danau Tamblingan and is particularly famous for its Italian food and homemade gelato.
And honestly, even if you're not planning a full meal, I'd recommend stopping by for the gelato!
It's become a bit of a Sanur institution and is one of those places we return to every time we're in the area.
More Sanur Restaurants & Cafes to Try
There are plenty of other places we enjoy around Sanur, including:
Over the Moon
Smörgås
Sala Bistro Sanur
Madin
Bread Basket
Le Croissant
These are great ones to save if you're looking for breakfast, coffee, lunch, pastries, dinner or something sweet.
Is Sanur Good for Families?
For our family, absolutely.
That's one of the biggest reasons we keep choosing it.
Sanur offers a combination of:
A relaxed atmosphere
Beach access
Restaurants within walking distance
Family-friendly dining
Plenty of accommodation choices
Shopping
Spas
Activities
A more laid-back atmosphere than some of Bali's busier areas
It's not completely quiet or untouched — Sanur has definitely developed over the years — but it still feels much more relaxed than some of the island's more heavily developed tourist areas.'
Planning a Bali Trip?
Watch our full video on YouTube: The Atlas Journey, where we share all our tips about Sanur.
Why We Keep Coming Back to Sanur
After more than 30 years of visiting Bali, we've seen the island change in so many ways.
And while we love exploring new parts of Bali, Sanur continues to be one of those places we return to again and again.
Maybe it's because it's easy.
You have the beach, restaurants, cafes, shops, spas and hotels all close together, but you don't necessarily feel like you're in the middle of the busiest part of Bali.
For families, couples, older travellers or anyone who simply wants a more relaxed Bali experience, I think Sanur is well worth considering.
And that's ultimately what makes it one of our favourite places to stay.