Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa

Nusa Dua was built in the 1970s as Bali's planned resort enclave, and it still feels different from the rest of the island: gated, manicured and quiet, with wide lawns, a long beachfront promenade and many of the big international hotel brands. The reef offshore keeps the water calm and good for swimming, especially in the morning.

Just north, the Tanjung Benoa peninsula is Bali's water-sports hub, with jet skis, parasailing, banana boats and snorkelling trips, plus seafood restaurants and smaller hotels. On the east side of the Bukit, the Sri Lanka surf break and the Waterblow lookout are worth a visit, especially at high tide.

Nusa Dua is popular with families and conference visitors, and it is about twenty minutes from the airport by toll road. The Bali Collection shopping area has restaurants and shops within walking distance of many resorts.