Returning to the Hilton Bali Resort felt like coming home, only this time with the benefit of familiarity. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel valued and welcome. Check-in was smooth and efficient, and the front desk quickly acknowledged my Diamond status with a warm smile. Both of the rooms we had booked were generously upgraded to king ocean terrace rooms, which made a noticeable difference to our stay. Located on the cliff edge, the rooms offered panoramic ocean views, and the décor struck that perfect balance between Balinese charm and modern comfort. The rooms were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully arranged with high-quality linens, a comfortable seating area, and large sliding glass doors that opened onto a private terrace. It was a pleasure waking up each morning to the sight and sound of the ocean, with the breeze gently passing through the curtains.
Sunsets from the balcony were nothing short of magical—vivid shades of orange, gold, and deep pink stretched across the sky as the sun slowly descended into the sea. To make things even more memorable, monkeys would often make appearances near the balcony railings, curiously watching us as they made their rounds along the treetops and rooftops. It was equal parts amusing and surreal, though we made sure not to leave any food or personal items unattended, having learned from experience how resourceful these little creatures can be. Their presence added a unique, almost playful element to the resort’s natural charm, reminding us that we were guests in a place that blends luxury with its surrounding environment.
One of the standout perks of Diamond status at Hilton Bali is access to the executive lounge, located in the villa area of the resort. Unlike the main building, this part of the resort feels like a hidden enclave—tucked away amid tropical gardens, lotus ponds, and winding paths. We reached the lounge via buggy service, not a shuttle, and the ride itself became part of the charm. Each buggy ride was smooth, comfortable, and often accompanied by the friendly chatter of the drivers, who were always eager to share local insights or simply offer a cheerful greeting. This touch of personal service really added to the experience and created a sense of familiarity throughout the stay.
The lounge itself is a peaceful retreat, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main resort areas. It offered daily refreshments, including a solid evening cocktail hour with wine, beer, and a well-curated assortment of light bites and hors d’oeuvres. There were always quiet nooks to sit and unwind, whether for a quick coffee during the day or a leisurely drink in the evening. The service in the lounge was always professional and personal—staff remembered our names, greeted us warmly each time, and were quick to check in to ensure we had everything we needed.
Breakfast at the resort was another highlight. Served in the main restaurant, it was elaborate and thoughtfully presented. The buffet covered a wide variety of choices—classic Western dishes such as eggs, waffles, pancakes, pastries, and cold cuts were paired alongside Asian and Indonesian staples including nasi goreng, mie goreng, soto ayam, and congee. The live cooking stations were efficient and fun to interact with; we particularly enjoyed watching our omelets or noodle soup being made fresh to order. The juice bar offered several local fruits, and it was a treat to try juices like guava, tamarillo, or soursop each morning. Coffee was freshly brewed, and staff regularly made rounds offering top-ups, remembering our preferences after the first day. Even when the breakfast area was busy, it never felt chaotic. Staff were consistently attentive, and tables were cleared promptly, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming dining atmosphere.
Although we didn’t get to enjoy the resort’s popular weekly Balinese buffet dinner this time—it’s only offered on weekends—it remains one of my favorite memories from our first stay. The vibrant mix of live cooking stations, traditional Balinese dishes, cultural performances, and festive décor made it a standout dining experience that truly celebrates local heritage. Missing it was the only small regret of this trip, and it’s a reminder that I’ll need to plan the next visit over a weekend to enjoy that again.
There are multiple pools spread across the grounds, including a tiered infinity pool, a lagoon-style pool with a sandy base, and a quieter adults-only pool tucked away from the action. There’s even a waterslide for kids—or for playful adults like myself. Each pool has a distinct atmosphere, and it was nice to rotate between them depending on our mood. Sun loungers were plentiful, clean, and comfortably spaced, and the pool staff were always around to assist with towels, drinks, or anything else we needed.
The resort’s beach area is also worth mentioning. Accessible via a glass elevator that descends from the cliff to sea level, the beach is quiet and scenic, with soft sand and dramatic rock formations framing the ocean. The waves were strong during parts of our stay, but it was still enjoyable for walks, relaxing under an umbrella, or simply soaking in the views. Everything was well maintained and never overcrowded, adding to the peaceful, unhurried pace of the stay.
For those looking to stay active, the resort also offers a gym, tennis courts, and a range of activities including yoga sessions and Balinese cultural experiences. While I didn’t take part in many organized activities this time, I appreciated knowing the options were available. The resort caters well to families, couples, and solo travelers alike, providing a little something for everyone.
The atmosphere throughout the resort was consistently calm and rejuvenating. Despite being a large property, Hilton Bali never feels overly commercial or crowded. There’s a graceful flow to the layout, with lush gardens, traditional Balinese architecture, and open-air corridors that allow nature and design to blend seamlessly. Even during busier times like breakfast or cocktail hour, there was always a sense of personal space and relaxed rhythm to each day.
When it came time to check out, I found myself lingering—taking one last look at the ocean from the balcony, one final buggy ride through the garden paths, one last greeting from a staff member who remembered our names. Hilton Bali continues to be a special place I will return to again and again, a perfect destination when I need to disconnect, unwind, and feel truly taken care of.
That said, while Hilton Bali offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience, Conrad Bali still remains my personal favorite Hilton property on the island. For me, Conrad offers a slightly more refined beachfront atmosphere, elevated dining experiences, and a layout that feels a bit more fluid and connected to the ocean. It’s a different kind of stay—more contemporary, perhaps—but one that resonates deeply with my travel style. Still, Hilton Bali is a very close second, especially when I’m looking for tranquility, cliffside views, and that beautiful combination of nature and comfort that few places can deliver so well. Both properties are outstanding, and depending on what I’m looking for in a trip—beachfront energy or cliffside serenity—each has its own appeal. Either way, Bali never disappoints, and Hilton continues to impress on this magical island.
