Our opinion
Karma Kandara blends extreme luxury with child-friendly service and facilities, making it an exceptional family resort.
Hotel description
Set atop the sweeping cliffs of Uluwatu on the southern tip of Bali this spectacular luxury resort is perched high above the most beautiful beach on the island. Just 20 minutes from the airport, Karma Kandara is nevertheless a world away from the bright lights of Denpasar. This is an idyllic sanctuary with a breathtaking clifftop setting – and accommodation to match. Drawing on traditional Balinese compound style and architecture, each of Karma Kandara’s expansive, airy one- to four-bedroom villas comprises two or three high-ceilinged pavilions surrounding a central courtyard and pool – kids will feel they’ve walked onto a set of the King And I. With alang alang grass roofs or indigenous wood tiles, the pavilions are rich in shades of cinnamon and copper, the décor accented with local artworks and antiques, while bedrooms are oriented to overlook the sea. With open-air bathrooms, fully equipped SMEG kitchens, and state-of-the-art amenities, including DVD Home Theatre System and free WiFi access, Karma Kandara offers luxury in sensuous surroundings. There is a choice of two superb restaurants: perched atop the cliff-top, with dramatic views over the infinity pool and ocean 85 metres below, ‘di Mare’ serves Asian and Mediterranean cuisine lauded as Bali’s finest, while down on the beach, guests can dine with their feet in the sand, enjoying same-day caught seafood at Nammos Beach Club. On an open-air sundeck above ‘di Mare’, Temple Bar is a breathtaking spot for a sunset cocktail, and also hosts what must be the most panoramic yoga classes in Indonesia. Children are warmly welcomed at Karma Kandara, which has an excellent Children’s Club (open from 8am to 8pm for children aged 4 to 12) and child-friendly watersports centre right on the beach. Offering fishing and snorkelling, as well as several child-friendly excursions, including riding, elephant-trekking, swimming with dolphins, the resort has much to occupy children, while mum and dad pamper themselves in the pool and spa. A dramatic, spectacular resort, Karma Kandara blends extreme luxury with child-friendly service and facilities, making it an exceptional family resort.
Distance from airport
30 minutes
Room types
46 one- to four-bedroom traditional Balinese villas, with open-air bathrooms, private swimming pool and courtyard, SMEG kitchen, and bedrooms oriented to face the sea.
All two- to four-bedroom villas are suitable for families, with extra beds available, though no interconnecting rooms.
Hotel facilities and services
2 restaurants, 1 rooftop bar, Gym, Spa, Watersports centre, Library, Cooking classes, Children’s Club (2-12 years). One main outdoor freshwater pool, and 1 children’s pool. Karma Kandara has its own private beach, a pristine sweep of white sand at the foot of 100m limestone cliffs, with an elegantly rustic beach bar and restaurant. The beach – recently voted the best in Bali by Hello Bali magazine – is reached only via the hotel’s private inclinator, and has daybeds and a watersports centre.
Water sports
Kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, deep-sea fishing.
Land sports
Nature walks, yoga.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Located at the southern tip of Bali on Bukit Ungasan, Karma Kandara is at the heart of a dramatic coastline boasting cliff-top sea temples, limestone caves and turquoise bays. Only 30 minutes from Denpasar, guests at the resort can mix leisurely days with excursions to the island’s colourful capital. Highlights for familiesHorse-riding on the beach for ages 10+ (80km), Elephant riding (90km), Swimming with dolphins (90km). ExcursionsBedugul Mountain and Lakes picnic, Bali from the air, Sunset cocktails at Uluwatu cliff-top temple, Mountain trekking, Whitewater rafting.