The best sleep retreats in Bali

Imagine falling asleep to the sound of frogs and crickets and waking up to birdsong, all soundtracked to a waterfall in the jungle. Tucked away in the lush rainforest north of Ubud, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Reserve, is the kind of place you come to disconnect and decompress. Its ‘no walls’ concept places you that bit closer to nature. Each bale (house) faces the Ayung River valley, with uninterrupted views of the forest and mountains, accompanied by the symphony of the rushing river below. The Toja Spa menu is inspired by Balinese healing techniques — try the Sleep Essentials treatment, a soothing, low-pressure massage ideal for those who struggle with poor sleep.

Blending traditional Japanese and Balinese design seamlessly, Hoshinoya Bali is an idyllic place to find your zen. The pool connects every part of the resort, giving the feel of a tranquil riverside village, enclosed by verdant jungle and rice fields. Every aspect of the resort is designed to help you slow right down, from the yoga pavilion to the library, both of which overlook serene gardens. Ramp up the relaxation with a Balinese treatment at the spa – the Holistic Full Massage & Treatment is a great choice for unwinding. With treatment rooms nestled by the river below the resort, you’ll find it hard not to drift off to the sound of running water.

Anantara is a sanctuary surrounded by jungle in Payangan, just north of Ubud. You’re in for an excellent slumber here, as the rooms have perfect soundproofing, blackout curtains, sumptuous mattresses and an extensive pillow menu to suit all types of sleepers. The spa treatments are designed to soothe and release tension, such as the Balinese Mepijet, a traditional Balinese massage using locally made essential oils. Take relaxation a step further with The Journey of Sound Healing, a meditative session using ancient Balinese instruments to calm the mind and body.

Sitting atop dramatic cliffs on the very southern tip of Bali, the panoramic ocean views from Six Senses Uluwatu are instantly calming. The resort offers a variety of personalised wellness programmes, including Sleep With Six Senses. You’ll receive a wellness screening and a consultation with a Sleep Doctor who can provide you with all the advice on getting a better night’s sleep. You’ll also be given a sleep tracker during your stay, which provides handy insight into your sleep patterns. Add in some yoga, breathwork and various spa treatments (the Dreamtime Scrub & Body Treatment releases tension and eliminates anxiety and insomnia), and you’ll be feeling renewed in no time.

There’s nothing quite like cool, fresh mountain air for better quality sleep. Located on the slopes of Mount Batur in Bali’s northern Kintamani region, Desa Oculus offers a truly peaceful retreat in nature. Each room features breathtaking views of the volcano and Danau Batur lake, plus tubs for soaking and plush beds. There are plenty of activities to enhance your sleep — enjoy a guided yoga session on the rooftop at sunrise, take leisurely walks in the countryside and by the lake, or wind down with a relaxing treatment at the resort’s Danu Spa.

Far away from south Bali’s tourist crowds, Mathis Lodge is a haven in laid-back Amed, on the island’s northeast coast. Perched on a hillside 400 metres above sea level, expect spectacular views of the sea everywhere you turn. The individual lodges (some come with an outdoor jacuzzi or infinity pool) are built for resting and lazing around, with calming earth-tone decor, sumptuous beds, and sofas and daybeds on the terraces. The indoor-outdoor living concept allows a sea breeze to drift through the lodge throughout the day. This area is known for its excellent scuba diving, but you’ll be forgiven for spending your whole time lounging or enjoying the spa treatments.

Situated in the heart of the West Bali National Park, The Menjangan is a retreat set amid pristine nature. The resort’s ethos is to restore calm, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by birdsong, the waves gently lapping the shore, and the sea breeze through the trees. There is a range of villas and suites, but sleep-seekers will be particularly drawn to the beach villa, just steps away from the water. Indulge in tension-relieving massages in the Mangrove Spa, with its open-air gazebos nestled within a mangrove forest.