The 10 Best Resorts in Nusa Penida for an Unforgettable Stay

Looking for the best resorts in Nusa Penida? Over the past five to 10 years, the numbers of resorts on the island has multiplied rapidly, resulting in an attractive set of hotels with features such as infinity pools, spas, and bamboo restaurants.

The majority of the hotels on the island have a four-star rating, except for one single five-star resort. There are the likes of beachfront dive resorts which run PADI-certified diving tours, boutique rainforest resorts, and even a glamping resort with luxury safari tents.

You won’t have a hard time finding a resort with an infinity pool, as almost every resort on the island has one.

There are resorts with private harbours, beach access, spas, gyms, restaurants, and many more sought-after facilities, so the question remains: which Nusa Penida resort should you choose?

I’ve categorised the 10 best resorts in Nusa Penida by their location, price, facilities, and reviews ratings. As well as being a blogger, I’m a luxury travel journalist who has stayed at luxury hotels and resorts around the world, so I keep my ratings updated based on new openings.

Looking for things to do too? Check out my rankings for the best beach in Nusa Penida and the 5 best Nusa Penida snorkel spots.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.

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AT A GLANCE: Best Resorts in Nusa Penida

Top 3 Resorts in Nusa Penida:

• 1. MAUA Nusa Penida (West Nusa Penida) £££
• 2. Atalaya Villas (West Nusa Penida) £££
• 3. Penida Bambu Green (West Nusa Penida) £££

Best family resort:

Mambo Beach Resort (North Nusa Penida) £££

The most unique resort:

Autentik (West Nusa Penida – Adults-Only) £££

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What to Expect From the Best Resorts in Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida

There is only one five-star resort in Nusa Penida, MAUA Nusa Penida. The majority of the resorts in Nusa Penida are rated four or three stars. 

The most common resort features on the island are an infinity pool and a restaurant. However, the best of the best resorts on the island also have a gym or spa.

Typically, the average price range for a four-star resort in Nusa Penida is between 1,540k – 2900k IDR (£80 – 150) per night. A cheaper three-star resort will cost closer to 1000k (£50) per night.

Most of the resorts in Nusa Penida are located on the north or west coast of Nusa Penida. 

The two main types of resorts in Nusa Penida are the seafront or jungle resorts. Many of the beachfront resorts either have access to the beach (this tends to be the case on the north coast) or a private pier (this tends to be the case on the west coast). Some of them have an on-site dive centre which can arrange tours to try and spot sea life such as manta rays or mola molas.

The jungle resorts tend to be more peaceful. The swimming pools have divine views over the island’s evergreen forest canopy. Most of the time, they’re only a short drive from local beaches and attractions.

Best Area to Stay in Nusa Penida

The west coast is the best area to stay in Nusa Penida because it is a short drive from popular attractions such as Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach (also called T-Rex beach). The sunsets are the best on the west of the island.

Most of the best resorts in Nusa are located on the west coast near to Gamat Bay and Crystal Bay. These two beaches are considered to be the safest beaches for snorkelling and swimming on the island. The beach sunsets are also exceptional.

Crystal Bay

Resorts on the west coast of Nusa Penida have the advantage of being within easy driving distance of popular attractions on the east coast tour too, which includes Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and the Thousand Islands Viewpoint. 

Atuh Beach

Most of the remaining resorts are located on the north coast. The north coast is where most of the dive resorts are located.

The area is more built up, so it has good restaurants, bars, and diving centres. North coast resorts are conveniently located between the west and east coast attractions, making them a good base for touring both sides of the island.

Best Resorts in Nusa Penida

1. MAUA Nusa Penida 

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Gamat Bay)

Best for: The only five-star luxury resort in Nusa Penida.

As the only five-star resort in Nusa Penida, MAUA Nusa Penida has a standard to set. It doesn’t disappoint. Guests can arrive in style by private charter boat or choose to take the same vessel on a private tour of the island.

The one or two-bedroom villas and suites are cradled by the forest and have access to facilities such as a library, lounge, gym, and most importantly, an infinity pool with views over the tropical canopy, Mount Agung, and the sea.

Better yet, MAUA Nusa Penida is located on a hilltop over Gamat Bay, which is one of the best snorkelling beaches on the island and a popular location for sunset.

Facilities: Infinity pool, spa, gym, bar, restaurant, library, lounge, and bookable experiences such as private boat charters, yoga, and tours.

2. Atalaya Villas

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Crystal Bay)

Best for: Boutique suites with private infinity pools.

Atalaya Villas mashes together typical Nusa Penida jungle views with Santorini-style luxury. The very best of the white-painted suites and villas have their own private infinity pools overlooking the jungle canopy.

Having a 9.7 rating on Booking.com is quite an achievement, and once you get a glimpse of the ocean views, boho decor, and infinity pools, it will become clear why the resort has proved so popular with its guests.

Facilities: Infinity pool, restaurant, sun terrace, spa, and bookable tours or scooter rental.

3. Penida Bambu Green

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Gamat Bay)

Best for: A peaceful jungle resort with bamboo villas.

If any resort in Nusa Penida can put in a valid claim for calling themselves a jungle hideaway, it’s Penida Bambu Green. The bamboo villas, which each have a sloping thatched roof, are a welcome collection of luxury villas among the deep-green forest on the west coast of the island.

Despite the peaceful feel, the resort is only a short drive away from Gamat Bay and Crystal Bay, two superior sunset and snorkelling beaches. The infinity pool in the centre of the resort is a show-stealer, with views of the distant volcano.

Facilities: Infinity pool, restaurant, spa, beauty experiences, garden, and sun terrace.

4. Adiwana Warnakali Resort

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Toya Pakeh Harbour)

Best for: A clifftop dive resort with next-level island experiences.

It seems like there’s not much that Adiwana Warnaklai can’t do. The on-resort dive centre can arrange day trips for guests to try and spot manta rays and mola molas.

Relaxation is just as possible, as the resort has a swimming pool with a pool bar and a decadent sun terrace, spa, and restaurant. Whether you want a floating breakfast, a wedding package, or a tour, the resort can organise it.

There’s also the matter of the resort’s spectacular clifftop location, which results in sea views from every room and Mount Agung sitting on the horizon. 

Facilities: Swimming pool, dive centre, spa, restaurant, pool bar, sun terrace, experiences like floating breakfasts, and tour and wedding packages. 

5. The Kama

Location: North Nusa Penida (near Buyuk Harbour and Goa Giri Putri Temple)

Best for: An intimate resort with volcano views in north Nusa Penida.

The Kama is one of the best resorts in Nusa Penida if you’re keen to stay on the north coast. Surrounded by the forest canopy and with Mount Agung within view, the resort is dotted with bamboo shelters, sunloungers, and palm trees for the ultimate island vibe.

The infinity pool faces the ocean and the distant volcano on Bali’s mainland. There are only six units within the resort, so you won’t have too much competition for the prime view. Guests have raved about the restaurant food and the quality of the service.

Facilities: Infinity pool, restaurant, garden, and sun terrace.

6. Mambo Beach Resort

Location: Northwest Nusa Penida (near the main town and Gamat Bay)

Best for: A luxury beachfront dive resort in Nusa Penida.

One of the best resorts in Nusa Penida for divers is Mambo Beach Resort, no question about it. Situated on a northwest beachfront, the resort organises PADI diving excursions for its guests to chase sightings of sea creatures such as manta rays.

The boutique hotel is scattered with bamboo structures, hanging tapestries, and fairy lighting. Sandy areas are strewn with bean bags and seating, creating a great atmosphere for families, young people, and couples alike.

Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, sun terrace, beachfront, and bookable snorkelling or dive excursions.

7. Autentik

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay)

Best for: A unique adults-only glamping resort in Nusa Penida.

It doesn’t get much more glamorous than glamping among the treetops of Nusa Penida. Autentik is the first glamping resort of its kind on the island. Its collection of luxury safari-style tents are raised on platforms within the dense forest of west Nusa Penida and conveniently located between the island’s best snorkelling beaches, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay.

Sleeping under the canvas couldn’t be more appealing when each tent has a private terrace and access to a shared infinity pool to cool off in. The resort is also completely kids free, meaning that you won’t be disturbed by any kids running around.

Facilities: Infinity pool, garden, and private terraces.

8. The Sankara Beach Resort

Location: North Nusa Penida

Best for: A luxury beachfront Balinese retreat.

Falling asleep to the sound of the roaring ocean is great, but falling asleep after an evening watching the sun set over the ocean and Mount Agung is even better.

At The Sankara Beach Resort, both are a reality. Located on the side of a white-sand band, the resort has a luxurious pool lined with sunloungers, an island-renowned seafront restuarant named Matan Ai, and the Tapa Pool Bar.

Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, beachfront, bar, garden, and sun terrace.

9. Semabu Hills Hotel 

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Toya Pakeh port and Gamat Bay)

Best for: Relaxation and romance on the west coast.

‘Live the island life’ is the tagline at Semabu Hills Hotel. There are plenty of facilities at the four-star Nusa Penida resort that will help you with that matter. For one, the infinity pool gazes out over the forest canopy and ocean. For two, the aptly-named Castaway restaurant serves Asian dishes like Penida seafood soup and a grilled seafood platter. Gamat Bay, Crystal Bay and Kelingking Beach are all a short distance away.

Facilities: Infinity pool, restaurant, spa, sun terrace, and experiences like floating breakfasts and romantic dinners.

10. Sea La Vie Resort

Location: West Nusa Penida (near Toya Pakeh harbour)

Best for: Classic luxury with a private port.

Sea La Vie Resort has been considered to be one of the best resorts in Nusa Penida for a long time. It ticks several boxes: infinity pool, spa, restaurant, and ocean view. What really sets it apart, however, is that it’s located directly on the waterfront and has a private port.

It’s very unlikely that you’ll get bored of the view of Bali’s volcano Mount Agung and the traditional Balinese boats gliding to and from Toya Pakeh harbour.

Facilities: Infinity pool, spa, restaurant, bar, sun terrace, and bookable tours.

Summary: Best Resorts in Nusa Penida for Couples

1. MAUA Nusa Penida (West Nusa Penida) £££

2. Atalaya Villas (West Nusa Penida) £££

3. Semabu Hills Hotel (West Nusa Penida) £££

Summary: Best Resorts in Nusa Penida for Family

1. Mambo Beach Resort (North Nusa Penida) £££

2. Penida Bambu Green (West Nusa Penida) £££

3. Sea La Vie Resort (West Nusa Penida) £££

Summary: Best Dive Resorts in Nusa Penida

1. Adiwana Warnakali Resort (West Nusa Penida) £££

2. Mambo Beach Resort (North Nusa Penida) £££

Summary: Best Unique Resorts in Nusa Penida

1. Autentik (West Nusa Penida – Adults-Only) £££

2. Atalaya Villas (West Nusa Penida) £££

Summary: Best Resorts in Nusa Penida with an Infinity Pool

1. MAUA Nusa Penida (West Nusa Penida) £££

2. Atalaya Villas (West Nusa Penida) £££

3. Penida Bambu Green (West Nusa Penida) £££

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Suggested reading:

After booking your accommodation, the next step is to start planning your full Nusa Penida trip. Check out some of my latest articles on Nusa Penida for inspiration:

• The 5 Best Nusa Penida Snorkel Spots.
• Manta Bay Nusa Penida: Snorkel with Manta Rays.
• The Best Beach in Nusa Penida.

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FAQ

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Katie Treharne

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