Bali is brimming with five-star hotels, making it hard to choose. Ubud has Capella, Uluwatu has Alila, Nusa Dua has Apurva Kempinski… But the most surprising in 2026 is a brand new resort in Sanur—The Meru Sanur.
Just this month, it clinched the top honor in the “2026 Indonesia’s Best New Hotel” selection by Tatler Asia, one of Asia’s most prestigious travel media, and also made it into the “Top 20 Hotels in Indonesia” list. For a newly opened hotel, this is like barging into the elite club.
Located in Sanur, This Choice of Location is Somewhat Unexpected
Sanur has long been positioned as the “quieter version of Bali”—without the chaos of Kuta or the hustle of Seminyak. Those who love it seek a somewhat traditional, slower-paced place.
But the emergence of The Meru Sanur suddenly offers Sanur a completely different option.
It is located at the northern end of Sanur, within the 42-hectare “Sanur Special Economic Zone”, which also houses the Bali International Hospital, Bali Beach Convention Center, and the Ethnobotanical Garden. It sounds very official, but in reality, the 1-kilometer-long white sand private beach is the highlight.
What’s it like to stay here?
The lobby soars like a temple, with the sound of flowing water, traditional Balinese stone carvings, and large wooden structures interwoven throughout. At first glance, you’ll understand why this place has won design awards.
Four buildings are connected via ventilated corridors, making extensive use of local wood and natural stone, complemented by tropical plants and water features. The overall atmosphere is so serene that you’ll forget you’re on vacation—it feels more like a retreat.
All rooms start at the “suite” level—the most basic Tropical Suite spans 83 square meters, complete with a standalone bathtub, rain shower, and private balcony. The top-tier Presidential Suite covers 209 square meters—you might need a moment to find the bathroom! The design incorporates abundant Indonesian wood and traditional Balinese craftsmanship, offering a warm, refined luxury rather than cold modernity.
For dining, the main restaurant Arunika serves a buffet breakfast starting at 6:30 AM daily. The Sunday brunch is reportedly spectacular, featuring roasted lamb, pork, live grilled prawns, sashimi, and a dessert station—on par with the offerings of Bali’s iconic hotels. The Taru Pramana spa focuses on holistic healing, emphasizing mind-body balance, going beyond standard massage services.
What does Tatler Asia’s recognition mean?
The awards ceremony was held at the Bali Beach Convention Center, right next to The Meru Sanur, recognizing hotels, restaurants, and bars across Asia.
In the list of Indonesia’s top 20 hotels, Bali claimed 11 spots, including perennial favorites like Mandapa (a Ritz-Carlton Reserve), Capella Ubud, and Apurva Kempinski. The Meru Sanur stood out among these established giants as a “new hotel” not just for its facilities, but for its exceptional embodiment of Indonesian hospitality.
Full list
In the list of Indonesia’s top 20 hotels, Bali has secured 11 spots. Here is the complete list of Bali hotels that made the cut:
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Ubud) A jungle sanctuary perched on a cliff overlooking the Ayung River Valley, one of the most acclaimed properties in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection in Asia. → View detailed introduction
- Alila Villas Uluwatu (Uluwatu) A minimalist estate on the edge of a cliff, with an infinity pool facing the Indian Ocean, representing the pinnacle of Uluwatu’s luxury accommodations. → View detailed introduction
- Padma Resort Ubud (Ubud) A large resort nestled in the Ubud valley, famous for its extensive infinity pool and stunning rice terrace views. → View detailed introduction
- Bvlgari Resort Bali (Uluwatu) The epitome of boutique luxury, featuring only a few dozen standalone villas, and recently awarded ‘Hotel of the Year’. → View detailed introduction
- Capella Ubud (Ubud) Bali’s only top-tier ‘glamping’ experience, with tented villas suspended in the jungle, complete with private saltwater pools and campfires. → View detailed introduction
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali (Nusa Dua) Resembling a massive Indonesian temple cascading down a sea cliff, the architecture itself is a spectacle, with unbeatable ocean views. → View detailed introduction
- Desa Potato Head (Seminyak) More than just a hotel, it’s a complex space blending art and sustainability concepts, deservedly awarded ‘Best Innovation’. → View detailed introduction
- The Meru Sanur ⭐ Best New Hotel (Sanur) The star of this article! Boasting a 1 km private beach line and all-suite design, it recently clinched the title of Best New Hotel. → View detailed introduction
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay (Jimbaran) The Four Seasons by Jimbaran Bay, presented as a private villa village, awarded ‘Best Family Hotel’ this year. → View detailed introduction
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud) One of Bali’s earliest top-tier jungle resorts, with its lotus pond lobby and Ayung River views still unmatched. → View detailed introduction
- The St Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua) A stable representative of classic luxury, with butler service and private pool villas keeping it on the list year after year. → View detailed introduction
Things to Know Before You Go
- Address: Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar, Bali (🗺️Map Location)
- Number of Rooms: 184 all-suite rooms
- Distance from Airport: Approximately 13 km (about 30–40 minutes by car)
- Special Bonus: Close to Sanur speedboat pier, making trips to Nusa Penida super convenient
- Suitable For: Travelers seeking a quiet beach, spacious accommodations, and high-quality service; families with children also have access to a kids’ club
- Detailed Introduction: See here
The northern end of Sanur has indeed become increasingly popular in recent years, shedding its old image as a place ‘only for the elderly’. The emergence of The Meru Sanur has accelerated this transformation.
If you haven’t included Sanur in your itinerary yet, 2026 might be a good opportunity to rediscover it.
▶ For a detailed introduction to The Meru Sanur, click here
📌 Booking Information
Rating: Highly recommended by Tripadvisor | Agoda Guest Rating ⭐ 9.1 (2025 Travelers’ Choice Winner) Click here to check the latest prices and availability for The Meru Sanur on Agoda →
More Sanur Dining and Entertainment Guide
Sanur is a tranquil seaside town on Bali, renowned for its calm beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunrise views. It offers family-friendly resorts, traditional markets, and a wealth of local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for enjoying a slow-paced life and exploring culture. Whether strolling along the coastline or soaking in the local vibe, Sanur promises an incredibly relaxing holiday experience! Want to learn more about Sanur? Click here
Sanur Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: 23 Resorts/Villas in Sanur from Luxury to Budget
- Summer/Winter Bali Family Travel Guide: Comprehensive Tips for Easier Family Trips - Sanur Edition
- "2026 Indonesia's Best New Hotel" Top Honor: The Meru Sanur
- 18 Kids Club Family Resorts in Bali | Best Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides
- Bali Group Free Travel: Sanur Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms Recommended for Family Stays
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