Bali has reaffirmed its status as the ultimate destination for lovers, earning the title of the World’s Most Romantic Destination according to the prestigious World Travel Awards.
For six consecutive years, Bali had been the undisputed leader among romantic destinations in Asia. This year, however, it has claimed the global crown, surpassing strong contenders like Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Seychelles, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos.
This enchanting corner of the planet captivates anyone seeking romance, solitude, or simply inspiration. And most importantly, you don’t have to be on your honeymoon to experience Bali’s magic. The island welcomes everyone—couples yearning for romance and solo travelers looking to find harmony, self-love, or an escape from the chaos of modern life.
Since 2007, the title of “World’s Most Romantic Destination” has been awarded to only four other places: the Seychelles, Mauritius, Jamaica, and the Maldives. This makes Bali the first Southeast Asian destination to receive this prestigious accolade.
It’s no surprise! Bali enchants visitors with its unique atmosphere, natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and rich culture. Dreamy sunsets, secluded beaches, villas overlooking the ocean or lush tropical jungles create the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Balinese couple’s spa rituals, beachfront dinners under the stars, and excursions to magical waterfalls only add to the enchantment of every moment.
The Indonesian National Tourism Board, Wonderful Indonesia, has compiled all the awards that Bali and the country as a whole have received this year. As expected, this iconic tourist region has achieved remarkable victories, with more achievements anticipated by the New Year.
Wonderful Indonesia stated: “These awards reflect the world’s love for Indonesia, where Bali stands out as a shining star, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and exceptional hospitality.”
Bali has won significant accolades not only at the World Travel Awards but also across the broader tourism industry.
Melia Bali was recognized as Asia’s Best All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row, while Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort earned the title of Asia’s Best Family Resort. Other notable awards include Jumeirah Bali, named Asia’s Best Villa & Resort, and the iconic Waterbom Bali in Kuta, crowned Asia’s Best Waterpark of 2024.
One of Bali’s most significant achievements this year was its recognition at the United Nations World Tourism Organization Best Tourism Village in the World Awards. The picturesque village of Jatiluwih was among the 50 winners, raising hope for increased awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism on the island.
Previously, Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency earned the title of the Best Tourism Village of the Year, elevating its status on a global level. Now, Jatiluwih is ready to reap the rewards of its victory.
In fact, Jatiluwih is not the only Indonesian village to make the list. Wukirsari in East Java was also featured in the final selection, making it a must-visit destination for travelers planning to explore Java in 2025.
At the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024, Indonesia also achieved significant success. Ubud’s gastronomy was honored with an award for sustainable tourism development in Southeast Asia, which comes as no surprise!
While Ubud is known as Bali’s cultural capital, its culinary scene has truly reached new heights. If Elizabeth Gilbert were writing her book in 2024, she might have eaten, prayed, and loved exclusively in Ubud!
Other major wins at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024 include awards for eco-friendly hotels, which were granted to 101 Bali Fontana, Capella Ubud, and Plataran Menjangan in West Bali National Park.
For travelers, some of the most notable accolades of the year came from the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, where Bali once again excelled. These awards are based on votes from the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Highlights include:
• Third place among the Best Islands in the World to Visit
• Third place among the Best Islands in Asia
• Ubud ranking 7th among the Best Cities in Asia
Several Bali hotels were also included in the list of the Top 100 Hotels in the World, including:
• Capella Ubud (12th place)
• St. Regis Bali Resort (27th place)
• Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (46th place)
• The Laguna Luxury Collection Resort and Spa (59th place)
• Alila Villas Uluwatu (97th place)
Bali was also featured on Fodor’s No List 2024, highlighting concerns about overtourism and environmental conservation. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between development and preserving the island’s ecosystems.
As Christmas and New Year approach, Bali reflects on a successful 2024, marked by prestigious awards and global recognition. The island continues to attract tourists with its unique atmosphere, natural beauty, and exceptional service. These achievements further cement its reputation as one of the world’s top travel destinations. With 2025 on the horizon, Bali is poised to delight visitors with new experiences while maintaining its status as a global tourism hub.
Sources: worldtravelawards
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