Travellers are drawn to Ubud for many reasons. While nature is a given, the charm of Ubud lies in its cultural nuances, art and craft, as well as wellness. And the all-embracing qualities of Ubud are adopted into luxury resorts and boutique hotels here for one simple reason – it is here that visitors will experience the true spirit of being one with nature while taking a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in music and parties at beach clubs, you may want to head over to areas of Bali like Seminyak and Canggu. But here in Ubud, travellers search for inner peace and a chance to switch off. Put peace and quiet in a luxurious environment and you get a holiday that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.
The Capella Ubud, for instance, is a luxury tent retreat that is perched on the peak of Ubud’s rainforest – allowing guests to dive deep into primitive living and absolutely disconnect from city life. If you want something more lavish with butler service and breakfast in bed, properties like the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve would be the perfect fit for you. Scroll down to check out some of the best luxury resorts in Ubud for your next trip to the island of Bali. (Featured image: Capella Ubud)
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve fronts the Ayung River near the Ubud jungle and is designed like a traditional Balinese village with on-site paddy fields. The property stands as a tropical shrine dedicated to nature – Mandapa means ‘temple’ in Sanskrit. Each of the 60 luxury suites and villas emphasises on the architecture and craftsmanship of the area. Guests will enjoy a private outdoor space (some with pools) with panoramic views of the river and surrounding nature. There are also four restaurants serving sustainability cuisine using ingredients from its organic garden.
Maya Ubud Resort and Spa is set along a peninsula stretching 780 metres between the paddy fields and Petanu River Valley. Enter the property and be taken aback by the extravagant design features that complement the lush tropical gardens. There are 108 rooms including thatched private pool villas in a contemporary design laced with traditional nuances. Hang out at the verandah and enjoy the cool breeze and refreshing scent of nature as you oversee the picturesque surrounding.
Halfway between the famous Sacred Monkey Forest of Padang Tegal and the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud is Komaneka at Bisma, a five-star resort that celebrates the vibrant culture of Bali. The resort occupies a scenic hillside overlooking the Campuhan River and a stretch of rice fields. Komaneka at Bisma also pays a lot of attention on art with its on-site gallery and select contemporary works.
COMO Uma Ubud is situated at the heart of the Balinese island, occupying a three-hectare site that is hidden on the fringe of Ubud. Guests will be able to enjoy the majestic vista of the Tjampuhan Valley from every part of the resort, which is designed like a rural home in the hills. Its design language pays homage to the traditional Balinese culture with intricate carvings and craftsmanship. There are 46 rooms and suites in total, each celebrate COMO Uma’s cultural context.
Walk into the secluded hillside retreat that sits on the edge of the Ayung River valley and experience tranquillity at Alila Ubud, which is just 15 minutes away from Ubud town. The hotel has been laid out as a Balinese hillside village that comes with its own community centre and walking paths. The villas stand above a ravine on stilts like tree houses above the banks of the river valley. Its design is unique with clever use of natural materials. There is also a world-class restaurant and a holistic spa facility on the property.
Set in the sublime hillside of Bali’s cultural heart, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan a marvel in its own rights. There are 18 lavish suites and 42 privates villas on the property, each is reimagined with a mix of contemporary Balinese design elements including wooden sculptures, teak wood and exotic fabrics. The one-bedroom villas come with a plunge pool and outdoor cabana overlooking the manicured gardens and lawn – families with kids will benefit from the ample space to unwind and play. If you’re looking to pamper yourself in ultimate luxury, consider the 1,500 sqm Royal Villa with its sweeping vista of the rice terraces, forest highlands and the Ayung River.
Nestled between Ubud’s rainforest, rice fields and the sacred Wos River, Capella Ubud is designed with the idea of minimal intervention with not a single tree cut throughout the entire building process. The surrounds are absolutely peaceful as you begin your escape into nature with nothing but lush greenery, hilly mountains and exotic birds. Trek through the rainforest or visit the onsite organic garden, crayfish farm and bee sanctuary. There are 22 unique ‘tents’, each vibrantly decorated with a nod to traditional Balinese architecture. The property has also committed to sustaining the environment with various campaigns including a scholarship program for children of the nearby Keliki village – so you get a completely holistic experience that combines luxury travel and humanity.
Martin Teo
Editor-in-Chief
Martin has a bent for history and food culture, especially of the Peranakan heritage. Since the pandemic, he finds joy in plant parenting and continues to expand his collection of Philodendrons, Anthuriums, and Syngoniums. On his free time, he finds time scouring through the latest cafes in search for the best croissant in the city.
