Tanah Gajah, Ubud

Named after the nearby temple Goa Gajah, the exclusive Tanah Gajah in Ubud is a property of twenty elegantly furnished villas, gracefully scattered among beautiful gardens, surrounded by rice fields—with a view of the Gunung Agung volcano.

The Tanah Gajah was not built as a hotel. Initially, it was just a quiet refuge and weekend retreat for the family and friends of Indonesian architect and interior designer Hadipran Hendra. Only later the architect, working with General Hotels Management (GHM), converted the estate into a luxurious hotel.

Today the interiors are filled with works of art made by Balinese artists and craftsmen—from the private collection of Hadiprana.

Villas

The villa designers set local motifs against modern design and technology.

The villas are fully equipped with just about everything any sybarite might need: indoor and outdoor musical system, glorious bedrooms, semi-outdoor bathrooms, private courtyard entrances, gardens and freestanding verandah (called bale). Some villas have private swimming pools, and all come with a complimentary minibar.

Personal butlers take care of guests during their stay at the hotel, but can also arrange a tour of the rice paddies or a drive to the town. Fancy a romantic night for two at your own villa? The butler fills up the outside hot tub, lights candles at the poolside, and brings the dinner.

The Spa and more

The signature spa session lasts three hours and is conducted not by one but two therapists. It consists of an aromatherapy foot polish, a jade massage, organic facial, an Asian style foot massage, oriental body polish and finishes with a bathing ceremony in a natural stone hot tub—overlooking the vast rice fields surrounding the resort.

Other than from the spa, the view of rice paddies and the massive volcano in the distance is best enjoyed from the Lounge and Restaurant, where free cocktails and snacks are served in the evenings.

Check availability for The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia | Agoda | HotelsCombined‎ or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

in our opinion

Quintessentially Balinese, Hotel Tanah Gajah is where art and rustic style meets modern technology.

For a complete indulgence experience book a Spa Villa, with its own spa room for two, sauna and a partially outdoor bathroom. Pool Villas 6 and 7 have the best views, especially early in the morning when the sun rises from behind the mystical Mount Agung volcano.

What we love

• Airport transfers, breakfast, minibar, afternoon tea and cocktails, car transfers to Ubud, laundry and WiFi are all included;
• With its small number of villas and apartments the property is never crowded;
• High-quality service, a private butler;
• Convenient location near the Ubud town center;
• The beautiful location of the hotel.

What you should know

• One-Bedroom Suite rooms offer a lower quality accommodation—on the other hand, this does make possible to experience the Tanah Gajah without breaking the bank!
• Ubud attractions are only minutes away by car and it’s free, so make the most of the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. Visit the temples or the local market with good quality handicrafts.