Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali

Located seventy meters above sea level, perched on top of a spectacular cliff, Banyan Tree Ungasan seduces with refined luxury, private infinity pools and wonderful views of the Ocean.

Creatives from Peddle Thorp Architects and Wilson Associates Inc envisioned Banyan Tree Ungasan is a symbiosis of tradition and modernity, wrapped in a refined luxury: inspired by the traditional rules surrounding arrangement of Balinese villages, the architectural philosophy of light and space remains contemporary.

Villas

Leading to the villas are stone slabs that seem to float on ponds, amongst the lotus flowers. Secluded in a walled private garden, each villa has indoor and outdoor living space, marble bathroom with sunken baths, and the balé (outdoor pavilion).

The dark wood furnishings and eclectic Balinese ornaments give interiors a sleek and modern tone. From the bedroom, sliding glass panels open directly onto the private infinity pool, generously sized and often perched on the cliff-edge, with a view over the sea.

The most spectacular is the presidential villa, with a private room for spa treatments, salon, library, dining room, fitness room, and a massive swimming pool.

Spa, food and… Moroccan theme

For a massage go to the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, where treatments are based on traditional Asian methods and native Indonesian ingredients.

Besides the spa, guests can enjoy a fitness center, with sessions of yoga and aerobics, and families with children can take advantage of the daycare center.

Dining takes center stage at Banyan Tree Ungasan, with a range of restaurants and bars. The Bambu serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner à la carte. Tamarind offers the “healthy” and light meals, in a peaceful atmosphere of the Spa.

For seafood visit Ju-Ma-Na (“black pearl” in Arabic), a place with breathtaking ocean views—although one might wonder about a rationale behind having a Moroccan-themed restaurant on Bali. The Ju-Ma-Na bar is a great place for sundowners, snacks and Arabic shisha (waterpipe) though.

Cold drinks or light snacks can also be ordered at the main swimming pool, while the Lobby Lounge is great for afternoon coffee or tea.

Check availability for Banyan Tree Ungasan: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia | Agoda | HotelsCombined‎ or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

in our opinion

The Ungasan hotel presents the level of comfort synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand.

Aesthetically, it's a celebration of contemporary design, complemented by distinct Balinese touches, seamlessly blending the villas with their natural surroundings.

The hotel offers spectacular ocean views and romantic sunsets and is a good choice for both couples and families with children.

What we love

• Stepping from the bedroom right down to the private pool;
• Spa products are specially prepared to individual requirements of the guest just before the treatment;
• Excellent choice of restaurants;
• Among the hotel attractions is the Legomng, the traditional "fire, and dance" show (Tuesdays and Saturdays);
• Depending on the time of the year the guests can enjoy sunset or sunrise, thanks to the unique location of the hotel.

What you should know

• Golf cart ride is necessary in order to descend to the beach, plus more than a hundred steps;
• Experienced surfers may be up for the challenge, but for everybody else, the sea will be too rough to swim or enjoy water sports. The beach is beautiful though;
• Due to the tiered cliffside architecture, the roofs below interrupt views from some villas;
• Lovers of nightlife will not find many attractions near the hotel.