Picture infinity pools overlooking the serene Ayung River. Imagine world-class spa experiences that draw from age-old wellness traditions. Dream up the vision of exquisite dining, holistic wellness treatments, yoga retreats, and cultural excursions that connect with Ubud’s rich heritage. In this exclusive guide, we embark on a journey to unveil the crème de la crème of Ubud’s luxury offerings, where nature, culture, and unparalleled hospitality converge.
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Set on the cusp of the Ayung River valley, the terraces behind the lobby are designed to maximize the vantage point, ensuring some truly beautiful vistas over the rest of the resort and beyond. The villas and restaurants, which are far down, are spread by the river, which cuts through Bali’s lush jungle and outlines Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The stunning setting is just one side of the holistic luxury offered by this tropical resort. There are restaurants, a spa, and over sixty suites (the smallest of which is almost 100 square meters)—as well as spacious and beautiful private pool villas. We adored every single detail of our riverside villa (#16)! Gorgeous design inside and out; it perfectly blends the Balinese vibe with contemporary aesthetics. It was truly one of the most elegantly designed villas we’ve experienced in Bali. Our accommodation also came with a massive private swimming pool, surrounded by frangipani trees and overlooking the river. It was perfect!
Read more in the review from our stay: Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Alternatively, book Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve via
Tablet Hotels | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Bali. Photos © Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Falling dusk. Local women setting candle lights along lily ponds and pathways. The smell of frangipani flowers and sounds of croaking frogs filling the air. These are the moments in which we’d be reminded just how perfectly Amandari encapsulates the essence of Bali
— From our review of Amandari
Above the swooping Ayung River Gorge, framed by the lush jungle and vibrant rice terraces, Amandari stands as the island’s inaugural luxury hotel created in the Balinese style. It features open-air pavilions crafted from coffee-hued teak, coconut wood, and alang-alang thatching.
This extraordinary property is designed in the style and layout of a traditional village, offering beautifully arranged, spacious villas. We had the pleasure of staying in Pool Suite #29, and we adored its inviting interiors, a private pool, and a spacious terrace adorned with lush greenery adding to the magic. One of our favourite rituals was starting the day with a refreshing swim, followed by a delightful breakfast in the gazebo.
Read more in the review from our stay: Amandari.
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Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Amandari, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos (including the leading shot) © Aman Resorts
As you step into the Four Seasons Sayan, you are greeted by the soothing sounds of the Ayung River, which winds its way through the property. The resort’s modern architecture harmoniously integrates with the pristine surroundings, offering secluded pool villas and suites adorned with traditional Balinese design elements, all providing panoramic views of the jungle and river.
Dining at this enchanting retreat is a culinary adventure, where you can savor the flavors of Bali and beyond in stunning open-air venues. For relaxation, the spa’s rejuvenating treatments and the tranquil infinity pool offer a perfect escape. This hotel is a true gem that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Bali while enjoying world-class service and comfort.
Read more in the review from our stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan via
Tablet Hotels | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
Surrounded by lush rainforests and overlooking the Ayung River, the COMO Shambhala Estate is a luxury wellness retreat that offers a serene escape into nature and provides a holistic experience for guests, seamlessly blending luxurious accommodations with expert-led wellness programs. The estate’s philosophy centers around balancing the mind, body, and spirit, offering yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spa treatments. Guests find themselves in elegantly appointed suites and villas that harmonize with the verdant landscape, where East meets West. Stand-alone villas feature private pools, and one-bedroom Retreat Villas come with their own treatment rooms. Dining at the Glow restaurant showcases nutritionally balanced, organic cuisine, enhancing the overall well-being journey. The COMO Shambhala Estate is a harmonious oasis where guests can reconnect with themselves amidst the beauty of Bali’s natural landscape.
Read our review: COMO Shambhala Estate.
Alternatively, book COMO Shambhala Estate via
Tablet Hotels | Como Hotels & Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: COMO Shambhala Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © COMO Hotels and Resorts
A sensory feast of sophisticated style, atmosphere and design
Accessed via narrow roads that wind through the vibrant green rice fields, Alila Ubud is perched on the edge of a lush valley, providing breathtaking views of the sacred Ayung River. This chic and tranquil boutique hotel boasts two stylish eateries, a spa, and a magnificent infinity pool that offers stunning vistas of the verdant ravine. Despite drawing inspiration from a traditional hillside village in its design, it exudes a contemporary, hip ambiance. The architectural layout, designed by the Australian firm Kerry Hill, ensures that nature takes center stage with open-air pavilions and terraces, seamlessly blending modern design with traditional Balinese influences. Accommodations vary, from understated rooms with neutral décor and minimalist interiors to thatched-roof villas suspended on stilts above the valley, some of which come with private pools.
Read our review: Alila Ubud.
Alternatively, book Alila Ubud via
Tablet Hotels | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Alila Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Alila Hotels and Resorts
Safari-style hotels are clearly in vogue, but Bali has not yet seen a property like this yet. Capella Ubud delivers the experience of glamping in the heart of the island, with 22 tents designed by the world-famous architect Bill Bensley. Inspired by the spirit of exploration and discovery in the nineteenth century, the luxurious accommodation nevertheless comes with all mod cons, including private plunge pools.
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Website: Capella Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Capella Hotels & Resorts
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is a luxurious retreat in the heart of Ubud, Bali. This enchanting resort, designed by renowned architect Hendra Hadiprana, offers exquisite villas set amidst lush rice paddies and gardens. Guests can enjoy award-winning cuisine at The Tempayan restaurant, indulge in Balinese spa treatments, and immerse themselves in the rich local culture with activities like yoga and cooking classes. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and Balinese charm.
Alternatively, book Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana via
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Tanah Gajah
Tucked within the vibrant heart of Ubud, COMO Uma Ubud offers a chic retreat that artfully merges contemporary design with the serenity of a jungle escape. The resort is centered around a mesmerizing jade-green pool, and its thoughtful layout imparts a charming village-like ambiance. With a modest 46 rooms, suites, and villas, each masterfully designed by Koichiro Ikebuchi, the resort exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy home. Featuring imposing thatched roofs, net-draped beds that evoke a sense of dreaminess, a calming color palette of whites and neutrals, and minimalist decor, the villas offer a sophisticated atmosphere. To complete the Ubud experience, guests can pamper themselves with traditional Indonesian body massages at the spa, harmonizing their stay with Bali’s cultural and natural riches.
Read our review: COMO Uma Ubud.
Alternatively, book COMO Uma Ubud via
Tablet Hotels | Como Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: COMO Uma Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © COMO Hotels and Resorts
“Banyan Tree Escape is an invitation into a different way of being, to kindle a renewed conversation of meaning and purpose.” — Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape,” is an adults-only resort that appeals to travelers seeking luxury sanctuaries and those who cherish the essential qualities of cuisine, excellent sleep, and privacy. The public spaces, hideaway spots, and the ‘Open Kitchen’ are designed to stimulate all senses, while the villa design follows a ‘no walls, no doors’ philosophy. With only 16 villas, they seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views of the misty river forests of central Bali. Lucky guests have access to ‘The Secret Garden,’ the Spa & Wellness concept named for its hidden nature, providing the utmost privacy in an ‘open’ Spa experience.
Alternatively, book Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape. Photos © Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
This exceptional property, nestled in the heart of Bali, was envisioned by the renowned Japanese luxury brand Hoshino. The resort boasts three tiers of private luxury villas, each featuring semi-private lap pools and enveloped by the lush greenery of Ubud. The interiors are adorned with intricate carvings, meticulously crafted by local artists, gracing the furniture and walls.
The spa offers a comprehensive yoga program with sessions held twice daily, while the restaurant presents set menus that expertly fuse Japanese and Balinese culinary traditions. For a truly memorable evening, don’t miss the opportunity to unwind in the seven Café Gazebos – these remarkable Zen-inspired structures gracefully extend over the valley, providing the perfect setting for enjoying cocktails with a breathtaking view
Alternatively, book Hoshinoya Bali via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hoshinoya Bali, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Hoshino Resorts
Discover Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, an eco-friendly boutique yoga retreat in Ubud. Surrounded by lush rice fields and serene jungle, the resort offers 27 rooms, including three Prestige Pool Villas with private swimming spots. Designed by architect Ida Bagus Oka Genijaya, the minimalist resort combines traditional Balinese elements with contemporary features like floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Relax by the pool, practice yoga at the thatched shala, and enjoy plant-based cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Gdas Bali’s standout feature is its spa, a cutting-edge wellness center blending ancient Balinese philosophy with modern biotechnology for a truly rejuvenating experience.
Alternatively, book Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort via
Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Gdas Bali
Quintessentially Balinese, discrete and intimate, this hideaway is an exclusive enclave of serenity, comfort, and romance—in the heart of Bali’s lush forest of Bali’s mystical Ayung River valley
— From our review of Kayumanis Ubud
Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Ubud’s iconic rice terraces and serenaded by the soothing sounds of the Ayung River, Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa creates an atmosphere where nature and luxury coexist harmoniously. At the core of the resort’s allure are the exquisitely crafted private villas. Each villa, a testament to Balinese architecture, is enveloped by lush tropical gardens. Featuring a private pool and an open-air living space, these villas provide guests with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Enhancing the enchantment of Kayumanis Ubud is its spa, a sanctuary of serenity and revitalization. Here, ancient Balinese healing traditions seamlessly intertwine with natural ingredients to offer guests a diverse range of pampering treatments.
Read more in the review from our stay: Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa.
Alternatively, book Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Kayumanis
The Viceroy Bali hotel perches above Bali’s Petanu Valley, known as the Valley of the Kings, offering a luxurious escape. It boasts a striking infinity pool, a helipad, two chic restaurants, and an opulent spa. The resort embodies tropical elegance with its lush surroundings and thatched-roof structures. Polished suites and villas with marble bathrooms and private infinity pools add to the regal experience. This is the epitome of a Balinese retreat that seamlessly blends modern luxury with a deep appreciation for the region’s royal heritage.
Alternatively, book Viceroy Bali via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Viceroy Bali, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Viceroy Bali
Where to stay in Dubai
Nestled in the heart of Bali’s vibrant greenery, Samsara Ubud stands as a boutique retreat, seamlessly intertwining Balinese tradition with modern luxury. Private villas, adorned with intricate details, offer guests a haven of relaxation with personal plunge pools and panoramic views of the Ayung River Valley. Surrounded by rice terraces, the resort emphasizes wellness, boasting a spa and an open-air yoga pavilion. Culinary delights, blending local and global influences, can be savored against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Samsara Ubud is a captivating escape, inviting guests to indulge in the allure of Bali’s natural beauty and tranquility.
Alternatively, book Samsara Ubud via
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Samsara Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Samsara Ubud
Perched gracefully along the Campuhan River valley, Komaneka at Bisma offers guests sweeping views of tropical forests and rice terraces. The resort’s design effortlessly merges with its natural setting, featuring spacious suites and pool villas adorned with locally inspired artwork and crafts. The focal point of the hotel is its mesmerizing infinity pool, which appears to blend seamlessly with the captivating panorama of the Balinese scenery. Here, guests can unwind on inviting loungers or take a refreshing dip, fully immersing themselves in the awe-inspiring views.
Alternatively, book Komaneka at Bisma via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Komaneka at Bisma, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Komaneka Resorts
The amazing views are one of the key elements of the experience here. The sight of the mist lifting from the lush jungle growing in the Ayung Valley as you chill in the private swimming pool is a memory worth keepin
— From our review of Hanging Gardens of Bali
The Hanging Gardens of Bali, an iconic Ubud hotel, is renowned for its dramatic two-tiered pool suspended boldly over a lush ravine—perfect for honeymooners. Perched on a hillside with orchids and bamboo, the hotel offers panoramic views of the Ayung River and the Dalem Segara temple. The architecture, blending traditional thatched roofs with fairytale gardens, creates a timeless atmosphere. Romantic pathways lead to secluded villas with private infinity pools overlooking the sacred valley.
Read our review: Hanging Gardens of Bali.
Alternatively, book Hanging Gardens of Bali via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hanging Gardens of Bali, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Hanging Gardens of Bali
Tucked away along a winding path from Ubud’s bustling center, Bisma Eight emerges as an exclusive all-suite retreat, discreetly concealing its treasures. A surprise awaits as an infinity pool hangs over the valley, and a rooftop restaurant beckons. The journey to your suite meanders through an open-air corridor adorned with fragrant frangipani, pandans, and bamboo. Inside, the 38 spacious suites exude a homely ambiance, catering to digitally inclined travelers with contemporary amenities. The fusion of meticulous craftsmanship and materials like hessian, woven leather, and intricate basketwork creates a stylish and comfortable retreat.
Alternatively, book Bisma Eight Hotel via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Bisma Eight Hotel, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Photos © Bisma Eight
Our insider guide to the best hotels in Phuket
The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 15/01/2024
Indonesia • Bali
A sensory feast of sophisticated style, atmosphere and design
