The Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Ubud, Bali
If Bali is the Island of the Gods, then Ubud is where they would stay for architectural perfection. Whether it’s a traditional wooden home perched atop viridian crests or a villa where modern style meets Balinese natural tranquillity, this Indonesian town is regarded as the keeper of some of the dreamiest luxury hotels and resorts in Bali. Here’s our pick of the best places to stay in Ubud.
1. Alila Ubud, for a serene stay in the heart of the rainforest
Hotel, Luxury
For resorts in Ubud, it’s all about making a feature of the lush tropical surroundings, and the Alila nestles organically into its rainforest valley setting. Tall jungle trees sprout between the villas and pavilions, and the infinity pool seems to melt away into the forest. Rooms are dignified and refined, with warm-toned Balinese furniture and big balcony windows that bring the tropical setting inside. Other perks include a spa, cooking classes and a restaurant serving ingredients from the organic kitchen garden.
2. Puri Wulandari, for sublime valley views
Resort, Boutique Hotel
Misty views of jungle trees await at this tropical hideaway, innovatively designed so that every thatched, Balinese-style villa has uninterrupted views over a forested gorge cut by a gushing river. All the villas come with a valley-facing terrace and private pool, and a four-poster bed with dangling curtains beneath a high thatched ceiling. It’s very private, very peaceful and very refined.
3. Wapa di Ume Ubud, for a taste of rural life
Resort
Edging onto terraced fields, Wapa di Ume Ubud feels like an extension of a traditional Balinese village. Foliage-draped walkways lead between tiled villas, many with their own private swimming pools, and thatched pavilions overlooking emerald fields and palm trees. Rooms cover the full range of accommodation in Ubud: wood-floored hotel rooms with billowing mosquito nets; cavernous suites with balconies overlooking the rice fields; and idyllic villas with shady pools.
5. Komaneka at Monkey Forest, for an art lover's paradise
Suite Hotel
Managed by the prestigious and luxurious brand Komaneka, this hotel has everything you would expect from a former residence for artists. The hotel has modern luxuries while retaining the muse-inducing atmosphere, complete with a homely and welcoming ambience, integration with nature and ornate traditional-inspired embellishment. Beyond that, the establishment cherishes art with the renowned on-site gallery showcasing hand-picked contemporary works in various styles.
6. Viceroy Bali, for a spectacular infinity pool
Independent Hotel, Suite Hotel
Sitting on top of Ubud’s Valley of the Kings, the Viceroy Bali exudes regal luxury throughout, whether it’s at the pool, spa, restaurant or splendid villas. Each accommodation features an opulent private pool overlooking the lush jungle, but the main infinity pool is even more spectacular, with a swim-up bar and a stylish deck, cabanas and daybeds. Whenever you’re not out exploring the town, enjoying scrumptious food at the scenic Cascades Restaurant or indulging yourself at the in-house spa, this resort is an excellent place to rest and unwind.
7. Como Uma Ubud, for contemporary cool
Suite Hotel, Spa Hotel
Integrating contemporary Asian design with the raw natural magnetism of Ubud, Como Uma is a great place to spend your days or weeks in total mental repose. Each space incorporates natural sunlight and a fresh breeze, along with modern amenities and design to give you the best of both worlds. But if you’re in for more than the lavish pool and splendid views, visit the Como Shambala Retreat, an on-site wellness centre offering holistic treatments from yoga to body polishes.
8. Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Spa by L’Occitane, for private butler service
Villa
9. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, for bucolic living
Resort
Imagine having a glorious rice field in your backyard, along with a private terrace and pool. And even when you’re inside the opulent villas, vibrant greenery will always be within view. The traditional-inspired design incorporates just the right amount of modern touches, whether popping colours, statement art pieces or large windows framing soothing nature scenes. But don’t let the cosiness of the rooms stop you from going out and engaging in the many activities offered, from planting rice to practising riverside yoga.
10. Hanging Gardens of Bali, for verdant views
Resort
11. The Kayon Resort, for traditionally styled serenity
Resort
The Kayon Resort embraces the best of Ubud, including its boundless tropical jungle, gushing Petanu River, fresh countryside breeze and cultural prominence. The resort features reliefs and statues from the Ramayana epic, and together with the delicate traditional architecture, they create a serene, mindful and romantic atmosphere. You can intensify the Zen-promoting experience with yoga in the earthy pavilion, watch traditional performances or dip into the translucent infinity pool.
12. Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa and Spa, for an adventurous romantic getaway
Villa
With the combination of Ubud’s calming natural surroundings and the resort’s stunning design, Kayumanis is an excellent choice for a personal or romantic getaway. The private villas are tastefully and individually decorated, inspired by primitive, traditional, Asian and modern elements. But beyond the eye-pleasing and cosy design, the resort offers splendid experiences, such as a new moon blessing dinner, a market tour, cooking classes, yoga, trekking and more.
13. Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, for holistic treatments
Resort, Spa Hotel
14. Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, for a curated collection of art
Villa
It’s a whole other world at the Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana (formerly the Chedi Club), a world that’s just yours. Serenity and calmness kick in as soon as you enter the vast but secluded complex surrounded by expansive rice fields and intensify as you enter the Balinese-style buildings with a modern twist. Beyond nature, culture and architecture, this resort also embraces art; the sanctuary showcases remarkable paintings from a tastefully curated collection belonging to resort owner and renowned art collector Hendra Hadiprana.
Joe Bindloss contributed additional reporting to this article.
If none of these take your fancy, discover the top hotels in Bali. Looking for more luxurious stays? Book one of the best luxury hotels in Bali or discover where you can stay with a pool, now with Culture Trip.
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