Luxury hotels in Ubud: 5 star and fabulously fancy

Located in the middle of the island surrounded by green rainforest and lush rice paddies, Ubud is a paradise unlike any other.

With its rich culture, travellers and locals alike are spoilt for choice in accommodation, shopping and traditional cuisine. It is truly no surprise that many visit for the weekend and stay for a lifetime.

In terms of accommodation Ubud has something to fit every traveller’s needs, from budget options to 5-star luxury. Here are our top five Ubud luxury hotel picks that will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed.

Luxury Hotels in Ubud: Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is hidden in the heart of the Ubud rainforest, set alongside the winding Ayung River. The resort makes the most of its lush surroundings, incorporating and drawing inspirations from the naturally occurring lotus ponds, flourishing rice fields and expansive gardens.

The entrance to the resort is via a wooden footbridge that overlooks the breathtaking landscape and showcases the luxurious surroundings that has become synonymous with the resort. 

When it comes to accommodation, guests have the option of staying in one of the 18 elegant suites that make up the main resort building or one of the 42 villas that are scattered across the grounds for a more intimate experience. Both of options are designed and furnished to reflect Bali’s natural beauty and cultural roots.

Each of the suites feature a separate living area and bedroom spread over either one or two levels. While the villas are located in the gardens overlooking the Ayung River and each come with a personal plunge pool, outdoor shower and hand-loomed Sulawesi silk upholstery.

The resort boasts world class facilities catered to both families and couples, the standout of which is the Four Seasons Spa. It is settled into the surrounding green landscape by the Ayung and offers guests a selection of traditional Balinese treatments that seek to balance the body and soul. Some of the most popular options on the menu are – chakra balancing, yoga and Ayuvedic practices.

Treatments can be given in the main spa or in one of the three breathtaking spa villas located on the river.

There are many dining options at the resort, however you can expect a mix of traditional Balinese cuisine and tasty international options wherever you go. As a guest you can chose to experience the exquisite food in the privacy of your own room or in one of three restaurants and lounges located at the resort. Another option is to plan a private romantic dinner by one of the beautiful lotus pools, especially spectacular at sunset.

There is also the opportunity for those wishing to participate in a more hands on experience; a Balinese cooking class that includes a visit to the local traditional markets in Ubud with one of the highly qualified Four Seasons’ chefs is available.

The unbridled luxury at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan will more than satisfy the needs of any traveller.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Sayan, Ubud. Bali 80571
T +62 361 977 577
www.fourseasons.com

Luxury Hotels in Ubud: The Viceroy

The Viceroy

The Viceroy is a hidden paradise owned and operated by an Australian family. It is located atop a hill overlooking Bali’s ‘Valley of the Kings’; an area named after the Balinese royalty as they once resided in the neighbouring villages.

The hotel keeps with the theme of offering an experience that is fit for a king. Renowned amongst sophisticated international travellers, this villa resort has a reputation for providing the perfect combination of privacy, comfort and bliss to all guests.

The resort boasts 25 private villas each equipped with an enormous king sized bed, full mini bar and espresso machine, as well as a stunning view, of course. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the some superb public amenities including, but not limited to, the CasCades restaurant, Lembah spa, airport transfers and swimming pools.

CasCades offers up a menu of French cuisine with an exotic Asian twist and a wine list that features drops from all over the world. The restaurant overlooks the Petanu River gorge, which adds another exceptional dimension to the experience. Also overlooking the valley is the Lembah spa, here they offer guests a range of therapeutic treatments for the body and soul. Developed by Swiss therapists using a unique blend of modern Western knowledge and traditional Balinese technique, the treatments are exquisitely relaxing.

The large swimming pool situated on the grounds is a stunning feature of the property. It culminates at an infinity edge, creating a truly breathtaking sight which can be enjoyed poolside in one of the traditional Balinese gazebos or from the swim up bar. Airport transfers are available to and from the grounds via car or helicopter for an additional cost.

The incredible hideaway that is The Viceroy will provide the perfect indulgent escape for a holiday maker with an eye for detail.

The Viceroy
Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Ubud
T: +62 361 971 777 – F: +62 361 970 777
www.viceroybali.com

Luxury Hotels in Ubud: Alila Hotel

Alila Hotel

The Alila Hotel is located on the tranquil hillside of Payangan and is a 15-minute drive from central Ubud. Set above the Ayung River valley the eco-friendly hotel offers secluded gardens, spacious terraces and quiet courtyards. The Alila is comprised of rooms and villas each furnished luxuriously and have panoramic views of the Ayung River. The hotel itself sits on stilts on the banks of the Ayung River, creating a grown up’s tree house that blends traditional Balinese design and new age architecture.

A standout feature of the Alila Hotel is a spectacular infinity pool which, perched atop a terrace it has the illusion of floating above the plunging valley below. The emerald green water is contrasted with the stone-tiled sun deck and the result is absolutely breathtaking.

Guests of the hotel can also make use of the Spa Alila, which incorporates ancient Asian healing techniques and fresh natural ingredients. Every full moon the Alila Spa offers moonlight remedies where guests may choose to be treated in a secluded outdoor spa tent surrounded by candlelight in the resort’s Sculpture Garden on the river’s edge.

The hotel is also home to the Plantation Restaurant, which is an open air space set under a Balinese style roof. The restaurant has views which overlook the spectacular valley and uses seasonal local ingredients to create a fusion of Balinese and French flavours.

The unique mix of geometric architecture paired with traditional Balinese textures, creates a very interesting destination for a design savvy guest.

Alila Ubud
Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan
Gianyar, Bali 80572
Indonesia
T : +62 361 975 963 F : +62 361 975 968
www.alilahotels.com

Luxury Hotels in Ubud: The Hanging Gardens

The Hanging Gardens

With one of the most photographed swimming pools on the planet, the Hanging Gardens Resort is one that is on nearly every tourist’s bucket list. Right in the heart of Payangan Village, the resort sprawls across 32 hectares of spectacular Balinese jungle and draws inspiration from the serenity of the natural surroundings.

The resort aims to exist as one in harmony with nature and has its own garden where exotic trees and tropical shrubs are planted. From this, the resort intrinsically produces chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and a wide variety of tropical fruits; all of which are used in the cooking and spa products.

Guests of the resort can choose from the four different villa types depending on their what they require during their stay. Whichever you choose, you will be treated with contemporary Balinese furnishings and extravagant splendour. Each villa comes complete with a personal infinity pool.

Guests of the resort can be treated at the property’s spa, which offers treatments that combine locally sourced natural ingredients and ancient Balinese methods. The resort offers in room dining, perfect for late breakfasts by the private pool and early dinners after days adventuring in the rainforest. Alternatively there is the partially open-air bar, which boasts a comprehensive drink list complete with fresh fruit cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

The River café serves lighter options with freshly made salads and wraps, as well as cold pressed juices; all with ingredients sourced from on and around the estate. Finally, the onsite five star restaurant offers modern and innovative international cuisine that makes use of locally sourced Balinese ingredients. A standout dish is the grilled river prawns served with estate grown organic avocados, mangos, papaya and red radish sambal, however it is hard to go wrong with any of the mouth watering options.

Probably the most famous feature of the Hanging Gardens Resort is the large infinity pool that sits in the epicentre of the estate. The split-level pool is suspended over the surrounding jungle giving swimmers the feeling of swimming above the treetops. It follows the contours of the land’s characteristics as its undulating curves echo the lines of the rice paddies that are so well known in the region. The world famous pool has received much international acclaim, getting voted #1 in both Condé Nast Traveller ‘best swimming pools in the world’ and Trip Advisor’s list of ‘10 jaw-dropping hotel pools’.

Any seasoned hotel goer would be hard pressed to find something else as spectacular as this villa – the combination of such a uniquely self sufficient estate and the sight of the infinity pool really is pretty special.

Hanging Gardens Ubud
Desa Buahan, Payangan, Bali 80571, Indonesia
T. +62 361 982 700
www.hanginggardensubud.com

Luxury Hotels in Ubud: Amandari Hotel

Amandari Hotel

The Amandari Hotel is an intimate hideaway perched above the Ayung gorge just minutes away from Ubud. The luxurious resort follows the design of a traditional Balinese village with pebbled walkways linking the thatched-roof suites.

The Amandari boasts 30 freestanding suites each finished with teak, coconut wood and bamboo. All suites come complete with a private garden courtyard, a large living area and an outdoor sunken bath. The suites are divided up into three categories, the Village Suites, Pool Suites and Valley Suites; each with its particular attributes.

Some suites enjoy views of the Ayung River and other the surrounding paddy fields, each Pool Suites has its own private plunge pool. For a grand experience that redefines luxury you can opt for the Amandari Villa which is the largest and covers a vast area of over 1,500 square meters. The suite features five pavilions, a fully-fitted kitchen and an expansive two-tiered swimming pool, of course with spectacular views of the rainforest.

The resort offers its guests access to first class facilities, notable mentions are the open-air restaurant, which overlooks both the swimming pool and Ayung Valley, and the Amandari Spa. Treatments take place in the two open-air gazebos that overlook a tranquil lily pond or in the privacy of guests’ own suites. Tennis courts, yoga classes, a full library and gym are other facilities that available are available during a stay at The Amandari Hotel.

The Amandari Hotel is built on sacred ground, which means that every six months it is part of a local spiritual ritual. The ritual involves Balinese locals from the nearby village of Kedewatan that take a path through the estate that leads to a pool of holy water. Above this spring-fed pool sits three shrines and a 7th century tiger carved from stone. This ritual has been carried out for hundreds of years and highlights the respect the hotel has for the traditions and customs held by the locals of the area.

The Amandari is not only praised by the many guests that have come through its doors, but also by the Condé Nast Traveller Awards, on which it has featured every year since 2010. In 2012 The Amandari was awarded the Condé Nast Traveller USA Readers’ Choice Award.

The Amandari Hotel combines local tradition with a luxurious touch that provides guests with an intimate escape amongst the Balinese jungle.

Amandari Hotel
Kedewatan, Ubud
Bali, Indonesia
T: +62 361 975 333 F: +62 361 975 335
www.amanresorts.com/amandari

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