Ubud, Bali — My Favorite Stays
If you're looking for a beautiful and culturally rich travel destination, look no further than Ubud, Bali. This small village is home to stunning temples, graceful rice paddies, yoga studios, and talented artists. There's also no shortage of delicious food options, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. But what should you do when it comes time to choose where to stay? Well, here are my curated picks of Ubud accommodation for every budget.
1. Maya Ubud
Staying at Maya Ubud is authentic Balinese luxury personified. Located between the Petanu River valley and the vibrant rice fields of Peliatan, you’ll be spoiled both body and soul in this expansive resort. What I love about it is how tranquil and green the entire compound is. Every staff you meet offers you a warm smile, and no request is ever too much. There are not just one, but two, infinity pools. That’s two extremely picturesque locations. One with a serene view of the forest, the other, a terraced one, with a calming view of the river. Your stay at Maya Ubud will even include lots of free activities such as free yoga classes, and access to the golf course and a tennis court. In my opinion, they also serve the best hotel breakfast in all of Ubud.
2. Rumah Hujan
Just south of Ubud lie the sprawling hillsides covered in verdant jungle, and nestled among them is Rumah Hujan (House of Rain), an intimate holiday home that feels like a secret hideaway from the real world. If you're looking for an enchanting place to stay while exploring Ubud, I highly recommend checking out this little gem. For a special stay designed by a French architect, Max Jencquel. If it's just the two of you, you can also simply rent out the loft part through Airbnb.
3. Grün Ubud
Perched atop stilts and surrounded by lush jungle foliage, Grün Ubud feels like a secret treehouse retreat. But this magical hideaway is actually the work of acclaimed architect Alexis Dornier. Drawing inspiration from traditional Balinese stilt houses, Dornier has created a modern design that blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings. Sliding glass doors open up to reveal green views below, while the living spaces are airy and open, with high ceilings and ample natural light. There is no swimming pool, which is the only downside to me. Grün Ubud is truly a one-of-a-kind cozy boutique stay that offers guests a seamless blend of luxury and nature. Located conveniently close to Alchemy Yoga studio, cafe, and Outpost Coworking space.
4. Four Seasons Ubud
Located in the beautiful Sayan area of Ubud, Four Seasons Ubud is a luxury stay that offers a perfect base, even if you don't feel like traveling out too much. Surrounded by the verdant jungle, the hotel provides a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud town. The hotel's rooms and suites are imbued with traditional Balinese architecture and furnishings, and offer breathtaking views of the hotel's grounds and the surrounding valley. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities at the hotel, including cooking classes, yoga, and mountain biking. There is also a stunning outdoor for a dip and relax in the sun. My tip - enjoy their high tea and enjoy the glorious Ubud sunset!
5. Bisma Eight
Nestled within the natural and cultural heart of Ubud, Bisma Eight hotel offers guests a unique and modern experience. With its roots in both artisan heritage and the craft of modern luxury, the hotel redefines what it means to stay in Ubud. The hotel houses thirty-eight spacious suites that highlight the vibrant, lush greenery of their immediate surroundings. A modern room, featuring warm wood tones, rich textiles, and bespoke furnishings, transitions with seamless harmony into the vivid greens and light gray concrete. The restaurant, bar and cafe/library are also destinations worth checking out, even if you're not staying here. Location-wise, it is also the perfect base to xplore all that Ubud has to offer.
6. Omah Apik
This one is a cute, simple, yet hidden gem - Omah Apik, a quirky little guesthouse that oozes charm and authenticity. It’s truly the place where “Everybody knows your name”. The story behind Omah Apik is this: A Balinese architect has a huge family spread over different parts of Indonesia. She wants to build a holiday villa for all her family members to gather together once a year for a reunion. Thus she designed, built and staffed the place and called it Omah Apik. After a while, she realized – what’s the use of having a holiday villa that’s only used once a year? So she went about and made small little additions to the place to make it guest-friendly. It’s a close-knit community, and it’s run like all the guests are part of the family. If you stay here, request to stay in the new building, as you are closer to the pool. The only drawback to this place is its not so central location, so I recommend renting a motorbike.
7. Tanadewa Resort & Spa
Tucked a little bit south of Ubud, Tanadewa Resort & Spa is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by peaceful rice terraces and lush jungle, the hotel offers a choice between Sky Suite or Pool Villa. It was designed to mimic the rounded rice terraces around it, including the infinity pool. It also offers a range of activities to help guests relax and unwind. From yoga and meditation to Balinese massage and cooking classes, there is something for everyone. The hotel also has its own restaurant, tanarasa, which serves a selection of healthy, locally sourced dishes. With its idyllic setting and welcoming staff, Tanadewa Resort & Spa is a great place for a longer getaway.
8. Mandapa, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve
Mandapa, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve, is an exclusive new-ish resort located in Bali, Indonesia. Featuring just 60 villas and suites, the resort offers a very private and intimate experience. Rates start at $1,200 per night, making Mandapa one of the most expensive resorts in Bali. However, the steep price tag comes with luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and a stunning setting. Nestled in the scenic jungles of Ubud, Mandapa is surrounded by rice paddies, rivers, and forests. The resort's architecture and design are inspired by traditional Balinese villages, and every detail has been carefully considered to create a sense of harmony with the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities during their stay, from cooking classes and cultural tours to hiking and biking excursions.
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