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Ubud is a town in central Bali and a great destination for the more cultured luxury traveler, but which is the best luxury hotel in Ubud?
Ubud is certainly a world away from the beach party scene in Kuta. Being famous for its arts and crafts, this eclectic and busy town is packed full of galleries selling paintings, artisan goods, and cafes and restaurants. But what attracts a traveler like me to this region is the stunning hotels. Dotted between the verdant rice fields and palm trees that grow up the majestic hillsides, luxury hotels are built into and upon these hills, which means that they offer breathtaking views and many offer rooms with private pools.
1. Amandari
At Amandari, your perfect day might begin with an invigorating trek through the Ayung Valley, past sacred shrines. Later, venture to nearby Ubud to explore myriad shops, art galleries, museums, and the Pasar Seni market. The peaceful Amandari resort caters to all activity levels and is a serene home base to return to; each of the 30 freestanding suites is a charming oasis of handwoven batiks, sliding-glass doors opening on three sides, and an outdoor, sunken marble bathtub. The duplex rooms boast romantic four-poster beds. From here, take in the resplendent, far-reaching views of the rice terraces and lush countryside.
2. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Befitting its name, which means “temple” in Sanskrit, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers hotel guests a “temple” to call their own, a luxury sanctuary for inner discovery and serenity. Nestled within Bali’s cultural heart of Ubud, with the Ayung River floating peacefully alongside, the hotel offers butler-serviced villas and suites; vintage VW convertible tours of villages, rice fields, and temples; and dining including the signature Kubu, featuring Mediterranean-European cuisine and private cocoons.
3. Capella Ubud
Capella Ubud, Bali, goes beyond glamping for a total jungle immersion. No tree was cut to construct this ultraluxe camp, where suspension bridges connect 22 one-bedroom tents (along with a two-bedroom lodge) that lie hidden amid the thick foliage – ensuring complete privacy for a dip in your own saltwater pool. Participate in Balinese cleansing rituals and water blessings at the on-site temple, set alongside the sacred Wos River. Guests also can join locals tending nearby farms or the camp’s coffee and cocoa gardens; hikes up Mount Batur and jungle boot camps keep the high-energy set happy.
4. COMO Shambhala Estate
Immerse yourself in serenity beyond imagination at COMO Shambhala Estate. Deep within the lush Balinese forest overlooking the Ayung River, this “retreat for change” offers a life perspective as tranquil as the waters below. Five multi suite residences are themed after nature’s elements, with a variety of private villas for a sense of oneness with the pristine setting. Each features a butler service and an infinity swimming pool. Enjoy healthful and energizing COMO Shambhala cuisine and the aid of professional nutritionists; de-stress in the springs and the holistic spa; and renew with renowned healers, yoga masters, and life coaches.
5. Viceroy Bali
One rather excellent hotel and one of the best luxury hotels in Ubud, Bali, is the Viceroy Bali in Ubud which we have already reviewed and which offers a private pool in every single room as well as truly breathtaking views. Relax in your a thatched villa, and dip in your private outdoor pool to soak up views of the Valley of the Kings, so-called because Balinese royalty once made their homes in the little villages nearby.
I recommend spending some time in and around Ubud to appreciate it properly and truly unwind. It’s one of those places where days can become weeks and weeks become months. For me, the perfect twin-center combination in Bali must surely be a week in Ubud and then a week on the beach, particularly if you can snag yourself a hotel like the Viceroy where you can enjoy your private pool.
Visit any month except January and February, when the rain can be pretty continuous. Due to its elevation at 200m above sea level, it is also worth noting that Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures than the coast, so bring a sweater for the evening.
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