The Top 9 Best Resorts in Ubud

Everyone knows if you want the crazy active nightlife you go to Kuta, if you want to sip cocktails on a peaceful beach all day you go to a Nusa Dua resort, but if you want the ultimate relaxation experience you must go to Ubud.

With that being said here are the top 9 Ubud resorts:

1. The Kayon Resort

The Kayon Resort is situated right between the Petanu River and the magnificent jungle scenery, a 15 minute away drive from the center of Ubud. Many people choose this resort because there is nothing within walking distance making it an absolute ideal escape from the hustle and bustle.

The resort has 6 Valley Deluxe Rooms with jungle views, 12 Kayon River Suites with river views and 5 River Edge Pool Villas that have their own infinity pools with a bird’s-eye view of the river. Each of the rooms is designed Balinese style all with local materials, the area being known for beautiful artwork and craftsmanship. Keep in mind that although every room has a 6 square feet terrace, only the villas have private infinity pool, so if maximum privacy is your thing the villas are a must.

As you would expect from any 5-star resort, the spa is world class. The Serayu Spa is the perfect relaxation spot that is 100% focused on helping you unwind and step away from all the fuss present in your life. A 90-minute traditional Balinese body massage will cost you about $40 (650K IDR).

For dining, the resort has one on-site restaurant, Kepitu (pronounced KE-PI-TU), that luckily for you is in the top 5 best restaurants in all of Ubud. The menu is very diversified with western, Asian and traditional Balinese cuisine, and with a 180 view of the pool and the jungle, it will be one of your favorite places while at The Kayon Resort.

Outside Resort Dining:

  • Aruna Restaurant ($-$$) – International Dining – (20 min walk or 3 min drive)

  • Warung BintangBali ($) – Barbecue/Indonesian – (12 min drive)
  • Ithaka Ubud ($) – Asian –  (12 min drive)
  • Labak Sari Restaurant ($) – International/Asian – (9 min drive)
  • Avocado Warung Ubud ($) – Healthy/Indonesian (If you love avocado then this is paradise) – (11 min drive)

Info & Tips:

Location:

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is situated between the Ayung River and the beautiful hillside rainforest.

Getting from the airport to the resort will take you about one hour and ten minutes with a shuttle, while going from the resort to the center of Ubud will take you about 11 minutes or if you feel like doing some exercise you could walk for 50 minutes more or less. (I like to walk a lot before I go eat something so I feel less guilty when ordering that juicy burger haha).

Rooms:

This award-winning resort has a total of 35 suites and 25 villas. The suites are separated into 25 Reserve Suites each having a size of 100m2(1,075 ft2) and 10 Mandapa Suites that are slightly bigger at 145m2(1,560 ft2). All of them are very luxurious and feature a private outdoor space.

When it comes to the Villas 23 out of the 25 are large One-Bedroom Pool Villas at 430m2(4,630 ft2) featuring different views. Seven of them have a forest view, four a rice terrace view and twelve are Riverfront so make sure to mention your preference when making your booking. All of them have a tropical garden, a 30m2 pool, and gorgeous Balinese interior style.

Now if you really want the ultimate experience Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers you the option to get a two bedroom villa and a three bedroom one. the Reserve Two-Bedroom Villa is a huge sanctuary at 995m2(10,710 ft2) featuring an amazing 82m2 infinity pool that offers you perfect views of the Ayung River. The Mandapa Three-Bedroom Pool Villa is something else, taking the ultimate luxury experience to the max level. This huge villa is 2,000m2(21,527 ft2) that’s only 20 times bigger than my apartment, not bad. You will get breathtaking views of the river and the rainforest, a beautifully designed tropical garden, a 172m2 infinity pool, a fully equipped kitchen and a whole lot more.

Hotel Dining:

  • Kubu at Mandapa (6PM-11PM) – $$ – Mediterranean/European
  • Sawah Terrace (6AM-11PM) – $$ – Asian/Indonesian
  • The Pool Bar (9AM-6PM) – $-$$ – Bar
  • The Library (9AM-10PM) – $-$$ – English/Indonesian/Cafe

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Warung Made Sayan (11AM-11PM) – $ – European/Indonesian – (4 minute drive or 23 minute walk)
  • The Sayan House (12PM-10PM) – $$ – Asian Fusion – (3 minute drive/20 minute walk)
  • Balinese Home Cooking (11AM-10PM) – $ – Traditional Balinese – (2 minute drive/13 minute walk)
  • Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (8AM-7PM) – $ – Asian – (1 minute drive/3 minute walk)
  • Warung Kayana (10AM-10PM) – $ – Barbecue – (1 minute drive/7 minute walk) 

Info & Tips:

Location:

Natya Resort Ubud is located in the rural neighborhood of Banjar Kelabang Moding, 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the airport and 15 minutes away from Ubud city center. In the same 19 minutes, you can go to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary known for the famous macaque monkeys who call it home.

Rooms:

Being geared a bit more towards honeymooners and couple, Natya Resort has smaller villas when compared to big resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton above. They offer three types of villas at about 100m2(1076ft2) each all with beautiful pools, sundecks and all the facilities you would expect from a high-end resort. One noticeable difference would be that the Luxury Pool Villa has a private gazebo right next to the pool(as shown in the photo above), so if you’re into that you should book this specific room.

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Labak Sari Restaurant (1PM-10AM) – $ – International/Asian – (3 minute drive/10 minute walk)
  • Abangan Restaurant (7AM-11PM) – $-$$ – Balinese – (3 minute drive/10 minute walk)
  • Warung d’Carik (11AM-10PM) – $ – Asian/Indonesian – (7 minute drive/28 minute walk)
  • Warung JB (Jambangan Bali) (10AM-10PM) – $ – Barbecue/Asian – (2 minute drive/7 minute walk)

Info & Tips:

Location:

The Udaya Resort is a bit closer to the city compared to those mentioned beforehand, with just a quick six-minute drive to Ubud and the resort offers free shuttles to the city every hour. From the airport, you should get to the resort in 1 hour 20 minutes give or take.

Rooms:

There are 4 types of rooms in The Udaya Resorts & Spa: Suites (52m2/560ft2), Garden Suites (65m2/700ft2), Pool Suites (100m2/1076ft2) and Pool Villas (150m2/1614ft2).

As you can probably tell from the names only the last two have a pool, while the others only have a private terrace. Also, the regular suites are in the main building while the pool ones are in a separate area, so if you want a bit more privacy take that into consideration.

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Warung Vinaka (12-10PM) – $ – Asian/Indonesian (5 minute drive/26 minute walk)
  • Ithaka Warung Ubud (8AM-10PM) – $ – Asian/Indonesian (6 minute drive/30 minute walk)
  • Warung d’Carik (11AM-10PM) – $ – Asian/Indonesian (2 minute drive/11 minute walk)

Info & Tips:

Location:

At number 5 we find Viceroy Bali (not related to Viceroy Hotels and Resorts). Set on a beautiful hillside less than 10 minutes away from Ubud center and 1 hour 10 minutes from the airport the Viceroy Bali could be the perfect place for your getaway.

Rooms:

All 25 villas at the Viceroy Bali provide the ultimate luxury experience each of them providing you with splendid views, a private pool, and a beautiful style combining modern with traditional Balinese and doing so tastefully. The one bedroom villas (Pool Suite, Terrace Villa, Deluxe Terrace Villa, Vice Regal Villa) are one bedroom and about 150m2 (1615ft2) in size except for the Regal Villas one being 240 m2 (2580 ft2) and the other 200 m2 (2150 ft2).

The crown jewel of this resort is the Viceroy Villa which some say it’s arguably one of the best villas in Bali for honeymooners. With no less than 400 m2 (4300 ft2) in size, 2 master bedrooms with views over the heated pool and beautiful outdoor grass garden, a private dining area you can see this is called the presidential villa for good reason. The moment you enter in you will be charmed by the architecture and the finishings of the place.

Hotel Dining:

  • CasCades Restaurant (12–2PM, 6–9:30PM) – $$ – International Cuisine
  • Aperitif Restaurant & Bar (11AM–2PM, 6–9:30PM) – $$ – International Cuisine

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Abe Do (7AM-9PM) – $ – Asian/Indonesian – (9 minute drive)
  • Warung Made Becik (9AM-9:30PM) – $ – Barbecue/Asian – (11 minute drive)
  • Gangga Coffee – (8AM-8PM) – $ – American/Asian – (4 minute drive/17 minute walk)

Info & Tips:

Location:

Unlike the other resorts mentioned before Komaneka at Monkey Forest is right in the center of Ubud so if you want to be closer to the “action”, have tons of restaurants to choose from, shops to go to then this is the place for you. As you might have guessed from the name this charming resort is right up the road from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a 2-minute drive away or you could walk for 8 minutes if you want to explore the surroundings and I suggest that you do. Being right in the center your trip from the airport is slightly shorter, although I would say negligible, about 10 minutes saved.

Rooms:

When it comes to room options the Komaneka at Monkey Forest is keeping it simple. You can go for a simple suite (69 m2/742ft2) and when I say simple I don’t mean bland because that’s very far from it. Or if you’re all for that pool lifestyle you can go for the Pool Villa (218 m2/2346ft2) which has a beautiful view of the rice field or gorge.

Hotel Dining:

  • Garden Terrace Komaneka (7AM-10PM) – $-$$ – International/Asian

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Lamak Restaurant & Bar (10AM-11PM) – $-$$ – European/Asian – (2 minute walk)
  • Kismet Restaurant & Lounge (10AM-12AM) – $-$$ – Healthy/Fusion – (5 minute drive/10 minute walk)
  • Japanese Diner AngKaSa (11AM-11PM) – $-$$ – Japanese/Sushi – (2 minute walk; it’s right down the street but the street being one way there’s no point in going with a car as you would have to circle quite a lot)
  • Kebun Bistro (11AM-11PM) – $-$$ – Italian/French

Info:

Location:

Situated in the middle of the tropical Ayung River valleys and 11 minutes drive away from the center of Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan welcomes you with, in my opinion, the best hotel entrance you will ever see and walk through.

Rooms:

This award-winning resort offers you 60 suites and villas that will fit anyone’s taste. The 18 suites are split into Family Suites, One-Bedroom Suites, and One-Bedroom Duplex Suites.

The Family Suite (216m2/2,328ft2) as you would have probably guessed is perfect if you are traveling with your children (up to 2) as it comes with a beautiful room for children and the suite is very close to the kid-friendly amenities that the resort offers.

The One-Bedroom Suite (216m2/2,328ft2) on the other hand is closely located to the restaurants and the spa and comes with a classy outdoor dining terrace with views of the valley and the rice paddy.

As for the last type of suite, the One-Bedroom Duplex Suite (170m2/1,834ft2) it’s perfect for couples that want to be a bit more spread out and the duplex allows them just that.

When it comes to the villas they vary in sizes depending on what you are willing to spend but they are all perfect when it comes to amenities, privacy and all around beautiful modern Balinese style. If you want to stay in the same villa that Barack Obama and his family spent their vacation or where Julia Roberts stayed for 3 months during the time she was shooting “Eat, Pray, Love” then go for the Royal Villa although I doubt there are many people that can afford such luxury. But rest assured all the other villas are just as breathtaking with their private pools, gorgeous views and everything else you expect from such a high-end resort.

Hotel Dining:

  • Ayung Terrace (6:30AM-3PM; 6PM-10PM) – $$ – Asian/Indonesian
  • Riverside Cafe (11AM-6PM; 7PM-10PM) – $$ – International, Grill/BBQ

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • The Sayan House (12–10PM) – $$ – Japanese/Fusion (1 minute drive/5 minute walk)
  • Paddy Point (9AM-11PM) – $ – Chinese/European – (5 minute drive/16 minute walk)
  • Oasis Yoga N Cafe (8AM-9:30PM) – $ – Indonesian/Asian – (5 minute drive/15 minute walk)
  • Moksa Plant-based Cuisine & Permaculture Garden (10AM-9PM) – $-$$ – Asian/Fusion – (3 minute drive/10 minute walk)

Info:

Location:

Hidden on the hills of Sayan village we find The Samaya Ubud, a perfect sanctuary for those that want to disconnect from the “real world”. Compared to the others it is the furthest away from Ubud center where you can get in about 19 minutes by car and you are about 1 hour 10 minutes away from the airport.

Rooms:

When it comes to accomodations, The Samaya Ubud features only villas, so no suites available here. The 19 luxury villas available all have their own pool, beautiful indoor space and generous outdoor space.

The resort offers 5 types of villas:

  • Hillside Villas – (392m2/4219ft2) – These villas as the name probably gives away are situated right on the hillside on the upper levels of the resort – Maximum Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years old
  • Hill View Villas – (392m2/4219ft2) – Offers gorgeous views of the rice fields and the verdant hillsides of Bali – Maximum Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years old
  • Ayung Villas – (292m2/3143ft2) – Located right next to the Ayung River – Maximum Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years old
  • The Samaya Ubud Two Bedroom Villa – (795m2/8557ft2) – Maximum Capacity: 4 adults + 2 children under 12 years old
  • The Samaya Ubud Two Bedroom Villas – (700m2/7534ft2) – Perect for big families looking for a peaceful retreat – 6 adults + 3 children under 12

TIP: If you book any villa for more than 3 nights you will get a free return shuttle to the airport.

Hotel Dining:

  • Swept Away Restaurant (11AM-10PM) – [sc name=”dollar4″] – Indonesian, Seafood, Asian, International

Outside Hotel Dining:

  • Dining Corner Restaurant (7AM-11PM) – $$ – Thai/Vegetarian – (3 minute drive/13 minute walk)
  • Bambu Indah Restaurant (7AM-10PM) – $-$$ – Indonesian/Asian – (3 minute drive/6 minute walk)
  • Moksa Plant-based Cuisine & Permaculture Garden (10AM-9PM) – $-$$ – Asian/Fusion – (6 minute drive/21 minute walk)
  • Cupit Warung BBQ (9AM-11PM) – $ – Barbecue/Asian – (8 minute drive)

Info:

Location:

In the charming village of Bresela, Payangan and a 20-minute car ride away from the center of Ubud we find The Kayon Jungle resort. The absence of busy roads nearby and the location on the ridge of the valley make this the perfect retreat if you just want to spend a couple of days without leaving the resort and enjoy pure relaxation.

Rooms:

The Kayon Jungle features 38 suites and villas spread throughout the resort on different elevation levels. All the units have been created with great attention to details putting emphasis on beautiful local craftsmanship and are focused on making guest comfort the top priority.

On the lower level of the resort, you can book the Kayon Jungle Suite (63m2/678ft2) or the Jungle Pool Villa (100m2/1076ft2) but these offer a bit less privacy than you might want because guests on the upper levels can see you swimming in your pool.

If you want more privacy you should book a villa on the upper floor such as the Valley Pool Villa (100m2/1076ft2) that offers great 180 degree views of the surrounding jungle and the rice terraces. Another option that offers arguably, even more privacy is the Kayon Premier Pool Villa (150m2/1614ft2) which comes with a bigger infinity pool and outdoor space.

Hotel Dining:

  • Kepitu Restaurant at The Kayon Jungle Resort – $$ – International Cuisine
  • Wanna Jungle Pool and Bar – $$ – Asian Cuisine

Outside Hotel Dining: (Being quite far from Ubud itself there aren’t many places to eat I can recommend that are close, there are a few but I wouldn’t call them great so I won’t recommend them, however the resort offers free shuttles to Ubud where there are plenty of good places to have a bite that I recommended for the resorts above)

  • GreenKubu Cafe – (10AM-8PM) – $ – Cafe/Asian – (14 minute drive)