Sandat Glamping Tents

As a town so synonymous with ethical living, veganism and an all-round holistic lifestyle, it’s little wonder that Sandat Glamping Tents, whose ethos lies in sustainable and ethical tourism, chose Ubud for its home. Located just 3km from the cultural centre of Bali, when considering where to stay in Ubud, these indulgent tented lodges are different and offer an immersion in the very best of Bali. The road itself is a picturesque teaser to what lies ahead. Passing through the bustling hub of Ubud, we were soon driving up the steep curve of a hillside before turning off the beaten path to a narrow track surrounded by lush green rice paddies as far as the eye can see. The remote location added to the mystique of Sandat Glamping Tents; one of the most unique and exclusive boutique hotels we’ve ever checked into.

Lucy Pearson | Cover Image © Sandat Glamping Tents

Camping has never looked so good at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Sandat Glamping Tents

Ubud Glamping: Sandat Glamping Tents

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We arrived at Sandat Glamping Tents mid-afternoon in the balmy Balinese sunshine and were shown to our luxury tent immediately. We walked through shaded palm trees and stunning vegetation to our tent, which had its own pale green pool overlooking the nearby jungle.

While the tent itself was a luxurious as they come, and for all intents and purposes a solid sanctuary not dissimilar to a luxury villa, there was something about being so close to nature; and being separated from the outdoors by only screens and canvas that made the stay a special one, that few other places are able to offer.

The interiors harmonised beautifully with the organic location and featured subtle Italian design touches, boasting hardwood floors, ornately carved wardrobes, pale woods and chandelier lighting. In keeping with the spirit of sustainability at Sandat Glamping, instead of a phone to call for room service we were shown a xylophone which we were to sound if we needed anything.

As we settled in, fresh watermelon juices were bought to our tent and we spent the remainder of the afternoon on the sun loungers that flanked our pool, swimming surrounded by the sounds of geckos and cooling off in our outdoor shower.

The best outdoor shower we have ever seen at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

Sandat Glamping not only offers suite-style tents, there are also three lumbungs or eco-cabins on-site, perfect for families. The two-storey structures, traditionally used to store rice, feature thatched roofs and beautiful exposed bamboo walls, furnished with carved wooden pieces and softened with white cotton sheers. All of the tents and lumbungs are very private and fully air-conditioned.

The most luxurious tent we ever did see at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

Sunset Poolside Massages

We had booked ourselves a massage for that evening and so as the sun began to set over the pool and its surroundings, hotel staff came and set up massage beds outside our tent. While I’d been lucky enough to have many a massage during my stay in Bali, this was the first time I’d had one in the great outdoors, and it was certainly an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.

I had a ninety-minute full body oil massage, and as the therapist skillfully soothed any aches and ailments, night fell around us, and the sounds of the Balinese jungle certainly added to the experience. After the massage, while still in a state of total bliss, we took advantage of the free shuttle bus into the centre of Ubud where we headed for dinner before being picked up and shuttled back to our tent.

Pure indulgence: A sunset massage by our private pool at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

There is plenty to do at Sandat Glamping Tents in Ubud, but the temptation to just ‘be’ was also very strong. Image © Lucy Pearson

The Culinary Awakening

Breakfast can either be eaten in the privacy of your own quarters or in the main dining room that boasts both a long and communal table or smaller tables should you wish to eat alone, accompanied by the sounds of nature and traditional Balinese music to help guest to gently awaken for the day.

A selection of teas and coffees are available, alongside a spread of jams, breads, pastries and cereals and guests can also order cooked eggs or a traditional Balinese breakfast spread should they want something more substantial.

Breakfast is served at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud. Image © Lucy Pearson

Light pours into the chic and cosy open air lounge at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

The stunning mirror wall at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

The Sandat Glamping Experience

A beautiful bamboo Yoga shala invites yogis to flow to a view across the surrounding rice paddies, guests also have access to a large communal pool in addition to their own private pool should they like to chat to others staying at Sandat.

The cosy open-air lounge and bar area is a lovely place to enjoy a spritz (in line with the Italian theme subtly integrated throughout Sandat) or a freshly shaken cocktail after a day of exploring Ubud.

For those that can tear themselves away from their sun loungers, Sandat can organise itineraries, tours, cooking classes and other activities to help you get to know Ubud and Bali a little better.

The sun-drenched communal pool at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud. Image © Lucy Pearson

When considering where to stay in Ubud, if you want to fuse the experience of camping, and being at one with the tropical green nature Ubud is so loved for, without having to sacrifice on either style or luxury, Sandat Glamping is for you.

With the utmost attention to detail, from the floaty muslin canopies draped over the beds, to the instruments used to call room service, everything about the luxury tented lodges perfectly complements the surrounding Balinese jungle.

With friendly staff, a sumptuous spa and elegantly decked rooms, sleeping under the stars truly never looked so good.