There are few destinations anywhere in the world quite like Ubud, Bali. A beautifully symbiotic blend of luxury and the natural environment, there’s no doubt there is something about Ubud that appeals to most. As visitors have shared their stories of this jungle escape, the popularity of Ubud and its surrounds have soared. However, when searching for where to stay in Ubud you can almost be guaranteed that most of the areas luxury hotels will all offer one key element; a tranquil escape from the busy town centre. These are just five very unique Ubud hotels that should be on your Bali bucket list.
Fivelements offer a beautiful retreat-style stay in the Ubud jungle. | © Pat Bailey
Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali
Kupu Kupu Barong
Kupu Kupu Barong Tree Villas and Spa offers the ultimate jungle retreat just outside of Ubud. Nothing says Ubud more than views of the beautiful vine-covered valley and river below. Kupu Kupu Barong‘s 39 private pool villas all come with private butlers, while the property itself is expansive, cover three hectares.
This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Ubud for couples, known for its iconic five-star Tree Spa by L’Occitane, it’s romantic meal experiences (like dinner at their infinity pool overlooking the valley) and their popular afternoon high-teas (a great option even if you aren’t staying at the hotel).
There are also many activities like bike riding through the rice fields, the monkey forest, Ubud village tours and hiking excursions it offers guests around Ubud. We were lucky enough to stay at the sister hotel on property, the Jungle Retreat. Read our Jungle Retreat review.
Fivelements
Fivelements is an intimate retreat-style hotel on the banks of the Ayung River just outside of Ubud. With wellness at the forefront of their offering, Fivelements is much more than a simple hotel stay.
Every part of the day is holistically thought out, from the nutrient-dense, healthy menu, filling plates with colour and vibrancy, to the incredible spa treatments in nature. This really is an immersive Ubud retreat experience. Read our Fivelements Ubud Retreat review.
Como Uma Ubud is where class and wellness meet at the edge of the jungle in Ubud. | © Lucy Pearson
Como Uma Ubud
The name Como is one that exudes substance in the wellness travel world. A Como hotel is bound to offer a stay that is rich in thoughtful details, mindful moments and experiences. Our time at Como Uma Ubud was evidence of that. Como Uma Ubud is a retreat-style resort where guests are offered privacy, luxury and proximity to nature.
The generously-sized villas are decorated in warm woods and soft white. Private infinity pools invite guests to savour their personal view of the Jampuhan Valley below. Guests can also expect all of the usual wellness notes that Como is known for, from innovative spa treatments to daily yoga and mouthwatering healthy food. Read our Como Uma Ubud review.
Sandat Glamping Tents is a truly unique way to experience the jungle outside of Ubud, Bali. | © Sandat Glamping
Sandat Glamping Tents
Sandat Glamping Tents is for those searching for an Ubud hotel experience unlike any other. Stay in luxury tents on the fringes of the Ubud jungle with all of the luxury of a hotel at your fingertips.
A private pool awaits where poolside massage treatments are on the menu. A bamboo yoga bale invites those continuing their practice while on holidays. The common spaces are crafted from bamboo and are an eclectic mix of beach, jungle and luxury resort styling. Read our Sandat Glamping Tents review.
Visesa Ubud
Desa Visesa Ubud is guided by the premise of honouring traditions while offering a luxury stay to guests. Crafted around the image of a Balinese village, expect to see nature on your villa doorstep with the verdant green of rice paddies creeping towards your private pool.
Open-air bathrooms invite guests to embrace the natural environment, while a private butler service ensured no whim is left unattended. There are plenty of local cultural and adventurous activities on offer too, if you can manage to leave the comfort of your villa. Read more about our stay at Desa Visesa here.
Desa Visesa Ubud is a place where tradition, nature and luxury come together beautifully. | © Pat Bailey
Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
Stepping into Mandapa is like entering a world of its own. The property offers privacy, positioned along the Ayung River, space and a feeling that you are well away from chaotic Ubud town centre. You will be hard-pressed to tear yourself away from your expansive suite or pool villa with nature-based and wellness-minded activities aplenty on offer here too.
We ate lunch on the Sawah Terrace and it opened up our eyes to this stunning, expansive Ubud estate. On a previous trip, I had actually passed the hotel in a whitewater raft (as pictured below) and at the time wondered what this incredible property was.
Seeing it from land and dining on a five-star lunch there has firmly answered our question of where to stay in Ubud on our next visit; Mandapa at the top of our Ubud hotels bucket list.
The exclusive Mandapa hotel sits on the banks of the Ayung River in Ubud.| © Skye Gilkeson
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller. She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health. As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Skye created The Fit Traveller as a beautiful online space and community where people feel inspired to escape the desk to move and explore more.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her insatiable appetite for adventure.
