Cover Anantara Ubud Bali Resort
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort
1 / 1
Relax the mind, body and soul surrounded by lush greenery at the luxurious Anantara Ubud Bali Resort that marks the hotel group’s second property in Bali, located near Ubud
Ubud’s verdant hills and gently flowing rivers regularly draw travellers to this part of Bali. It’s quiet, peaceful and a welcome change from the usual hustle and bustle in other parts of Bali.
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is the latest addition to the island’s portfolio of luxury retreats. Discerning travellers seeking a sophisticated escape will find much to appreciate here—where contemporary refinement meets the soul of Balinese tradition.
The newly opened resort offers a serene jungle escape that offers a peek into the island’s rich cultural heritage for those keen on discovering more about its history. As we arrived at this exquisite sanctuary, we were immediately enveloped by the soothing sounds of nature and the gentle rustle of palm fronds that set a tone of calm and relaxation, preparing us for a stay that would be both memorable and immersive.
Read more: The best luxury resorts in Asia for a tranquil and tropical escape
First Impressions
Above Lobby lounge
Above Lobby deck
Lobby lounge
1 / 2
As a first-time visitor to Ubud, the beauty of this place was arresting. It was a three-and-a-half hour drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport to the resort but rather than taking in a nap, we made it a point to soak in the sights as our car nagivated along narrow, bumpy roads that passed through local villages and padi fields.
Once the car ventured closer towards Ubud, away from the familiar noise and distraction in popular resort areas like Seminyak and Canggu, the atmosphere felt was one of serenity and discretion.
The entrance of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, subtly framed by lush greenery, opens onto an elegant space with the sounds of the Balinese gamelan incorporated into a kinetic sculpture by artist Aaron Taylor Kuffner, welcoming guests into the lobby.
With the gentle sound of flowing water and the scent of frangipani, it was easy to feel immediately connected to the natural surroundings. On a clear day, you can be treated to panoramic views of the misty jungle and the majestic Mount Agung.
The check-in experience was seamless, executed by resort staff equipped with an effortless and distinctively Balinese grace that we enjoyed throughout for the stay. As part of the check-in process, our arrival was marked by a warm welcome from a member of the hospitality team, who greeted us with a traditional Balinese blessing. This began with the gentle placement of uncooked rice grains on our foreheads, a symbolic gesture representing prosperity and well-being, followed by the tying of a Tridatu bracelet around our wrists. These woven bracelets of red, white, and black threads are a customary offering, signifying harmony and protection. We wore these bracelets for the rest of our stay in Bali.
The architecture of the space, featuring contemporary lines with traditional Balinese influences, evokes a quiet sophistication, and as you step further into the resort, the panoramic views of the jungle canopy are a constant reminder that guests are here to discover what it truly means to enjoy a sense of escape.
Do Not Disturb
Above Private pool villas offer an added layer of exclusivity
Private pool villas offer an added layer of exclusivity
1 / 1
Designed with a modern aesthetic that respects traditional Balinese architecture, the resort features 85 elegantly designed suites and private pool villas.
The attention to detail is evident, from the carefully selected furnishings that showcase rich teak wood, handwoven textiles and curated local artwork to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to flood in—offering uninterrupted views of the lush jungle beyond.
We stayed in a One Bedroom Forest View Pool Villa, which comes with its own private infinity pool. For those seeking an elevated experience, the private pool villas offer an extra layer of exclusivity as these infinity pools overlook the verdant landscape.
Guests who opt for these suites can unwind in total privacy while immersed in the soothing sights and sounds of nature.
The Extras
Above Water Ritual ceremony at a nearby spring
Water Ritual ceremony at a nearby spring
1 / 1
Beyond the accommodations, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers an array of amenities designed to enrich the guest experience. The resort features two heated swimming pools—one for adults seeking quiet relaxation and another catering to families. The Anantara Spa provides treatments inspired by ancient Balinese healing traditions, while the open-air yoga deck allows guests to practise mindfulness surrounded by lush jungle vistas.
Guests looking for more immersive experiences can participate in hands-on cooking classes, guided cycling tours through Ubud’s iconic rice terraces, or private temple visits. Additionally, the Designer Dining concept allows for bespoke meals in exclusive settings, such as a romantic riverside picnic or a candlelit dinner in a secluded pavilion. Whether seeking relaxation or cultural enrichment, the resort’s thoughtful amenities ensure a truly memorable stay.
However, the highlight of our stay was the specially curated experiences by the resort that connect guests with the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
While we weren’t searching for deeper cultural and spiritual engagement during this trip—we left Ubud feeling a little more at peace with ourselves. We were lucky to experience the Fire and Water Ritual, two separate ancient purification ceremonies that are deeply embedded in Balinese Hindu traditions.
The Water Ritual begins in the early hours of the day with a tranquil water blessing at a nearby natural spring—one that is still used and visited by village locals on a daily basis. We were guided by a hotel staff member who expertly led us through a sacred cleansing ritual. The steps to follow were easy and it was indeed an eye-opening experience, one that promotes purification and renewal.
As the evening fell, the experience continued with a Fire Ritual, symbolising the release of negative energies. Surrounded by the soft flicker of flames, we participated in a deeply symbolic ceremony led by the village’s revered High Priest and his family. This was accompanied by rhythmic chanting and the mesmerising sounds of traditional instruments. It was a powerful session that offered a profound sense of transformation; we felt refreshed both spiritually and emotionally by the end of it.
The Fire and Water Rituals are a deeply symbolic journey that allow guests to engage with ancient traditions in a reflective manner and it’s an experience that I would highly recommend for anyone who’s keen on experiencing Bali in a more different and special way.
Another remarkable experience is the visit to Taro Village, one of the oldest settlements in Bali. This guided excursion offers an authentic insight into local life, away from the usual tourist paths. We were welcomed by villagers who shared their traditions, from time-honoured farming techniques to intricate handicraft-making. A highlight of the visit was when we witnessed a local family prepare age-old Balinese dishes using freshly harvested ingredients and getting to try these dishes on the spot.
The journey through Taro Village is not just a cultural encounter but a step towards supporting community-based tourism, ensuring that visitors leave with a deeper respect for the island’s people and heritage.
Food & Drink
Above Kirana
Above Amerta
Kirana
1 / 2
Above Sulang Bar
Above Lobby Lounge
Sulang Bar
1 / 2
If there’s one thing to note about a stay at any resort in a far-off destination such as Ubud, it’s that you tend to stay within the compound to enjoy the amenities and dining options. So it’s important to select a resort that caters to your needs. For us, the stay at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort checked all our boxes as easy travellers who enjoy a careful blend of luxury and light adventure.
Those eager to explore Bali’s vibrant culinary scene can indulge in the resort’s dining options that reflect both local and international influences.
Amerta, the resort’s signature restaurant helmed by fine-dining expert Chef James Willis, serves wood-fired Indonesian specialities and is open for lunch and dinner. Kirana offers a nutritious breakfast with sweeping views of the rainforest. We looked forward to breakfast every morning thanks to its extensive à la carte menu that offers both Indonesian and international delights.
Pick a day out of your stay to lounge by the pool and order bar grub from Sulang, the resort’s alfresco bar. It also makes an ideal spot for an evening cocktail, set against the backdrop of a misty valley at dusk. Pro tip: go for a post-dinner swim just like we did to enjoy the heated pool in the dark of the night. Remember to wrap yourselves in a thick towel as you head back to your room because temperatures in this part of Ubud are constantly between 20 to 23 degrees, so it’s slightly chilly but a welcome change from the humidity back home in Singapore.
Tatler Tip
Above One of the pools at Anantara Ubud
One of the pools at Anantara Ubud
1 / 1
Beyond its lavish offerings, Anantara Ubud serves as an ideal base for exploring the cultural treasures of Ubud. The vibrant town, known for its art galleries, traditional markets, and sacred temples, is just a short drive away. Guests can immerse themselves in local culture through curated experiences such as guided rice field walks or visits to nearby artisan workshops. There are numerous popular cafes and boutiques to explore here as well.
In case you missed it: 11 best gelato spots in Bali for a blazing summer day refresh
What truly sets Anantara Ubud apart is its commitment to personalised service. The attentive staff are dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s needs are met with efficiency and utmost kindness.
Our stay here was truly unforgettable across various aspects—from dedicated service to five-star amenities—and we’re looking forward to returning to this property one day.
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
