Sunday, June 1, 2025
Relaxing with a steaming cup of ginger tea on the expansive terrace of the newly launched Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, the setting immediately draws you in. The standout feature is a vast, angular water installation that mimics a swimming pool, surrounded by several cozy seating areas shaded by stylish sun umbrellas. At first, this might feel a bit extravagant for an outdoor patio, but as the clouds clear, the view reveals its true purpose.
Rising prominently against the horizon, Mount Agung stands as Bali’s highest and most revered mountain, reaching skyward like an immense natural tower. On either side, the gentle outlines of Mount Batur and Mount Abang ascend gracefully, seeming to direct one’s eyes toward the island’s hallowed heavens.
Such an expansive vista is not common among resorts that carry the Ubud name. The spiritual heart of Bali is typically characterized by properties nestled within dense bamboo groves, overlooking emerald rice paddies, or discreetly tucked amid traditional villages and ancient temples. Anantara Ubud breaks from this mold with its commanding hillside location.
Situated about 20 kilometers from central Ubud, roughly a 40-minute journey by car, the resort is nearer to the charming hillside hamlet of Banjar Puhu in Payangan. Elevated on the slopes, it offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and a peaceful sanctuary away from the energetic bustle and busy rhythm of Ubud’s town center.
Previously, visitors might have preferred accommodations within walking distance of Ubud’s artistic hubs and famous trails, like the Campuhan Ridge. However, increased tourism, congested roads, and strained infrastructure have shifted preferences toward more secluded resorts nestled in nature, making places like Anantara Ubud an attractive alternative.
Part of a well-known international hotel group, the resort opened in late 2024 and boasts a design that cascades down the hillside, optimizing views and privacy. The grand lobby and main public spaces are perched at the highest point, with 85 suites and pool villas terraced below, creating a layered layout that harmonizes with the natural slope.
The terrace where I unwind flows seamlessly into the spacious lobby, free from spatial restrictions. Here, guests find a contemporary cocktail bar, inviting lounge, a boutique offering curated items, and a comfortable reception area. Descending one level leads to a tranquil swimming pool shaded by tropical foliage, adjacent to a fully outfitted gym, a playroom for children, and a space dedicated to teens.
Winding stairs connect these communal spaces with the resort’s trio of dining establishments. Kirana delights with authentic Indonesian breakfasts, including the comforting bubur ayam (chicken rice porridge), served beneath soaring ceilings on a colonnaded veranda overlooking verdant surroundings. Serang provides a relaxed yet chic atmosphere with a shared-plate lunch menu, a cocktail lounge, and an exclusive adults-only pool. For an elevated culinary experience, Amerta offers a tasting menu inspired by the freshest local produce, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
The villas themselves are architectural gems. Each one- or two-bedroom unit stands independently, crafted from white concrete and crowned with sleek black-tiled, peaked roofs. Narrow terraces with slender plunge pools stretch out, perfect for soaking in the views. Access to the villas is via a steep inclinometer that glides down the hillside, providing ever-changing glimpses of mountains transitioning into lush tropical jungle.
Inside, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of dense rainforest that span the entire width of the living space like a panoramic film. Opening the sliding doors floods the room with sounds of cascading water over rocks and tree roots in the ravine below, harmonized by birdsong and insect calls. Morning brings a refreshing mountain breeze and drifting mists weaving through the foliage, creating a serene ambiance rivaling the dramatic outlook toward Mount Agung.
Set within this natural haven, the resort’s spa offers indulgent wellness treatments designed to soothe and rejuvenate. A signature massage melds Japanese, Hawaiian, and Balinese techniques, delivering a deeply relaxing and unique sensory journey. Nearby, visitors can explore a local village sanctuary where glowing fireflies light up the night, offering an enchanting glimpse into the region’s natural wonders.
Though the resort is set apart from Ubud’s bustling core, a shuttle service ensures easy access to the cultural treasures and natural beauty the area is known for. Whether exploring artisan markets, art galleries, or scenic hiking trails, this resort serves as a tranquil base to experience the richness of Bali’s spiritual landscape.
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort masterfully blends luxury accommodations, awe-inspiring views, thoughtful amenities, and a peaceful environment. For travelers seeking a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and comfort, this hillside sanctuary presents an exceptional choice.
