Magic at the Ulun Ubud resort in Bali...
The gorgeous Ulun Ubud is located on the edge of Ubud on Jalan Raya Sanggingan overlooking the astonishing valley of the river Woos, rice paddies and numerous palm trees.
Behind every road there's a story to tell...
The Ulun Ubud resort has a long private driveway leading to the small parking area and lobby of the hotel.
It is owned and operated by the family of Ida Bagus Putu Suarta, the son of a famous Balinese craftsman. His workplace is located next to the resort.
The people at the reception are super friendly and a delicious welcome drink, local rice wine is brought to you in the restaurant near the lobby.
From here you can already see that it’s a great place to stay at, the view is really exceptional...
The 19 cottages at this Bali accomodation all have these clear views and the usual amenities such as air-conditioning, fan, hot water garden showers, cotton sheets, mosquito nets, antique Balinese furniture etc.
Note that there's no TV here, just the sound of the river below and the familiar sounds of the tropics such as crickets and the rustling of palm trees around the cottage.
But I have to say that the rooms and bathrooms at Ulun Ubud are a bit basic and in dire need of some renovation. If they just spend some more on maintenance this place would be packed and could even win awards :-(
The cottages on top of the hill...
Even though it’s on the edge of Ubud the distance to the village is not a problem since the resort has free transport available whenever you feel like going into town (takes 10min). The advantage is that it definitely adds to the privacy of the resort.
Breakfast is old-school (toast, eggs, fruit juice) and is served on the verandah where you can enjoy what the resort characterizes; relax in a Balinese decorated bungalow with the sounds of the river below and the morning sun rising from behind the hills...
Breakfast is served here
At the Ulun Ubud you have to get used to some work-out though...
To get to the swimming pool it takes 98 stairs from the starting point at the lobby before you can jump in.
Well it's just a small sacrifice for these amazing amazing views from the verandahs right?
By the way, I wouldn't recommend it to elderly travelers though. But then again if swimming is not a priority during your holiday in Ubud try to get one of the rooms close to the reception.
Stunning views from the rooms
The spa is located a couple of stairs away from the lobby on the right side where you can have your traditional Balinese massages, herbal oil massages, scrubs, manicure, pedicure and facials.
So what’s the conclusion?
It's a mixed bag I have to say;
this place has lots of character and could be a hidden gem if they just spend some more money on maintenance. Nonetheless it has one of the best magical views of all the resorts I’ve seen until now in Ubud.
The average price per night is around $62 USD for a standard room to $98 for the honeymoon suit incl. tax and breakfast.
Pro's: magical views, staff, pool
Con's: steps, rooms and bathrooms need renovation, flaking outdoor furniture, overpriced, basic old-school breakfast
Address:
Jl. Raya Sanggingan.
Ubud - Bali-Indonesia
Tel +62 361 975024
