Travel and Leisure

A little piece of paradise called Ubud is a sanctuary located within the alluring mountains of Bali tucked away from the bustling tourists. Boosting rich heritage and history, Ubud is known as Bali's cultural center. It's the perfect place for anyone seeking rest and relaxation or an unforgettable adventure.

Ubud has 14 towns, abundant with fresh flora and fauna complementing a serene ambiance. Incredible picturesque views from all over the area will take your breath away. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dance performance by the locals. It's a haven of tranquility for the traveller who seeks to enrich their mind, body and soul.

What to do in Ubud

You'll find endless enjoyment with arts, crafts and nourishing cuisine a huge part of Ubud's culture. Intrigued with ancient mysticism and culture? Ubud has a wealth of historic temples and museums for you to discover. Many parts can be explored by bicycle and foot, which makes the experience even more exhilarating. Rice paddies can be seen throughout the outskirts of Ubud, with exotic animals and rare bird species. The richness of fresh vegetation and welcoming smiles is a clear sign of how precious of a gem Ubud really is.

The best places stay (highest to lowest)

Fivelements Puri Ahimsa Ubud

At Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, Ubud, healing is inspired by the Balinese way of life, encouraging us to nurture harmony with spirit, nature and one another promoting holistic wellbeing.

This award-winning retreat has flawlessly provided the best relaxing and soothing methods, which promotes healing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Fivelements beautiful world-class sanctuary features a wide array of services including charka balancing, detoxification, meditation and yoga.

You'll feel the place is your own with only seven rooms. Each riverside suite is housed in a private pavilion fashioned after a sacred spiral and embellished with traditional Balinese 'Songket' textiles and antique touches.

Healing rituals include a combination of meditation, deep bodywork and prana energy, performed by healers whose gifted talents have been handed down through generations of Balinese families. Energy Healing introduces the powerful Panca Mahabhuta in which Pak Wayan works to balance the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether within the body offering you a life changing experience.

Fivelements overall aim is to co-create a trusting connection and gently guide you through a custom-made healing program, providing you with the wisdom to take home. Here you can truly honour your highest potential.

Rate per night from $475 USD

Awards: FuturArc Green Leadership Award 2011, Tri Hita Karana Medal Award 2011, Destination Spa 2011, Spa Finder Category Winner 2011, Spa Finder Country Award Winner 2011, Word Luxury Spa Awards 2012, Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 & 2012

Amori Villa

Amori Villa is a hidden gem nestled within the mountains of Ubud. This luxury boutique spa retreat will give you tranquility, amazing views and incredible service.

The moment you step into Amori Villa, prepare to be transported to another world of paradise.

This haven of luxurious seclusion sits on the edge of the traditional rice farming village of Pejeng, in the Banjar of Dukuh Kawan, yet is only a few minutes by Amori shuttle bus, bike ride or long stroll from the cultural and artistic centre of the island.

Amori Villa features five private residential suites, each with its own unique architectural characteristics and furnishings. There are four twin suites and a one-bedroom villa (which sleeps up to four).

You'll also enjoy the living and dining pavilion, pool and spa. You can reserve either individual suites or the entire complex. It's beyond perfect for an intimate wedding or private group.

Whether you stay as a group or couple, you'll love every minute of this exquisite, peaceful sanctuary.

Rate per night from $230 USD

Bali Eco Stay

'Where the rice paddies meet the jungle... and you can still see the sea!'

Hosted by two ex-pat Australian eco-tourism advocates John & Cath Blundstone, Bali Eco Stay is a remarkable area to appreciate nature at its finest.

Look no further if you'd like to experience rich local Balinese village culture, surrounded by stunning organic rice fields, mountain fed streams, cascading waterfalls with spectacular views to the ocean.

Nourish your body with Balinese massages, sumptuous organic meals and pure mountain spring water. Love swimming? How does a natural pool with very own waterfall sound?

Bali Eco Stay will bring you fresh mountain air, pure water, delectable organic dishes, adventure activities, traditional culture and a nurturing relaxing retreat.

With just four traditional bungalows - Bali Eco Stay is one of only seven eco lodges in the world to be awarded a 5/5 eco rating by Eco Tropical Resorts.

What more could you ask for?

Rate per night from $100 USD

Bali Mountain Retreat

Located on the mystic slopes of Mt. Batukaru is a peaceful getaway called Bali Mountain Retreat - just one hours drive from Ubud. Instant relaxation awaits with the echo of trickling streams, revitalising mountain air and panoramic views stretching to the coast.

Here, you can enjoy a taste of the best of Bali with authentic Balinese cuisine, traditional architecture and heart-warming service.

You'll enjoy a unique experience with the local Balinese people and their culture. With terraced rice fields, forests and sacred temples to explore there's lots to see and do including guided treks and cycling tours. Or simply relax, unwind and take in the natural surrounding beauty.

Accommodation is a blend of traditional Balinese and contemporary Asian styles, ranging from a handcrafted teak house to comfortable bungalows.

Bali Mountain Retreat caters for couples, families and is perfect for small group bookings such as weddings or retreats with 10 rooms in total. It's is a favourite for yoga groups with a mirrored workshop area featuring panoramic views.

Indulge your senses in the Dragonfly Spa offering an extensive range of therapeutic and indulgent massage treatments to rejuvenate and restore your mind and body.

Whether it's a few days or a few weeks, Bali Mountain Retreat offers the perfect way for you to revitalise and reconnect.

Rate per night from $42 USD

Now it's your turn. Have you stayed at Bali Eco Stay, Fivelements, Amori Villa or Bali Mountain Retreat? Or do you have a favourite part of Ubud you'd like to share?