Luxurious Ubud resorts for an indulgent hidden Bali getaway

Immerse yourself in nature at Pita Maha Resort, where at less than five minutes’ drive from central Ubud you’ll have town and country at your fingertips. Thatched-roof villas are built on the Tjampuhan ridge, so you’ll be surrounded by expansive green views to complement your room’s traditional teak furniture and works by local artisans. Soak in your sunken tub before climbing into your canopied four-poster bed overlooking the treetops.

Romantic evenings are best celebrated at Terrace Restaurant. Set over two storeys with gentle curves to mirror the ridge, you can listen to the enchanting sounds of the forest while dining on Balinese dishes like pepes ikan–richly marinated fish cooked in banana leaves. For something unique, book a floating feast and have a three-course meal served to you right in your own private pool.

Invigorate mind and body at the spa with a Balinese Boreh treatment, an acupressure massage that applies traditional spices and soothing jasmine. For something more lively, see local life at work on the night market tour through Ceking and Goah Gajah, where you’ll taste street food and ponder ancient Hindu and Buddhist relics.

Start each morning at The Lokha Ubud with a stretch in the designated yoga hut. For a splashier start, dip in the tranquil pool before finding your zen with a Shirodara massage at on-site Wos River Spa. Thoroughly relaxed, you can retreat to your private outdoor terrace and order room service to satisfy your appetite for Indonesian fare like tangy, peanutty satay.

Thatched wood furniture brings a heritage vibe into guest rooms here. Pop your iPod into the provided dock and step into the rainfall shower to wash off your suncream and ready for the night. At Lounge Bar 187, sip a pre-dinner daiquiri while you view the countryside by night. The open-air Bukit Cinta Restaurant serves local dishes like Gado-Gado cooked with fresh market ingredients, as well as international meals.

Adventurous types can explore the lush Ubud landscape by hiking the scenic Tjampuhan’s Sacred Hills, a 14-minute drive away. Nearby you’ll find Pura Gunung Lebah, an 8th-century temple honouring the goddess of Batur.

The calming atmosphere of the Ubud foothills will wash over your private balcony at Kamandalu Resort. Gaze over swaying coconut palms and picture-perfect rice terraces, then slip on your Japanese-style robe and slippers for a nap on your daybed with a view of the Petanu River. Handcrafted wooden furniture, sunken baths and LED TVs add luxury without disturbing the back-to-nature feel.

Get your camera ready, because breakfast is a floating affair here in your private pool. The menu includes fresh tropical fruits, hot eggs and noodles, decadent homemade pastries and a bottle of bubbly. With your morning set up right, take the 11-minute drive to the historic Ubud Palace temple to explore majestic buildings and gardens or watch a dance performance.

If you’d prefer to stay in your sanctuary, drop by the Yumah Yoga hut for a complimentary guided lesson or book a private yoga and meditation session. Rejuvenate with a body scrub in the Forest Spa, then soar right into nature’s embrace on the forest swing suspended above the greenery.

When you’re looking for a luxury resort in Ubud, Bali, the fine touches at Tejaprana Resort and Spa begin at on-site Aruna Restaurant. The intricate bamboo structure here was inspired by the Tree of Life and offers staggering views from its jungle-clad perch. Sit on the open-air terrace beneath the soft light of lanterns and watch birds swoop over the hills as you sample local meats, vegetables and spices.

Spend a morning shopping for silks and handcrafted items at the art market, a 14-minute drive away, then return to your haven to cool off in the infinity pool. There are plenty of chances to switch off and unwind–check into the spa for a Chatraka massage, 90 minutes of bliss enhanced by the whisper of wind through the trees and a babbling river.

End your day on the terrace of your villa, individually built into the hillside. Take a cleansing soak in your outdoor natural stone tub, then let the rainforest lull you to sleep in your king-size bed. You’ll wake refreshed, revived and ready for a morning dip in your private pool.

Stay on the banks of the Ayung River at Hotel Alila Ubud, where this boutique hotel’s location in Payangan village offers a break from city life. You’ll sit on top of the world when you book a Superior Room on the upper floor over the treetops, or you can opt for a villa to breathe in valley panoramas from your open-air bathroom.

Drop by the spa for an indulgent Balinese Beauty Ritual. Using healing herbs, the massage, body scrub, mask and facial will work seamlessly detox both physical form and spirit. When your pampering is done, jump on the complimentary shuttle bus to explore the colourful sights of central Ubud, or just stay in for afternoon tea by the pool.

Bookmark a day to head to Goa Gajah, a renowned archeological site just a 30-minute drive away. Cocktails will await your return at Plantation Restaurant, where you can beat the heat with a signature Loloh Bali infused with lemongrass. Get a taste of the local area with the chef’s menu, which uses fresh, organic ingredients to make classic Balinese dishes like Urutan, a lean pork sausage spiced to perfection.

Welcome wellness into your weekend with a stay at UMA by COMO Ubud. Surrounded by rice paddies and hills, you’ll recharge in this tranquil spot. Take a guided morning walk in the tiered fields, or opt for an adrenaline-pumping six-kilometre tubing adventure through local canyons.

Make the most of Bali’s epic sunsets at on-site Uma Bar. Lanterns provide soft lighting, and music will set an easy mood while you indulge in a ginger-infused martini. Move on to Uma Cucina for a taste of Italy in the Balinese countryside, where the menu boasts seafood bites like fresh kingfish and grilled squid.

After a serene sleep under the vaulted ceiling of your room or villa, greet the day with a sun salutation on your yoga mat. For a luxurious stay with a four-poster bed and private pool, book a pool villa and take a daily soak in your free-standing tub, topped off with Balinese body mask at on-site Shambhala Spa.

Reconnect with friends and nature at The Payogan Villa Resort and Spa, where you can trade city living for contemporary villas wrapped in nature. Wander the hotel’s expansive grounds, then take a bike tour past verdant rice paddies and winding rivers. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is an 11-minute drive away, and the easy trek will take you off the tourist path and into the Balinese countryside.

You’ll return to your villa elated and ready for a soak in your sunken tub. Larger groups can book a three-bedroom villa and splash out in the private pool, ending a satisfying day with a cold beer on the patio overlooking tropical gardens.

Head to on-site Lesung Terrace for dinner, where the forest provides the soundtrack as you sample local delicacies like tuna dabu dabu and chilli herb octopus. If you love what you taste, book a cooking class to learn how to create authentic Balinese dishes at home. Or if you’d rather just switch off, book in a relaxing morning massage at Purnama Spa.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Ubud for something really special, you can share your retreat with some of Earth’s most majestic creatures at Elephant Safari Park Lodge. Committed to conservation, the lodge has rescued 30 of the endangered animals and gears the resort towards ensuring their care and wellbeing. You can get up close and personal by helping with feeding and bathing, or simply marvel at the gentle giants as they move around the park.

You’ll have a front row seat to watch the herd from a Park View Room, which immerses you in Balinese style with its thatched roof and timber furniture. Special touches, like carved wooden elephant feet on the bed and elephant-themed art, brings the once-in-a-lifetime experience into all corners of your space. Catch a breeze on your balcony with a book before you head to the elephant museum to learn more about these protected animals.

You can grab a casual bite at the on-site café, or opt for a sumptuous buffet meal before a nightcap at the bar. For breakfast, get a healthy start with fresh fruit or tuck into pastries and banana french toast as you watch the elephants meander around the grounds.

Become one with nature as you dive into the spring-fed outdoor pool at Ulun Ubud Resort and Spa. Overlooking the Campuhan river valley, you’ll experience a zen-like state as you’re serenaded by the songs of wild birds from the garden.

Book a spacious Pool Suite for extra luxury, not to mention a touch of romance with details like a curtained four-poster bed. Unwind in your deep soaking tub, then slip on your bathrobe and slippers before kicking back with a treat from your complimentary minibar and a book from the library. An in-room massage can be booked at the front desk to take your tranquil evening to Cloud Nine.

The Blanco Renaissance Museum, where you can see works by eccentric artist Antonio Blanco, is just four-minutes’ drive away. Jump on the shuttle to Ubud and explore some of the region’s cultural highlights, like the Ubud Royal Palace or the quirky Monkey Forest Temple (don’t bring snacks unless you’re prepared to share!). Back at the hotel, Dumogi Restaurant is a peaceful spot for dinner in the evening, offering hearty dishes like pasta carbonara and satay chicken. Swing back in the morning for the ever-changing breakfast menu.

A shea body wrap at the top of a mango tree is just the beginning of your Ubud escape at Kupu Kupu Barong Resort and Tree Spa by L’Occitane. Soak up the view over the Ayung River from your unique Tree Spa room, then meander down to explore the hotel’s tropical grounds.

You’ll have a serene start each morning with complimentary yoga in the garden, followed by a floating champagne breakfast served in your private pool. If you want to steal a few extra moments in your king-size bed, have an Americano delivered to your room by your 24-hour butler.

Each villa uses recycled teak and indigenous timber, giving you a peek into the local artistry in Ubud. Pamper yourself with complimentary L’Occitane toiletries in your spacious bathroom, then try making your own solid perfume or essential oil in an on-site workshop.

High above the valley, The Birdnest is a snug spot for dinner for two. Reserve a table and dine under the stars in your very own stylised birdcage. The five-course menu combines Southeast Asian flavours with French influences, producing mouthwatering dishes like salmon and sea scallop carpaccio.