A graceful tropical retreat neighboring the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan, north of Ubud, the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort became the second property from Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas on the Indonesian island when it opened in October.
A collection of 85 modern suites and pool villas as well as 15 branded residences cascading down a densely forested hill towards a mountain stream, the tranquil resort is situated just minutes away from the vibrant culture of Ubud yet feels blissfully remote thanks to the untouched jungle that cocoons it in restorative silence.
The resort is situated next to the traditional village of Banjar Puhu, and as guests travel from the airport down winding countryside roads flanked by verdant rice paddies and traditional houses, they instantly fall into step with Ubud’s unhurried rhythm. At Anantara Ubud’s stunning reception area, guests are greeted with panoramic views of the misty jungle and Mount Agung while the soothing gong-like sounds of Balinese Gamelatron (a site-specific sculpture by artist Aaron Taylor Kuffner based on traditional gamelan)and frangipani-perfumed breeze wrap travelers in tranquility.
Elevated stays in a jungle canopy
Influenced by Hindu traditions and juxtaposed with Javanese elements, contemporary and airy 570-square-foot suites promote relaxation amid jungle views and interiors rich in craftsmanship. Decorated in calming neutral tones with subtle touches of Balinese details, the ground-level suites place guests into the thick of the jungle, with tree branches blowing gently overhead. On the upper floor, the suites feature oversized bathtubs with dramatic views over the treetops and soothing sounds of the babbling stream down below.
One- and two-bedroom villas, meanwhile, reflect the area’s rich artisanal heritage and are designed as calming oases of serenity inspired by the culture and traditions of the locale. At 1,130-square-feet, the one-bedroom villas come with a spacious living area, an outdoor terrace, and a private infinity-edge pool. Two-bedroom villas offer 1,722-square-feet of indoor-outdoor space with furnishings crafted from natural materials, neutral color palettes, and subtle Balinese influences that infuse the space with a timeless elegance. Dramatic 33- to 44-foot private pools are positioned on the edge of a terrace to keep the eye exploring.
Residential living in Bali’s heartland
Guests who would like to stay longer can own their own slice of paradise with a choice of 15 Anantara-branded residences blending powerfully sophisticated interiors, masterful Balinese craftsmanship, and luxurious amenities. Standing on stilts over a misty valley, Anantara Ubud’s one-bedroom residential villas are designed to maximize privacy and views by offering an elegant living and dining area with a fully equipped Western kitchen and en-suite bedroom that opens out to a private infinity pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the villa with natural light and bring in the views of the forested hillside beyond. Ensconced in nature, elegantly furnished two-bedroom residential pool villas are accentuated by indigenous details and bathed in natural light. Two en-suite bedrooms and a spacious living and dining space flow directly out to a private infinity swimming pool, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening out to unobstructed views over the lush tropical forest. Ownership comes with full access to facilities at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort.
Sophisticated feel-good dining
Culinary options at Anantara Ubud Bali include open-air and specialty restaurants serving sustainable Balinese and international cuisines, with locally sourced organic produce being the daily highlight. Helmed by executive chef James Willis, whose background in fine-dining includes running the kitchens at heritage and Michelin-starred establishments, Amerta is a contemporary open wood-fired restaurant inspired by the deep forests. Diners are invited to experience a different view of the jungle through carefully designed points of culinary interest. At Kirana, guests will find authentic Indonesian and international flavors, a lavish interactive breakfast buffet, and panoramic views of Ubud’s tropical rainforest. Offering meditative views of a misty valley, Sulangalfresco bar, located next to the adult-only swimming pool, serves smart cocktails and inventive bar bites. For relaxing indoor–outdoor experiences, the Lobby Loungeoffers morning coffee with a special local blend and afternoon tea with views of Mount Agung soundtracked by Gamelatron’smelodic chimes. For special occasions, Anantara’s signature Designer Dining by Anantaraexperience invites guests to create a bespoke breakfast, picnic lunch, or dinner with a private chef served by a waterfall, in a rice paddy or private pavilion, or any other setting that matches the occasion.
Meaningful discoveries and island adventures
At Anantara Ubud Bali, guests will find numerous ways to decompress and unwind, from two swimming pools, adult-only and family, to a jungle-clad yoga deck and a fully equipped gym by TechnoGym. The youngest travelers will have their own space at the Kids’ Club with fun and engaging activities for all ages. Nestled in a standalone building, Anantara Spa offers indigenous treatments and healing therapies alongside muscle-melting massages, hairstyling at the on-site salon, and multi-day wellness experiences from visiting practitioners specializing in everything from volcanic stone therapy to holistic Balinese treatments.
Meaningful, unique and bespoke guest experiences at Anantara Ubud are curated by specialist gurus and include private arts and crafts workshops, cultural performances, hands-on Spice Spoons cooking classes, as well as guided yoga and meditation. Beyond the resort, guests will find the breathtaking beauty of the island’s uplands right on their doorstep – terraced rice fields, Hindu temples and shrines, and cultural immersions at every turn. Central Ubud’s trendy eateries, fashionable boutiques, and art galleries are a short drive away and offer endless opportunities for cultural exploration.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first guests to Anantara Ubud Bali Resort,” says general manager Christian Gerart. “Our resort is a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Ubud while enjoying the world-class hospitality of Anantara.”
The resort is located a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Bali’s international airport and offers two state-of-the-art meeting facilities to ensure productive stays in an energizing, distraction-free setting.
