Black Penny Villas Ubud

The outskirts of Ubud are the stuff of legend, with scenery that never fails to impress. So expectations are justifiably high for the many villa properties that ring the city. Thankfully, Black Penny lives up to most expectations. The main draws for guests staying here are the serene and tranquil ambience, the ultra-private villas, and the amazing views of the jungle valley and Ayung River. A combination of the constant soundtrack made by the river rapids and the endless green scenery create a soothing and peaceful setting that's conducive to deep relaxation. However, travelers preferring a more active vacation will find that the hotel has little to offer. Facilities on-site are limited to just a small restaurant. There is no communal swimming pool or proper spa, but in-room spa treatments are offered and each villa is equipped with a private plunge pool. Black Penny makes a good choice for romantic getaways, and families with young children should probably look elsewhere. The property is perched along a steep cliffside with long flights of winding stairs.

Black Penny Villas is located outside of Ubud and is perched along a scenic jungle valley overlooking the Ayung River. The hotel feels far removed from the buzz of central Ubud, but is a quick 10-minute drive from downtown nightlife and dining hotspots, plus attractions like the Ubud Palace, the handicrafts market, and the Antonio Blanco Museum. Free daily round-trip shuttles make trips into town fairly pain free. There are limited dining options within walking distance, but for traditional Balinese cuisine guests should check out the line of restaurants across the street from hotel, which serve authentic and spicy nasi campur ayam (mixed chicken rice). The Ayung River offers excellent white water rafting -- bookings can be made through reception which offers complete tour and adventure services. Many other scenic outdoor attractions are easily accessible by car: the Campuhan Ridge is a 10-minute drive away; the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 20-minute drive; and the Elephant Safari Park is a 30-minute drive. Budget around 90 minutes to reach the airport by car, though traffic can be bad as you travel farther south.

All 10 villas here are nearly identical, featuring stunning views, small private plunge pools with garden terraces, high ceilings, and stylish interiors. Interiors are bright and airy, with large glass doors that open to amazing views of the jungle valley and Ayung River. Quality hardwoods are used throughout, with ironwood clad ceilings and solid teak floors and trim. The modern furniture and design elements give a high-end look to the interiors and contrast nicely with the natural materials used throughout. Also, the upholstered furniture, bed runners, throw pillows, and drapes are uniformly colored in dark gray and give the rooms a sharp contemporary look. Seating in the villas is abundant, with two couches, work tables and chairs, outdoor balcony seating, and pool lounge chairs. 

One of the best features are the intimate garden terraces and the infinity-edged plunge pools that sit suspended over the cliffside. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safes. Butlers are also provided. Two bottles of mineral water, toiletries, and fruit baskets are included as well. The semi open-air bathrooms are lined with tropical plants and feature deep terrazzo soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers. The look is sharp, with solid hardwood floors, white terrazzo vanities, stone washbasins, and natural stone walls. One thing to note is that all villas on-site have similar features and all overlook the Ayung River but room rates are higher for villas with the least obstructed river views.

The most attractive feature at Black Penny Villas is the serene jungle setting and the amazing vistas. Facilities, though, are limited, with just a small restaurant on-site. It's a semi open-air space and has stunning views of the jungle valley. Food is served all day and the menu consists of Western and Asian dishes, plus authentic Balinese specialities like bebek tutu (spiced smoked duck). The drink menu is limited, but a small list of cocktails, beers, and wines are offered. Breakfast is included in most room rates and is served a la carte. Tour services, adventure bookings, and vehicle rentals are offered at reception. Daily afternoon tea and welcome drinks are included in rates. Spa treatments are offered as an in-room service, though there is no proper spa. Free Ubud shuttles operate four times a day from the hotel, with round-trip service available. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel has a large parking lot on-site.