Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa

The Hotel Tjampuhan and Spa is an upscale property with a hillside location where the sacred Oos and Tjampuhan rivers meet. The property was built in 1928 by the King of Ubud to host royal guests. One notable guest was German painter Walter Spies, a friend of the king’s son, whose two-story residence remains on the property. Thatched-roof bungalows, lily ponds, shrines, steep steps, and retro Balinese designs from a bygone era have been preserved to maintain the hotel’s original ambiance. The thatched-roof pagoda entrance sits near a small parking lot. The lobby is both modern and traditional, featuring an open-air lounge that offers free Wi-Fi among antique lamps. Tropical plants -- including the king’s favorite, plumerias -- fill the grounds, giving it a secluded feeling despite the central Ubud location. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and full of local character. 

The hillside hotel is on a main street in Campuhan, where there are older buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Oos and Tjampuhan rivers meet at the ancient Gunung Lembah temple, which can be seen from the property. In walking distance are the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, and the Pura Taman Saraswati temple. A free shuttle goes to the Ubud city center -- with the Ubud Palace and Museum Puri Lukisan. Ubud city is also in walking distance. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 10-minute drive away. Neka Art Museum takes five minutes by car. It’s a little over an hour's drive to the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Retro Balinese designs, ceilings lined in woven mats, wooden carvings, and antiques give rooms an authentic and old-world touch. Most rooms offer flat-screen TVs, writing desks, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies with forest and/or river views. Upgraded rooms have safes and minibars. Some Raja and Agung rooms don’t have air-conditioning. The two-story Walter Spies House, the German painter’s former home, features pitched ceilings, a lotus pond, a soaking tub with shower, and a living room terrace. Raja Rooms, which are bigger than Agung Rooms, feature thatched roofs, sofa beds in sitting areas, and semi-private balconies. Marble or old-fashioned tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Some decor and fixtures are dated. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby. 

The Hotel Tjampuhan has two outdoor pools on-site. One is a natural spring pool, with flowing fountains, lounge chairs on the deck, and a bar. The main pool is surrounded by greenery and also includes lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a bar. There’s also a tiki towel kiosk. The riverfront spa has whirlpool tubs, sauna and steam rooms, and open-air treatment rooms. The spa’s awe-inspiring grotto features intricate stonemasonry that looks like carved stalagmites and stalactites. 

Keeping with the design theme of the hotel, the Terrace Restaurant also features ornately sculpted doorways and carved tree trunks that extend to the pitched roof. The open-air restaurant serves Balinese and international cuisine. The Walter Spies Lounge -- a traditional thatched-roof hut -- offers a flat-screen TV, four PC computers, a printer, and views of the lush forest from stylish cushioned chairs that are beside the small Spa Cafe. Wedding or commitment ceremonies can be hosted on the property as well. The hotel also has a free shuttle service to downtown Ubud, but there are occasional wait times. Wi-Fi is offered for free in the lobby lounge.