Jl. Andong, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Indonesia
Lush terraced
grounds and valley views
Spacious villas
with thatched-roofs and four-poster beds
Large free-form
pool with swim-up bar
Infinity pool with lovely jungle vistas
Lovely yoga
pavilion and on-site spa
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No elevator and
lots of steps
Ubud shuttle service is limited
The Kamandalu Ubud is a luxury eco-friendly villa resort styled like a traditional highland village and set in lush terraced grounds. The spacious villas open up to garden terraces with beautiful views, and some have private pools and Balinese daybeds. Facilities are first-class and include a huge pool with a swim-up bar, a smaller infinity pool with jungle views, a lovely yoga pavilion, and excellent dining. There's also a free shuttle service to Ubud, though it only runs six times a day. Guests with compromised mobility may wish to look elsewhere, as the property lacks elevators and has a lot of steps.
Scene
Impeccably presented blend of luxury and tradition set in picturesque grounds
Although originally dating back to 1992, the Kamandalu Ubud was revamped and reopened in 2011. Guests enter through a white, ornately designed portico into the lofty hall-like reception area -- complete with an intricately carved entrance and grand Balinese chandeliers. Built in the style of a highland Bali village, the resort is spread over expansive grounds covered with terraced rice fields and manicured lawns dotted with coconut trees and clusters of bamboo. At the edge of the property is a curved ridge overlooking the picturesque river valley below. The luxurious resort appeals to couples and honeymooners because of its sense of seclusion and romantic setting, while families with kids are attracted to the property's spacious villa-style lodgings.
Location
Nestled on hillside overlooking a river valley, a 10-minute drive from Ubud town
The Kamandalu sits on a ridged hillside overlooking the Petanu River and its surrounding lush jungle, a 10-minute drive from Ubud. A free shuttle runs between the hotel and Ubud, but it only runs six times a day. It's just five minutes on foot to Andong Road, a busy strip of shops and small wholesale markets selling Balinese handicrafts. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with walking and bicycle paths that meander through pretty rice paddies and past local villages. Bali's capital, Denpasar, is about 45 minutes away by car while the Ngurah Rai International Airport takes about an hour to reach.
Rooms
Spacious luxury villas with garden terraces and views of the lush grounds
The resort has 58 spacious villas across six distinct categories, starting from the Ubud Chalets for two through to the Three Bedroom Pool Villas. All villas have thatched grass roofs, traditionally styled furnishings, and polished stone, each with a garden terrace offering lovely views. Villas feature four-poster beds backed by original pieces of Balinese artwork, and most have their own bale bengong (Balinese daybed) -- many also have their own pools. In-room technology is top-notch, with free Wi-Fi, wireless phones, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while sleek modern bathrooms come with robes, slippers, and high-end bath products. The property's proximity to the jungle means the occasional insect might find its way inside, while accessing some rooms requires a bit of an uphill trek.
Features
Large free-form pool with swim-up bar plus infinity pool with valley views
The complex features one of the area's largest swimming pools, a free-form pool with a central swim-up bar and ornamental fountains. There is also a smaller infinity pool and terraced decking commanding superb jungle valley vistas. The hotel's Petulu restaurant is among the area's finest and offers a fine-dining menu of authentic Indonesian cooking, while a lunch menu of Asian-Italian fusion is served overlooking the pool. Romantic dinners with bird releases can be organized for special occasions. The Chaya Spa provides a range of treatments, while a lovely wood-carved pavilion provides a particularly serene space for yoga sessions.