Sankara Resort Ubud

This small resort is beautifully laid out in a lush tropical setting with thatched-roof villas dotted about the landscape. The main building, where reception and the restaurant are found, is a two-story structure open on the sides. Balinese statues stand guard at the entrance, which is up three stairs. The reception desk is off to one side of the large, open-air lobby, and guests are given a welcome drink and chilled towel as they check in. Cushioned wooden sofas provide a place to hang out. The vibe throughout the resort is relaxed and laid-back, and except for the occasional construction noise, it's peaceful and serene. It's especially popular with couples, but families and groups also come to take advantage of the pool villas. 

This small boutique property is located in a quaint rural village surrounded by rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud. The area is quickly being developed, and there are numerous construction projects going on as you drive to the resort. The small rural road on which the hotel sits has many potholes and is in need of servicing. There's little to do within walking distance with the exception of other hotels and a few simple local bars and restaurants. Guests can reach the center of Ubud in about 15 to 20 minutes by car, and the hotel offers a free shuttle to the city every hour from morning until evening. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is about a 20-minute drive away as well. Ngurah Rai International Airport is just over an hour's drive southwest, outside of Kuta.

Accommodations consist of Deluxe Rooms and one- and two-bedroom Pool Villas. All are spacious -- starting at 484 square feet (45 square meters) -- and decor is a bit rustic, with tile floors, white-washed wood furniture and romantic canopy beds. Traditional Balinese artwork hangs on the walls and towering bamboo ceilings are overhead. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning, minibars, tea/coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Deluxe Rooms come with a sofa bed in addition to a king-size bed. Bathrooms also are large, with above-counter stone sinks, tubs and rainfall showers, and the hotel's own brand of toiletries. Furnished balconies or terraces look out onto the gorgeous rice fields nearby, and tubs also have views through large windows. The villas add private pools with terraces that have outdoor kitchenettes and dining space. Lounge chairs by the pool are readymade for relaxing, and there's also an outdoor sofa and chair with a ceiling fan overhead. Lush vegetation surrounds the space, and walls provide privacy. Stone tubs in villa bathrooms are indoor-outdoor. It's worth noting that some guests have commented on noise coming from both inside the resort and from neighboring properties, though generally things are quiet. 

Given its small size, there aren't a ton of features here, but there's a surprising number of free things to do when compared to other resorts in Bali. Dining takes place in the open-air Kumbuh Restaurant on the second floor. It serves both Asian and Western fare for all meals, and overlooks the lovely pool, which is the hotel's gem of a centerpiece. The pool space is beautiful, with Balinese statues, lush tropical vegetation all around, a wooden and stone pool deck, padded lounge chairs and umbrellas, and a bar serving cocktails. Free yoga classes are offered twice daily in the outdoor yoga pavilion with a cone grass roof. This space is also used for dance lessons and coconut leaf crafts -- wood carving is also available. The small Radha Spa is indoor/outdoor and offers massages, facials, and body treatments. The business center is suitable for small meetings, and there is a computer for guests to use as well as books they can borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and a shuttle departs hourly for the center of Ubud throughout the day.