Sunset Hill

Sunset Hill is perched on Campuhan Hill, in a lush jungle well away from the noise of central Ubud. As such, the hotel is quiet and relaxing -- right in line with what many travelers to Ubud are looking for when they arrive in town. The hotel is housed in low-slung buildings of typical Balinese design, and situated on grounds dense with trees, shrubs, and grasses. There's a lot to like within the hotel's small and humble package, and the 20-meter infinity pool is worthy of a photo in a travel magazine. The water is a luminous green color, and the pool has views of the Woss River Valley and Mount Batukaru. Guests gather on the deck with sunbeds, umbrellas, and Balinese statuary, though the social vibe here is subdued. Interiors have a subtle Balinese look, with bamboo and ironwood accents plus displays of indigenous art and artifacts. The atmosphere at the hotel is peaceful and secluded. Most of its guests and European couples drawn to the quiet and green setting, spacious Balinese-style rooms, infinity pool, spa, and yoga studio. 

Sunset Hill is in secluded Bangkiang Sidem, a village that's surrounded by rice fields and jungles. Cafes, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets are a short walk away. The hotel is on Campuhan Hill, at the north end of the scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk -- the trailhead is only a three-minute walk from the hotel. It's about a half-hour along the walk to reach the center of Ubud, which may be best reached by car in 20 minutes or so. Scooters (mopeds) are another good way to get around the area. Ubud center is home to Ubud Palace and the Ubud Art Market. The area with the Museum Puri Lukisan and the Pura Dalem Ubud -- an open-air dance venue -- is a little under a five-minute walk from the center of town. Expect a 25-minute drive to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about an hour and 10 minutes by car from Sunset Hill. 

Sunset Hill has one traditional room, one suite, and five one- and two-bedroom villas for a total of seven rooms. Rooms are uncluttered and refined, with antiqued wood furnishings and trim and colorful Balinese art with light marble or hardwood floors. The color palette is a neutral cream, beige, and brown, with pale green decorative throws on the cream-and-white bedding. Some rooms feature bold injections of red and blue in the bathrooms. All are spacious, with even the entry-level Pool Room having a 291-square-foot floor plan (27 square meters). Some guests have noted peeling paint or stains on linens, and we spotted chipped bathroom tiling, but the complaints are infrequent. Most rooms have private balconies or terraces, and some rooms open directly to the pool. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars (with room for cold storage), electric kettles, and free bottled water. In line with the hotel's unplugged ethos, rooms lack televisions. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal can be spotty and reception is better in common areas. Bathrooms are spacious and stylish, and many come with separate bathtubs and showers. Some bathrooms have open-air sections. 

Sunset Hill's highlight is its 20-meter infinity pool that overlooks the surrounding jungle and Woss River Valley. The pool has an afternoon to early evening happy hour with music and drinks. The hotel's spa features traditional Balinese deep-healing massages, Javanese Lulur body scrubs, aromatherapy, and an extensive menu of other treatments. A spacious yoga studio overlooks the valley. The good-quality free breakfast offers fare like Indonesian dishes, cooked-to-order eggs, banana pancakes, toast, fruit, and tea. The open-air bistro offers views of the valley and serves Indonesian and Western cuisine for lunch and dinner. It has an extensive dessert menu and wine list. Room service is available. Sunset HIll also offers scooter (moped) rental and free parking. The staff will help arrange activities like bicycle tours, whitewater rafting, jungle safaris, ecological walks, and Balinese cooking classes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and works best in common areas.