The Kayon Resort

Like many of its neighbors in the Ubud area, The Kayon Resort -- a chic boutique property -- was designed to fit into its natural environment and is nestled in the jungle beside the Petanu River and a waterfall. Guests arrive to the spacious open-air lobby with a high grass roof. Cushioned sofas and benches provide a place for guests to hang out. The setting is quiet and tranquil, and the air is fresh. Design elements throughout the hotel, from the common areas and exteriors to guest rooms, feature local materials such as bamboo, stone, wood, and grass, and local artisans were used to help create the thoughtful spaces. A Ramayana theme is followed throughout the hotel, with the epic Hindu story featured on beautiful carvings and paintings around the property, further embracing the areas local heritage. Dramatic statues of Hindu gods and goddesses are situated around the property, and the only sounds are of nature and the river. The resort is geared toward couples, especially honeymooners. Children 12 and younger are not allowed. 

Tucked away in the foothills of Ubud, this low-key luxury resort is built on the side of the Petanu River gorge overlooking the beautiful river below with small waterfalls and the continual sound of rapids flowing downstream. It's situated deep in a rural Balinese village, reached by driving up steep windy roads through the sleepy village and rain forest. A large sign on the main Andong road leading up to the hotel helps guests find it. There's not much of anything within walking distance of the hotel, which is exactly why many guests flock here. The center of Ubud, where the restored Ubud Palace is found, is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Hindu temples at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary are also about 15 minutes away by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport, near Kuta, is an hour and 15 minutes southwest of the resort. 

The resort offers three room categories: Valley Deluxe Rooms with jungle views, River Suites with river views, and River Edge Pool Villas that feature a private infinity pool overlooking the river. All are modern and luxurious, with furnishings crafted from local materials such as stone, bamboo, and rattan to fit into the natural setting. White mosquito netting draped over beds adds plenty of atmosphere. Classic Balinese paintings hang on the cream-colored walls along with artwork made from recycled materials. The look varies a bit from room to room, and some have white tile floors while others have hardwood floors, but the overall effect is a blend of modern aesthetics and traditional Balinese silhouettes. The color palette throughout all rooms is bright and breezy, with whites, grays, and warm wood tones all blending together.

Amenities include a welcome fruit basket, air-conditioning, free bottled water, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles for coffee or tea. Bathrooms are spacious and come with a terrazzo tub, rainfall showers with river stone flooring, and stone vessel sinks. All rooms feature a furnished balcony or terrace with lovely views, but the River Edge Pool Villas are the most luxurious and gorgeous, with a private pool nestled next to the jungle. A double lounge chair and umbrella is positioned poolside for laid-back relaxing, though stunning jungle views are also available right from the king-size beds. Turn down service is included with all rooms.

All meals are served in the lovely open-air Kepitu Restaurant with an alang-alang grass roof. The restaurant is situated in the center of the resort and offers views of the pool and jungle. Guests can choose to dine inside or out in the open next to small pools and tropical trees. A large Balinese warrior statue stands guard, and elephant statues flank the entrance. Breakfast is included in room rates and offerings range from typical Western and American fare to Balinese specialties. The lunch menu features light, healthy fare such as sandwiches and salads. Lunch and free afternoon tea are also available at the Canyon Jetty with stunning views of the waterfall. Dinner at Kepitu is a mixture of Western, Asian, and local cuisine. A special cultural dinner is held once a week and features live entertainment. Free cocktails are also offered in the evening with light snacks.

The pool is small but picturesque, with goddess and elephant statues, a wooden deck, lush plantings, and Balinese beds and cushioned lounges for relaxing in the stunning setting. It can get crowded in high season. The open-air yoga pavilion with jungle all around is where daily yoga classes are held, and rates included a free daily class. Massage and beauty treatments are available at the small Serayu Spa, and the hotel also offers different Balinese activities such as dance lessons, cooking classes, and guided morning walks for free. A gift shop offers trinkets in the guest lounge, where there is a sofa for relaxing, as well as a couple of workout machines and a desk with a computer and printer for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the hotel can arrange car and bicycle rentals. The hotel's free shuttle runs into Ubud town center every hour.