Ubud Green

For travelers looking to be outside the hectic center of Ubud, Ubud Green is a popular, intimate option. On many levels, the hotel lives up to exactly the picture guests have of a serene tropical escape. It's an all-villa property, so it's all about privacy here, and there are few communal features beyond a spa and simple open-air restaurant. The hotel is relatively modern, though starting to show some wear and tear. Despite that, the grounds are undeniably stunning. Blossoming trees and shrubs line the curving walkways, and the views out onto the hotel's own rice fields are nothing short of spectacular. Ubud Green appeals mostly to couples, though we spotted families and small groups of friends staying here as well. The size means that the staff-to-guest ratio is quite low, shown in the attention to detail, like the manager stopping to greet guests during breakfast when we visited. 

There is very little near this hotel -- and that's the point for many of the guests who stay here. It's on a small road, about a five- to 10-minute drive to the center of Ubud. The hotel's free shuttle offers service to and from town on a schedule, though the last trip back to the hotel every day can be crowded and require waiting for a backup shuttle to arrive. You can stroll into town in 25 minutes, though it's not recommended as the road is narrow, without a sidewalk, and unlit, making it dangerous for pedestrians. Budget at least an hour, if not 90 minutes, to reach the airport from here -- traffic in southern Bali is often a nightmare.

There are only 16 villas here, and all have a relatively modern look, with vibrant Balinese art, pops of color in the soft furnishings, and sharp hardwood details. Some wear and tear is starting to show. The best villas include private pools with decks that look directly onto the stunning rice fields behind the property. Not all have this extra feature, so check ahead -- the Garden Villa, for instance, has no views whatsoever. Additionally, 10 of the villas have kitchenettes. Layouts vary, from one to two bedrooms, making this a popular choice for families. Each villa feels almost like a house, with heavy wooden gates sealing them off, and self-contained units within the villas housing bedrooms and living areas. Sleeping is easy as it's essentially silent at night. 

Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, sound systems, kettles and French-press coffeemakers, minibars, tropical fruit baskets, and outdoor space. Wi-Fi is free, but you'll have to log yourself back in quite frequently. Bathrooms feature separate showers and tubs, and many villas also include additional outdoor showers and jetted tubs. However, the bathrooms were a little tired during our visit. We also had significant insect issues -- which we didn't experience elsewhere in tropical Ubud. Past guests have echoed this complaint.

Features aren't numerous at this small property, but most guests are here to lap up the peace and quiet. With that in mind, the restaurant -- Firefly -- is a great addition. It serves a wide menu of healthy and more indulgent fare, and breakfast is included in rates. The main spa area is a simple and small affair, with a few items for sale plus massages and treatments, though the outdoor massage cabana is stunning. It overlooks the rice fields and has a particular romance to it. A free 15-minute welcome massage is included in rates. The free scheduled shuttle provides round-trip service to Ubud. Keep in mind that it may be crowded on the last trip back to the hotel, and you may have to wait for a second shuttle to arrive. Mobile phones are provided to guests to request the shuttle on call as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though may require repeated log-ins. Keep in mind that there is no communal pool for villas that lack their own pool.