Ubud Raya Villa and Resort

This hotel is located in a small Balinese village and is run by a local owner and his family. The atmosphere here is more akin to a collection of vacation homes, as each of the stand-alone villas is equipped like its own house and there's a lack of many communal spaces. Buildings throughout the property are constructed from local materials, such as Balinese stone and wood, and there are traditional carvings and statues all around. The setting is quiet and laid-back, and the property is best geared for independent travelers looking for peace. Because it offers both one- and two-bedroom villas, it attracts both couples and families, as well as groups of friends, with many guests coming from Australia and Europe.  

The hotel is located in the Sayan area on the outskirts of Ubud. The drive to the hotel cuts through rural Balinese villages, but the road is good. The hotel is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the center of Ubud. There's not much within walking distance of the hotel, but a free shuttle takes guests to Ubud three times a day, or more often for a fee. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is about 20 minutes away by car as well. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a little over an hour's drive southwest of the hotel. 

This small hotel has five one-bedroom villas and five with two bedrooms. All are spacious and pleasantly modern, and seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces. Interior decor features stone or light tile floors, wicker and wood furniture, and traditional Balinese artwork hanging on white walls. Lovely local touches include pagoda ceiling with exposed wood inlays and intricate carvings. The highlight of all villas is, of course, the generous amount of outdoor space that includes private pools. Each also includes a full open-air kitchen that's ideal for cooking meals (a plus considering the food at the hotel is underwhelming). 

Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars. Wi-Fi is free but can be spotty at times. Sliding glass doors open to large exterior spaces featuring the pool, garden, rock walls, and bathroom with a shower and tub (there are whirlpools in the two-bedroom units). Two-bedroom units have an alfresco dining table that can seat six people, and a wicker sectional that allows for outdoor lounging in the private pool villa. Lounge chairs by the pools also encourage poolside relaxing. 

The hotel's name is a bit misleading as facilities here are limited and not at all on par with those at a proper resort. It has a small spa that offers massage treatments and pedicures beside the spa pool -- it's a relaxing space with rustic, natural touches. There's also a cafeteria and small lounge area, but food service is limited. Breakfast is delivered to guest villas, and the hotel makes its breads and cakes, but overall the quality of food on offer doesn't get the most enthusiastic reviews. Afternoon tea also is free. Among the free daily activities are temple tours, Balinese music lessons, and bicycle tours. The hotel does run a free shuttle into Ubud three times a day, and additional trips can be made for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but it can be spotty.