Wapa di Ume Ubud

It's a special thing when a hotel is able to combine a high-end experience with truly rustic ambience, and Wapa di Ume manages this feat. The natural stone that's used throughout the property has been weathered over the years and grass sprouts from from cracks and gaps in the landscaping throughout. The grounds are arranged so that most vantages look out onto the terraced rice fields surrounded by low-rise, thatched-roof buildings. There are stone statues of Hindu deities throughout the property, some intricate and some covered in a thin layer of moss, and nearly every common space has a simple charm, including the spacious lobby with terra-cotta tile inlay floors and stone walls. The resort is popular for weddings and has its own wedding chapel -- a large open building with vaulted ceiling and beige tile floors, surrounded by a stone deck -- along with a well-used yoga pavilion with a long wooden floor and plenty of space for mats. The spa is situated in its own stone villa with several private massage rooms, a shower room, and facial area. At the end of the resort lies a large vegetable garden which supplies ingredients for the resort's restaurant, a casual venue with a covered patio with cushioned chairs overlooking the rice fields and a lesehan area with traditional on-the-floor seating. Guests here are mostly couples on a romantic holiday, though families pass through as well. 

The resort is situated in the rice fields just off of a curving main road about a five-minute drive outside of Ubud. There is a small village just outside of the resort, and in the morning before it gets hot, walks into central Ubud through the village can be pleasant, though they will take up to 25 minutes. Ubud itself is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, along with all manner of yoga, art, and spiritual pursuits. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a popular conservation attraction in the area, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while stunning Mount Batur, an active volcano in the north of Bali, is a 50-minute drive away. Party-hard Kuta will take about 70 minutes to reach by road, and the closest airport -- Ngurah Rai -- is located there. 

There are 33 rooms and villas at Wapa di Ume and although they vary in size and privacy, all harmoniously blend simplicity, modern comforts, and Balinese tradition. The furnishings are similar across all room categories -- rustic, white-washed wooden furniture, exposed wooden ceilings, four-poster canopy beds, light tile or mid-tone hardwood floors, attractive wicker furniture with tan-and-white striped textiles, and touches of Balinese hospitality like free bottled water and a fresh fruit plate. Each unit has a wall of windows that slides or hinges open to let in the tropical breeze. The rooms (Lanais, as the hotel calls them) and Suites feature a large furnished terrace overlooking the forest, pool, or rice fields, while Villas are stand-alone units with a deck, patio, and grass hut gazebos. Some Villas have their own private swimming pool. Suites and Villas have additional seating areas, including low-slung couches and chairs, and multi-bedroom units are available. All rooms feature air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars, and a safe, and although Wi-Fi is free, in the spirit of peace and quiet, none have TVs. Bathrooms are enormous and luxurious, with attractive light marble throughout, and include sunken marble bathtub/shower combos in some units as well as separate tubs and walk-in showers in other units. Toiletries are made with organic local materials and kept in adorable corked bottles. Bathrobes and slippers come with every room.

The resort takes great pains to maintain a tranquil vibe; to that end, the pools and yoga venues are a great addition. Guests have access to two outdoor swimming pools -- the main bi-level pool where the higher pool spills into the lower over a stone walls, and an additional infinity pool. The resort hosts free afternoon tea featuring homemade cakes, and there are free afternoon yoga classes at various times throughout the week in the resort's yoga studio. The spa offers an array of massages, facials and beauty treatments. Breakfast is also a highlight here -- there is an extensive offering and it's included in room rates -- and the restaurant's menu for lunch and dinner features a blend of traditional Balinese dishes and Western cuisine like steaks. The space has lovely views of the rice fields and grounds. Balinese cooking classes are also available. There is a free shuttle to and from Ubud that runs every hour, and the resort has its own wedding chapel, business center, meeting room, and a floating gazebo. Treks and tours into the rice paddies are available as are airport shuttles, and laundry and dry cleaning services. There is free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.