Alam Ubud Villa

Perched on wooden pillars amid verdant foliage and above the rushing Petanu River, this stylish four-pearl resort blends modern facilities with Balinese touches such as stone sculptures, appealing artwork, and antiques dating back to the 14th century. The three-hectare (seven-acre) property features a spacious open-air, thatched-roof lobby, which comes with wooden benches and traditional Balinese armchairs, as well as a striking elephant statue. Just as the rest of the resort, the area is dominated by earthy hues, which are broken up by splashes of vibrant maroon. The property mostly draws couples with its tranquil atmosphere, plus some families and groups thrown into the mix, and is a decent base for those wishing to stay in a jungle setting but still relatively close to Ubud. Since the resort is set in a rainforest, guests should expect insects.

Without a doubt, the resort’s main drawcard is its jungle location. Set within a verdant rainforest in the Tegalalan area, the resort is a 20-minute drive from the cultural center of Ubud. In effect, the resort offers a secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the town famous for its artisans, cafes, and boutiques. Some of the more memorable attractions in the town center, or under half-an-hour drive from the resort, include the Monkey Forest, the Goa Gajah temple, and the Antonio Blanco Museum. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 90-minute drive away. The resort offers a regular free shuttle service to and from Ubud center, as well as bicycle hire. 

The resort’s hillside villas blend contemporary facilities with traditional Balinese element such as striking stone sculptures and artwork. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones broken up by splashes of maroon and lime. The resort’s six villa types come with thatched roofs and outdoor terraces -- furnished with armchairs, a side table, and a divan - that run the full length of each villa and overlook the lush jungle and river in the valley below. Other amenities include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, in-house movies, electronic adapters, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safety deposit boxes, mosquito nets, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers, and come with hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. In addition, some villas come with four-poster beds, private pools and gazebos, fireplaces, and striking decorative touches such as an indoor tree growing through the villa’s roof. 

While most of the villas feature modern amenities, some are beginning to show signs of wear. Some guests have complained of stained linen, and sewage or musty odors. Those with mobility issues should request accommodation near the lobby, as the top villas are more accessible. The restaurant, bar, spa, one of the pools, and some villas are located in the valley and require a strenuous walk up the stairs on the way up. 

The hotel’s facilities are geared toward couples seeking a peaceful getaway. The two pools are pleasant: One is an infinity pool at the lower level in the valley, and the other a small "sacred" spring pool higher up the hill that according to local folklore “can cause young and cure skin disease”). Both are surrounded by ample loungers and umbrellas. The resort’s open-air restaurant overlooks the pool, and comes decorated with stone and wooden elements, as well as an array of sculptures. It serves Indonesian and Western dishes, and all rates include breakfast. Food quality receives mixed reviews though. The open-air Art Bar and Lounge is dominated by dark hues and features bookcases, a comfy terrace area, and stylish Balinese touches including a gamelan (traditional Balinese instrument) display. While there is no gym, the resort features an open-air spa offering massages and other treatments. Both yoga and cooking classes can be arranged for an additional cost.