Alaya Resort Ubud

Located on picturesque rice paddy fields, the Alaya Resort Ubud is an upscale property that offers a bit of country charm in the heart of bustling downtown Ubud. The tropical setting -- with stone pathways, fountains, bamboo trimmed buildings, and quacking ducks on the rice fields -- creates a romantic ambience that feels true to Bali. However, the busy main street sounds sometimes filter into the resort. Staff, dressed in traditional Balinese attire, man the large, raw wood front desk that sits in front of striking silhouette artwork. The open-air lobby feels especially large with its high thatched ceilings and has nice cushioned lounge areas. Guests are typically welcomed to the property with the nice touch of a drink and chilled towel. In the afternoon, there’s free tea and Balinese cakes available. This sleek resort has a romantic feel, though street noise can sometimes disrupt the mood. 

This Ubud location is in the heart of the city, making it convenient for travelers who want to explore on foot. The main street outside the resort is bustling with traffic, and filled with bakeries, restaurants, markets, cafes, shops, ATMs, and spas. The Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner and the Yoga Barn are beside the property. A free shuttle goes to the city center. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is in walking distance. Ubud Palace and Ubud Market are five minutes by car, the Goa Gajah is a 10-minute car trip, and it’s a 12-minute drive to the Neka Art Museum. Gunung Kawi is a one-hour car trip. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are 30 minutes by car. Driving to the Ngurah Rai International Airport takes over an hour.

The two types of rooms at Alaya Resort Ubud -- Deluxe and Alaya -- are decorated in traditional Balinese furnishings with modern fixtures. Attractive design includes polished stone tile floors, bamboo touches, farmer silhouette wall art, and high ceilings. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, minibars, coffeemakers, safes, kimonos and slippers, mosquito coils, and writing desks. Bamboo-trimmed balconies or patios have cushioned benches, patio furniture, and rice paddy views. For the best views, opt for rooms on the second and third floors. Fresh fruit, two water bottles, and turndown service are nice free perks. Open bathrooms, which have hairdryers and toilet hoses, are uniquely designed with terrarium-style showers with pebble flooring and tropical wallpaper. A dividing curtain separates the bed from the bathroom. Ayala Rooms also have big, appealing soaking tubs. Irons and rollaway beds can be requested. Wi-Fi is free throughout

The outdoor pool at Alaya Resort Ubud is a lovely tropical escape from the busy city. Designed by Grounds Kent Architects, the lagoon pool features a bamboo bridge and palms shading the natural deck, which offers wooden cushioned lounge chairs and white umbrellas. There’s a shallow shore-like section on one side of the pool and an outdoor shower. The small Bamboo Bar is located poolside with rattan furniture.

The Pentani restaurant serves American and Indonesian fare in a stylishly decorated open-air dining room with a pitched thatched roof and live entertainment. There’s also a bakery case and La Marzocco espresso machine. The street-side location, however, gets noisy. An outdoor thatched-roof pavilion -- surrounded by greenery -- offers yoga, meditation, dance, cooking, and ornamental craft classes. Wedding services can also be arranged in the pavilion. The DaLa Spa has six elegant treatment rooms -- some with soaking tubs -- and an open-air lounge. Concierge services are also offered, assisting guests with Elephant safari tours or shopping and dining recommendations. Paid airport transfers -- with cold towels and beverages -- and free shuttle service into the town are also offered. Wi-Fi is free throughout.