Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa

Set amid thick jungle and placed beside a creek, Bali Spirit conjures up the feel of the old Ubud: it's quiet, serene, and has a somewhat spiritual vibe. The grounds are beautiful, with moss-covered stone carvings on walls, statues of birds and animals peeking from behind lush tropical plants, and traditional architecture that draws heavily on thatched roofs, indoor/outdoor spaces, and lots of wood and stone accents.The overall feel of the Bali Spirit is quaint and cute, but as is the case with many similar properties in the area, the hotel is starting to look a little run down. We spotted damaged wood in the restaurant and broken statues in the garden -- but the weathered touches were somehow more charming than off-putting. The spa, though, with its dated yellow tiles and basic facilities, is in need of an update.

Most of the guests we encountered during our stay were middle-aged European and Australian couples, and they tended to spend the day out exploring the area. Both pools were quiet and relaxing throughout the day, and we could hear birds chirping on surrounding trees. Some of the guests came back to the hotel before sunset to take a dip in the pool, but most only returned after dinner. The hotel's setting on the side of a mountain is picturesque, but it may be challenging for travelers with mobility issues. Those looking to stay closer to the action may want to consider the Lumbung Sari Cottages, which is a simple boutique with lower rates, spacious rooms, and a cute pool. 

Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa is located off a busy road a short drive south of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The street is lined with tiny, local shops and casual restaurants, including a vegan eatery popular among expats visiting the co-working space across the road. The Ubud Yoga Centre, a multi-story building offering yoga, meditation, art exhibitions, and a cute cafe with outdoor seating, is just down the street. The Monkey Forest is the area’s main attraction, and the entrance can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. The city center and its many temples, shops, restaurants, museums, and yoga studios are about a half-hour walk away, but the relentless heat and humidity can make it an uncomfortable trek. The hotel runs a free shuttle service several times per day to downtown Ubud, or there are plenty of taxis in the area for trips into town outside of the set shuttle hours. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about an hour away by car.

Housed in several low buildings, the 34 air-conditioned rooms are spacious and decorated with lots of traditional Balinese details, such as carved stone screens or stone reliefs with natural motifs, wood paneling, and thatch or wooden ceilings. Ornate four-poster beds are a romantic touch in suites. All other rooms come with either two twin beds or a king bed. Big windows let in lots of natural light in most rooms, and all have outdoor spaces with patio furniture and serene garden or jungle views. The color palette is soft and neutral, with crisp white duvets, beige or off-white tile floors, and just a pop or two of yellow and black on bed runners and accent pillows. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs with international channels, lightly stocked minibars, and safes. Some rooms also have DVD players. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but it can be spotty in rooms.

Bathrooms range between basic and contemporary -- some rooms have older wet room-style showers, simple gray tiling throughout, and dim lighting, while others have been updated with spacious shower/tub combos with natural stone accents, and round stone sinks over black counters and wooden vanities. Emerald Rooms and some suites on the ground floor have cute open bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers. Our Emerald Room bathroom had small openings on the wall but no glass, which meant we found lots of mosquitos in the bathroom.

Light sleepers may want to request a room away from the lobby, as units closest to the road may get traffic noise. 

The day starts with a free buffet served in the restaurant, housed in a cute open pavilion at the bottom of the property. The spread includes Indonesian and international options, including nasi and mie goreng, made-to-order eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, beans, toast, and three types of fresh fruit. The lunch and dinner menus also offer both local and Western cuisine at reasonable prices, and the restaurant has a romantic feel in the evening, with jungle views, dim lights, and soft music playing in the background. 

There are two pools, both with a peaceful vibe and a number of umbrellas and cushioned loungers. The main pool has a spacious deck carved directly into the rock, and has jungle views, a swim-up bar with drinks, snacks, and a pizza oven, and small stone fountains on every corner. The other pool is located adjacent to the restaurant, and also has serene jungle views. One of its sides is decorated with a beautiful traditional stone gate, and there are a few small pavilions around the deck with tables for intimate dinners. 

The spa has three treatments rooms, all housed in traditional pavilions with pitched wood and terra-cotta roofs, and open to the jungle. The space is simple and a little worn, with old tiles and some water damage on the facade and the wooden structure. There are curtains for privacy in each room, and the views are gorgeous, but some spa-goers have found the lack of air-conditioning to be uncomfortable. There's also a small salon offering a few basic services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal can be weak. For guests with cars, parking is free.