Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas & Spa

Once you step inside Bebek Tepi Sawah, you are instantly worlds-away from the busy road out front. The breezy lobby has glossy tiled floors, palatial stone pillars, and a traditional hand-carved wooden front desk. The sprawling grounds are impressive, with Balinese style villas set in eight hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens. A rice field is located in the middle of the hotel, and many colorful birds and exotic wildlife can be spotted around the property. Two swimming pools provide welcome relief from the heat of Ubud, and the trickling sound from the Buddha fountains creates a tranquil atmosphere. The property's romantic and intimate atmosphere attracts a large number of couples, but some families also stay here. There's a strong focus on culture and tradition at this hotel, which is owned by a Balinese painter and his wife.

Known as the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is located in the central foothills of the Giyanar regency. The hotel is situated outside of the busy central part of town, but shopping, dining, and most sights are a short car or scooter ride away. The Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market, and Ubud Palace can be reached in 10-minutes by car or 30-minutes by foot, while the Rudana Museum and Peliatan Palace are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Yoga Barn is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The road out front is busy, and it can get congested with traffic during the day. There are a few local shops along the road, and the hotel owns a chain restaurant next door that's famous for its crispy duck. Ngurah Rai International Airport is around an hour and 10 minutes away by car, though that depends on traffic.

All 25 rooms have been traditionally decorated in a typical Balinese style with a modern finish. Neutral tones, tiled floors, and white painted walls give them a fresh feel, and furniture is kept simple, with dark wood closets, work desks, and hand-carved wood-framed mirrors. The intricately carved four-poster beds are a particularly romantic touch in some of the rooms. Air-conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, phones, free bottled water, and slippers come standard. All rooms have sliding glass doors that open out onto furnished balconies or patios, facing either the pool or garden -- though pool-facing rooms lack privacy. Some villas add outdoor gazebos, daybeds, and spa baths. Marble finish bathrooms have an indoor/outdoor design, and all include deep-soaking tubs, vessel sinks, large mirrors, and free toiletries. Some villas add separate walk-in rainfall showers.

The hotel has a restaurant serving contemporary Western and Indonesian cuisine, as well as a restaurant next door that's a popular culinary destination. It is a chain restaurant, but it's revered for its crispy duck, and sees many famous faces pass through the doors. A free a la carte breakfast is served daily, and in-room dining is also available. There are two heated outdoor pools lined with sun loungers and umbrellas, plus a full-service spa offering manicures, pedicures, and traditional Balinese massages. The hotel is focused on traditional culture, and one of the owners is a Balinese dancer who performs at the hotel every week. They support the arts, and have a free dance space for locals plus a large gallery where Balinese painters can sell their work. Guests can take advantage of dance and painting classes on-site, and there's a gift shop and small library. Car rentals and tours are also available, and there is a free daily shuttle service around Ubud. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service (with limited hours), paid airport transfers, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.