Bhanuswari Resort & Spa

The Bhanuswari sits at the end of a narrow road, past a small village surrounded by picturesque rice fields. The property is fronted by a vividly green pond adorned with a beautiful white statue of the Hindu goddess Saraswati. While the open-sided lobby area looks poorly maintained in places, the space is adorned with ornately carved sculptures and wicker furniture topped with plush cushions. This locally owned and operated resort is set in typically sprawling tropical gardens that benefit from the peace, quiet, and lovely breeze of neighboring paddy fields. Spring-fed streams surround the property and there are lovely views over the valley ridge, full of tall elephant grass and palm trees. However, while the overall setting is lovely, cracked paths and weather-worn concrete give the grounds a shabby feel. Most guests are couples looking for a secluded, peaceful, and modest place to get away.   

The resort overlooks the Petanu River, about a 15-minute drive from Ubud, a small tourist-friendly city known for its arts scene and numerous spas. There's little in the way of tourist attractions within walking distance, though bikes are available for exploring the area and the hotel organizes tours of the region's main sights. The Bhanuswari also offers free shuttle service to and from town throughout the day as well as free airport transfers. Bali's main Ngurah Rai International Airport is just under an hour's drive away, while getting to Despasar city center takes around 40 minutes.

The resort has a choice Standard, Deluxe, and Superior Rooms along with one- and two-bedroom Private Villas. Decor is simple and bright, with crisp white linens, polished tiles floors, and coconut-wood furnishings.All units have air-conditioning, minibars, and free bottled water. Flat-screen TVs with DVD players come standard, and there's a movie library available from reception. Villas also have gardens with private plunge pools and Balinese daybeds, as well as well-equipped kitchens. The base-category Standard Rooms are not all well-maintained, especially when compared to the clean and fresh Private Villas. Some of the bathrooms in these rooms also look worn and smell musty. 

The hotel's Pavilion restaurant provides a free breakfast service each morning in a gorgeous setting overlooking the rice fields. However, the food quality gets mixed reviews. Lunch and dinner menus of both western and Indonesian food are available and there's room service until late at night. The resort's main pool looks out over rice paddies, and there's a second, smaller pool with views of the colorful gardens. Both are flanked by lounge chairs. A range of spa treatment can also be arranged, and there are two yoga platforms for yoga classes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, but the connection is reportedly slow, particularly in rooms.