Bisma Eight

Designed by Singaporean architect Jasper Chia, Bisma Eight has an unusual, but fashionable, style that combines modern Balinese design with hip industrial touches. Natural wood and stone, earthenware ornaments, and natural fibers blend with concrete surfaces, metal finishes, and subway tiles to create trendy spaces full of character. The earth palette is punctuated by stylish pops of orange, brown, and gray, while open layouts bring the lush outdoors in. This uncluttered design and understated decor style lend the property a laid-back vibe, but luxury runs deep at Bisma Eight. High-end touches such as coffee blends unique to the hotel, standard turndown service with small cookies presented in cute tin boxes, and handcrafted Japanese-style wooden tubs in rooms make for a luxurious stay without the ostentation sometimes found in high-end hotels. 

The outdoors are particularly stunning at this luxe property, with a small but lush central garden and a backdrop of wild jungle tumbling towards a creek. The infinity pool is strategically placed overlooking the rain forest, and both the restaurant and the lounge occupy the rooftops of the buildings, making the most of the hotel’s serene location and sweeping views. This peaceful setting, along with dim lighting at night, creates a romantic atmosphere more suitable for couples and honeymooners than families. We had breakfast next to a young Australian couple with a one-year-old, but they were the only family we spotted during our stay, and we were told that children under two are generally not allowed on-site in an attempt to preserve the hotel's serene atmosphere.

Still, the hotel does draw some families in peak season, so those seeking a kid-free break may want to consider the adult-only Royal Kamuela Ubud, which is in the same price range and features a spa and upscale one-bedroom villas with private pools. The Bambu Indah, complete with a natural lagoon pool, organic cuisine, and a yoga pavilion is a good alternative for eco-conscious and spiritual travelers. Families on a tighter budget may want to consider the Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa, which features spacious, modern rooms, two infinity pools, and a nice spa. 

Bisma Eight is located on a small, quiet street lined with other hotels, a few spas, and a number of small restaurants. The hotel is surrounded by nature, with thick jungle and a creek at the back of the property, and a few rice paddies nearby. The center or Ubud, known for its many restaurants, shops, and yoga studios, is just a 10- to 15-minute walk away, as is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one of Ubud’s most visited attractions. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the Ubud Palace, which is right across the street from the popular Ubud Market. Pura Gunung Lebah -- one of Ubud’s most charming Hindu temples -- can also be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is just a few minutes farther away up a beautiful, lush road with panoramic views. Ngurah Rai International Airport is just over an hour away by car. 

The hotel has 38 sophisticated suites spread over three buildings. Garden and Canopy Suites are housed in two two-story structures separated by a lush garden bursting with tropical plants. Forest Suites are located in a separate three-story building in the back of the property overlooking the jungle. All rooms are decorated in the same smart style, which combines modern Balinese design elements such as wooden screens, dark wood floors, and stylish furniture made with different types of wood. Chic industrial touches include concrete surfaces, metal accents, and clean lines. Details such as air-conditioning units hidden behind wooden structures are elegant touches.

Forest Suites have a spacious living area separated from the bathroom via a wooden screen decorated with burlap for privacy, while the bedroom -- with the bed oriented towards the massive warehouse windows offering sweeping jungle views -- is a few steps down from the living room. Canopy and Garden Suites have separate seating areas, as well as big windows opening to furnished balconies or intimate patios surrounded by greenery, respectively.

All rooms are equipped with luxe amenities, including French presses and electric kettles with ground coffee and an assortment of teas, big flat-screen TVs with tons of international channels, and minibars stocked with wine, several types of beer, an array of sodas, still and sparkling water, and snacks. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and it was fast and reliable during our stay. We found our bed plush and comfortable, with a light duvet and several supportive pillows. 

Bathrooms are a definite highlight with natural wood and stone accents, exposed concrete details, and stylish lines. Each bathroom features a big walk-in rain shower, a big sink area with sleek taps and lots of thick towels, and huge, beautiful Japanese-style handcrafted wooden tubs that require a small stool to climb inside due to their sheer size. The toilet is in a separate cabin with frosted glass doors. 

Located on the rooftop, Copper Kitchen is an upscale restaurant with a wonderful farm-to-table menu that uses seasonal herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel’s garden. Guest favorites include nasi goreng, traditional coconut ceviche, tuna tataki, and papaya fruit salad ravioli with tapioca pearls and Javanese long black pepper ice cream. A la carte breakfast is included in all rates, and offers a wonderful array of options -- from fried rice dishes to eggs Benedict and banana pancakes -- along with coffee or tea (and a choice of milks, including soy), three types of fresh fruit juices, and either a basket of fresh pastries, cereal, or toast. Our waffle with citrus parfait and roasted pineapple was filling and delicious, and the eggs were cooked perfectly. Room service is available 24/7, and breakfast can be delivered to the rooms at no extra charge. 

Across the central garden from the restaurant is the rooftop lounge, which is lined with plants and has big, comfortable couches and tables decorated with candles and dim lights. Located off the lobby, the Library Cafe is a quiet spot for bespoke coffee drinks made and teas.

The pool is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen around Bali. It has an infinity-edge overlooking the jungle, and a spacious deck set with several padded loungers and four wooden cabanas. The bar adjacent to the pool has a wonderful selection of drinks and the same food menu as Copper Kitchen. A waiter came to take our order as soon as we put our towels on the loungers, and the food and drinks came promptly as well. 

The hotel has a small, but well-equipped, fitness center with LifeFitness cardio and strength-training machines, foam rolls for stretching, and free weights. Free morning yoga classes are led by an experienced instructor. Classes are held on the rooftop, and while it was early in the morning, shaded areas were scarce, which made it a little uncomfortable for some guests. Guests can also join other free activities on-site, including offering- and cocktail-making classes, and cycling tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is free for guests with cars.