Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

Only 10 minutes from central Ubud, the Maya Ubud is a tranquil, peaceful escape situated between a river and rice fields. Its setting is natural and beautifully landscaped with lush tropical vegetation and flowers. In fact, only 10 percent of the hotel's land has been cleared and developed. A stone and wooden walkway with pools on each side leads to the lobby, which sits on the highest point of the property. It's a grand open-air space with a high thatched roof. Leather and wooden benches provide places for guests to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Given the rustic-chic design, abundance of features, and impeccably kept grounds, it's not surprising that the resort draws mostly couples and is popular with honeymooners. Families also make their way here, even though there's not much for children to do and they are not allowed in the spa or River Cafe.

The resort is nestled on 24 acres of lush tropical grounds that seem filed with wild jungle at nearly every turn. Only 10 percent of the hotel's grounds have been built up, meaning that the sounds of the jungle are really the only thing to be heard. To reach the property, guests drive down a side road off busy Peliatan Road. There's not much in the immediate area around the resort except for rice paddies. Despite that entirely secluded feeling, the resort is only about a 10-minute drive outside of central Ubud. Ubud Palace can be reached in 10 minutes by car, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in 15 minutes. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a little over an hour's drive southwest of the resort, outside of Kuta. 

The resort's accommodations are divided between Superior and Deluxe Rooms as well as Villas. Rooms are modern and brightly colored, with bright yellow accents, bright green and yellow decorative pillows, and black-and-white headboards and bed runners done with a curious Cubist print of local scenes. Wooden Balinese furniture -- like daybeds and chairs -- has thick, rustic lines. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and free bottled water. Bathrooms also are simple, and come with tub/shower combos, magnifying mirrors, toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles, and hairdryers. Furnished balconies look out onto the rice fields or the valley. Villas are larger, with extra-special details like pitched bamboo ceilings. Some have private plunge pools in lovely garden spaces, and other extras include Nespresso coffeemakers, Bose speakers, and outdoor showers. Villa bathrooms are modern and feature wooden countertops, plus metal sinks and tubs. The Petanu Presidential Villa is especially large and luxurious, with separate living and dining spaces and two bedrooms with canopied beds. Its outdoor infinity pool is beautiful, and lounge chairs and umbrellas are ready for private poolside relaxation.

While the style and setting help make this resort one of the area's nicest options, the features on offer are all high quality as well. Maya Sari, the resort's signature restaurant, is next to the main swimming pool and offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of the river valley. The River Cafe serves healthy fare in an open-air setting by the river, river pool, and spa. Diners overlook the pool and jungle, and cold-pressed juices are available. There's also an indoor/outdoor bar with gorgeous treetop views. Food receives universally solid marks from guests, and breakfast is free. It includes a nice array of healthy and more indulgent items. Additionally, a free afternoon tea service offers coffee, cakes, and other treats.

The main pool is a lovely two-level space with a stone and wooden pool deck and tropical gardens surrounding it. Cushioned lounge chairs are shaded by umbrellas. A second pool next to the river also has lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxing poolside, and the setting is lush and peaceful. The Spa at Maya is located in a stunningly beautiful thatched-roof hut next to the river, and guests can hear the soothing sounds of nature during their treatments. 

A fitness center offers cardio and weight-training equipment, and yoga classes are free. Free yoga classes are available as well, and the hotel offers free treks through the rice fields nearby. Guests can check email in the lobby where an Apple computer is set up. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and a shuttle runs into the center of Ubud for free.

The resort offers several romantic places where couples can get married, including the Starlight Deck, the Scenic Plaza, and a traditional Balinese temple. Wedding planners assist with the details.