Jl. Raya Laplapan, Petulu Village, Ubud, Indonesia | 62 361 978666
Intimate, traditional Balinese property on the Petanu River
Villas offer outdoor soaking tubs and terraces; some have pools
Thatched-roof restaurant and bar serves Asian/international cuisine
Two infinity pools and a hot tub set in the forest are tranquil
Spa features open-air treatment rooms
Concierge desk can plan outdoor and cultural excursions
DVD, book, and game library on-site
Free afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
Furnishings in some villas are dated
Some complaints of spotty cleaning
Spa is a bit dated
Like at most hillside hotels, there are many steep steps
The upscale 14-villa Natura Resort and Spa is a quiet and traditionally designed property overlooking the unspoiled Petanu River valley, a location that’s a short drive from downtown Ubud. Along with its secluded vibe, the romantic resort offers two infinity pools, a hot tub, an open-air restaurant and bar, and a riverside spa. Simply decorated thatched-roof villas have outdoor soaking tubs, private terraces, and -- in some -- private plunge pools. The hotel offers candlelit poolside dinners, free high tea in the afternoon, and free Wi-Fi throughout. However, some villa furnishings are dated and worn. For more luxurious interior designs, guests could consider the Ayung Resort Ubud.
Scene
Upscale riverside property with traditional decor and secluded tropical grounds featuring rare plants and monkeys
Tucked away in an untouched forest on the Petanu River, the Natura Resort and Spa offers an upscale and traditional Balinese experience. The secluded property attracts mostly couples wanting privacy and easy access to the Ubud sights, which are within about a 10 to 15 minutes' drive. Classic Balinese designs, simple wood and stone furniture, and gold details decorate the open-air lobby that sits beside a koi pond. There’s a lovely wooden terrace, with traditional Balinese benches, facing the lush valley. The hotel management has worked to preserve rare trees and plants on the property, where there are frequent sightings of monkeys and forest critters. The unaltered hillside location, though, has many steps, and walkways often merge into rock formations or tree roots. The main pool has an infinity edge that seemingly drops into the forest, with umbrellas and lounge chairs on a wooden deck. The smaller pool sits beside a rock wall and offers forest views and a deck. Below a thatched-roof gazebo is a hot tub surrounded by stone walls and lush greenery, providing the perfect romantic backdrop.
Location
Tucked away in the Petanu River valley
The hotel is in the quiet village of Laplapan, on the Petanu River. Bali Bike Baik Tours and the Payuk Bali Cooking Class are within five to 10 minutes' walking distance -- albeit the hotel is on a hillside. Downtown Ubud -- with Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, restaurants, and shops -- is a 10- to 15-minute drive via the hotel’s free shuttle. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Museum Puri Lukisan, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Driving to the Blanco Renaissance Museum takes just under 20 minutes. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Classic Balinese villas with terraces and outdoor bathtubs; some with private plunge pools
The property's traditional, Balinese thatched-roof villas were designed by Bali architect Popo Danes and have private entrances. Beautifully finished with molded ceilings, the villas elegantly combine cream marble, gray stone, and dark coconut wood. Enhancing the villas are woven floor mats, white linens, and colorful silk pillows and bed runners atop canopy beds. Each Traditional Villa -- the most basic option -- has an outdoor terazzo soaking tub and a furnished stone terrace, along with a huge marble bathroom with stall shower. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, TVs and DVD players, safes, hairdryers, tea kettles, and free daily bottled water. Bug spray and mosquito coils are provided. Each Luxury Pool Villa has a private plunge pool, while each Two-Bedroom Villa has either a hot tub or plunge pool.
Features
International dining, candlelit dinners, spa with open-air treatment rooms, and a tour desk
The thatched-roof Wantilan Restaurant’s open-air dining room and lounge bar overlook the lush valley, and offer a menu with Asian and international cuisine. Free afternoon tea is served in the restaurant. Candlelit dinners on the pool terrace or in the rooms can be arranged. The restaurant also offers 24-hour room service. A conference room on the ground floor is available for gatherings of up to 14 people; free Wi-Fi and a LCD projector are provided. There’s also a tour desk that assists guests with moped or bike rentals, and various excursions. The rustic riverside spa has open-air treatment rooms, a soaking bathtub, and an outdoor shower.