Puri Wulandari Boutique Resort

The ambience and setting throughout the Puri Wulandari Resort is tranquil, and feels far removed from the busy tourist hubs of Bali. The long driveway leading to the lobby is lined on either side by rice fields, and upon stepping into the lobby, there are glimpses of the amazing jungle views and expansive hotel grounds covered in greenery. The lobby is a large thatch-and-bamboo pavilion featuring creamy yellow marble floors, and interiors are decorated with intricately carved wood and stone statues. The look throughout the property follows suit, and is definitively rustic-chic, which complements those jungle views. A favorite feature is the infinity pool, which is built along the cliff's edge to capitalize on those views. Everything from the restaurants to the spa are equally romantic, with ponds and flowing water all around. The hotel is most popular with couples and honeymooners, but the two- and three-bedroom villas are also a good option for families, although the infinity pools and steep steps can be dangerous for young children.

Puri Wulandari Resort is located in scenic Kedewatan Village, a 20-minute drive from downtown Ubud. Many luxury hotels are located in this quiet area, which offers dramatic cliffside views along the Sayan Ridge and Ayung River. There isn't much to see or do within an easy walk, though there are a few local shops and restaurants a 10-minute walk away. One of the most popular activities in the area is whitewater rafting, and the starting point is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Elephant Safari Park is located in the hills of Taro village, about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. There aren't many western restaurants in the area but the Kedewatan area is famous for its authentic and spicy Balinese cuisine which is served in a few local cafes, less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Kuta and the airport take around 70 minutes to reach from the hotel.

The hotel's villas are inspired by traditional Balinese compounds and feature open-air pavilions with thatched and bamboo roofs that seamlessly blend into the natural scenery. Interiors feature plain white walls, marble floors, carved stone, and gorgeous hardwood. Balinese doors and modern teak furniture add a ton of character. Large sliding balcony glass doors let in plenty of natural light and open up the bedroom to the stunning river valley view. The teak furniture in the bedrooms consists of four-poster beds covered by mosquito nets, a work desk and chair, a TV cabinet, and a large wardrobe.

Villas are available in either one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations ranging from 2,150 square feet (200 square meters) to the palatial Maharani Two-Bedroom Villa which is 5,380 square feet (500 square meters). All villas have plunge pools, decks with lounge chairs, and open-air living rooms, though pools and living rooms are larger in the two- and three-bedroom villas. Standard features include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, safes, and minibars. The Maharani Two-Bedroom Villa has additional features including a whirlpool and a kitchen that contains a full-size fridge, a gas stovetop, and a microwave. 

Bathrooms have marble tiles on the walls and floors, twin vanities covered black marble, deep soaking tubs, and outdoor showers in private gardens. There are also indoor rainfall showers plus toiletries and hairdryers.

The hotel has a number of features, all of which are excellent additions to what is -- at core -- a small boutique property. The infinity pool is surrounded by a stone deck lined with lounge-chairs overlooking the river valley. The restaurants -- Legong and Janger -- are housed in a two story building that looks out onto the pool and valley. Legong is a more casual affair for light bites, lunch, and breakfast, while Janger restaurant focuses mostly on fine-dining Asian cuisine. Although the setting of the restaurants is stunning, guest reviews of the food are a mixed bag and the menu is a little overpriced. The Barong Bar is a small cocktail and coffee lounge. The spa contains spacious open-air couples treatment rooms with a private hot tub and sauna. A buggy is available to drive guests within the property and the hotel provides a free return shuttle service to Ubud that operates four times a day. Activities include yoga, village trekking, and other options for a fee. There is plenty of free parking and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.