Banjar Semana, Desa Singakerta, Ubud, Indonesia | 62 361 8987111
Intimate, upscale property on the Ayung River
Villas offer flat-screen TVs, minibars, outdoor showers, and private pools
Two-story honeymoon suite includes riverfront views
Terrace and a gazebo on the river, plus a riverside spa with a soaking tub in a pond, are highlight features
Balinese restaurant, overlooking the river, serves tasty fare
Outdoor infinity edge pool is almost never crowded
Children under 12 not allowed (a con for some)
On-site gift shop and free library with books and DVDs
Mountain bike rentals, morning walks, and yoga sessions all on-site
Freebies include afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, parking, breakfast, and round-trip Ubud shuttle
Wi-Fi is spotty
Some bathrooms and the pool have signs of wear
Location is a 15-minute drive from downtown Ubud
Harmless forest critters roaming the property can be annoying
The 10-room Villa Semana is an upscale hotel that provides a quiet, romantic vacation geared toward adults (no children under 12 are allowed). The Ayung River winds past a hillside gazebo, charming spa, thatched-roof restaurant, and infinity pool on this lovely property. There are also village walks, cooking classes, yoga, and tours available. Stylish, serene Balinese villas feature flat-screen TVs, lily ponds, private pools, and outdoor showers, in some. However, the main pool and some bathrooms could use some updates. The Komaneka at Tanggayuda offers updated luxurious furnishings, but prices may be higher. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are all free.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Private, upscale riverfront hotel for adults
The Villa Semana is an upscale and romantic property for adults that is built around the Ayung River. The quiet and private setting -- which doesn’t allow children under 12 -- attracts mostly couples and honeymooners. Many of the hotel’s staff members are from Semana village and the approach to customer service is personal. There’s no lobby, and check-in takes place in the villa. Riverside lounge areas are placed through the tropical property that features lily ponds, palms, thatched-roof buildings, and rice terrace views. A wooden planked terrace and bale, or gazebo, hang over the flowing river. The hillside location, however, has some steep steps. Overall the atmosphere is intimate and private.
Location
A secluded location in Semana village
The hotel is located in a secluded area in Semana village, surrounded by rice terraces and along the Ayung River. It’s not a walkable area with shops or restaurants nearby. Morning walks into the village -- through the rice fields and along the river -- are led by hotel staff. The property offers a free shuttle to Ubud (20 minutes) where there’s the Ubud Palace, markets stalls, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a 20-minute drive to Sacred Monkey Forest. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is over an hour away by car. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Driving to the Campuhan Ridge Walk takes 20 minutes. The Elephant Safari Park requires a 30-minute car trip.
Rooms
Simple, elegant villas feature flat-screen TVs, pools, open-air living rooms, and river views.
Four types of villas feature rustic, stylish designs with Balinese flair, stone tile floors, original artwork by Gede Sudarma, canopy beds with mosquito nets, intricate carvings, and pools with lounge chairs. The two-story Semana Suite features wooden floors, an open-air dining room, a kitchenette with optional butler service, a large garden, two bathrooms, a thatched-roof gazebo, a sundeck with a champagne cooler, and river views. Pool Deluxe Villas have open-air living rooms, lily ponds, outdoor showers, and rice paddy views. The two-bedroom Pool Duplex Villa has a lotus pond, spiral staircase, outdoor shower, two bathrooms, and river plus rice paddy views. Pool Garden Villas have garden views and outdoor rainfall showerheads. Open bathrooms feature hairdryers and sunken bathtubs. All villas have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, CD players, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, universal adapter outlets, umbrellas, bathrobes, slippers, safes, free Wi-Fi, daily fruit baskets, free bottled water, twice daily housekeeping, and 24-hour room service.
Features
Poolside dining, candlelit dinners, cooking classes, and tours
Villa Semana has an infinity edge pool that overlooks the river, offering a deck with brown wicker lounge chairs and umbrellas. Free afternoon tea is served poolside. The Ayung River also runs by the charming Semana Spa, which features gazebo treatment rooms and a lovely soaking tub that’s set in a pond surrounded by the forest landscape.
The Pondok Restaurant -- with poolside service -- offers casual Balinese and Thai dining in a thatched-roof hut, with forest views and stylish rattan chairs. Organic ingredients from the hotel’s gardens are incorporated into the cuisine. Candlelit dinners can be accommodated on the riverside terrace. Shawls, on cold nights, and reading glasses are available at the restaurant. Walking or driving outings to the rice fields and Kintamani crater are offered. Cooking classes (with trips to the local market), cycling tours, yoga, and meditation classes are also available. The hotel provides a reliable, free shuttle with round-trip service to Ubud. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
