Bali’s beaches get the headlines, but many travelers say the part of the island they remember most is Ubud. Set inland among rice terraces, temples and jungle-covered valleys, it is where people go to slow down: morning yoga, long lunches, a massage in the afternoon and quiet evenings by the pool. The right Ubud resort sets the pace for all of it, so it is worth choosing where you stay with as much care as what you do.
Where in Ubud to Stay
Ubud is spread out, and the neighborhood you choose shapes your days. Staying in the center, around Jalan Bisma, puts cafes, galleries and the market within walking distance. Pengosekan, just south of the center, is calmer but still close enough to reach town by bike or a short ride. Further out, Campuhan and Sanggingan to the west and the countryside towards Kedewatan and Tegallalang trade convenience for space, rural views and real quiet. A good rule is to stay central for a short visit and further out if you have a week or more.
Whichever area you prefer, these six properties show the range of Ubud hotels on offer, from spa-focused retreats to relaxed resorts surrounded by greenery.
Six Places to Unwind
The Udaya Resorts and Spa
Set in tropical greenery about two kilometers from the center, The Udaya is built around relaxation. It has a dedicated spa center, a pool, yoga and guided trekking and biking tours, and its Deeva Organic Restaurant serves Balinese and Indonesian dishes with a vegetarian menu and a complimentary daily afternoon tea. Most rooms open onto a private balcony or terrace overlooking the pool or garden, and select units come with a private pool.
Best for: wellness-minded travelers who want spa time built into every day.
Alaya Resort Ubud
In Pengosekan, around a kilometer from central Ubud, Alaya describes itself as an upscale retreat designed for slow, indulgent days. There are two outdoor pools with a poolside bar, a spa offering massages and body treatments, a fitness center and bicycles to rent. Rooms have private balconies or patios and bathrooms with a separate bathtub and rainfall shower.
Best for: couples who want to stay close to town but sleep somewhere peaceful.
Bisma Eight Ubud
The most central of the six, Bisma Eight sits on Jalan Bisma, about half a kilometer from the heart of Ubud. It has 38 suites and 12 villas, each villa with open-air living space and a private pool. Guests get a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, the Mandala Spa, complimentary daily yoga classes and two restaurants: Copper Kitchen, Bar and Rooftop, and Mori for Japanese teppanyaki. Rooms even include a traditional Japanese soaking tub.
Best for: travelers who want resort comforts with Ubud’s cafes on the doorstep.
Ulun Ubud Resort
Against a peaceful rural backdrop in Campuhan, about three kilometers from the center, Ulun Ubud is a family-friendly resort with 30 rooms, an outdoor pool, a lounge and a poolside bar. Its restaurant, Dumogi, serves international cuisine, and the resort arranges hiking, cycling and walking tours, plus a complimentary shuttle around the area.
Best for: families and active travelers who want to explore the countryside on foot or by bike.
The Kemilau Ubud
On Jalan Raya Pengosekan, The Kemilau is a relaxing retreat with an outdoor pool, a garden and terrace, and a fitness center. Rooms come with a seating area, a bathtub, bathrobes and slippers, and some have balconies, while the on-site restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request.
Best for: a comfortable, easy-going base between Ubud and the south of the island.
Jannata Resort and Spa
Out in the countryside towards Tegallalang, about four kilometers from the center, Jannata is an upscale hideaway with just 20 rooms. There is an outdoor pool, an on-site spa for massages and body treatments, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar and a cafe, plus 24-hour room service. Rooms feature a fireplace, premium bedding and a bathtub.
Best for: anyone who wants real quiet and a small, personal resort.
Planning a Slower Stay
- Give it time. Three nights is the minimum to settle into Ubud’s pace, and five or more lets you add day trips to rice terraces and temples.
- Book spa treatments early. Popular time slots fill quickly at resort spas, especially in the late afternoon.
- Plan the transfer. Ubud is roughly 75 to 90 minutes from the airport, so arrange your ride before you land.
- Use the resort’s bikes. Several of these properties rent bicycles, which is the nicest way to reach nearby villages.
Wrapping Up
Ubud rewards travelers who do less and notice more, and the right resort makes that easy. Choose a central stay for convenience or a countryside hideaway for quiet, then let the spa, the pool and the views do the rest. All six properties are bookable through Airpaz, where you can compare rooms and dates for your Bali resort stay. New destination guides land regularly on TheVougeClub, so check back before your next trip.
