Capella Ubud Resort Evaluate

Capella Ubud was constructed with out chopping down any timber.

After I realized this, I paused to soak up my environment, noticing how every tented construction inside the property was seamlessly built-in with native tropical flowers and hovering palm timber that fashioned an impressive cover overhead. I used to be fully in awe of how such harmonious integration was attainable.

Tucked away within the lush rainforests of Bali, Capella Ubud is an opulent sanctuary that immerses company within the island’s beautiful pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage. Legendary architect Invoice Bensley created this spectacular tented camp with out disrupting the land’s lush pure panorama.

Capella Ubud has been featured in Journey + Leisure’s annual World’s Greatest Awards for a number of years. It was acknowledged because the greatest lodge on the planet by T+L readers in 2020 and is 2024’s high lodge in Indonesia. Capella was additionally named the high lodge model on the planet in 2023 and 2024. For sure, my expectations have been excessive.

Upon my arrival, I used to be embraced by the soothing sounds of nature and greeted with a conventional blessing of holy water and a sprinkle of rice on my brow, which symbolizes prosperity and well-being. Then I launched into a melukat, a water ritual aimed to cleanse the physique and spirit, a part of the model’s Capella Curates program.

Wearing Balinese apparel supplied by the resort, I used to be guided by a camp ranger alongside a rocky pathway to the Sacred Wos River Temple, the place we ready choices for the gods and recited mantras to launch unfavorable power. Then, we submerged in an historic spring of holy water.

Wellness and journey stand out right here via quite a lot of actions that encourage company to have interaction with Balinese tradition — from guided jungle treks and rice paddy walks to cooking courses and yoga classes. The culinary choices are equally spectacular, with on-site eating choices that showcase vibrant native flavors and elements.

The property options 22 luxurious one-bedroom villas and one two-bedroom lodge, every with its personal personal saltwater pool, spacious out of doors deck, impeccably designed interiors, and sprawling views of the Keliki Valley. These tented retreats mix the pure fantastic thing about the Balinese jungle with fashionable facilities.

Learn on for my evaluate of Capella Ubud and uncover what awaits at this distinctive sanctuary in Bali.

The Rooms

Nestled inside the forests, the tented villas are uniquely styled to replicate the abilities of European settlers from the early 1800s, comparable to tradesmen, explorers, and artists. Trendy conveniences embody air-conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a complimentary smartphone (with knowledge included), a stocked refreshment trunk, and an Illy espresso machine.

In my not-so-humble abode, referred to as the Horn Collector’s Tent, I crossed a suspension bridge that led to an expansive picket deck with a suspended saltwater pool, a big daybed, and two extra lounging areas.

The sun-drenched suite was embellished with wealthy textiles and an array of horn ornaments and different Balinese devices. It additionally displayed a lavish refreshment trunk, coated in plush brown-and-white rawhide and stocked with premium drinks, which far exceeded a typical minibar. A complimentary carafe of spiced rum, recent tropical fruits, and specialty cookies supplied a welcome deal with as I made myself at residence.

My lavatory was downright opulent with a hammered copper soaking tub, an out of doors bathe sanctuary, a double washbasin vainness, and probably the most elaborately designed rest room throne I’ve ever seen. And let’s not overlook the cleaning soap menu: your alternative of handcrafted natural soaps made with Balinese botanicals and fragrances, comparable to bamboo blossom, citrus lily, chocolate-orange, and low.

Within the night, I seemed ahead to turndown service — a soothing foot tub (heat water infused with important oils and Frangipani flowers), accompanied by natural tea and cookies — earlier than cozying up in my heavenly king-size cover mattress.

Meals and Drink

Impressed by the Sanskrit phrase which means “hearth to the soul,” Api Jiwa is an open-air restaurant. With one nightly seating at 7 p.m., company can savor an progressive, 10-course omakase-style menu highlighting the best elements from throughout Bali. Central to the expertise, an open kitchen invitations diners to witness the culinary artistry unfold. The encircling Chef’s Desk presents a major view of the motion, making a energetic and interactive atmosphere between the cooks and company.

One other terrific possibility is Mads Lange, a split-level tented eating room overlooking the property’s immaculate grounds and industrial-style pool. The a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus function worldwide dishes boasting seasonal flavors, hand-harvested greens, spices, and herbs from close by farms, and the freshest regional seafood.

Morning espresso, afternoon tea, and night cocktails and canapés are served within the Officers Tent, a handsomely embellished lounge and social house with board video games, a set of books, and antiques from a bygone period. Mild bites and Bali-inspired cocktails will be loved on the poolside Mortar & Pestle Bar or from the consolation of a lounge chair. For the final word indulgence, begin your day with an extravagant floating breakfast in your personal personal pool.

Experiences and Facilities

The Capella Curates program consists of native culinary exploration, a design and structure tour of Ubud, and artwork workshops. And don’t miss the night beneath the celebs programming (climate allowing); it is a film or stay storytelling hosted round a campfire, full with scorching chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

Take a dip within the heated out of doors Cistern pool, which is almost 70 ft lengthy, has a novel zigzag design, and options a number of high-power aqua jets. Better of all, this show-stopping pool and its adjoining sundeck supply magnificent panoramic views.

If trekking across the property’s sloping terrain is not sufficient of a exercise, the state-of-the-art health middle is open 24 hours a day and has a weekly schedule of courses starting from aerial yoga to bootcamp. Into out of doors adventures? Attempt mountain biking, jungle hikes, or different guided actions.

The Spa

When in search of tranquility and leisure throughout your keep, Auriga Wellness has you coated. Right here, conventional Balinese therapies incorporate native elements and luxe natural merchandise made solely for Capella Ubud.

Visitors can get pampered in spacious spa remedy rooms or go for serenity of their personal villa. I totally loved the Full Moon Therapeutic massage, a rejuvenating signature remedy that channeled the calming power of the moon.

Household-friendly Choices

Households can take artistic cooking courses to discover ways to make Balinese dishes collectively, and take part in guided nature walks, arts and crafts, and enjoyable instructional applications particularly designed for teenagers. Moreover, the concierge can arrange custom-made excursions to close by points of interest, cultural experiences, and eco-adventures which can be appropriate for youngsters. That mentioned, the lodge would not advocate bringing youngsters youthful than six years previous due to the lodge’s steep and sloping terrain.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Capella Ubud is not a match for vacationers with mobility challenges due to the resort’s terrain. Although the villas weren’t designed primarily based on ADA necessities, the employees is extremely accommodating and their give attention to visitor consolation is obvious. Strolling sticks are additionally out there to be used across the property.

Moreover, the lodge has applied practices that decrease its environmental footprint, together with defending each tree on its 9 acres of land.

Location

Many high points of interest in Ubud — the long-lasting Tegalalang rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest, and well-liked artwork markets — are only a quick drive from the resort. Plus, the Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport is about an hour-and-a-half drive away. Transfers will be organized via the resort.

Though a automotive gives flexibility for exploring, Capella presents guided excursions and actions that allow guests to expertise the sights and have interaction within the native tradition while not having a automobile.

For those who’re savvy on two wheels, renting a motorbike or a scooter is a well-liked solution to get round. You may simply e book a scooter or taxi experience via Bali’s well-liked ride-sharing apps, Gojek and Seize.

Methods to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Whereas staying at this distinctive property could include a better price ticket, preserve an eye fixed out for particular presents comparable to multi-night reductions.

Visitors can be part of the Capella Discovery loyalty program to earn factors on eligible purchases, receiving a proportion again (usually 4% to 7%) that may be redeemed for eating, room upgrades, spa therapies, or utilized to your remaining invoice upon check-out.

Moreover, the property is a part of American Specific Journey’s Advantageous Resorts & Resorts, which presents glorious advantages like early check-in and late check-out, room upgrades upon arrival (when out there), day by day breakfast for 2, and a property credit score for Platinum cardmembers. Cardholders will pay with factors to e book their keep, too.