Hotel Review- Ubud Raya Bali

Want to immerse yourself in the culturally rich and calm surroundings of Ubud? Well look no further and head to this rustic yet charmingly modern property called “Ubud Raya Hotel” where nature and Balinese traditions seamlessly blend into each other. We stayed here at the very end of our trip after travelling around Bali. We wanted to experience Ubud the way it is- simple, serene and stunning!

Location and Arrival

The hotel is located in Sayan area of Ubud and is less than 10 minutes drive from the main market. It is tucked away from the Ubud’s busy centre, so the free shuttle ride is provided several times a day to the buzzing bars and market of Ubud.

Upon reaching we were greeted with wide smiles and escorted to the reception where the receptionist did the check in formalities and in the meanwhile the waiter got us a glass of refreshing juice. Also what immediately caught my eye was the use of traditional fountain structures with running water in the pool and a big Buddha statue which had a real calming effect.

I felt so delighted and grateful to be in the lap of nature, to hear the sound of water, to smell the natural scent of the damp trees, soil, flowers and hear the sound of peacefulness as if you’re in a jungle!

Room and Amenities

It’s a chic and charming boutique hotel with 23 pool/courtyard facing units on two floors with serenity all around just the way we wanted! The pathway which took us to our room was quite interesting. The trail followed through the garden laden with frangipani, bamboo, pandan palms and jamburan grass.

We had a pool facing room with the sun catching balcony with two chairs and a coffee table. The room was massive with all the basic amenities like flatscreen TV, air conditioner, wardrobe, a plush sofa, tea coffee maker, fridge, a huge spacious washroom with stone washbasin giving it a rustic appeal. The other items included the classic hotel amenities like toothpaste, toothbrush and shower cap. The shampoo and lotion here were wall mounted. The Hotel’s WiFi isn’t really fast and there are about 5-6 routers with lengthy passwords which I found a little weird.

The Food

We always look forward to have breakfast because that’s the one thing which’ll keep you charged the whole day. The on-site “Sayan restaurant” is situated next to the reception and is designed with the bamboo plants. The buffet spread consisted of Indonesian and western food items. Although it was delicious but I felt there wasn’t really much of a choice. Though it fuelled us enough to trek through the rice paddies at Tegallalang.

The Pool and Spa

I just loved the swimming pool and spent the time lazing around. There were plenty of sun loungers and sofas to soak the goodness of the beautiful surroundings.

There was a bar at the end of the pool where one can unwind with a drink. However they open it on demand, Moreover the restaurant is a few steps away in case one needs anything. After much rest and recreation, We headed for the sightseeing in Ubud. In the evening when we came back, we again thought to hit the pool! We enjoyed chilling by the pool area. Pizza and pool sounds too good so I ordered my all time favourite Margarita Cheese pizza with Bintang and loved lounging followed by a quick swim session. Their cheese margarita pizza is to die for!

As evident from the pictures, the pool is quite inviting and tropical with foliage right to the waters edge. It creates such an exotic ambience to swim in! Later it started drizzling but it didn’t stop us from making the most of it! In fact it made it all the more romantic as we had the entire pool to ourselves! Now who wouldn’t want it?

The spa offers services like reflexology and deep tissue massages, However one needs to inform them in advance.

Pros

1. If you’re looking for calm and mystic surroundings then it’s an ideal place.

2. It’s a beautiful little budget hotel tucked in the lap of nature which provides serenity in abundance with all the necessary amenities and facilities like WiFi, refrigerator, LCD, AC, outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, room service, complementary shuttle service, special tours and classes.

Cons

1. If you’re looking for some luxurious and palatial resort with incredibly opulent and plush services then this isn’t the place.

The Wrap

With it’s convenient location it offers easy access to the city’s must see places. One can avail complimentary bicycles to roam around and free shuttle service to Ubud area. They also provide motor bikes at around 80,000 IDR. You may also learn traditional Balinese offering and cooking classes provided by the hotel. Ubud Raya Hotel is good for couples, families and a group of friends but if you’re a solo traveller then opt for somewhere really close to the main market.

We had an amazing time at this hotel and If you’re looking for traditional and countryside experience in Ubud village then give it a shot. It’s perfect for someone seeking tranquility, like Julia Roberts in the movie “Eat, Pray, Love”

“At some point, you gotta let go and sit still, and allow contentment to come to you.”- Elizabeth Gilbert

Address:

Jalan Raya Sayan, Banjar Sindu, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali- 80571, Indonesia

Have you been to this resort? Do you like staying close to the nature? Are you planning to go to Bali? What kind of hotels do you like? Do let me know in the comments below.

Until then

Keep travelling and stay tuned for more travel, fashion and lifestyle updates

-Glam Adventuress