Discovering an Oasis in Bali

Bali is a well-known tourist destination and is especially popular with surfers, honeymooners and those interested in artisan crafts. While many are drawn to Bali for the beaches, I prefer the lush green jungle and terraced rice paddies surrounding the spiritual heart of Bali - Ubud.  These days, Ubud town is bustling with tourists, restaurants, markets, temples and traffic. Outside of the city center however, there are traditional villages and stunning luxury properties tucked away in the jungle.

My favorite of these secluded properties is Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – one of only three reserve properties in the world (the other two are in Thailand and Puerto Rico). Visitors to Ubud are often encouraged to embrace a mindful journey of wellness, relaxation and healing, and Mandapa has beautifully embodied this concept.

Entering the open-air lobby at Mandapa I instantly felt a sense of peace. The lobby is surrounded by infinity edge pools, and jaw dropping panoramic views of jungle and the Ayung River valley below. It’s quite possibly the most unexpectedly beautiful lobby I’ve seen– so beautiful in fact, that I visited daily to relax and admire the view. How many lobbies can you say that about?

Reserve properties are known for creating exotic sanctuaries that include unique cultural elements, and Mandapa includes many traditional Balinese design elements. I loved the authentic décor and the buildings designed to blend in and compliment the landscape - creating the sense that they had existed forever, perfectly preserved, and waiting for guests.  

This is an intimate property, with only 60 villas and suites. The villas are nestled into the valley and each one features a private outdoor garden and swimming pool. My favorite is the Rice Terrace Pool Villa with an infinity pool that appears to run right into the rice fields.  I could spend all day lounging in the sun with a book and a fresh coconut, gazing across the pool to the fields. 

To help guests on their journey to spiritual and physical wellness, the spa can arrange blessings by a local shaman, energy and chakra aligning, or a session with an intuitive blind healer – as well as traditional body treatments. After the spa, I recommend a yoga session in the peaceful pavilion overlooking the river, or maybe a swim and refreshing cocktail at the hotel infinity pool. If you’re lucky, the resident cow – Manda – might be grazing nearby. She loves an apple or two.

A visit to Ubud would not be complete without experiencing the Balinese culture, and Mandapa offers a variety of activities for guests.  I chose a guided cycling excursion, which was a highlight of my time in Bali. We visited local woodworking artisans, learned about village life and rice farming, and peddled casually through scenic countryside villages. 

Mandapa is truly an oasis in Bali. It’s exquisitely designed and offers the best of Balinese hospitality. It’s perfect for the discerning traveler who seeks a chic and relaxed retreat, with exceptional, highly personalized service.