Anantara’s brand new resort opens on the ‘Island of Gods’
Conveying a profound sense of peace, travellers venturing north of Bali’s Ubud to the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan are rewarded with true seclusion and a slower pace of life as Anantara’s brand new resort opens on the ‘Island of Gods’. Overlooking untouched hinterland as it unfurls in every direction, the resort’s many vantage points from its terraced villas and swimming pools offer a graceful jungle retreat like no other.
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is a collection of 85 modern suites and pool villas cascading down a densely forested hill towards a mountain stream. Contemporary and airy 53-square-metre suites promote relaxation amid jungle views and interiors rich in craftsmanship, with oversized bathtubs positioned by the window for breathtaking vistas. Ground-floor suites feature cosy balconies framed by mature trees, while the upper-level Payangan Suites boast private gardens as part of their expansive balconies.
One- and two-bedroom villas, each served by a dedicated villa host, start at a generous 105 square metres, offering spacious living areas and private infinity pools positioned on the edge of forest-facing terraces. Highly tactile furnishings are crafted from natural materials, with neutral colour palettes and subtle Balinese influences infusing the space with timeless elegance.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Amerta, helmed by fine-dining expert Chef James Willis, is open for lunch and dinner, offering Mediterranean-inspired, fireside dining. At the heart of Amerta’s concept is an open kitchen with a wood-fired grill where skilled chefs turn dry-aged meats and fish into perfectly charred masterpieces, while the chef’s focus on locally sourced ingredients spotlights seasonal produce.
The relaxed Kirana, the resort’s all-day-dining venue, treats guests to authentic Indonesian flavours, a lavish international breakfast buffet and tranquil tropical vistas. Meanwhile, Sulang alfresco bar, located next to the adult-only swimming pool, serves small plates, specialty coffee and tea throughout the day, with smart cocktails expertly mixed by night. A soothing venue overlooking Bali’s impressive Mount Agung, the Lobby Lounge is a popular spot for afternoon tea and light lunch. Additionally, two pool bars ensure guests have easy access to refreshments between revitalising dips. For special occasions, Designer Dining by Anantara offers a fully customisable experience where everything is bespoke, from the menu to the venue, with options ranging from waterfall to rice paddy dining.
Cultural immersion begins the moment guests arrive, with the sounds of Balinese gamelan incorporated into a kinetic sculpture by artist Aaron Taylor Kuffner welcoming them into the lobby. During their stay, travellers can meet local artisans for on-site workshops, covering everything from basket weaving to batik, or join Anantara chefs for a hands-on cooking class that starts with a local market visit and ends with a delectable meal as part of the Spice Spoons experience.
Beyond the resort, guests will find the breathtaking beauty of the island’s upland right on their doorstep, while Ubud’s concept stores and art galleries are only a short drive away. Signature off-site experiences range from nature drives with the resident Naturalist, passing through charming villages and picturesque paddy fields to gain a deeper understanding of Bali’s cultural heritage; hikes to a hidden jungle waterfall and guided tours of Bali’s most iconic sites to ensure guests’ personal moments are beautifully framed against spectacular backdrops.
Meanwhile, visitors in search of spiritual rejuvenation can join a sacred water purification ceremony held at the nearby Mengening Temple alongside a small group of locals; or feel the transformative power of the energy and aura of the fire ceremony led by Idha Guru Sri Empu, a revered High Priest.
Anantara Ubud Bali is situated just minutes away from the vibrant cultural life of Ubud yet feels worlds away from everyday life, offering numerous ways to decompress: two heated swimming pools, one for adults and one for families; a jungle-clad yoga deck; and a fully equipped gym by TechnoGym. The kids’ club features play areas for the littlest guests and a dedicated zone for teens to kick back and socialise.
Nestled in a standalone building, Anantara Spa offers indigenous treatments and healing therapies alongside muscle-melting massages, hair styling at the on-site salon, and multi-day wellness experiences from visiting practitioners specialising in everything from volcanic stone therapy to holistic Balinese treatments. Signature experiences include Taksu Massage, a relaxing ritual combining shiatsu, Hawaiian lomi-lomi and Balinese massage for deep relaxation, enhanced blood circulation and tension relief. Couples will enjoy the Siraman Journey, a 180-minute ritual comprising Taksu massage for two, Javanese Lulur body scrub, a romantic bath and a healthy meal.
A scenic three-hour drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Anantara Ubud Bali offers two state-of-the-art meeting facilities to ensure productive stays in an energising, distraction-free setting. For destination weddings, the choice is between the Lobby Garden, a natural stage with a panorama of lush rainforest ideal for 150 guests, and the Wanakasa room, an intimate setting for a cocktail reception or sit-down dinner for up to 72 guests.
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