Ubud is an unmissable destination if you are visiting Bali, with its lush green hills and thriving arts and crafts scene. Alila Ubud is the perfect base for exploring not only Ubud but the UNESCO World Heritage rice fields of Tegalalang. Located 15 minutes from the centre in the hillside village of Payangan, it’s an intriguing blend of modern design and traditional Balinese architecture with an incredible infinity pool.
Alila Ubud Bali Review
Arriving at Alila Ubud, we were struck by the size of the grounds – you could easily while away an afternoon exploring the rice fields. Passing through the secure gate, we admired the contemporary look of the hotel. Nestled high above a river on stilts, the resort’s rooms and villas resemble tree houses.
Checking in to Alila Ubud
As soon as you’ve booked with Alila, you receive a link to an online system where you can personalize your stay by listing your preferences for the type of pillow, reading matter and more. Reception itself is a spacious open plan area featuring a high thatched roof to give shade.
You’ll be handed a refreshing face towel and welcome drink whilst a friendly member of staff check you in. They will then whisk your bags to your room. We stayed in an incredible Terrace Tree Villa, a few minutes walk from the bar, restaurant and spa.
Alila Ubud Accommodation
The first thing we noticed was the sheer scale of the villa – it’s 120 square meters but feels even larger due to the open plan design. You get the impression that you have stumbled on the photo shoot for an interiors magazine, such is the stylishness of the decor ;-).
The bedroom features a romantic four poster bed, with curtains that you can close in the evenings.
The bathroom has a magnificent marble bath, separate rain shower and windows that open up completely.
The outdoor deck is a lovely shady place to watch the sun go down or read a book. The villa is completely private, with no one overlooking you except the wildlife.
Alila Ubud Amenities
The amenities in the villas are particularly impressive – there is actually a separate his and hers toiletry kit including a full-sized toothbrush, sunblock, mosquito repellent and after-sun cooling lotion. Wifi is complimentary, and there’s a mini bar, safe, flat screen TV with satellite channels, and Illy coffee and TWG tea selection.
There are also straw hats that you can borrow during your stay – a floppy brimmed one for ladies and a panama fedora hat for gentlemen, plus a convenient tote bag for trips to the pool, spa or local village.
Alila Ubud Facilities
The star attraction at Alila Ubud has to be its infinity pool. Due to its location above a steep ravine, you really do get the impression that there is nothing beyond the edge…
…until you venture beyond and see these comfy sun loungers, overlooking the hillside. You really can’t beat the view from these. The pool itself is the perfect spot to unwind and have your very own “Eat, Pray, Love” moment.
There’s even a little curtained area which would make the perfect spot for a wedding proposal.
Alila Ubud Grounds
The other thing that makes Alila Ubud so special is the monkeys roaming the grounds. They tend to appear in the early morning or evenings when the weather is cooler.
Unlike the rather cheeky monkeys at nearby Monkey Forest, they won’t come up to you or try to make off with your belongings.
If you fancy some indoor relaxation, there’s a cosy library next to reception, where you can read books in a variety of languages and print boarding passes.
Alila Ubud Dining
Alila’s Plantation Restaurant is well known in the area as one of the best places for fine dining, combining Balinese and French cuisine. The open plan room has a traditional alang-alang roof supported by coconut pillars, lending an exotic vibe.
The menu uses locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are strong on flavour, with just the right amount of spice. We opted for the authentic Ubud tasting menu, and particularly enjoyed the Tongseng Kambing Tongseng Kambing.
This is braised lamb leg in Javanese spiced paste, served with homemade peanut sauce and pickled vegetables.
If you’re lucky, you might be there on a night when they have traditional Balinese dancers. These are the children of some of Alila’s staff and they put on a very entertaining display.
In addition to the restaurant, there’s also the Cabana Lounge, next to the pool and perfect for evening cocktails or light poolside meals designed by Chef Erwan for sharing. Complimentary afternoon tea is served here to hotel guests every day.
Breakfast at Alila Ubud
You won’t go hungry here, the charming staff will encourage you to try as many dishes as you wish. There are lots of healthy options too, with green wheatgrass smoothies if you wish.
The Balinese breakfast is especially tasty though there are also plenty of Western dishes such as fresh croissants.
Experiences at Alila Ubud
I was booked in for a traditional Balinese massage at Spa Alila. Housed in an attractive thatched building, it nevertheless boasts all mod cons.
Each treatment room has its own private changing area with shower and sink where you can leave your belongings and change after the treatment. My therapist gave me a choice of massage oil, which was a blend of virgin coconut, kukui nut, sweet almond and wheat germ oils.
Virgin coconut oil is sourced from local villages and has fantastic natural antioxidant properties. After a relaxing footbath, she set to work using ancient Asian healing techniques.
The combination of gentle stretching, long therapeutic strokes and skin rolling eased away all the tension in my shoulders and back. My skin was incredibly soft and lustrous afterwards.
Alila Ubud Guided Trek
The next day, our hosts had arranged a guided trek for us around the local area of Bayad. Lasting 1 and a half hours, it’s an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend.
We were accompanied by Pande, a knowledgeable guide who explained about village customs, pointing out local flora and fauna along the way. You can opt for longer treks, a cycling tour, climbing experience at Mount Batur, rafting on the river Ayung, quad buggies, elephant rides or a cookery class.
We visited a Balinese family compound, before walking in the middle of the rice paddies, so sports shoes and comfy clothes are a must. The unique Subak irrigation system places water management under the authority of the priests in water temples, who practice Tri Hita Karana, drawing together the human, natural and spirit worlds.
Things to Do in Ubud
No visit to Ubud would be complete without a trip to the infamous Sacred Monkey Sanctuary. The monkeys here can be mischievous so it’s advisable not to bring any food unless you want them to climb on you to reach it.
Alila have a regular free shuttle to Ubud and it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk from the centre.
Whilst there are many flat rice fields close to Ubud, you should venture further North to Tegalalang and beyond to see vertical rice paddies such as these. There is so much to do that we’d advise staying for a week if you can.
For more ideas of what to see and do, read this beginner’s guide to Bali as well as tips for where to eat and drink in Bali.
Final Thoughts about Alila Ubud
Alila Ubud stands out for its magnificent setting, superb infinity pool, world class spa and delicious cuisine. We met many people who kept returning year after year, they loved it so much. I hope that you enjoy this visit as much as we did and check out our video tour below!
Alila Ubud, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali 80572, Indonesia
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This place is paradise! I would love to see the traditional Balinese dancers and relax by that fabulous swimming pool. The rice fields are beautiful! Have a nice weekend!
Danielle
www.spring2spring.com
The Balinese dancers were very talented despite being so young and the swimming pool was so luxurious. Have a wonderful weekend too!
What a great place to explore all the beautiful landscapes that surround the property by bike. I really love the marble bathroom tub. The feeling of being outdoors while your soaking in the tub.
Yes that was quite a special feeling, and there was a monkey or bird that mimicked a swear word that we could hear but not see
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I was expecting it to be fairly similar to the Alila Uluwatu but actually the style is very different using the more traditional elements. Both are beautiful! Looks like you had an amazing stay xx
Yes it was slightly different by the look of it, I wish we had had more time there as we just scratched the surface of all there is to do
Thanks for letting me visit this place at least through the internet. 🙂 This place looks amazing. The rice paddies are so beautiful to look at and the monkeys seem so happy and content. Your dress and hat are so pretty. 🙂
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That’s very sweet, Michele – I’m glad you enjoyed reading about it. The monkeys are very happy indeed!
I am just admiring how beautiful this place is, everything looks perfect and you need to do is just enjoy yourself! 120 square meters villa, that’s crazy. I wouldn’t want to leave there 🙂
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The villa was enormous, would have happily moved in and never left!
This place looks amazing! I love the natural environment, and that villa looks so perfect!
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It was lovely being surrounded by so much greenery! Have a great weekend
Sounds like a fantastic property! Looks like everything was carefully crafted with thought from the decor to the his and her toiletry kits. Great review and photos!
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I think it’s the first time I’ve seen his and her toiletry kits – loved it!
wow! that is truly heaven on earth, I’m looking forward to summer already! <3
Jessica
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It did feel like heaven on earth, Jessica – thanks for stopping by!
Ohhhhhh, this place…. HEAVEN!!!!!
Love your hat!!!
Kisses, Paola.
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Thanks Paola, I was sad to leave the place and the hat behind 😉
great post
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Glad that you liked it
Everything you could possibly want or need!
Absolutely, they have thought of everything!
Absolutely…breathtaking….
Can I live here?!?! Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
I got there first Lauren 😉 Certainly gave me some home styling tips!
It’s wonderful you loved your Alila stay in Ubud! Your post wants to make us go back to Ubud now :-). Aren’t the monkeys fun to see? We’re Alila fans too. Though we didn’t stay at the Alila property in Ubud, we did stay at Alila Villas Uluwatu and Alila Soori on Bali. Both gorgeous! And now that our travel stories on Bali and these 2 hotels have been published in the magazine that commissioned us to write them, we’ll be posting our Alila reviews on our blog soon.
I’ve heard great things about the Alila Uluwatu, Angie also stayed there – can’t wait to read your reviews of both properties!
It seems like it is a really wonderful place!
The Rococo Style
It certainly is, there’s something quite magical about it
Wow what a beautiful place!
ARABELLA
The place looks like a paradise
I need to visit this soon 🙂
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I hope that you get to visit it Zarrah
What a magical place, looks amazing!
Xx,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com
It really is magical, Tania – thanks for stopping by
What a location the hotel is absolutely stunning. This make me want to go back, can I go now? I love the picture of you with the red dress Lucy x
I don’t blame you for wanting to return Lucy, Bali is so idyllic!
Wow what a treasure you have found in this place! I love that they give you floppy hats, all the amenities available, and it sounds like the ancient asian healing massage really worked for you. I would love visit Bali some day 🙂
XOXO
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The floppy hat certainly came in handy and the massage was brilliant, I looked and felt so much more relaxed afterwards – Bali is a great place to visit
Oh this brings back memories! I stayed in the villa last year for my honeymoon – it’s such an incredible hotel! The villas are so luxurious and we thought the food was outstanding. Some great shots! xx
Ooh I remember reading your post before I went, glad it brought back some good memories and what a wonderful place to spend a honeymoon
I love Ubud what a beautiful place to stay, would love to go back one day!
Ubud really has a unique atmosphere, doesn’t it, and I loved the tranquility of this hotel
I love that the resort rests on stilts above a river, I can imagine that went a long way in enhancing your stay 🙂 Every image featured in this post looks straight out of a film, especially the accommodation – dreamy! You look really lovely in the red dress by the way, I love the shot of you on the bicycle.
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
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It does look like it should feature in a film, there’s something quite surreal about the setting and decor! The bike was just propped against the rice field, I couldn’t resist borrowing it for a minute or two 😉
Talk about Luxury? You get to pick your type of pillows? That’s mental!
Corinne x
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I was very happy with their standard supersoft pillows,but it’s great for those who prefer other types. I’ve slept in some hotels where the pillows are rock hard so they could do with a pillow menu!
What an amazing place, I want to go in that bath!
xo
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The bath was one of the highlights, hearing the birds and monkeys outside!
I agree Ellie and this infinity pool had a particularly lovely setting
incredible experience…I love the pictures…amazing post…wonderfull place…
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It truly was a wonderful place and I’m glad you enjoyed reading about it, Francesca
Looks super fancy and gorgeous!
Wow, the setting is perfect <3 This must be an amazing place! Always love your travel posts <3
Kisses <3
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I really felt myself relax just reading this – like I was taken away from cold Canada! It looks just amazing! Great photos and I love that straw hat! Such a cute touch!
I did love the hat, wish I was back there in the heat too!
Ha ha, it should definitely be illegal!
I am very jealous, Suze. You get to stay in all these fancy hotels and travel to all these exotic places… I’d love to go to Bali too. Very beautiful photos!
I’m not going to say I’m not jealous, Suze. Why would you believe me? 🙂
I will say one thing… the pool!
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Very impressive and tempting!
This looks like such an amazing destination – we used to visit Bali regularly but haven’t been for over 10 years, I did love Ubud during our holidays. I have to say the vista of the pool has sold me, we usually gravitate to beach side resorts – however I think an exception could be made in this instance! xx
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