Alaya Resort Ubud
A warm tropical rain shower was pouring down as we drove under the porte-cochère of the Alaya Resort Ubud. The lobby is open to the elements on three sides but sheltered by a deep thatched roof and staff were at the ready with bright yellow umbrellas to welcome us in.
A vase of bright orange bird of paradise flowers and a massive teak reception desk backed by a bamboo mural felt warm and inviting as we sipped a complimentary mango cocktail before checking in.
Ubud, a district of Bali, is renowned as a cultural and spiritual center of Indonesia and although Alaya Resort faces a bustling street full of traffic, shops, and restaurants, the atmosphere once inside is one of calm, elegance, and serenity, reflecting Balinese values.
Hallway to heaven
Taking a few steps inside we found the hallways lined with fountains, tropical plants and flowers, and quiet descended as the hubbub of the street faded away.
The resort backs on to a protected green space where rice is planted three times a year. The 106 rooms on three levels surround a lush atrium and every room has either a balcony or a terrace.
There are two pools to enjoy. One that runs along the hotel is so long and sinuous that it almost qualifies as a lazy river. The other pool has a view of the rice fields. Both are surrounded by lush landscaping and shaded by palm trees.
Terraces on the 60 suites are furnished with comfortable couches where you can enjoy a view of the velvety emerald blanket of the rice fields.
Serenity in Bali
The décor is modern and sophisticated with many elements that are distinctly Balinese . Marble floors lead to platform beds and painted or carved wooden wall treatments feature scenes from nature.
Relax into one of the cushy rattan chairs, accented with tropical hues of red and mango, indoors or on a balcony. You’ll find all the modern amenities your heart desires including air conditioning, tech connections, and flat screen TV’s. Housekeeping arrives twice daily to tidy and replenish the free mini-bar. Toiletries are locally produced and the resort strives to be sensitive to environmental issues.
Rooms range from a generous 50 sq. metres (538 sq. ft.) to suites that boast 106 sq. metres (1140 sq. ft.). The bath takes up a serious amount of room in both configurations with large brightly tiled showers and unique stone soaking tubs in the suites.
Draw the floor to ceiling curtains if you like or leave them open to enjoy a secluded view of the outdoors.
What’s close by
Spa lovers rave about the massages at the DeLa Spa, although I didn’t have time to enjoy one myself “sigh”. The popular Yoga Barn that offers classes and workshops in yoga and meditation is right across the street. The Sacred Monkey Forest, where you can watch macaque monkeys at play and tour the extensive jungle grounds, is a five minute walk from the hotel.
Where to dine
Reception is flanked by the Brasserie, a quiet spot to enjoy the breakfast buffet, settle down with a good book, or sip a craft cocktail during Happy Hour under gently swirling fans. An Indonesian and international menu is available for lunch and dinner, and the long table open-air dining experience is gently illuminated by candles at night. Room service and dining by the pool are two other fine options.
Restaurants are plentiful in the area and the resort has partnered with some of them. Reception can point you in the right direction.
Happy, and happy to help
Speaking of which, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of Alaya Resort is the staff. Beyond merely friendly and attentive, the are kind, warm-hearted and genuinely caring people.
They’re happy to help you arrange transportation to any local attractions or the Denpasar Airport, about 28.1 kms (17.5 miles) away. If you choose a suite, one way transportation is included.
As a Canadian, I found Alaya Resort Ubud to be an astoundingly good value at around CAD 150 per night and a perfect place to get out of the rain.
Alaya Resort Ubud is located at Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia Phone: +62 361 972200 Room rates from 150 CAD
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