Soulshine Bali
Photograph: Soulshine Bali
Photograph: Soulshine Bali

The 15 best hotels in Ubud for a daydreamy escape to the tropics

From affordable glamping options to the dreamiest retreats, these stays make great homebases in Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart

Dewi Nurjuwita
Advertising

A Bali vacation doesn’t just mean beach time. Venture inland to the central foothills of Gianyar Regency, and you’ll find rice terraces, deep ravines, and some of the world’s oldest Hindu temples and shrines. Welcome to Ubud, Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart.

While you could tour Ubud’s highlights in a day, this place is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. With scenic treks above lush canopies, white water rafting through sacred rivers, and a conservation forest where monkeys roam freely, there’s plenty to see and do. So why not stay a night or two? We’ve ranked the best hotels in Ubud - whether you’re after a locally inspired village stay, affordable glamping, or a serene retreat with jungle views.

READ MORE: The best hotels in Bali from luxury resorts to affordable stays and The best luxury hotels in Bali

Best Ubud hotels

  • Hotels
  • Bali

Immerse in Balinese rituals and customs in this adults-only luxury resort set in the rainforest canopy of Ubud

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a sanctuary of seclusion featuring 16 open-air bales - traditional community gathering spaces - designed to blend seamlessly with nature through a “no-walls, no-doors” concept. Each bale offers 180-degree vistas of lush jungle and soaring mountain peaks, complemented by a private pool. This design ethos fosters a deeper connection with the natural surroundings while minimising the resort’s environmental footprint. 

At its heart, a serene pavilion and infinity pool stretch into the valley, creating a breathtaking scene. Guests can also immerse themselves in local rituals and customs, enhancing their experience with a true sense of place.  A highlight is the Traditional Elixir Jamu experience, where guests learn to craft this revered health tonic—rooted in ancient wisdom handed down through generations.

  • Hotels
  • Bali

A rustic, gorgeously-designed home-away-from-home

Just minutes from downtown Ubud, Stone House is a charming boutique hideaway that immerses guests in Balinese, rustic-chic style. Surrounded by swaying palms and fragrant frangipani, this intimate retreat feels worlds away from the typical luxury resort scene. Glass walls, canopied beds, and outdoor bathrooms create a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, while Javanese puppets, Indonesian textiles, and carefully chosen artefacts add an authentic touch.

Though Stone House doesn’t have a spa, gym, or yoga studio, the attentive service and homely atmosphere more than make up for it. Each morning, wake up to a delicious, complimentary breakfast of homemade breads, spicy omelettes, tofu scrambles, and fresh-pressed juices, served at the communal dining space.

Advertising