Tucked into a lush hillside on Ubud’s picturesque Tegalalang ridge, The Samsara Ubud is a luxury retreat.
With just 17 villas, the exclusive boutique resort is seriously big on design, service and dining.
Andrea Dixon checks in to immerse herself in this beautiful hillside property.
Stay: Spacious Villas with incredible jungle views.
Created by the famous Indonesian architect Pop Danes, Samsara’s Ubud villas are positioned on terraces that offer luxurious privacy and delicious breezes while the uninterrupted views across the lush valley feel like they’re yours alone.
Enjoy the ultimate quiet, where silence is only interrupted by bird song, the lullaby of a nearby waterfall and the lilting sounds of the jungle. Clever design tricks include discreet short cuts from the villas to the restaurant, making it a matter of moments to reach the resort lobby, spa, bar and restaurant. Resort buggies make short work of navigating the steep paths.
Design: where nature meets luxury.
Interiors make the most of Indonesia’s natural gifts including teak wood, exotic fabrics, natural floors, rugs and beautiful marble and the soothing tones of green and blue. The one-bedroom villas are set over a spacious 122sqm while the extensive three-bedroom villa is close to 300 sqm. Each villa includes generous outdoor spaces including a deck to enjoy the incredible views, heated private pools and gardens, all of which enhance the secluded nature of the Samsara.
Colours that reflect the lush jungle and the incredibly blue sky, are seen throughout the resort and are key to creating a sense of serenity, melting the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor spaces. From the moment you arrive at the airy reception and relax enough to take in the hospitality and view, it is like breathing out and inhaling the pure harmony of nature.
Dine out with nature at Kelusa Restaurant.
The Kelusa Restaurant offers outstanding dining from a chef who has worked at Bali’s luxurious Bulgari resort plus the popular Karma Kandara. The menu embraces gluten free, vegetarian and nut free diets – each having their own section. It embodies contemporary Indonesian cuisine where East meets West, with local classics such as beef rendang and nasi goreng alongside western staples such as caesar salad, pork ribs, Tasmania salmon and steak and fries. This is upscale dining that is perfectly executed and delicious. Samsara is worth a trip just for a gastronomic tour but for those who plan a stay, it is unadulterated opulence.
Health, Fitness and a stunning pool.
The spa offers a range of rejuvenating traditional treatments in a divine facility with dark blue walls and tropical gardens, captured behind glass picture windows. It’s a deeply seductive vibe.
The gym is the place to burn off some energy, positioned close to the 17-metre shared swimming pool with gorgeous forest views. A grassy lawn is the place for movie nights on beanbags a few times a weeks and Samsara has a daily afternoon tea that showcases Indonesian teas and snacks.
Make your own Instagram moments.
Having an amazing floating breakfast in your private pool is an Instagram moment in the making, while a walking tour through the local village immerses you in the best that Bali has to offer.
Samsara is a newcomer to the island’s mature boutique resort market and it strikes well above its size with attentive and professional service, stunning facilities, breath-taking views and spacious, designer villas.
