Maya Ubud Resort & Spa – Hotel Review

Nestled in tropical jungle and fringed by rice fields and rivers, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa certainly feels like a remote escape. But this secluded hotel, with its riverside spa, extensive list of wellness experiences and delicious on-site restaurants, is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Bali’s cultural heart. Read on for the full review.

Entrance to the property’s 10 hectares of lush grounds is down a palm-fringed driveway and it feels a bit like entering another world. Built according to ancient Balinese architectural tradition, where villages were oriented along a sacred north-south sacred axis, the hotel is similarly divided into two rows of standalone bungalows separated by a 200-metre north-south ceremonial promenade. The lengthy path rewards curious guests by leading them to a hidden riverside nirvana complete with pool, tiered gardens and spa, all taking advantage of the views the steep valley affords. 

Nature is the star of the show at Maya: wander the property’s very own forest trail through the jungle, stroll among the rice paddies or immerse yourself in the spa’s signature flower bath next to the roaring Petanu River. 

Where is Maya Ubud Resort & Spa?

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is located in Ubud, Bali’s cultural, artistic and spiritual centre. It’s a one to 1.5-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic.

What’s near Maya Ubud Resort & Spa?

Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Experiences here are rich and varied, from scenic rice terraces in Tegallalang to the architecturally enchanting Royal Palace and Saraswati Temple. Waterfall chasers can explore Tibumana Waterfall (30 minutes’ drive) and Kanto Lampo (25 minutes’ drive), while food lovers should bookmark (and book ahead at) favourites Nusantara, for a culinary journey through the Indonesian archipelago, and The Sayan House, for Latin Japanese fusion with stunning ridge line views. You also have easier access to excursions further north, such as hiking Mount Batur at sunrise.

Room types

There are 108 contemporary guest rooms – 48 suites in a two-storey building perpendicular to the ceremonial promenade and 60 villas spread across the resort grounds. All room types are spacious but the villas range from 245 to 385 square metres with their own Balinese gardens and terrace. Each room features coloured local textiles and repurposed Balinese touches, such as pendant lights made from bamboo fishing nets or refurbished chairs from a defunct local cinema. The Presidential Villa, set over 950 square metres with its own infinity pool, kitchen and lounge pavilion, is also available for private event hire.

Restaurants and bars

An extensive breakfast buffet can be found at Mayasari, with ​​a nightly themed buffet-style dinner along with daily acoustic sets or Balinese dance performances. At lunch, you can take in the Ubud jungle from the Mediterranean-influenced Tree Bar, a casual eatery-bar with an open-air pavilion. There are plenty of sharing options on the menu, with signature dishes like Moroccan pastilla, Sicilian swordfish or the Babi Guling burger. 

The River Cafe is a very special spot set on the banks of the Petanu River serving fresh, organic Italian fare. Soon-to-open Rasa Bulan (meaning “flavours of the moon”) will be the resort’s authentic Indonesian offering.

Pool, gym and spa

There are three pools throughout Maya Ubud Resort & Spa: the Infinity Forest Pool, which hangs over the river; the rice terrace-shaped Infinity Riverside Pool, perched on the edge of the river bank; and a dedicated kids’ pool.

The gym is a modest size with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering views of the manicured lawns. Upstairs, the spacious, shaded yoga pavilion enjoys a gentle breeze as well as views of the resort gardens and neighbouring rice terraces. There’s an on-site tennis court and hikers can take to the property’s forest trail.

If being horizontal is more your thing, the award-winning Spa at Maya is an absolute must, offering individual and double semi-open pavilions nestled right above the rushing river.

Sustainability

Since the resort’s inception in 2001, it has received multiple green certification awards for its efforts toward sustainability, including participating in a wide range of activities helping local communities, conservation of traditions, recycling policies and zero use of single-plastic items.

What you need to know

Add a flower bath to any treatment at the Spa at Maya. Soaking in a petal-strewn tub while the river rushes past – so close you could almost reach your hand out and feel it – is a singular experience.

SEE ALSO: 18 of the Best Luxury Villas in Bali to Bookmark