Capella Ubud, Bali

Rooms and decor

Capella Ubud, Bali is the resort plenty of travelers say changed how they think about hotels for good. You cross a suspension bridge over a bamboo forest and arrive at 22 tent villas built in the style of 1800s colonial explorers, joined by timber walkways and more suspension bridges. Each one is designed differently — some look onto the river, some over the green valley. Inside, the tents run roughly 120 to 200 square metres, kitted out with antique teak furniture, heavy drapes, four-poster beds, and a marble bathroom with a large soaking tub. Every villa has its own private pool reaching out over the valley, and when the late-afternoon light hits the water it's one of the best views in Bali. Conde Nast Traveler gave it 5/5 and named it Best New Hotel in Asia.

Food and amenities

The restaurant Mads Lange serves European food built on Balinese ingredients in a colonial dining hall, while Ka'um, out near the pool, does proper, full-flavoured Balinese cooking in the open air. The Auriga Spa centres on a moon-cycle approach and uses products from plants grown in the resort's own garden — several reviewers call it the best spa they've ever tried. A personal butler team is on hand around the clock.

Location and getting there

Capella sits in Tegalalang, close to the stepped rice terraces — about 10 minutes — but around 20 minutes by car from the Sacred Monkey Forest and the Ubud Art Market. Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away. The resort runs forest bathing, forest yoga, cooking and rice-field cycling, which means you barely need to leave the grounds at all.

Things to know before booking

This is an expensive stay: rooms start around $1,285 a night and run past $5,700 for the top tents. It's also genuinely set apart from town, so you depend on the resort car for anything in central Ubud, and it's designed for slowing down in the forest rather than walking out to the sights. If you want Ubud's streets on your doorstep, look elsewhere — but the tents are air-conditioned, so the forest setting stays comfortable even in the warm months.

Our take

Capella Ubud suits couples after an experience they won't find anywhere else, who aren't fussed about easy access to town. The price is high, but for the traveler it clicks with, every part of the stay earns it. With a 9.5/10 score and a shelf of World's Best Hotels awards, it's one of the most distinctive places to stay in Bali.