Anantara Ubud Bali offers a secluded highland retreat where the island is experienced through a slower, more immersive lens
Find the next Bali. The sentiment has become a familiar refrain in high-end hospitality, repeated often enough that it almost borders on being a cliche. Reflecting an industry that is in constant search of the undiscovered, the suggestion is that Bali—now a well-established and increasingly dynamic tourism hub—no longer possesses the charm of novelty.
If the highland forests of Anantara Ubud Bali are anything to go by, however, the reality is far more nuanced. Set in Payangan, approximately 10km north of Ubud, the resort occupies a secluded stretch of upland terrain defined by dense tropical forest and distant views of Mount Agung.
At just over 4.6 hectares, the property is low in density, with 85 accommodation options distributed across rooms, suites, and villas. It is this spatial arrangement, combined with the surrounding topography, that lends the property a sense of seclusion that contrasts with the vibrant and energetic reputation enjoyed by the southern region of Bali. And yet, for an island largely defined by its coastline, how compelling can an escape into its forested highlands really be?
One only needs to spend time in any of the resort’s rooms for the answer to become clear. Designed with acute sensitivity to its surroundings, the interiors open outward, adorned with wide apertures and floor-to-ceiling windows that draw the eye towards the surrounding canopy while allowing in ample natural light.
This effect is further accentuated through the use of materials and detailing—such as teak and handwoven textiles—that reference local craft traditions. It is this combination, coupled with an array of accommodation options—from the 71sqm Payangan Suite to the 160sqm two-bedroom forest-view villa—that allows the property to offer a slow and immersive escape cocooned within the island’s natural splendour.
With its intimate interior spaces and expansive outward views, you’d be forgiven for wanting to remain in your room for much of your stay. Should you wish to explore the property’s facilities, however, you won’t be disappointed.
From its pools overlooking the forest to two restaurants and a bar positioned across the hillside, the property offers a range of spaces where you can unwind at your own pace.
No restful retreat at Anantara is complete without a trip to its spa, which offers holistic treatments for both body and soul. Beyond its interior spaces, the hotel offers curated experiences, including visits to nearby villages and guided cycling tours, that allow you to engage more directly with the surrounding landscape and communities.
This page: Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is home to 85 modern suites and pool villas that cascade down a densely forested hill towards a mountain stream.
After all, while the island may no longer be a hidden gem, it remains a destination with depth that, with the support of an immersive resort, continues to reward those willing to look beyond its familiar forms.
This story first appeared in the May 2026 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
