Vincentius Alvin Yoga
Apr 15, 2026
Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. This region is like a painting composed of hundreds of brushstrokes. Fresh air drifts gently through the surroundings, charming cafés bloom along the streets, art galleries line up with curated works, and temples stand gracefully, embracing all this beauty in their presence. It is, without question, beautiful.
Yet, if you step further north into Payangan, the atmosphere shifts into something even calmer.
Here in Payangan, the palette deepens into richer greens. Tall trees seem to compete to touch the sky, while breezy wind dances through stretches of valleys, rice fields, and lush foliage. In the midst of this serenity stands Padma Resort Ubud, a resort that feels like woven into its natural surroundings. Spanning 11 hectares, the resort is dominated by dense greenery that blends with the surrounding nature.
The sun stood high that afternoon, with thin clouds drifting across the sky. The air was cool, not too warm, not too cold, a kind of weather that rarely found along Bali’s coastal areas. We had just arrived at Padma Resort Ubud. As far as we could see, the place was surrounded by rows of towering green trees. We stepped out of the car after thanking the driver who had brought us to Payangan.
The staffs at Padma Resort Ubud welcomed us with warm, genuine smiles. Noticing our luggage, they kindly offered assistance with a trolley. Just a short walk later, we arrived at the resort’s expansive, airy open lobby.
The lobby is spacious, with a high wooden ceiling overhead and soft pastel tiles beneath. A gentle breeze flows through the open space, keeping the air cool. Surrounding the lobby area are shallow, tranquil water features, where a colorful school of fish swim leisurely. They are large and well-fed, clearly carefully cared and not for merely decorative.
Two long wooden tables sit on one side of the lobby, with staffs seated behind them, ready to assist arriving guests. On the opposite side, a row of sofas looks inviting, perfect for guests to wait while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
We approached the reception desk, where the team greeted us warmly. Cold towels and welcome drinks were offered. Simple gestures, yet always appreciated. As we went through the process, my eyes wandered toward the back.
Behind the reception area, separated by a wide, shallow pond, stood a wall adorned with a striking piece of art. It resembled a tree of life crafted from iron, its trunk strong and grounded, branches extending outward in all directions, splitting into dozens of limbs adorned with leaves and fruit-like details. Animals rested among the branches, from monkeys to birds, while below, tall grass surrounded creatures ranging from tapirs to wild boars. It was a piece that quietly demanded attention.
The receptionist continued the check-in process. We filled out a few details and signed the necessary forms. Before handing over our room keys, they presented us with a resort map and patiently explained the layout and facilities available, including free daily activities available for in-house guests.
From the map, it was clear for us just how expansive Padma Resort Ubud truly is. Not far from the lobby, there’s a big animal garden, along with archery field and golf areas. On the other side, beyond the main accommodation buildings, lies a heated infinity pool and a large bamboo nest, often used for yoga sessions and intimate events. And that’s not even everything.
Once check-in was complete, we were escorted to our room. After a few short steps and stairways from the lobby, we arrived at the building that houses the rooms. The staff told us that in total, there are 148 rooms across four floors, divided into seven different categories.
Each room is spacious, starting from 59 square meters, complete with a private balcony and a large bathroom with a luxurious bathtub. All the facilities are available, from TV, mini freeze, hair dryer, and more. We arrived at our room and thanked the staff for helping with our luggage. There was no time to relax yet. We quickly freshened up, as we had a spa appointment scheduled that afternoon. After changing into something more comfortable, we made our way to the spa.
Located not far from our building, The Spa is a short walk away through a pathway lined with trees on both sides. A gently curved corridor leads downward toward the entrance, accompanied by the soothing sound of flowing water surrounding it. Shallow pools run along both sides of the walkway, creating a sense of calm.
Inside the spa building, the architecture feels unique. It’s almost cave-like, soothing and enchanting at the same time. Thick, stoned pillars and textured walls give the impression of stepping into a serene grotto. Water elements fill the space beyond the pathways, making the reception area feel immersive. We walked toward the reception desk and were warmly welcomed once again.
Cold towels and welcome drink were served as we browsed the spa menu. We were told that the Balinese Massage is the most popular treatment here. Unsurprising, given the tranquil setting and the kind of relaxation guests come here for.
Still, we opted for the nature hair spa treatment, something we hadn’t tried before. The nature hair spa had recently gained quite popularity on social media, so we’re excited to try it. The treatment takes place in a different room on a specialized hair spa bed. We thought it would be like hair massage and simple cleansing, but it turned out includes a head massage and a hydrating hair mask. Over 75 minutes, the experience left our hair smoother and silkier.
After the spa, we returned to our room and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the balcony. Slowly, the sun dipped behind the horizon. Clouds gathered, darkening the sky. It almost felt like rain was on its way.
By around seven in the evening, when the sun has completely gone to the other side of the Earth, we decided to have dinner at one of their restaurants, The Pool Café & Bar. As the name suggests, the restaurant sits near the infinity pool, offering sweeping views of the valley. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a surprisingly various menu, ranging from Indian and seafood to vegetarian, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Mexican dishes and more.
That night, we ordered pasta and chicken wings. The pasta is slightly softer than al dente, and we like it that way. The portion was generous, it’s enough for two people. The seafood is fresh, something we didn’t quite expect given the resort’s distance from the coast, but it held up well, clean and properly cooked.
As expected, a light drizzle began just as we were finishing our meal. By the time our dinner ended, the rain had grown heavier. Mist slowly rolled in, adding a cool, almost mystical layer to the evening. It was a scene so different from Bali’s southern coastline. Here in Payangan, Bali reveals its quieter, more unexpected side of itself. And we fell in love with this side.
A Slow Morning, A Heartfelt Day
We started the day earlier than usual, waking up around 6 for a yoga session. It is one of the complimentary activities if you’re staying at Padma Resort Ubud. The class is held at the fitness center, not far from The Spa we visited the day before, and the walk there takes you past The Pool Café & Bar and the resort’s infinity pool.
It turned out to be one of the nicest parts of the morning. Payangan’s air was cool, slightly crisp but still comfortable, with a light mist hanging over the valley, carrying the morning dew that nourish the surrounding greenery. The whole view making the short walk feel calm and enjoyable.
The yoga space itself is hard to miss. It’s shaped like a big cocoon, built mostly from bamboo with wooden floors, and split into two levels. The low level has a wide, open area, and the upper level is more intimate. Beyond it, the valley stretches wide, filled with layers of green. It’s a great setting for a morning session.
The class was beginner-friendly, just as the instructor mentioned at the start. The pace was slow and easy to follow, with clear guidance and gentle corrections when we needed. Nothing too intense, but enough to stretch the body and wake us up. It felt relaxed, and by the end, we felt lighter and more refreshed.
After the good session, we thanked the instructor and headed back to our room to get ready for breakfast. On the way back, we realized the morning mist had completely cleared and the sun was slowly rising, bringing its usual warmth to this very Earth. The air was no longer as cold as before, more like a fresh morning instead.
Breakfast is served at The Puhu Restaurant, located on the top floor of the resort with a 180-degree-wide view over the valley and surrounding forest. The restaurant is mostly built from wood, from the floors to the pillars and furniture, with simple details and pretty flowers on the tables that blend in with the setting. Nothing overdone, just warm and comfortable.
The breakfast spread is an international buffet, with a few à la carte options that rotate daily. One thing you shouldn’t miss during breakfast in Padma Resort Ubud is their pastry selection, especially the croissants and Danish. The croissants are flaky and layered, soft on the inside with a crisp, buttery outer layer, while the Danish pastries were topped with fresh fruits from their own garden, adding a nice balance to the buttery pastry.
Another highlight was the chilled bottled jamu. They serve chilled options like Kunyit Asam and Beras Kencur, which are worth trying if you enjoy traditional herbal drinks.
Beyond that, the variety of the dishes is wide, from Indonesian, Western, Indian, and even Korean dishes are all available, along with desserts like mini doughnuts, waffles, and local sweets such as Pisang Goreng and Onde-Onde.
The Puhu Restaurant also offers a wide selection of fruits. Some are sourced from their own garden, while others come from nearby areas to support local producers. The variety is quite extensive, including pears, dragon fruit, local oranges (very sweet), salak Bali, mangosteen, banana, and many more.
We really enjoyed our breakfast and didn’t realize how much time had passed until we noticed the sun was already high in the sky. We got up and decided to walk around the resort to help balance out our very full stomachs.
Near the lobby and saw large fish swimming back and forth in the pond. One of the staff told us we could feed them if we wanted. Of course, we said yes.
While feeding the fish, we thought, why not visit the other animals around the resort as well? That quickly turned into a plan to visit the animal garden as well.
The animal garden isn’t far, and the walk there is pleasant, surrounded by trees. Once we arrived, we found an open space with various birds, from chickens, ducks, turkeys, and even pigeons roaming freely. As soon as we entered, they seemed “alarmed”, knowing that visitors mean feeding time. Some of the birds got excited, chirping and clucking nonstop as if they couldn’t wait for their snack.
The keeper greeted us and let us walked into the area where the birds were. We were then asked if we’d like to try feeding them, which we agreed to without hesitation. The pigeons didn’t hesitate, some flew straight over and even landed on our arms. It was surprisingly fun and a bit chaotic in a good way.
After spending some time with the birds, we moved further in. Not far from the area, there’s a pond where the otters are kept. There are two otters at Padma Resort Ubud, both rescued. We noticed that one of them was missing a leg, but still looked healthy, active, and well-fed. They were floating in the water, soaking up the sunlight, seemingly enjoying the warmth.
When the keeper called them, they responded right away, clearly used to the routine. We were given some food to feed them, and they got so excited, making soft, high-pitched sounds. It was one of the more memorable moments of the visit.
We spent quite a while there, watching the otters playing before eventually deciding to move on. We then visited some of the other animals, from rabbits to cows and goats. After seeing everything in the animal garden, we thanked the keepers who had accompanied us and walked back to our room to rest for a while.
By lunchtime, we returned to The Puhu Restaurant, which felt quite different without the breakfast setup. It turns into an all-day dining venue, with an à la carte menu covering a wide range of cuisines, from Balinese dishes like Pork Sate Lilit Babi and Ayam Betutu, to Indonesian favorites such as Gado-Gado and Oxtail Soup. There are also Asian options like Bibimbap, Wonton Soup, and Tom Yum Nam Khon, as well as Indian dishes including Chicken Biryani, Prawn Masala, and Vegetable Curry.
For international choices, they offer dishes like Flame-grilled Bone Marrow, Beef Striploin MB5, Australian Wagyu Beef, and Tasmanian Salmon. Vegetarian guests are also well catered for, with options like plant-based Bibimbap, Thai Green Curry, and Kung Pao Tofu.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are desserts ranging from Tiramisu to local treats like Es Cendol Payangan and Pisang Bakar Keju. And for those visiting with family, there’s also a dedicated menu for kids. The Puhu Restaurant also offers a wide range of drinks, from healthy smoothies and flavored iced teas to milkshakes, fresh coconuts, and juices. There are also mocktails, as well as wine and cocktails for those who prefer something stronger.
We ordered a few dishes that day (even though we had just had a hearty breakfast, oh well), including Wonton Soup, Beef Striploin MB5, Flame-Grilled Bone Marrow, and Grilled Asparagus.
The bone marrow was a highlight, rich and very tender, almost melting in the mouth, with well-balanced seasoning, and the beef striploin MB5 was just as good, tender, easy to cut, and cooked just right, with a nice hint of smokiness and quite generous portion. The grilled asparagus was surprisingly enjoyable. It had a slight oiliness and grilled properly so it still had a bit of crunch without feeling undercooked. Simple, but done well.
Lunch went by slowly, with clear skies above and the sound of cicadas and birds in the background. The sun was already high, with only a few light clouds drifting by. With the weather this good, it felt like the perfect time to head for a swim. A perfect way to spend the rest of the afternoon, right?
We then headed back to our room to change and get ready for a swim before making our way to the pool. The infinity pool in the afternoon is one of the highlights of the resort. It’s heated, which makes it comfortable to swim even with the cool mountain air, and the view over the valley feels even more impressive from the pool. Spanning 89 meters long, there’s plenty of space to swim or just relax. Sun loungers line the side, and the Sunken Pool Bar is right there if you want a drink.
After spending some time in the pool, we started to feel a bit hungry. We headed back to our room to shower, then made our way to Payangan Lounge. Located near the lobby and surrounded by koi ponds, the lounge looks out onto a lush garden. It’s a relaxed spot to just unwind, having a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoying a nice cocktail with your friends. They also serve cakes, shisha, and a selection of light bites.
We tried the Calamares Fritos that came with chipotle mayo, and it turned out to be a great choice. It’s light, crispy, and easy to enjoy, and felt especially satisfying after a swim. The portion was generous, with large, well-cooked pieces. We also ended up ordering the Wagyu Beef Tacos. They use 12-hour smoked wagyu short rib, along with chipotle chimichurri and salsa, which gave it a nice balance of smoky and slightly tangy flavors. It’s simple, but well put together and satisfying. We had it with a gin and tonic, which worked really well with the food and kept things light.
We ended our meal with a carrot cake, which was surprisingly good. It was creamy, with layers that weren’t too thick or too thin. The cream wasn’t overpowering or overly sweet, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy. The cake itself was soft, with small bits of carrot adding a slight crunch that made it more satisfying. Overall, it was one of the best we’ve had.
While we were enjoying our meal, the sun slowly began to set, turning the sky into soft shades of gold, orange, and a hint of pink in the distance. There were only a few clouds, and the air started to cool down, making it even more comfortable to sit and relax outside. We could hear the breeze moving through the trees, the leaves rustling gently in the background.
We ordered a shisha and stayed a little longer, just to taking in the moment. The open-air setting of Payangan Lounge made it easy to relax and lose track of time. It felt like a simple way to end the day, just sitting and enjoying the lush garden view.
After a while, we made our way back to the room, ready to rest and call it a night.
A Lingering Feeling Before Leaving
The morning came slowly. We had a restful, comfortable sleep, and by the time we woke up, the morning light had already greeted the world outside. The birds were chirping and flying from one tree to another, calling to one another as they busily searched for their morning meal. The grass still held traces of the morning dew, and the sun had begun to warm the air, gently easing the coolness of the early morning. We sat for a while on the balcony, sipping a warm cup of tea, enjoying the fresh air and taking in a bit of early sunlight before getting ready for the day and heading out for breakfast.
The Puhu Restaurant was quite busy that morning, but we managed to get a seat by the balcony to enjoy the view of the valley. The mist from the early morning had already lifted, revealing layers of greens stretching across the landscape. The sky was clear and blue, with only a few light clouds drifting by.
For the breakfast, we went straight for the croissants and Danish. This time, we had the croissant with orange marmalade and unsalted butter, which added a nice balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy jam to the flaky pastries. It went perfectly with a warm cup of coffee on the side.
Some of the menu items were different from the previous day, which made it fun to explore. We spotted the Miyeok-guk on one side, a Korean seaweed soup, and decided to give it a try. It was light, warm, and comforting, the kind of dish that you needed in the morning. From there, we picked up a few more plates, moving between western options and local favorites.
The fruit selection remained varied, and we noticed a few new additions, along with a different spread of desserts. That morning, there was Klepon, a traditional soft rice cake filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut, and Wajik, which isn’t something you come across that often. We ended up trying both and had them with a chilled bottle of jamu, which made it even more enjoyable.
We didn’t linger too long over breakfast this time. We had signed up for a morning archery session, another complimentary activity for in-house guests. From the lobby, we were taken to the archery area, which turned out to be just a short distance away.
The archery range is set among the greenery and surrounded by tall trees. We were introduced to our coach, who guided us through the basics. Before starting, we learned about the importance of using an arm guard and proper posture to avoid getting our hands hit by the string. We were shown how to draw and release the bow correctly, as well as how to aim whether using one eye or both, along with proper hand positioning and breathing techniques.
Once we got the basics down, we were given a few arrows to try. It felt a bit hard at first, but gradually we started to get the hang of it. The one-hour session then went by quickly. Afterward, we thanked the coach and headed back to the room to rest for a while before getting ready to check out.
The check-out process was smooth and unhurried, much like the rest of our stay. After returning our room cards, the reception team presented us with a Tridatu bracelet, a symbol of balance, and gently tied it on our wrists before we said our goodbyes. The staff then helped carry our luggage to the car, and we took a moment to thank them before finally heading off.
There was a sense of content as we left, the kind that you feel when you know you’ve had a good stay. We knew we would miss this place, along with its surrounding greenery, the cool morning mist, the sound of cicadas and birds calling to one another, and the calm, unhurried rhythm of Payangan. Padma Resort Ubud is surely a very nice place to step away from the busy world, and we were grateful to have had a great experience.
Until next time, Payangan!
Padma Resort Ubud
Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu, Payangan, Bali 80572
Phone: +62 361 301 1111
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