Hidden within Ubud’s lush jungle, Samsara Ubud offers a seamless blend of refined luxury and untouched nature. What's New Bali had the privilege of experiencing this serene sanctuary firsthand on an unforgettable three-day, two-night retreat. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in a world of elegance, tranquility, and exceptional dining. Every detail of our stay was crafted for ultimate indulgence, and we can’t wait to share our extraordinary journey. Read on to discover the magic of this soulful sanctuary!
What's New Bali had the privilege of experiencing this serene sanctuary firsthand on an unforgettable three-day, two-night retreat.
Day 1: A Grand Arrival & Artistic Evening
Our adventure at Samsara Ubud began with a warm welcome as we arrived at noon, ready for an exquisite escape far from the bustling vibe of Bali. We kicked off our stay with a sumptuous lunch at The Gallery, where we were treated to Indonesian delicacies presented with a refined touch. Dishes like Buntut Strozzapreti (hand-twisted pasta with pulled oxtail and grana padano), Nasi Goreng Buntut, and Gado-Gado showcased rich flavors that perfectly set the tone for our culinary journey. As a special highlight, we also had the privilege of an exclusive interview with Samsara Ubud’s visionary owner, Bayu Sarwono. Stay tuned for our exclusive article featuring his inspiring insights!
After an indulgent feast, we checked into our home for the next three days—The One Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa. This luxurious sanctuary featured uninterrupted views of the surrounding tropical jungle, an opulent 122 sqm living space, and the ultimate indulgence: a private heated outdoor infinity pool. Floating amidst the lush greenery in our own secluded oasis was an experience like no other.
As the golden hues of sunset bathed the resort, we embraced our artistic side with a traditional Balinese painting class at The Gallery. Guided by the talented Mr. Budi, the resort’s dedicated local expert in Balinese art, we explored various painting techniques and mediums, from canvas to wooden eggs and stone. We could either paint from scratch or color Mr. Budi’s intricate sketches—a mesmerizing experience that deepened our appreciation of Balinese artistry.
With our masterpieces in hand, we headed to The Kelusa for a spectacular dinner. Named after the nearby Balinese village, this open-air restaurant offered sweeping views of Ubud’s verdant jungle. We indulged in a meticulously curated three-course meal, beginning with Rice Crackers and Sambal, followed by a beautifully plated Gado-Gado that redefined the beloved Indonesian salad with citrus peanut dressing, quail eggs, and tempe crumble. The Opor Ayam was a visual and culinary delight, with its tender chicken and rich coconut sauce presented like a miniature architectural masterpiece. To end on a sweet note, the Dadar Gulung—rolled coconut crepes with grilled pineapple—offered the perfect balance of tropical flavors.
To cap off an already perfect day, we enjoyed a cozy Moonlight Cinema experience at The Gallery, reclining on plush beanbags in an air-conditioned room. A night of entertainment and comfort awaited before retreating to our lavish villa for a restful slumber.
Day 2: Indulgence and Rejuvenation
Morning greeted us with an exquisite floating breakfast in our villa’s private infinity pool. The beautifully arranged boat-shaped tray carried an array of morning delights, from the Egg Florentine and Bubur Ayam to a platter of seasonal fruits and fresh pastries. Sipping on freshly brewed coffee while soaking in the serene jungle views was the epitome of relaxation.
Post-breakfast, we made our way to Chakra Spa for a Rejuvenation Ritual, a three-step wellness treatment designed to melt away stress. We began with a 40-minute infrared sauna, allowing the warmth to ease muscle tension, followed by an invigorating 15-minute ice bath to boost circulation. The treatment concluded with a blissful 60-minute massage of our choice—Balinese, deep tissue, or foot reflexology—customized to our preferences with aromatic homemade essential oils. With every touch, our stress melted away, leaving us in a state of utter relaxation.
For lunch, we opted to dine in our villa, indulging in Samsara’s signature dishes in the privacy of our lavish retreat. The Sambal Be Tongkol—tender tuna with lemongrass, shallots, and coconut oil—was a flavorful start, followed by the comforting Sup Buntut, a rich oxtail soup paired with steamed rice. A sweet ending came in the form of Bubur Injin, a luscious black rice pudding with coconut cream. To quench our thirst, the Samsara Homemade Lemonade with rosemary and cucumber was delightfully refreshing.
In the break between our satisfying lunch and sumptuous evening feast, we indulged in the resort's distinctive Afternoon Tea Picnic by our villa's poolside. A beautifully arranged setup featuring plush beanbags and a delightful spread of burgers, Vietnamese rolls, mango pancakes, and fried tape made for the perfect leisurely afternoon. Sipping on rosella and healing tea, we soaked in the tranquil ambiance before another exquisite dinner at The Kelusa.
This time, we explored the A La Carte menu, marveling at the diverse offerings. Highlights included the Kepiting Soka—crispy soft-shell crab with sweet corn dabu-dabu, the Tempe Burger—a hearty fusion of tempeh, pickled vegetables, and BBQ sauce, and the creative Poached Pear dessert, infused with spiced cranberry and star anise. A refreshing Mint Lemonitho mocktail rounded off another extraordinary dining experience.
Day 3: A Farewell to Paradise
Our final morning at Samsara Ubud began with a relaxed in-villa breakfast, featuring a hearty Brekky Bowl of toasted oats, tropical fruits, and blueberry yogurt, alongside Homemade Pancakes drizzled with caramelized banana and strawberry compote. As we savored our last moments, we took in the breathtaking jungle views one last time, imprinting the serenity into our memories.
Checking out was bittersweet—our hearts were full, yet we weren’t ready to leave this enchanting paradise. Samsara Ubud had given us an experience of luxury, culture, and tranquility, and we left knowing that we would return for an even longer escape in the future. Until then, we cherish every blissful moment spent in this unforgettable sanctuary.
Banjar Ayah No.Desa, Kelusa, Payangan, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80572
Phone: +62 361 209 1769
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