Insider's Glance: 9 Reasons Why You Should Stay at Maya Ubud

For our recent trip to Ubud, What's New Bali wanted to explore a side of Bali that goes beyond the typical luxury escapes often featured online. Maya Ubud Resort & Spa stood out as a sanctuary that combines natural beauty, thoughtful design, and quiet indulgence. Every detail, from the villas to the river valley views, felt considered and memorable. During our stay, we discovered nine compelling reasons why Maya Ubud belongs on every travel wish list, with one notable service that deserves special mention. Read on to discover more!

For anyone seeking an enveloping escape in Ubud, Maya Ubud is a sanctuary that lingers in memory long after the journey ends.

The Villa: A Private Paradise Among the Trees

Our stay in the Heavenly Pool Villa immediately set the tone for what Maya Ubud has to offer. Framed by lush tropical gardens and soft morning sunlight, the villa provides both space and intimacy. A private pool glimmers outside while inside, a canopied bed and handcrafted Balinese furnishings invite relaxation. Each detail is subtle yet deliberate, from the thatched roof to the expansive bathtub overlooking the verdant forest, creating a sense of calm and seclusion that is difficult to find elsewhere. Mornings here feel like a gentle pause in time, accompanied by the chirping of birds, the evening calls of frogs, and the rhythmic hum of cicadas throughout the greenery.

What makes Maya Ubud's villa feel truly alive is the soul embedded within its design. Every piece of furniture tells a story, drawn from Indonesia’s heritage and reimagined through thoughtful craftsmanship. Tables are shaped from reclaimed Javanese railway wood; walls are lined with uga timber once used to harness water buffaloes in the rice fields. Four-poster beds, conceived by architect Budiman Purnomo, rise from teak that once served as plough handles, while bamboo fish traps and tea-picker baskets now glow softly as lamps. Even the bathroom’s teakwood root stools are reborn from discarded timber, merging function with sculpture. Together, these elements speak of renewal and quiet reverence and serve as a reminder that beauty, when rooted in history, always feels effortless.

Afternoon Tea at Tree Bar: Elegance in the Air

Later in the afternoon, we discovered the charm of Tree Bar, perched above the Ubud valley. The three-tiered afternoon tea combines arancini, green apem brownies, and falafel tahini with a sweeping view of unbroken greenery. The open-air pavilion allows a gentle breeze to accompany each sip and bite, and the serene setting makes it easy to forget the world beyond the valley. It is an experience that feels unhurried, refined, and quintessentially Balinese.

Cultural Dinner: A Feast for the Indigenous Senses

As evening fell, we ventured to Mayasari Restaurant for a Cultural Dining Experience. The open-air amphitheatre offered a front-row seat to captivating Kecak, Barong, and Frog dances, while we sampled Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage with dishes like Ayam Bakar Madu, Ikan Bakar Jimbaran, and Sop Buntut. The combination of vibrant performances, fragrant cuisine, and Ubud’s warm evening air created a multisensory experience that felt both festive and intimate, a perfect introduction to the resort’s character. Beyond Kecak, Maya Ubud hosts a rotating program of nightly performances, from the graceful Legong and mythical Barong to the fiery Ramayana and modern Balinese dance, ensuring each evening unfolds as a unique cultural experience.

Floating Breakfast: A Magical Morning Ritual

On the second morning, breakfast arrived in an unexpected and enchanting way — floating in our private pool. The Culinary team prepared a selection of ten dishes, from smoothie bowls to egg cocotte, each crafted to delight the senses. The soft light of the river valley reflected on the water, turning a simple meal into a moment of quiet celebration. The floating breakfast perfectly encapsulated Maya Ubud’s approach to luxury: thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable.

The River Café Lunch: Dining Where Nature Takes Over

Later in the day, we descended to The River Café, an open-air poolside restaurant only accesible through an elevator that seems to be embraced by the Petanu River and its surrounding rainforest. We savored some of the restaurant’s Italian-inspired healthy dishes, including polenta fries, tempeh lasagna, and a veggie burger. Dining here feels suspended in nature, where each flavor is enhanced by the sights and sounds of the river and jungle.

Full-Body Treatment at Spa at Maya: Serenity Reimagined

The spa at Maya Ubud is tucked into the forest along walkways lined with lush foliage just beside The River Cafe, leading to private pavilions overlooking the river. Our Four Hands Massage followed by a flower bath offered deep relaxation and renewal. Therapists worked in perfect harmony, releasing tension and encouraging circulation, while the flower bath allowed us to soak in warm waters surrounded by petals and the gentle sounds of nature. This immersive approach makes the spa more than a treatment; it is a journey into serenity.

Walk Around the Resort and Forest Trail: Adventure Meets Tranquility

Guided walks around the resort reveal hidden corners, from a small hanging bridge near the fitness center to Maya Farm and the on-site 'pura' temple. For those seeking adventure, the Forest Trail leads through jungle terrain, rivers, and rugged paths, often accompanied by glimpses of monkeys in their natural habitat. Even within a luxury resort, the trail offers a tangible connection to Ubud’s wild, untamed beauty, making every step feel like a small discovery.

The In-Villa Grill: Intimate Dining On Your Doorstep

For evenings when leaving the villa felt unnecessary, the In-Villa Grill brought the dining experience to our private garden. A dedicated chef and steward prepared a grilled dinner beside the pool, with flickering candlelight and the aroma of sizzling dishes filling the air. The attention to detail in every aspect of the meal created a romantic and indulgent experience, making it one of the most memorable dinners of our stay.

Yoga at the Pavilion: Mindful Mornings Above the Trees

Above the fitness center, a shaded yoga pavilion overlooks the resort gardens and neighboring rice terraces. The gentle breeze, morning sounds of the valley, and guided yoga sessions create a serene start to the day. It is both a physical stretch and a mental reset, a quiet moment that complements the restorative environment throughout the resort. At Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, wellness comes naturally with a curated selection of complimentary activities designed to restore balance and connection. From yoga and Pilates to scenic nature walks and creative workshops like Coconut Leaf Art, each experience invites guests to slow down and rediscover harmony with Ubud’s landscape.

Notable Mention — Butler Service: Quiet Luxury at Its Best

The Private Butler Service at Maya Ubud deserves a special mention for its warmth and attentiveness. From arranging transportation to fulfilling special requests, the staff ensures every need is anticipated and met with care. This level of personalized attention transforms a luxury stay into a seamless, inspiring experience, and it is one of the reasons why Maya Ubud remains unforgettable.

Leaving Maya Ubud Resort feels like returning to the world gently, carrying with us the calm, attention to detail, and natural beauty that define every moment of the stay. Here, luxury is not just about opulence but about harmony, serenity, and thoughtful experiences. For anyone seeking an enveloping escape in Ubud, Maya Ubud is a sanctuary that lingers in memory long after the journey ends.

Jl. Gn. Sari, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Phone: +62 361 977 888
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