Billy Bagus
Dec 15, 2025
Returning to Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali for the second time this year felt like reconnecting with a place that understands balance. Tucked along the tranquil Wos River, this resort blends contemporary comfort, nature immersion, curated dining, and thoughtful experiences that elevate a simple getaway into a meaningful escape. What's New Bali's second 3D2N stay was a moment of relaxation without rushing and indulgence without excess, exactly what Ubud does best.
What's New Bali's second 3D2N stay was a moment of relaxation without rushing and indulgence without excess, exactly what Ubud does best.
Arrival and Deluxe River View Room Experience
We checked into the Deluxe River View Room and were immediately reminded why this category remains a favorite. The room features an elegant contemporary design, generous 42 sqm space, a private balcony, and complete modern amenities. The river view sets the tone instantly, creating a calming atmosphere that feels both private and connected to nature.
The balcony became a personal retreat, ideal for slow mornings and quiet evenings. The room layout felt smart and spacious, making it perfectly comfortable for a multi night stay without feeling confined.
Exploring Ubud with the Resort Excursion Shuttle
One of Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali’s most underrated highlights is its complimentary Ubud Center Excursion. We hopped on the resort’s shuttle bus and were dropped off near Monkey Forest, allowing us to explore the heart of Ubud on foot.
From there, we strolled leisurely toward Ubud Art Market, exploring souvenir stalls and weaving through charming narrow gang pathways. Along the way, we paused at a coffee shop to enjoy a relaxed afternoon. A fun observation from this trip is that Ubud felt noticeably quieter during the weekend, making exploration even more pleasant without heavy crowds.
A Private Romantic Dinner to Remember
The evening unfolded with one of the most memorable dining experiences at Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali. The Romantic Dinner was set in a private standalone pavilion with an intimate ambiance. The setting featured candlelight, a heart shaped floral arrangement, soft music, a glowing LOVE neon sign, and the natural soundtrack of flowing water and nighttime insects. We chose the seafood set menu and were taken through a beautifully paced five course experience.
The amuse bouche featured smoked salmon served creatively in a tall glass. A refreshing welcome drink of grenadine and cranberry followed, vibrant both in flavor and color. The appetizer was a pan seared scallops paired with lettuce, cherry tomato, pineapple, and tamarind dressing. Light, fresh, and well balanced. The soup course surprised us with avocado shrimp in a tomato based broth that tasted light, umami, and gently sweet sour.
For the mains, we enjoyed pan seared barramundi with English spinach, onion jam, and turmeric sauce, followed by a rich lobster thermidor. The lobster meat was separated from its shell, mixed with creamy mushroom, parmesan, and mozzarella, then served atop its shell with potato gratin on the side. Sparkling wine Two Islands Roseccon Brut complemented the courses beautifully. Dessert closed the evening with a Balinese warm chocolate lava cake, chocolate puree, vanilla ice cream, and delicate vanilla tuile. The entire experience felt serene, intimate, and unforgettable.
Breakfast and Lunch at Sungai Restaurant
The next morning began at Sungai Restaurant, where breakfast is more than a routine. The buffet selection spans Balinese, Indonesian, Indian, and Western cuisines, alongside pastries, an Indomie station, and healthy beverage options. Friendly staff and the soothing river view below created a holistic start to the day.
Lunch at Sungai allowed us to explore more of the kitchen’s versatility. Highlights included roasted broccoli salad with sweet tamarind tempeh and pesto, tofu tempura with salted egg sauce, and a comforting tomato soup made from Bedugul tomatoes.
For mains, we tried Timbungan Ikan, Sthala’s signature Balinese grilled fish cooked in bamboo and served with urab vegetables and steamed rice. The Nasi Goreng Sambal Kecombrang delivered bold aromas with ginger flower paste, shredded chicken, kemangi, and sambal. Desserts rounded out the meal beautifully with bubur cendil featuring coconut sauce and jackfruit ice cream, along with tropical fruit crème brûlée. Fresh papaya juice and a lychee berry punch added a refreshing finish.
Tahara Spa Couples’ Harmony Ritual
Our stay reached peak relaxation at Tahara Spa by the River, located on the Ground Floor overlooking the jungle and river, allowing you to get closer to nature. The spa design reflects calm and warmth, from the lobby ambiance to the signature ginger tea served before treatments.
We experienced the Tahara Journey for Two Couples’ Harmony Ritual, beginning with a traditional Balinese foot ritual that gently grounded the body and set a calm, ceremonial tone. This was followed by an authentic Balinese massage to release deep-seated tension, flowing seamlessly into a detoxifying organic body wrap made with rice, turmeric, and ginger to purify and revitalize the skin. The journey continued with an indulgent eight-step Sothys facial, starting with gentle makeup removal and a milk cleanser, followed by exfoliation and careful extraction to deeply cleanse the pores. A soothing face massage and nourishing mask restored balance to the skin, complemented by a relaxing head massage. The ritual finished with the application of serum and moisturizer, leaving the complexion refreshed, radiant, and beautifully renewed. We conclude with a private bubble bath soak, allowing time to fully unwind together.
Dinner and Evening Vibes at Naga Rooftop Bar
Dinner brought us back to Sungai Restaurant for more indulgence. We enjoyed Caesar salad with Bedugul romaine, roasted garlic dressing, and spicy croutons. The chicken dumpling soup was comforting and clear, while the creamy seafood chowder delivered rich umami flavors with prawns, scallops, and crunchy garlic bread.
The charcoal grilled rib eye steak impressed with its tenderness, generous portion, and dramatic presentation on a charcoal slab, served with potato au gratin, herb butter, and béarnaise sauce. Fresh blended juices like Wos Berry and the nutrient rich Abc’g completed the meal.
Later, we headed to Naga Rooftop Bar & Lounge and took advantage of the Buy 1 Get 1 happy hour. With views of the Wos River, forest, and village across the river, paired with Balinese music, it was the perfect place to wind down. Standout cocktails included Red Gin Splash and Tropical Dragon, both refreshing and well balanced.
Yoga, Breakfast, and Farewell
Our final morning began with Sthala Welcoming Yoga at the Wos Riverside Deck, a complimentary experience available every Tuesday and Saturday from 7 AM to 8 AM. Surrounded by natural greenery and cooled by gentle river breezes from the Wos River below, the serene setting enriched each movement and breath, creating a grounding start to the day. Breakfast at Sungai followed, after which we checked out feeling refreshed, balanced, and deeply satisfied.
Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali continues to impress with curated experiences that balance wellness, cuisine, romance, and exploration. From river view rooms and guided Ubud excursions to intimate dining and holistic spa rituals, this stay captured the essence of modern Ubud living.
Enhancing the experience further, guests can also enjoy various benefits with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands across 10,000 global destinations, renowned for delivering exceptional hospitality in the world’s most memorable locations. Marriott Bonvoy members gain access to transformative, eye-opening experiences both close to home and across the globe, along with exclusive rates and a wide range of member-only benefits. It remains a top choice for travelers seeking a refined yet soulful Bali escape.
Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali
Jalan A.A. Gede Rai, Mawang Kelod, Lodtunduh, Ubud - Bali 80571, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 301 8700
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