Upon our arrival at Umana Bali, it was immediately evident that we had entered a realm of unmatched luxury and cultural depth. Perched on Uluwatu's southern cliffs, this five-star resort, the first LXR Hotels & Resorts in Southeast Asia, masterfully combines modern opulence with Bali's timeless beauty. With stunning views of the Indian Ocean, every corner of Umana is crafted to immerse guests in what they refer to as the "Bali Way of Life," where tradition, tranquility, and personalized service converge harmoniously. Over the course of two days and one night, What’s New Bali were privileged to experience Umana’s exceptional hospitality, marked by memorable wine and coffee tastings, bespoke villa indulgence, and the soothing philosophy of Tri Hita Karana that infused every element of our stay. Here’s our story…
Of Heritage and Elegance: A Lavish 2-Days Getaway at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Day 1
A Profound Cultural Connection
From the moment we were greeted with the resonant sound of the gong—aptly named 'Nyiur,' meaning 'coconut' in Balinese, symbolizing the island’s essence of goodness—we felt a deep connection to Bali’s spiritual roots. Check-in was accompanied by a refreshing welcome drink and a special Tridatu bracelet for protection, hinting at the immersive experience that lay ahead. The lobby, featuring a breathtaking chandelier inspired by the Legong dance’s graceful movements, immediately set the tone for a stay brimming with cultural beauty. Each detail, from the double ikat carvings representing Bali Aga weaving to the serene ambiance of the Mer Lounge, reflected Umana’s dedication to blending artistry with comfort.
What distinguished Umana was its commitment to the three LXR pillars—Intriguing Design, Bespoke Services, and Cultural Experience. The personalized butler service exemplified this, with our Curator available around the clock to assist with everything, from adjusting lighting to organizing a private coconut cutting. This level of attention elevated our stay, ensuring our every need was met with grace and discretion.
Lavish Private Sanctuary
Our villa—a One Bedroom Ocean Pool Villa—was a private sanctuary of luxury. As we stepped into the villa’s expansive living area, the fusion of modern amenities and authentic Balinese elements captivated us. Natural light streamed into the open layout, highlighting the elegant marble bathroom, which featured a deep soaking tub, an outdoor heated whirlpool, and rain showers. Every comfort was anticipated, from the Sonos® sound system to the wine chiller and bespoke minibar. The villa was lavish yet deeply connected to its natural surroundings. The 10-meter infinity pool overlooking the ocean, along with is small jacuzzi and ‘Bale Bengong’ pavilion on side, became our favorite spot for peaceful reflection.
Meaningful Exploration
After luxuriating in the villa, we explored the vast resort grounds, which left us in awe. Every corner of Umana offered something new to discover. It is the only resort in Ungasan with direct access to the pristine Melasti Beach, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty without any hassle. Soon, Umana will unveil its very own beach club, Uma Beach House, which promises to be an exciting addition to the resort's already impressive offerings. The Lohma Spa, with its eight treatment rooms, provided a serene retreat, while the infinity pool near the restaurant offered breathtaking coastal views. From the yoga pavilion, well-equipped meeting room, to the resort’s lush, sprawling ten hectares of greenery, each experience was designed to evoke peace and convenience. We didn’t fully grasp the scale of the resort until we were escorted to our villa—it was massive, yet beautifully maintained, lush, breezy, and utterly serene.
Central to Umana’s philosophy is Tri Hita Karana, the concept of harmony between God, people, and nature. This philosophy is beautifully reflected in the layout of Commune Restaurant. The small temple within the restaurant grounds represents the divine (God), while the Kids Club and dining area represent humanity (people). The magnificent ocean view off the Melasti beach's shore, with immaculate sunrise and sunset moments, symbolizes nature. Commune’s architectural harmony creates a unique sense of balance and peace. Right beside Commune is the Pad Pool Bar, whose design is inspired by the traditional Balinese Besak offerings.
For those looking for a different culinary experience, Umana recently added the lavish two-storey Oliverra restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with flair. It’s a must-visit spot for those craving exquisite Mediterranean flavors. Read our extensive review of Oliverra Restaurant here. For those planning a wedding, Umana’s Chapel is a breathtaking venue. The dove-like rooftop design, combined with exclusive direct access and a garden overlooking the ocean, creates an idyllic setting for a memorable ceremony.
It’s worth noting that Umana’s grounds are occasionally visited by playful wild monkeys, particularly in the morning or evening. These curious creatures can sometimes be seen along the resort paths or even in the villas’ backyards. While they are relatively tame and add to the charm of the natural surroundings, guests are advised to keep small belongings secure, as the monkeys’ curiosity might lead them to investigate personal items. This interaction with wildlife is a testament to how seamlessly the resort blends with its natural environment.
Cultural Immersion 1: Balinese Wine Tasting
Our first cultural immersion was the Balinese Wine Tasting, an unexpected highlight of our stay. Hosted in the elegant wine cellar of Mer Lounge, we sampled wines from Hatten Wine, one of Bali’s leading vineyards. The experience was both refined and informative, as a knowledgeable team member guided us through the nuances of each wine. From the crisp Tunjung Brut Sparkling to the robust Aga Red, each glass was paired with a curated selection of cheeses, dried fruits, and local delicacies like cashew nuts. This tasting went beyond flavors, offering a sophisticated, personal introduction to Bali’s evolving wine culture.
Delightful Dinner
Following the wine tasting, we dined at Commune Restaurant, the perfect conclusion to our first day at Umana Bali. Our meal was a flavorful exploration of Southeast Asian cuisine, starting with Kerupuk crackers and six condiments, followed by Gado Gado—an Indonesian salad of vegetables, tofu, and soy cake in a rich peanut sauce. The Thai Beef Salad, a refreshing mix of grilled beef, cucumber, and chili lime dressing, was a standout. For the main course, we savored tender Cambodian Pork Ribs with garlic coriander soy sauce and a delectable Beef Rendang served with coconut sauce and daun singkong. Dessert was a delightful Sweet Potato Dumpling with sesame palm sugar and pandan coconut sauce, a perfect ending to a remarkable meal. The culinary artistry, coupled with the restaurant’s stunning views, left us in awe and set the stage for a peaceful night. Commune Restaurant not only offers exquisite food but also embodies the heart of Umana’s philosophy, making it a central part of the resort experience.
Day 2
Hearty Nourishment
Our final morning at Umana began with an indulgent breakfast at Commune, offering a blend of à la carte and buffet options. The buffet featured a tempting selection of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and homemade jams, including honeycomb sourced from a local farm in Karangasem, reinforcing Umana’s commitment to local sourcing. The à la carte menu was equally impressive, offering a variety of dishes ranging from cereal to Indonesian heritage staples like Nasi Campur, Bubur, and Mie Goreng. Morning favorites, such as the signature Umana Breakfast, included sophisticated ingredients like baby lobster and caviar. We also enjoyed an array of sweet options, from classic pancakes to waffles—all prepared with precision and served with the highest quality ingredients.
Cultural Immersion 2: Indonesian Coffee Tasting
The highlight of our second day was the exclusive Indonesian Coffee Tasting session in the hotel’s lobby area, which marks the second of our interactive cultural immersion. Guided by a knowledgeable barista, we explored three different types of coffee beans, along with one decaf option, from Tanamera Coffee—a renowned Indonesian brand with a global following. The barista led us step by step through the world of coffee tasting, making the experience informative and accessible, even for beginners. This well-prepared, exclusive activity offered a deep appreciation for Indonesia’s coffee-making traditions, bringing our stay at Umana to a rich, flavorful close.
In addition to the wine and coffee tastings, Umana Bali offers a wide range of cultural and local experiences designed to enrich your stay. Guests can explore nearby Pura temples, visit traditional local markets, or participate in a Balinese cooking class for a deeper connection with Bali’s vibrant culture. Beyond these engaging cultural activities, Umana also provides unique experiences such as the thrilling Soar & Savor helicopter tour, a serene Soul Blessing ritual, calming Sound Healing sessions, and a chance to discover Bali’s traditional spirits with Balinese Arak Tasting. For those looking to delve even further into the island’s rich heritage, the Unlocking Mysteries experience offers an intriguing journey through Bali’s hidden cultural gems.
As our time at Umana drew to an end, we reflected on the resort’s many highlights—from the serene villa and memorable wine and coffee tastings to the thoughtful design and cultural connections. Umana Bali is more than just a luxury escape; it’s a tribute to Bali’s soul, leaving us refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the island’s rich heritage.
Jl. Melasti, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364
Phone: +62 361 300 7000
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