Balinese Paradise in Ubud, Indonesia

Ubud has been long recognized as a natural, cultural and artistic paradise in Bali, and anyone who has visited the area will tell you there is a sort of magic in the air. In fact, it was named Ubud -- Indonesian for "medicine" -- after it was found to be a source of healing herbs and plants.

However, with Bali’s popularity growing since the ’60s -- and rising exponentially as the "Love" in the 2009 Julia Roberts movie, Eat Pray Love -- finding those tranquil spots filled with rice paddies and palm trees is a more discerning task.

Just 10 minutes from the center of Ubud, Chapung Se is a hidden gem that manages to retain the charm and influences that have lured international travelers to the area for decades. Driving through the emerald green rice paddies along the entrance to the resort, you can practically feel any worries melting away before you even arrive.

Perched above the Osh river valley and facing the tropical rainforest, Chapung Se delights all of the senses with stunning views, the sounds of birds singing in the trees, and the smell of tropical flowers and incense filling the air. It boasts eight villas, two restaurants, a large spa and a spectacular infinity pool (with accompanying bar), all designed to maximize your views of the surrounding area.

As a professional furniture designer, the owner has a keen eye for detail and has decorated the resort and villas with materials such as wood, volcanic stone, bamboo and marble to create a homely feel. Each villa has a unique design but all encompass the overall themes of minimalist, modern, intimate and spacious.

For a truly exuberant experience, the "luxury pool residence" offers two villas with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unrivaled views of the rainforest alongside your own private infinity pool. It features a fully functional kitchen, private garden and even a traditional Balinese cabana. The rooms are spacious and the hardest decision you will have to make is whether to shower in the indoor or outdoor bathrooms. The minimalist design and peaceful ambience also leave lots of space to relax and declutter the mind.

The included breakfast can be served in the villa if it just seems just too hard to leave the comfortable bed and rainforest views, or in the Jungle Fish Restaurant. The menu is extensive. There is a full breakfast buffet with tropical fruits, cheeses, pastries, cereals and delicious juices, plus your choice of an item from the a la carte menu. The Avocado di Caprio comes highly recommended. 

If you can tear yourself away from the villa, and like something a bit more social, then one of the most unique and fun features of Chapung Se is the Jungle Fish pool bar on site. This trendy spot features loungers, hanging beds and cabanas all facing a large infinity pool with views of the river valley just beyond. It has an upbeat, fun vibe with day visitors and hotel guests soaking up the atmosphere, and is perfect to swim, chill out and enjoy a cocktail.

Days can be spent relaxing in the villa, splashing about in the pool or -- if you feel more energetic -- you can make use of the hotel’s shuttle service or bicycles into the center of Ubud. As the art capital of Bali, you can find small temples and traditional or contemporary art galleries down its flower-strewn streets. This is also the site of the sacred monkey forest where you can get up close and personal with the long-tailed macaque.

Further afield, Bali is steeped in culture and nature, with tropical beaches, centuries-old rice terraces and temples galore. The island offers a vast array of different activities including dolphin- watching, hot springs, snorkeling, botanical gardens and ancient temples. And the best part is that the hotel will organize your the whole activity package for you.

But if relaxing is at the top of your itinerary, you don’t need to travel any further than the Chapung spa, found just beyond the pool bar at the resort. Offering a range of head–to- toe treatments including aruveydic massages, facial treatments, hot stone therapies and nail care, the spa is the professionalism and experience of the therapists. All hotel bookings include a 15-minute welcome massage but it is highly recommended to try some other treatments while you have the chance.

When the night closes in, the valley cools and mist creeps up the ravine, giving the Di Abing restaurant a

cozy, comfortable and even romantic ambience. The fine-dining spot is mostly open-air, save for the roof so you can continue to enjoy the sounds and sights of the rainforest while you dine. The restaurant serves dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Asian influences and uses only premium ingredients, with the majority of the vegetables coming from the hotel’s own organic garden. They also have an extensive drinks menu and wine cellar within the restaurant. 

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