Blue Karma Nestling Ubud

With many open-air spaces, abundant use of organic materials, and lush greenery meeting the eye everywhere one looks, this boutique hotel tastefully embeds itself within its natural surroundings rather than using fancy furnishings. Traditional Balinese statues perched at the entrance lead to an open-air lobby and dining area featuring woven jute poufs for seating, wicker ball pendant lights, and teak wood floors. Paths lined with stepping stones weave through the property, past delicate infinity pools, to the individual huts that house the rooms. Upscale but understated, the hotel’s vibe is an ideal mix of romantic, tranquil, and laid-back, well-suited for its primary clientele of couples.

Surrounded by a quaint, residential village in northern Ubud, the hotel’s picturesque and serene location amidst rice paddies and greenery is worth the bumpy roads that lead to it, and ideal for travelers who prefer to stay away from the tourist-heavy downtown area. Access to central Ubud (and the sites within it, such as Ubud Palace or Ubud Market) isn’t difficult, as it’s only a 10-minute drive away, and the hotel also offers frequent free shuttles back and forth. However, the property’s off-the-beaten-path location does mean that most popular attractions require a car or taxi to reach. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are both about 16-minute drives away. The Goa Gajah Elephant Cave is 25 minutes away by car. Further out, the Pura Tirta Empul Temple is 35 minutes away by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 90 minutes away by car; the hotel arranges transfers for fees.

Each room at the hotel, be it the Deluxe or Superior Garden Suite, the Premier Suite, or the Royal Suite, is in its own spacious Javanese-style bamboo hut. Interiors match the rest of the property in terms of featuring natural materials and a minimalist style, with exposed rafters and furnishings of mostly light wood, and woven lamps. Indonesian carved wood dressers and patterned rugs bring in some local flavor and color. Closet space is massive. Large, comfy bean bags form spacious seating clusters, and big canopied beds rest on low wooden frames. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the rain forest or the pool, but regardless of view, they always allow for lots of natural light. Some rooms have balconies with seating. Villas are sized for families, with multiple rooms and one villa has a private pool. 

Perhaps to drive the point home about being a place to relax, rooms are simply appointed, without TVs, work desks, or phones (though free Wi-Fi is provided). Air-conditioning and ceiling fans keep rooms cool. Rooms lack mini-fridges, but offer minibars and tea-and coffee-making facilities. Mosquito nets and repellants are provided.

Bathrooms are spacious and sophisticated, with large stone basins, closed-off toilets, walk-in showers with black stone doors and handheld showerheads, and mirrors framed by LED lights. Toiletries and hairdryers are presented.

Much like the rooms, features here are designed to help guests relax. Breakfast, served in a restaurant off the lobby set up with colorful chairs, denim beanbags, and chess tables, is included with rates. The buffet is ample and reportedly delicious, with plenty of healthy options including fresh juices, tropical fruits, yogurts, and breads. An a la carte menu is also available. The space also features a counter bar. For dinner, the restaurant offers a variety of Asian and continental dishes, and a special candlelight set with a three-course menu is available. Guests can also arrange to dine in the rice paddy. Free afternoon high tea provides snacks, various teas, and even the occasional fresh coconut water.

The outdoor pool is gorgeous, bordered by beautifully landscaped lawns and a spotless deck featuring lounge chairs. There’s no gym, but alternative wellness facilities include yoga and meditation classes on a large deck. The multi-room spa offering body scrubs, acupuncture, manicures, massages, and even colonics.

Guests can also sign up for various hotel-organized activities, from morning rice paddy walks to Balinese herbal remedy lessons and painting classes for children. A lobby shop sells souvenirs and clothing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.