Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa

Named after the butterflies that once filled the surrounding forests, the Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa was the first luxury resort in Ubud when it opened in the 1980s. The seven-acre property overlooks rice terraces and the Ayung River, the longest river in Bali. The serene setting and luxury services draw mostly couples (many honeymooners), but also families. The open-air lobby makes a luxurious first impression, with its thatched roof, wooden flooring, and Balinese traditional furniture and decor. Free tea and Balinese cakes are served in the afternoon. Candlelit dinners can be arranged on the Bird’s Nest terrace that seemingly hangs above the jungle. There’s also a floating deck on an infinity pond that can be used for romantic dinners or wedding ceremonies.

This secluded location in Kedewatan village offers a peaceful retreat. The property is large and offers a golf cart transfers for getting around. Tours are available (that leave from on-site) to explore the surrounding village, temples, and rice fields. A few restaurants and shops are on the main road outside the resort. The Ubud Adventure Centre is within walking distance. It’s a 15-minute drive, via the resort’s free shuttle, to the city center, where there are tons of shops, restaurants, and also the Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, and Museum Puri Lukisan. The Campuhan Ridge Walk takes 11 minutes to reach by car. Driving to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary takes 20 minutes. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is an hour and 20 minutes away by car.

Villas are charming and romantic thanks to luxurious Balinese designs including lovely canopy beds, pitched wooden ceilings, and bamboo ceiling accents. Rooms also have thatched rooftops, red-tone wooden floors, rice hat lampshades, wooden carved furniture, and Indonesian textiles. Most villas have flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD players, pool towels, air-conditioning, umbrellas, coffeemakers, minibars, iPod docks, and kimonos. Fresh fruit is a nice perk in rooms. Bathrooms offer toilet hoses, hairdryers, and showers and soaking tubs, and/or large shower/tub combos. 

Balconies or patios have gorgeous views overlooking the river and forest. Family, Duplex Pool, Ayung River Pool, and Ayung River Club Villas have private pools. Ayung River Club Villas are the most luxurious accommodations with espresso machines, free laundry service, turndown service, sofa beds, welcome gifts, floral arrangements, and restaurant/bar vouchers. Duplex Villas have stairs. Family Villas offer one or two bedrooms. Honeymoon packages offer romantic extras. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

The Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa has a main pool that features lush tropical greenery and a thatched-roof bar with rattan seating. The infinity pool is surrounded by a wooden planked deck, with black rattan lounge chairs. A green bamboo entrance leads to the Mango Tree Spa By L’Occitane, which has a sauna/steam room and bamboo treatment rooms that overlook Ayung River. 

The resort’s isolated location doesn’t offer many off-site dining options nearby. There are three restaurants on the property. La View serves Southeast Asian and French fusion cuisine in a stylish split-level space that overlooks the rice paddies. The Tamiang Restaurant is also on the rooftop and cooks Indonesian fare. The third rooftop restaurant, Oishi Tei, offers Japanese food. A large boutique sells jewelry, clothing, and accessories. The open-air gym is large, but sparsely furnished with outdated cardio machines, free weights, a flat-screen TV, fans, and towels. Balinese cooking classes, guided tours, free bicycle rentals, free yoga classes, and dance lessons are also offered. Wi-Fi is free throughout.