Sri Ratih Cottages

The entrance to Sri Ratih lies on a bend in the road and would be all too easy to drive right past if it weren't for the hotel's large wrought iron sign arched over the driveway. A tidy forecourt and car park leads past the resort's cafe and jewelry store and into the lobby -- a handsome thatched-roof reception area blending rustic-chic furnishings with intricately carved plant-inspired sculpture and traditional gilt-framed doorways. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing lemongrass infused drink before being shown around the lush yet perfectly manicured tropical gardens dotted with Hindu statues and awash with exotic flora. The resort still bears evidence of its 2012 and 2014 renovations, with a fresh feel and high-end finish throughout -- something that certainly can't be said for many similar properties. The owner is also a Balinese jewelry designer who provides an outlet for silver jewelry made in his village, while the owner's own designs can be seen on display in the hotel restaurant.

The Sri Ratih Cottages is situated in Penastanan -- a relatively quiet village 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the bustling and artsy tourist center of Ubud. The village is starting to become more developed with a few shops and restaurants in the immediate area and there are also lots of lovely walks nearby. Not all of Ubud's attractions, however, are within walking distance -- especially during sticky weather -- with the Monkey Forest sanctuary and artisan community of Nyuh Kuning village about a 10-minute drive away. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is 22 miles away, or about an hour’s drive while it's around 45 minutes from Denpasar city center. 

The hotel has 28 rooms, all of which are smart, spacious, and particularly clean with an emphasis on natural woods and traditional Balinese flavor. Bathrooms too are nicely finished in wood and stone with plenty of room and some include partially outdoor soaking tubs for two. Air-conditioning, minibars (with free water), and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels all come standard. While Wi-Fi is free of charge it is unreliable. All rooms also open to furnished balconies or terraces, though views aren't especially impressive from most. 

The hotel's restaurant provides a rather good made-to-order breakfast of local and international food, which is included in the rate. The cafe is also open for lunch and dinner and, while the chef is pretty adept at Italian dishes, his Indonesian cooking is known for being some of the best in the area. The pool is fairly small but nice, with plenty of lounge chairs, a separate paddling section for kids, and a small bar. The spa is also on the small side, though pleasant and guests receive a large discount for their first treatment. Unusually for hotels of this kind, no free shuttle service is available, so visitors have to rely on local taxis if they don't want to walk.