Villa Sabandari

The Villa Sabandari is an adult-only boutique hotel that features picturesque rice field views. Its quiet village setting carries over to the hotel, which is tranquil, in part due to the conspicuous absence of children. A nice breeze often blows in from the rice fields, helping to create a restorative atmosphere that makes this one of the more popular spots around Ubud. Atmospherics aside, the hotel also has a sharp modern style with a few artsy flourishes that help it stand out from its competitors. The lobby is a large, open gazebo containing a long wooden dining table and a comfy couch that face the rice fields. All rooms overlook the picturesque infinity pool, which is surrounded by rice fields and tropical greenery. Pools of water surround the spa, and the constant sound from the moving water is soothing. Given its strict no-kids policy, it's no surprise that the hotel is mostly frequented by adult couples and singles. 

Villa Sabandari is located in a quiet village on the outskirts of Ubud, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive from  downtown. There are a couple of popular local restaurants within a three-minute walk, including Manga Madu and Warung Mina, both serving Indonesian classics. Ubud is also well known for the yoga studios and health food restaurants, and Bali Buda -- a health food grocery store and restaurant -- is a 10-minute walk away, next door to a popular yoga and dance studio. Sights worth seeing in the area include the Ceking rice terraces (20-minute drive), the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple (25-minute drive), and Mount Batur (80-minute drive). Kuta and the airport take up to 90 minutes to reach by car, depending on traffic.

Sabandari consists of six rooms, all with different decor and layouts, though adhering to a similar style. Expect to see an elegant blend of modern and traditional Balinese details, with pops of color like red, gold, or green. Accents are understated and stylish, including black-and-white photographs of Bali, hand-carved stone statues, and vases full of tropical flowers. Teak and suar wood furniture is rustic and handsome, and some -- like the Barong Room that we saw -- have funky gathered-wood art pieces above the beds. All rooms have views of the pool, and either full or partial views of the rice fields. Large glass windows and doors let in plenty of natural light. Floor plans are spacious, ranging from 430 to 540 square feet (40 to 50 square meters), and all feature balconies or terraces. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, kettles, minibars, fruit baskets, and safes. The Telek Room is the only room that contains a TV. Bathrooms have rainfall showers -- some of which are outdoor -- plus white limestone tiles and black granite vanities with porcelain sinks. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers come standard. The Telek Room is the only room with a bathtub -- it's set outside in a private walled-off garden.

Sabandari is a small hotel with only a few simple features. The hotel's infinity pool is a highlight and is surrounded by rice fields and greenery. The boutique spa and salon offer a wide range of treatments including massages, facials, waxing, and mani-pedis. Upon check-in, guests also receive a free 15-minute welcome massage. Books and magazines are available in the hotel library for those seeking alternative ways to kick back, and there's also a keyboard and classical guitar. Breakfast is included in the room rate and can be served in guest rooms or in the common spaces. The hotel also serves a free afternoon tea featuring homemade desserts and snacks. A two-way shuttle service is free within the Ubud area and the hotel can also arrange car and motorbike rentals as well as day tours. Free mountain bikes are available for guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.