Villa Sarna Ubud

The Villa Sarna Ubud lacks the majestic quality that some of the newer Ubud resorts have, but it's a charming and tranquil escape, exchanging sleek marble patios for mossy steps and small buildings hidden among lush garden greenery. The gardens are beautiful and peppered with traditional sculptures, and though not pristine, are alluring in their overgrown ways. The rather secluded location of the Villa Sarna and the size of its rooms mainly draws couples and honeymooners who are looking for a hideaway with a serene atmosphere. 

The Villa Sarna's small lobby lacks all sense of luxury, however, and seems to function as a place to collect room keys and little else. It appears more like an office than a lobby, with a lumpy futon and a wood bench. The hotel's lounge and bar is more engaging, with large windows overlooking the grounds and a delightful mix of traditional art and sculpture around the room. While certainly more comfortably furnished than the lobby, there is a thrown together quality to the seating; the sofas, chairs, tables, and pillows don't necessarily ascribe to one style, but many are pieces in themselves.

The Villa Sarna Ubud is located in a small village on a hillside about 25 to 30 minutes from Ubud. While not excessively remote, the hotel is secluded and low-key, with few dining options in the area. The hotel provides regular shuttle service to and from Ubud, in addition to offering in-house biking and car tours to guests. Nearby sites include the Ceking rice terraces and the Pura Tirta Empul temple at Tampak Siring. The hotel is about 80 to 90 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International airport, and the hotel offers transfers to and from for a fee. 

While not entirely remote, the Villa Sarna has a cloistered sensibility; its seven rooms hidden among the lush gardens. The rooms, called villas -- though some are attached, are large and simply decorated with wood-framed four-poster beds (with mosquito netting) and in some, cushioned benches or chairs for seating. Intricately carved wooden side tables, beautiful rugs, pillows, and other woven adornments infuse the rooms with a sense of local culture and give them a touch character. Villas come with small flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and tea kettles -- none of which are new, but all functional. Bathrooms are large and plain, with cream tiling throughout and walk-in rainfall showers. All rooms include some sort of outdoor seating -- a cushioned day bed or table and chairs -- offering a pleasant space to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful grounds. 

The Villa Sarna Ubud is a simple, restful hotel in the hilly countryside outside of Ubud. Though not quite a resort-level property, the hotel does offer a range of in-house tours and treks for guests, both by car and bicycle to explore the local sites and take in the terrain. Though there is no spa, services such as massages are available in-room or poolside. The pool is small and sometimes chilly, as it's mostly shaded by the garden, but offers a lovely spot to spend time on a sun lounger or under the fan-equipped wooden canopy. The hotel has a lounge and small separate outdoor dining area, but its food is offered in partnership with a local restaurant, which sometimes means lengthy waits for meals. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, though it varies in quality.