Bali, IndonesiaPayangan
Alila Ubud
Cantilevered rainforest pavilions
Payangan Bali, Indonesia
Opened
1996
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
HyattCantilevered rainforest pavilions
Open-sided pavilions step down the ridge along volcanic stone paths, looking out across the rainforest to the river below.
“Each of the property’s four pool villas comes with a divine indoor/outdoor bathroom with a bathtub sunk in the middle of a koi-filled lotus pond.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Kerry Hill architecture framing an infinity pool cantilevered over the Ayung ravine.
Notable
Hillside village layout and open pavilions reflecting traditional Balinese banjar architecture.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
The architecture, by the Australian firm Kerry Hill, mixes economical modern design with just enough traditional Balinese influence to blend in; the result is refreshingly miles from South Pacific kitsch.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The surrounding village of Payangan remains largely rural. Central Ubud's art markets and royal palace are a fifteen-minute drive south.
The rooms
Terrace rooms look into the canopy from private balconies, while freestanding pool villas open onto private gardens with deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The emerald pool reaches straight into the jungle canopy, flanked by sun loungers high above the river.
The spa and gym
The open-air spa pavilion holds twin massage tables beside sunken stone baths, and the gym has cardio machines and free weights.
Plantation Restaurant
Tall coconut pillars support a high thatched roof, where open-air tables serve Balinese dishes from the kitchen garden.
At the table
The open-sided Cabana Lounge mixes cocktails against a wall of Karangasem terracotta brick, steps from the pool.
How it began
The resort opened in 1996 as The Chedi Ubud, hosting the original Mandara Spa before helping launch the Alila brand.
Bali
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.