Kamandalu Ubud, Heritage of Serenity, Rejuvenated

Whilst on our recent trip to Bali we met with Resident Manager of Kamandalu Ubud, Ms Deasy Swandarini. Deasy was kind enough to host us on a tour of the 3.5 hectare property followed by lunch in the resort’s award winning Petulu Restaurant. Having stayed here on my first visit to Bali in 1995 I was keen to come back and see how the resort had progressed.

In June, Kamandalu Ubud unveiled its updated and enhanced facilities which were planned to continue to position the resort as a preferred choice for guests wanting an authentic Balinese experience. Kamandalu Ubud is a beautiful and romantic resort within a classic and enchanting Balinese village setting built on curving ridges above the flowing Petanu River. The resort is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Ubud and an hour’s drive from Ngurah Rai international airport. Being a pioneer of Balinese 5 star luxury resorts the recent enhancement has preserved the timeless serenity and heritage inspired by Panglipuran village, one of Bali’s oldest and most traditional settlements. Deasy explained today’s travellers not only need a place for rest and relaxation but also want a perfect place to recharge and rejuvenate their senses. Based on what we saw, the resort’s recent updates to the property will maintain their reputation as preferred choice of accommodation for guests seeking a tranquil, luxury escape and experience the essence of well-being in an authentic and intimate setting.

Beyond the richly warm and welcoming new lobby overlooking the lush rice fields lies a cozy club lounge providing personalised check-in/check-out services, complimentary cocktails, afternoon tea and internet access exclusive for Pool Villa guests. We enjoyed a guided walk through the terraced rice paddies and saw the ducks before walking across the Shaking Bridge. The property comprises exquisite Presidential Villas overlooking private pools surrounded by tranquil terraced rice paddies with personalised butler service. Kamandalu also offers one, two or three bedroom villas with views of either terraced rice paddies or plunging valley views. Each individually designed villa sits within its own gated walls and features natural stone finish and alang-alang (grass) roofing, a spacious bedroom with modern amenities, an outdoor shower and access to multiple pools, swim up bar, the infinity pool and antique wooden deck. Villas start with King size (or twin) bed, indoor sunken bath, Balinese shower to shaded Bale Bengong (outdoor day bed), King size four poster bed, private free form pool, through to three bedroom with outdoor jacuzzi with 180 degree views on the second floor.

Guests can enjoy the natural skincare products, pure essential oils and locally sourced fruits for refreshing treatments at Chaya Spa. Chaya supports ancient Indonesian healing arts creating time-tested rituals and remedies. They can then begin their day at Rumah Yoga house to find their bliss at leisure in peaceful surroundings. Local Yoga teachers from Ubud come to resort daily to run complimentary classes for all skill levels and private classes. The new intimate and elegant Alun-Alun is the perfect venue to celebrate a wedding for a lifetime of memories. A delight for the tastebuds can be savoured at Aira Café with a satisfying selection of entrees, snacks and desserts or enjoy a light meal or delicious cup of coffee. We enjoyed lunch at the award-winning restaurant Petulu where we experienced an array of mouthwatering Indonesian cuisine from a menu designed by Indonesian culinary expert William Wongso. Petulu Restaurant is set against a backdrop overlooking the breathtaking rice terraces. Our dining experience went beyond culinary indulgence to feast all our senses. Kamandalu has earned its reputation for intimate surroundings and warm hospitality surrounded by tranquil terraced rice paddies overlooking a tropical valley in the hills of Ubud. Guests can explore the cultural and natural sights of Ubud beyond this serene compound in an area famed for its traditional arts, Balinese palaces and terraced rice paddies.

As we walked around the resort with Deasy we were shown the various trees adopted by guests who are sent a progress report on their fruit producing trees. Tree planting programs are run to reflect that Kamandalu was built and managed with respect for the surrounding environment and guests are welcome to participate in the various green programs.

There are various activities organised for guests to participate in, cycling an easy, guided tour to discover the natual beauty of Ubud, bird watching, seeing flocks of Great White Heron birds of Petulu flying back to their nest along the Bunut Tree or experience the Balinese way of life as the sun rises over Bali enjoying a morning stroll through Tampak Siring village to see the Gunung Kawi Temple with breathtaking scenery. Guests can enjoy a countryside picnic with the view of terraced rice paddies or tropical valley or a village trekking adventures visiting Balinese houses and local temples or rice paddy walk exploring the surrounding nature visiting nearby rice terraces and observe rice cultivation. Guests can complete the authentic experience by visiting the traditional Ubud market in the early morning with the Chef to source fresh herbs and spices. Then discover the secrets of Balinese food and explore cooking techniques, completing the culinary journey enjoying their very own cooked Balinese dishes.

The resort also offers 58 villas, Meeting facilities and complimentary shuttle service to Ubud centre, air conditioning, TV with satellite, IDD telephone, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Safe Deposit Box, complimentary wi-fi, Andalu shop for local arts and craft.

Whilst eating lunch with Deasy we discussed family, Balinese culture and spirituality, even politics. Deasy advised the rice fields are harvested every four months and guests are invited to participate in the process. The complex has an Employee of the month program and the Employee of the Year coincided with Independence Day last Sunday. We were interested to learn Kamandalu practices sustainability and supports a green environment by composting, minimising electrical and paper usage and participates annually in the WWF Earth Hour. The hospitality and genuine warmth from Deasy and all the staff was greatly appreciated.

Bali is a paradise island and for those who want to experience relaxation on a grand scale and I can not recommend more highly that you experience Kamandalu Ubud.  With its lush rice terraces, philosophy, fabulous food and abundance of hospitality it’s a destination for all the senses; this stunning place will make you want come back again and again.

Has this post inspired you for your next holiday?  Would you enjoy the serenity of a rejuvenating stay at Kamandulu Ubud? Please leave a comment below and let us know.

Links

• View Kamandalu Ubud’s video
• Visit Kamandalu Ubud’s website

*All opinions are our own and we were not financially compensated for this post.

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