Capella Ubud, Bali has redefined how a hotel experience can be. It is more than a hotel. It is where jungle meets luxury. It is a living museum for explorers.
An extravagant campsite filled with luxurious tented villas, Capella Ubud, Bali, is the best hotel to splurge on in Bali and the best resort hotel in Indonesia. Out of over 4,000 hotels in Bali, Capella Ubud, Bali stands out as the most unique hotel with its extraordinary, one-of-a-kind tented retreat that captures the imagination of travellers seeking something truly exceptional.
All your expectations of how a hotel should be will be transformed when you step into this artistic time capsule that invites guests to be explorers like early settlers in the 1800s.
I enjoyed a privileged glimpse into this exclusive Balinese-adventure haven when I visited for a tour, a pampering lunch, and an indulgent spa experience. Capella Ubud, Bali, what a dream! I am still savouring this unforgettable experience and here’s a detailed review and a video tour of Capella Ubud, Bali. Get ready for your adventure of a lifetime with Capella Ubud, Bali!
Location and Story
Cocooned in densely forested Keliki Valley, Capella Ubud, Bali, is surrounded by pristine greenery and picturesque rice paddies. The dramatic landscape is integral to the beauty of the resort with the terraces and flowing Wos River. It is remarkable that no tree was cut and no contours of landscape were altered during the construction of this hidden sanctuary because of the commitment to minimal intervention to the Nature . The respect for the environment brings out the best of the diversity of local cultures and untouched natural surroundings.
The owner of the hotel, Mr. Suwito Gunawan, is a prominent businessman from Jakarta and an avid art collector. He had an initial vision to build a hotel with 120 rooms on the land. But his surreptitious meeting with the world-renowned architect and designer, Bill Bensley, redirected the development of this ambitious and imaginative project. Bill Bensley is the “Resort King” who has designed many iconic resorts and he has showcased the pinnacle of storytelling through Capella Ubud, Bali.
Inspired by the early European settlers in Bali during the 1800s, Capella Ubud, Bali is a tribute to their spirit of adventure. The resort is conceptualised like an explorer’s playground and adorned with a network paths, stairways, and even bridges connecting the tented villas. There are so many meticulous and thoughtful design and service elements that I will share more below.
The tranquil Keliki Village is known for its local artists and unique painting style. Nestled in the popular Ubud area, it is just a 15-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud. Complimentary shuttle service sends guests to central Ubud. For guests who stay for multiple nights, complimentary return airport transfers can be arranged.
The resort is not suitable for young children (below six years old) and guests with mobility needs as its layout on the sloping terrain means that guests have to traverse stairs and pathways. You can request for tents nearer to the central area of the resort if you have mobility requirements.
Check-in and service
The adventure starts once you step into Capella Ubud, Bali. The check-in experience transcends traditional hospitality. The Camp Post’s airy tent setting sets the stage for the theatrical journey.
I was welcomed by the warm embrace of the natural environment and the friendly Capella Culturist. Yes, the dedicated Capella staff have a special name. They are culturists! They are local experts who play a crucial role in enhancing guests’ experiences. They embody the Balinese way of life and they are always ready to curate personalised cultural experiences and plan itineraries. Their customised service is part of Capella’s signature “Capella Curates” program that aims to offer immersive experiences designed to provide a deeper understanding of local culture and lifestyle.
Guests who are staying in the resort will be welcomed by Camp Navigators when they check in and are ushered to The Officers Tent. In this exclusive living room and library (which is set inside an air-conditioned lavish tent), guests enjoy a bespoke welcome ritual that includes morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.
An interesting aspect of the stay is that guests will receive a meticulously curated duffel bag filled with camp essentials like organic sunscreen, insect repellent, a camp map, and a hiking stick to kickstart their adventure.
Rooms
Capella Ubud, Bali presents 23 ultra-luxurious tented villas. Each tent is individually styled and features a private salt water pools. Entering each tent is like an adventure as all the tents are integrated into the sloping forested terrain without affecting the natural landscape. Most of the tents feature a suspension bridge that leads to a spacious outdoor deck and tented sanctuary.
I felt like an explorer like Indiana Jones when I stepped into the tent. The concept of the tent is brilliant as every element in the tent – the wallpaper to the bed frame to the refreshment trunk and even the toilet bowl that resembles a throne – blend harmoniously to create the opulent camping experience. This is more than glamping. This is the pinnacle of camping in luxury.
Guests can choose from five different tent categories that exclude a timeless charm reminiscent of the early 1800s and are furnished generously with high-end, modern amenities.
- 5 One Bedroom Terrace Tents (173 sqm): Located near camp central with an outlook to the rice terraces and the rainforest.
- 4 One Bedroom Rainforest Tents (173 sqm): Offering a rainforest setting and view.
- 8 One Bedroom River Tents (173 sqm): Secluded on a gradient in close proximity to the Wos river.
- 5 One Bedroom Keliki Valley Tents (173 sqm): Offering the most dramatic, unobstructed and elevated Keliki valley view and the largest pools.
- 1 Two Bedroom Lodge (217 sqm): Blended into the terraced landscape, conveniently located in close proximity to The Cistern. Best suited for a small family or a group of friends travelling together.
The tents are available in four colour schemes and are styled individually with an inspirational theme that plays tribute to a character associated with camping and adventure or local cultural elements. Some of the names of the imaginative tents: The Photographer’s Tent, The Cartographer’s Tent, The The Puppet Master’s Tent, and The Bali Temple Tent.
I toured The Carpenter’s Tent that pays homage to the artisans, craftsmen, and woodworkers. The tent showcases the tools that were utlilised for the upkeep of the camp and for the creation of the artworks, which were traded for goods. It also features a 9 sqm (97 ft) private salt water pool accessible via a spiralling staircase.
Facilities
The facilities at Capella Ubud, Bali have unique names that reflect the resort’s overall concept of an early European settlers’ camp in 1800s. Maybe because I am such a nerd, I love the creative names as I feel that they enhance the immersive storytelling experience and make you feel like you are in the middle of an adventure.
Capella Ubud, Bali is like a museum as the camp is adorned with handpicked valuable antique art objects, books, paintings, drawings and furniture, some of which are from the owner, Mr. Suwito Gunawan’s treasured private collection.
The Officers Tent
The Officers Tent is exclusive to guests and it is camp’s living room and library. Masterfully designed by Bill Bensley, it embodies the spirit of adventure and sophistication, offering an intimate space where luxury meets storytelling. Guests can enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea and the daily evening cocktail and canapé ritual.
“Mad’s Spirit Box” is a special feature in the Officers Tent that displays an intoxicating range of spirits. The Capella staff can prepare cocktails based on guests’ requests.
The communal tent has a treasure trove of collections of international books, magazines, and even classic board games. The billiard table and majestic decoration evoke the atmosphere of a rustic camp, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a narrative of exploration and discovery.
The Armory
A playful reference to the word Armory, which is used to describe a storage room used to keep weapons, the Armory is the resort’s tented gym. It is equipped with state-of-the-art workout equipment and even antiques. Guests can work out in this beautiful space and engage in yoga and Pilates against a backdrop of greenery.
The Cistern
A cistern in a resort? I have to applause the design team for its imagination. I first learnt about what a cistern is in Turkey, Istanbul. A cistern is a massive storage system for storing water specially in ancient civilisations.
In Capella Ubud, Bali, The Cistern is a stunning 20-metre outdoor heated pool. Elevating the pool experience to another level, this architectural marvel is more than a pool. It is an artwork crafted from robust marine-grade steel plates and designed to echo the adventurous spirit of early settlers.
Guests can soak in this special pool and enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the enchanting Keliki Valley. At night, the Cistern glistens in the dark and guests can enjoy a moonlight swim.
Auriga Wellness
Named after a constellation in the northern hemisphere, Auriga Wellness is the resort’s sanctuary of rejuvenation – a premium spa for pampering treatments like massages. Guests can choose from a unique menu of nourishing treatments and their signature moon phase therapies based on the different lunar cycles in line with the local Balinese and Hindu traditions.
I enjoyed a super relaxing massage treatment in the atmospheric tent. The therapists are very experienced and they use 100% organic and natural range of locally crafted products that are exclusively blended for Capella Ubud, Bali. Guests can also request for in-tent or outdoor treatments.
The resort is developing more extensive spa facilities so stay tune for more updates.
The Camp Fire
The Camp Fire is an open space where guests can watch silent black and white movies depicting Bali during the 1800s under the stars. When the campfire is cackling, guests can enjoy drinking hot chocolate and toasting marshmallow around the camp fire.
The Camp Fire is designed as an after-dinner activity that provides guests with a nostalgic and immersive experience, connecting them to the historical narrative of early European settlers in Bali. It offers a charming, intimate setting for guests to relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere of the resort.
Local Culture
Capella Ubud, Bali believes strongly in environmental and social sutainability. The resort actively engages with the Keliki village community by promoting upcycling initiatives, offering English program for school students in Keliki Village, and respecting the local customs. When I saw there, the villages were engaged in a local ceremony just outside the resort.
Guests can participate in cultural activities like painting local prints, preparing penjor (ornate bamboo poles) for temple festivals, and learning traditional music instruments.
Dining
Dining in Capella Ubud, Bali, is a multi-sensory culinary experience with stunning dining spaces and a range of in-retreat and bespoke dining options.
Mads Lange
Welcome to the resort’s main, split-level tented dining area. Mads Lange is named after the famous Danish spice trader Mads Johansen Lange, who is also called the “The White King of Bali” for his successful trading empire.
Guests can enjoy a scrumptious spread of Indonesian and international cuisine inspired by the spice trail. From breakfast to dinner, the kitchen produces high quality dishes using seasonal, sustainably-farmed ingredients.
I had a gastronomical lunch experience filled with local delights like “The Camp” Nasi Goreng – a feast of heritage rice produced by local farmers from the Payangan village, Wagyu beef satay, and grilled king prawn. I also could not resist the classic Indonesian seafood Mie Goreng.
I also indulged in lights bites like chicken satay served over smoking charcoal and lobster wonton – a delish cacophony of spring onion, coriander, mango chutney, and chicken satay.
Check out the feast I had at Mads Lange!
Api Jiwa
Inspired by its Sanskrit name meaning “fire to the soul,” Api Jiwa is an open-air restaurant that brings guest on a mesmerising 10-course Asian omakase journey. Helmed by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Nicola Russo, this is the stage for creating Asian dishes using the magic of fire, hand-harvested vegetables, regional seafood, and locally sourced protein.
Modelled after a 19th-century laundry room with antique Dutch and Balinese touches, the intimate restaurant seats just ten guests around the chef’s counter, charcoal-fired open kitchen. Guests can choose to partake in this culinary indulgence with the Asian Omakase degustation menu or plant-based degustation menu.
Mortar and Pestle Bar
The poolside Mortar and Pestle Bar is a tented bar offering health-conscious snacks, a wide range of cocktails, and potions. All beverages are locally inspired and handcrafted using traditional methods inclusive of a mortar and pestle and manual ice crusher in order not to interrupt Nature’s rhythm of rainforest sounds.
Bespoke private dining can be arranged on request, ranging from intimate candlelit dinners to private picnics and barbecues.
Promotions
Planning to experience Capella Ubud, Bali? Check out ongoing promotions featured on their website. Special seasonal offers are provided during special seasons like new year celebration, Valentines’ Day, and more.
Stay 4 Pay 3: Stay three consecutive nights in a one-bedroom tent, and enjoy the fourth night free. Minimum stay of 4 consecutive nights is required. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation. Cancellation fees of 100% of room charge with taxes for the entire stay will apply immediately upon confirmation.
Advance purchase: Book 14 days in advance and save 10%.
Summary
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Location: Stunning landscape. A rare opportunity to stay in a resort with untouched natural surroundings.
- Rooms: Ultra-luxurious tented rooms with incredible comfort, artistic decorations, and private pools.
- Check-in and Service: Exceptional service and hospitality that exemplify luxury and personalised attention.
- Facilities: An extensive range of exquisite facilities that are beautifully functional.
- Dining: Fine dining experiences with high quality ingredients served in immersive spaces.
- Price: The price tag for such an exclusive experience starts from about $1,000 USD! The reason why I gave 4.5 stars is because while the prices reflect the resort’s high-end offering, Capella Ubud, Bali, is out of reach for most travellers.
If I win lottery one day, I will fly to Bali just to stay in Capella Ubud, Bali!
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I was hosted by Capella Ubud, Bali, for a tour. The views expressed here are all my own.
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