Stephanie Mee escapes to the hills of Ubud with a stay at Kayumanis.
Life got you feeling a bit frazzled? It may be high time for an escape. And not just any tropical island vacay, but a getaway in a sublime spot where you can indulge in utter peace, privacy, and pure pampering. Kayumanis Ubud is just such a spot, and our go-to destination when we’re seeking an intimate hideaway to rest, recoup and reconnect with nature.
Hidden away in the mist-shrouded hills of Sayan just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Ubud, this stunning private villa resort is named after the aromatic cinnamon trees that grow in abundance on the property. Follow the winding stone pathways and you’ll also pass fragrant frangipani trees, vine covered walls, and towering coconut trees.
There are just 23 villas here, each well spaced from the next and boasting a private pool, tasteful decor that blends traditional Balinese and modern styles, and ample living spaces that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living. Covered living pavilions are open on all sides, sliding glass doors let fresh breezes into the bedrooms, and outdoor showers pour like waterfalls into garden settings.
Whilst in your villa, you’re in your own private world where distractions are few and far between. The resort does not accommodate children below 16 years old, so you’ll never hear little ones crying or carrying on. Moreover, the staff will never intrude on your space unless explicitly asked to do so.
However, should you need anything, just give your private butler a ring and they’ll be there in a flash to attend to your needs with warm personalised service. Most of the staff at Kayumanis Ubud come from Banjar Baung, the local village just outside the resort, so they know the area well and are happy to share their knowledge about local sites and traditions.
Step outside your villa you’ll discover a variety of spectacularly scenic spots within the resort grounds. Take for example the infinity-edged main pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery and shady daybeds. Make your way down a set of stone steps and you arrive at a wooden bridge that spans the Ayung River. On the other side is a spa with five secluded cabanas surrounded by trees and overlooking the river.
The main restaurant features a wooden deck that juts out over a jungle-covered ravine high above the Lauh River. The views here are particularly breathtaking early in the morning when mist swirls up from the river and floats through the treetops. Start your day with a Bali coffee and the famous Kayumanis Toast, a heavenly combination of freshly baked bread spread with cinnamon-infused melted butter.
During the day, the dining corner by the pool offers light bites like fresh salads, sandwiches and grilled seafood skewers. There is also a superb afternoon tea served daily that you can enjoy at the open-air restaurants or in the privacy of your villa. And of course, room service is available around the clock if you don’t feel like leaving your serene sanctuary.
Come dinnertime you can enjoy exquisite Thai cuisine at the main restaurant with signature dishes like tom yum soup, khao pad and red curry duck. The menu also features classic Indonesian dishes, contemporary Western fare, and vegetarian options. And for a truly memorable experience, the staff can arrange a romantic candlelit dinner in your villa or at a secluded setting next to the river.
A visit to the spa is also an absolute must. Every guest at Kayumanis Ubud is treated to a complimentary 30-minute back and shoulder massage, but if you really want to feel your stress slip away, indulge in one of the signature treatments. We suggest the Kayumanis massage, a combination of Balinese, lomi lomi and therapeutic techniques that help release energy blockages, draw out toxins, and induce deep relaxation.
Although Kayumanis Ubud feels light years away from the world at large, the vibrant heart of Ubud is just a short drive away. Guests can take advantage of the free private shuttle service to experience world-class shops, restaurants, and art galleries. And should you want to go further afield, your personal butler can help you plan trips to beaches, temples, and volcanoes around Bali.
The Kayumanis brand also has three additional properties in the coastal enclaves of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran. Each offers the same calibre of luxurious accommodation, divine dining options and personalised service as Kayumanis Ubud, which makes them ideal for guests who want to combine a secluded getaway in the lush environs of Ubud with a seaside escape in south Bali.
