As usual to our intra-Asian trips,we flew Air Asia from Siem Reap to Denpasar,Bali.We did have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur what we mostly spent at the Plaza Premium Lounge(it’s available for both a Priority Pass and a Lounge Club members).
On our last visit we stayed at the W Retreat in Seminyak.While it’s a great hotel it didn’t offer much of the local “vibe” so this time we wanted to change it up and headed north to Ubud.True,it’s getting more touristic every day but not too overwhelming and most importantly it’s easy to get isolated thanks to the insane amount of hotels and villas within the jungle,rice terraces and canyons.
I opted for The Kayon Resort Ubud because it’s excellent rating on Tripadvisor,an infinity pool with beautiful scenery,the fact that it was brand new and it’s proximity to the center of town.We really wanted to stay close to Ubud since we loved it the last time we were there.The hotel is a 45 minute,220k Rupiah (~$15) cab ride from the airport which can be easily arranged when you exit baggage claim. There is a taxi stand with fixed rates through the island so it’s pretty straight forward. The hotel does offer chauffeur service but it cost 450k if I remember correctly.
Once in the lobby we were offered a couple of herbal-honey iced teas as welcome drinks while they processed our check-in.
A couple of minutes later we headed over to our room on the second level.I’m not sure what the “official” floor was because the rooms and villas are located down along the canyon.They were just simply numbered …
We were in a Deluxe room which was the basic option of the property.They also offer suites(which don’t really differ from the basic ones) and villas with private pools.While those are pretty cool ,honestly I prefer hanging out at the main pool.As you see there was a small terrace with a coffee table and two chairs.
My favorite part of the room was definitely the bathroom.I loved the decoration and being able to take a bath/shower overlooking the jungle.I don’t like outdoor showers (maybe I’m a little paranoid that I’m going to be bitten by something) but it had the feeling without the “danger” .
Grounds and F&B:
A couple of stairs down from the lobby was the main level where both the pool and the resort’s restaurant ,named Kepitu, was located at.
The pool was perfectly sized for the needs of the property.Even during “peak” times I never felt it to be overcrowded.
A flight down you found the Serayu Spa and the recreational area( this name is completely made up by me
).
The resort offers free yoga classes every morning and that’s where they were held.
As you see behind it there was the TV / exercise room with a treadmill and a small weight station.
There was another deck at the bottom of the property,by the river, which you’re free to use anytime.They are happy to bring down any meals or beverages.
And since we’re talking food and beverages. Breakfast is included for every room and it’s served in Kepitu every morning but you’re allowed to get in in your room as well.Thankfully there wasn’t any buffet since I believe there are two options:
- The crappy cruise line quality ones which are sitting there for hours and should be thrown away.
- Really good ones with excessive quantity which usually go to waste and gets thrown away at the end.
Here you received a menu with 5 different breakfast options.The first day my wife had the Indonesian breakfast while I had the American one. Normally I like to try all the options but it was so good that I ended up having the same eggs benedict every day( the appetizers did change though ).
All of the breakfast menus came with (unlimited) tea,coffee and smoothies . Food was just ridiculous, I didn’t expect to be that good. As for the other meal services ,we had all of our lunches and dinners elsewhere besides once when we were stuck at the hotel due to a thunderstorm. It was good and reasonably priced compared that you were in a hotel in the middle of nowhere.
The hotel offers quite a few activities besides the yoga I mentioned earlier,like morning walks around rice fields and villages, Balinese activities,etc… and also free high tea service in the afternoon between 3 and 5PM.Just perfect to hide from the daily afternoon storm and relax(we were there during the rainy season).
Another great service is the complimentary hourly chauffeur to the center of town. We used it mostly the evening since we had a motorbike during the day.The hotel has a couple of brand new bikes for only $7 day. It’s definitely the best way to discover the island and see things you’d otherwise miss.Just be prepared that 100% you’ll be stopped by the local police and 120% that they find something wrong.Don’t be scared and work on your negotiation skills lol.
We had a fantastic stay in The Kayon Resort,Ubud.I was surprised how a new property like this can provide a flawless experience.
Honestly there isn’t a single thing I’d say this hotel needs an improvement in.Service was out of this world and came always with a genuine smile and always made us feel welcomed.
Going to Bali?No need for the hundreds to thousand USD / per night Aman,Four Seasons,Hanging Gardens and Viceroy…THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!