Samsara Ubud, Bali – Hotel Review

CSP Times
Jul 27
4 min read

Updated: Aug 2

BALI

Bali has many faces. There’s the bohemian bustle of central Ubud, the surf-soaked energy of Canggu, and the polished glamour of Seminyak. And then there’s Payangan, a quieter pocket just north of Ubud, where the jungle seems thicker, the air sweeter, and the pace far, far slower. Tucked into this serene corner is Samsara Ubud, a boutique luxury retreat that feels less like a resort and more like a sacred pause button.

If you’ve been to Bali before, you’ll know that not all “jungle escapes” are created equal. Some are simply hotels built in green surroundings. Samsara, however, has been designed with the landscape, not just around it. Renowned Balinese architect Popo Danes took inspiration from the island’s ancient rice terraces — each villa is set on a layered plane, stepping gently into the valley. The result is a seamless connection between architecture and nature: you don’t just see the jungle here; you feel its quiet pulse.

All images courtesy of CSP Times.

Villas Made for Lingering

With only 17 villas, Samsara is blissfully intimate. There’s no rush to book pool loungers or compete for a quiet corner — here, every guest has their own private slice of serenity. Even the One-Bedroom Pool Villa, at 122 square metres, feels generous, with indoor and outdoor spaces that blur the line between home and hideaway.

Inside, you’ll find polished Makassar marble bathrooms, double vanities, and deep soaking tubs made for lingering with a glass of wine — or, better yet, a cup of local ginger tea. Step outside and there’s a heated infinity pool that seems to spill straight into the trees. If you opt for the Deluxe One-Bedroom Villa, the views are even more dramatic, revealing the layered greens of the jungle valley.

For families or groups, the Three-Bedroom Villa is the crown jewel — 245 square metres spread over two storeys, a private pool, and enough communal space for both connection and quiet moments alone. It’s the kind of place you could happily spend a week without once stepping beyond the gates.

The interiors carry a modern Balinese soul — warm teak, soft lighting, handwoven textiles. Nothing feels overdesigned; instead, it’s quietly elegant, allowing the outside world—the rustling palms, the distant sound of a waterfall—to take centre stage.

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A Dining Experience That Feels Rooted

If Bali’s cuisine is a tapestry of flavours, The Kelusa, Samsara’s restaurant, is its weaver. Named after the neighbouring village, it’s a place where meals feel more like gentle explorations than showy culinary performances.

Mornings might start with a floating breakfast served in your private pool — soft pastries, tropical fruits, perfectly poached eggs, and coffee strong enough to wake even the sleepiest soul. But the real magic happens at night. As the jungle fades into dusk, The Kelusa glows with warm candlelight. Chef Iwan, with a passion for both heritage and innovation, plates dishes that are deeply rooted in Indonesian flavours but layered with contemporary finesse. Think smoked duck with fragrant spices, or crisp vegetable lawar with a modern twist.

For something truly special, book a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. The air hums with cicadas, and the only light is from flickering lanterns and the moon hanging low above the valley. It’s the sort of dining experience you don’t rush—you simply sit back and let the evening unfurl.

And don’t miss the Traditional Balinese High Tea in the afternoon. Served on a wooden dulang, it’s a spread of savoury canapés, sticky sweet treats, and fresh fruit. Paired with locally sourced teas, it feels like a quiet nod to the island’s slower rhythms.

Wellness for the Soul, Not Just the Skin

Many luxury resorts in Ubud boast a spa, but Chakra Spa feels like a true retreat within a retreat. It’s small — just three treatment rooms — but that intimacy is its strength. There’s no conveyor-belt feel here. Instead, each treatment is personalised, beginning with a quiet consultation and a ritual foot bath before moving into Balinese massages that seem to knead away both tension and time.

If you’re keen on something more invigorating, try the infrared sauna followed by an ice bath plunge, a hot-and-cold ritual that leaves you oddly euphoric. Or go traditional with a steam sauna to loosen stiff muscles after a long flight. The therapists are highly skilled but also intuitive, reading your body’s needs beyond the basic treatment menu.

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Experiences Beyond the Pool

It’s tempting to stay cocooned in your villa, but Samsara gently encourages you to connect with the land beyond its walls. You can join sunrise yoga overlooking the jungle canopy, take a village walk, embark on a painting class with the talented resident artist, or enjoy the outdoor cinema, known as "Moonlight Cinema," offered three times a week.

For something more spiritual, the resort can arrange a traditional Balinese blessing with a local priest — a quiet, humbling ritual that reminds you of the island’s deep spiritual roots.

Why Samsara Ubud Feels Different

Samsara doesn’t try to overwhelm you with grand gestures; it offers quiet, thoughtful details. A pool that’s always the perfect temperature. Staff who know your name but never hover. Villas that are indulgent but never ostentatious.

It’s a place for honeymooners who crave privacy, for solo travellers seeking calm, for couples wanting to reconnect without the noise of the world. And while it’s undeniably upscale, it doesn’t feel disconnected from its surroundings. The jungle, the culture, the village life — it’s all there, woven seamlessly into the experience.

The Essentials

Where: Banjar Ayah, Desa Kelusa, Payangan, Ubud, Bali
How to Get There: Around 30 minutes north of central Ubud. Private transfers can be arranged by the resort.
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, wellness seekers, and anyone craving stillness.
Don’t Miss: A floating breakfast at sunrise, a candlelit dinner under the stars, and a late-afternoon massage before the valley turns golden.

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