It’s hard to pick what makes Ubud a favorite – is it the rich culture, spas, rice terraces, temples, or cool mountains? If I have to pick one it would be the tranquility and rejuvenation the place offers. Okay, so that’s two, not one. But, to experience all that Ubud has to offer from one-stop…we’re talking thriving rice fields as far as the eye can see, cultural dance performances, breathtaking sunrises over Mount Agung, leisurely strolls by lotus ponds, and of course serenity and rejuvenation, you should check yourself into The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, a GHM hotel.
This is a rustic chic five-hectare intimate luxury retreat with twenty individual villas in the very heart of Ubud. The fact that it is hidden among the lush undulating hills, make this the most private of Ubud hotels. Set amidst rice terraces and with views of Mount Agung, cultural Kecak dances performed at the resort’s very own amphitheater, and rejuvenating spa treatments, the resort epitomizes quintessential Ubud. Their one-bedroom pool villa makes it as our suite of the week…and we are going to tell you why.
Measuring 3014 sq. ft. the One Bedroom Villa with private pool is distinguishable by its hand-carved indigenous wood furnishings and original Balinese artwork from the Hadiprana Collection. It features a queen size bed and is done up tastefully in soft tones of beige and brown. The colors complement the wood furnishings and give the room a very rustic and eco-friendly feel. The luxurious bathroom comes with dual sinks, indoor shower, and an outdoor soaking tub.
The villa also comes with its very own private pool measuring 8 meters and is fringed by palm trees and furnished with padded loungers under the sun. There’s also a cozy bale for dining and a shaded daybed for reclining, giving you your own secluded paradise.
We wouldn’t recommend you connecting to the outside world while in this tropic paradise but should you need to, the resort offers the latest in modern technology. You can stay connected and entertained with personal iPod docking stations, Bose entertainment systems, and flat screen televisions. What we do suggest though is just unplugging and spending timeless moments together on the outdoor deck or private verandah. Better still would be strolling by the lush gardens filled with mature frangipani and African tulip trees, lotus and water lily ponds in full bloom, and a lake that is home to white swans from the Netherlands and black swans from Australia.
There are plenty of other activities you can indulge in such as an afternoon tea at The Chedi Club or at Bumi Duadari, BBQ under the stars, cooking classes, Kecak dance and dinner, or rice paddy treks. If all you want to do during your stay is eat, get a massage or do a yoga class, we call that a successful Ubud experience too. Go get yourself a signature spa treatment at The Spa at The Chedi Tanah Gajah where talented therapists will stroke the stress away from your body with treatments such as The Chedi Jade Massage and the classic Indonesian cream bath. There’s a yoga centre and a tennis court too. A 25-metre swimming pool with views of sacred Mount Agung in the distance is another way for you to de-stress and unwind.
Cost: USD 536++
Size: 3014 sq. ft
Occupancy: 2 adults and one child, or 3 adults
Why should you splurge on it?
This is the perfect Ubud location if you wish to enjoy the whole villa as your private retreat. Even while inside your villa you feel at one with nature. The luxurious decor is a creative mix of natural textures and neutral colors that harmoniously blends with the environment. What sets it apart is the view from the open doors. The pool and rice paddy fields transports you into a state of bliss. Plus, the icing on the cake is that you have your very own butler who will take care of your every need. When you have both nature and man at your disposal – what more could one ask for?
Where: The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali
Jalan Goa Gajah, Tengkulak Kaja
Ubud, Gianyar
Bali 80571, Indonesia
Phone: +62 (361) 975 685
Website: Ghmhotels
