If you want to experience a different vibe from Bali, you should try to spend a night or two at Ubud. Unlike Seminyak, Kuta or Jimbaran, Ubud has a perfect weather for those who just want to stay in bed with the view of mountains or paddy fields on their balcony. Amongst all gorgeous villas and resorts in Ubud, we decided to pick one and chose to experience a mountain getaway at Padma Resort Ubud.

Pre-Arrival

There are many websites to book an accommodation for your holiday. Amongst all websites that might probably offer (slightly) different prices, the one that is very recommended to book from is the hotel’s official website. They usually have benefits and add-ons which are only for direct bookers. In this case, if you book online through Padma’s official website, you would be entitled of receiving an afternoon tea.

Arrival

Padma Ubud check-in time is 3 PM. Our arrival was welcomed by the harmonious sound of Balinese gamelan at the lobby. The resort was very huge and peaceful. Welcome drinks served upon our arrival. The check-in counter was so very simple with just a table and chairs - unlike any other five star resorts in Bali that offer glamour and elegance. 

The Room

We were planning to just let the bellboy put our luggage in the room while we went straight to Puhu Restaurant for afternoon tea. However, we were kind of curious and hence, followed the bellboy. When we saw the room, our disappointment of their lobby hotel was instantly swept away as we were very satisfied with their Premium Room. If people say that pictures could be deceiving, it does not happen here in Padma Ubud. This room was actually much more spacious than it is shown on the website photos.

Our 59sqm room featured stunning views overlooking the lush forest. The bathroom was super spacious with bathtub, huge mirror and heated iron ladder to hang damp towels. All toiletries, bathrobes, slippery, hairdryer, everything was complete and perfect.

After enjoying their heated pool, we decided to just stay in the room, watched movies and had some snacks for dinner. We were just too lazy to move our feet and leave this cozy room. Thanks to the atmosphere of Ubud.

Pools

Padma Ubud owns one of those magnificent infinity pools in Bali that you should not miss. The pool water was heated made it convenient for guests to swim around. Ubud weather could get chill in the afternoon, especially when it was cloudy. The pool was amazing and photos taken here were incredible. Some people, definitely not us, would wake up very early in the morning to take photos in this pool. When the weather was great and friendly, morning mists could be seen with bare eyes flying over the pool surface.

Food & Beverages

Padma Ubud has three dining outlets which are Puhu Restaurant, The Lounge and The Pool Cafe & Bar. We only got a chance to visit Puhu for afternoon tea and for breakfast. The unique place about this restaurant is that all tables were set to face the panoramic 180-degree views across the bamboo forest and out to the terraced rice paddies beyond.

They serve buffet afternoon tea only until 4 PM and we came there 30 minutes before they ended serving. The cake variants were not that much and the tastes were just okay. Nothing was special, except the view.

Fortunately, the breakfast was much better and appetizing. They served an ultimate international buffet breakfast with complete ranges from Asian to Western meals.   

Padma Ubud was a good resort that could be your retreat home for a couple of days. Its location that is far from the city centre of Ubud makes it less ideal for travellers who would like to explore Ubud. Instead, it is perfect for travellers who look for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily routines. In this place, you would experience a different side of Bali.

Not too luxurious and not too Balinese, balanced – that is how we described our staycation experience in Padma Ubud.