Editor's Rating
Writing posts about our last trip to Bali is actually so much fun because it reminds me of all the great experiences we had, but in the other side, I am suffering because all I want to do is just packing my bags and return to Bali again as soon as possible. *tears*
In this trip, we were very grateful to be able to stay at this new Padma Resort Ubud, which is one of the great hotels under Padma Hotels Group (they have 2 more Padma hotels: one in Legian, Bali and another in Bandung, West Java).
The 11 hectares Padma Resort Ubud is an expansive destination resort located north of Bali, 63 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, offers guests a luxurious staying experience with high privacy.
Location-wise, if you think Ubud is far, Padma Resort Ubud is located even further away, taking about 40 minutes and more from the heart of Ubud (Monkey Forest area) by car. Its secluded and fairly “primitive” surroundings give the complete intimate atmosphere which is extremely perfect for honeymooners, family retreats, or quiet days out for people who need those. Once you get inside the resort area, you will feel the sudden urge to stay and never go outside anymore unless you really have to.
We felt so comfortable the moment we stepped into the magnificent semi-open lobby and reception area. With a high ceiling and Turkish-style motive floor, we were awed with the surrounding view. All the signature Balinese buildings combined with the greens and ponds, we fell in love at the first sight to the hotel.
Since we visited this hotel during low season, it was very empty and we felt a strange freedom, somehow. While waiting for our rooms to be prepared, we were served a welcome drink which was quite refreshing to help beating Bali’s hot weather.
Padma Resort Ubud has a total of 149 rooms, which are divided into: 48 Premier Rooms, 23 Premier Deluxe Rooms, 72 Premier Club Rooms, 5 One-Bedroom Suites, and 1 Two-Bedroom Suite. The difference among each categories is actually the location of the rooms, for example, which floor the room is located on, and which side the room is facing (forest, pool, etc).
We stayed in a Premier Room on 3rd floor, which is exactly right beside the elevator. In busy hotels, we might be disturbed getting a room near the elevator, but since this hotel was practically empty during our visit, we didn’t mind at all.
Measuring 59 sqm, Premier Room is appointed with artisan-crafted furnishings, custom lighting fixtures, hand-carved wooden detailing, and state-of-the-art in-room media. The room is very spacious with sophisticated design and traditional touch here and there.
The bedroom is separated to the spacious bathroom, featuring free standing bathtub, walk-in glass rain shower, double marble vanity, full-length mirror, and a generous dressing area with two safes. The dressing area has its own sliding door which is accessible through the entrance hallway, and also from the bedroom area. They use GROHE for the bathroom equipment like showers, taps and so on, quite impressive I must add.
The free standing bathtub is very comfortable and I didn’t even need the head stand while enjoying my me time. While the walk-in shower is actually very convenient as well because the glass box is quite spacious and they also provide anti-slippery mat on the floor. Talk about good service!
Since we had so many things to do after check-in, we just managed to get into our room almost midnight. T__T And all the room photos were taken before we hit the bed to finally rest our bodies. The next morning, we just could take the photos of the beautiful forest view from the balcony because during the night, it was pitch dark and (honestly) a little scary to me. XD
We then proceeded to have our breakfast at the main dining on the top floor (3rd floor), but it was quite difficult to find the restaurant since there is barely any sign around the hotel. And since the area is HUGE, it was a tough luck to meet or find hotel staffs who can give us direction. After walking around the floor for a while, we stumbled upon the sign indicating where the restaurant is, phew!
The Puhu Restaurant & Lounge
We had our breakfast at the main dining outlet of Padma Resort Ubud, called The Puhu. A day before, we had breakfast at Padma Legian and were extremely impressed by their international breakfast selections, only to feel disappointment with the breakfast here. Like I wrote above, the hotel was quite empty and we saw only one Westerner couple having breakfast during the same time with us, but we deserved nothing less than regular one, yes? From the buffet selections, we could clearly see that not everything was prepared that morning, hence the disappointment.
Despite all that, the food were actually alright, and the good service made everything much better.
The restaurant itself is a massive art showcase, everything looks so in order, and very beautiful. Our favorite area is the lower deck, directly overlooking the resort’s expansive infinity swimming pool and gardens, boasting panoramic 180-degree views across the bamboo forest and out to the terraced rice paddies beyond.
The Infinity Swimming Pool
Connected to the resort via an enchanting glass top tunnel, the infinity swimming pool offers awe-inspiring views and the refreshing mountain air of Ubud. The water is cool during the day to provide an invigorating oasis on warm afternoons, and is heated when the temperature drops to allow for comfortable morning and evening swims.
The chic pool deck offers comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas that will provide you with countless hours of relaxing moments in paradise. Unwind while reading the latest New York Times bestseller, or share a few laughs with friends while indulging in a tropical fruit smoothie or signature cocktail, hand-crafted by our team of mixologists at the Sunken Pool Bar.
• Open 07.00 – 21.00
• Adult pool size: 89 m x 7.5 m, depth 130 cm
• Children pool size: 8 m x 5 m, depth 45 cm
Fitness Center
Offering a full range of weights, resistance and cardio machines, as well as awe-inspiring views of the forested river valley, the Fitness Center is appointed with the latest gym equipment. Enjoy your favorite music or news programs on our state-of-the-art audio and visual media technology.
• Open 06.00 – 22.00.
• Separate steam and sauna facilities for male and female guests.
• Personal training program.
The Pool Café & Bar
Looking out across the pool deck and infinity swimming pool, The Pool Café & Bar is a tranquil oasis for relaxed culinary adventures. Treat friends and family to a healthy salad, brimming with organic produce from the Ubud hinterlands of Bedugul, or quench your appetite with a hearty burger, artisan-crafted with freshly baked buns and Australian beef.
We had a good time having afternoon tea session here at the café, while some of us preferred to swim in the pool. The afternoon tea set is served in 3 tier stand, consisting of East meets West delicacies. I love afternoon tea session because I get to enjoy delicious tiny bites with great views. And this totally fits into my definition of “ideal afternoon tea”.
Honestly, even until now, I am still disappointed of myself that in the end I didn’t get to try the Infinity Pool and SPA here in Padma Resort Ubud. The day before, we had a very packed schedule around Ubud and only arrived at the hotel around 11PM and we couldn’t do anything else beside enjoying our room. And although we promised each others to wake up around 5AM the next morning to enjoy the pool and wait for the sunrise, we didn’t wake up and continued sleeping instead. !A#$@$F!, really.
As for the SPA, it’s definitely a must try (note to self!) if you happen to be there. From outside, it looks like a cave, but again, we didn’t even see the inside so I have nothing to write about.
Oh, if you don’t stay at the resort but you want to experience swimming at the pool, you can do that by paying for IDR 250,000 which is also valid as dining credits. How cool is that?! 😉
Staying here at Padma Resort Ubud will definitely make you forgetting about your troubles for a while. What I love about visiting Bali is that I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated when I come back to my usual life, and I think that this resort really made me “richer” in a sense of, spirituality. I wish I could stay longer there and enjoy some more days in this paradise. Well, there will be next time, and there’s no way I will stay only for a night here.
Finally, a great resort with top notch service and place. We sincerely hope that Padma Resort Ubud can grow as big, even bigger than the other Padma hotels.
Thank you for reading and hopefully you’ll find this review useful, ciao!
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** This review is written based on our stay on 11-12 April 2016.
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PADMA RESORT UBUD
Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu – Payangan
Ubud – Bali
INDONESIA
Ph.: +62 361 301 1111
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