By Beth Weitzman and Misty Milioto
Just 90 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, COMO Uma Ubud is centrally located close to town and near the Ubud Traditional Art Market, shopping, dining destinations and cultural spots. Encircled by emerald forests, rice paddies and rivers, this intimate 46-room tucked-away resort pays homage to the local culture with contemporary Asian design, exceptional cuisine and wellness offerings.
The Accommodations
COMO Uma Ubud offers a variety of guest rooms, suites and villas from which to choose; all are light, airy and offer a relaxing respite. Accommodations come complete with Egyptian cotton linens, fine goose-down duvets, yoga mats and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.
You can’t go wrong with any of the accommodation offerings. Four Ubud Rooms feature 592 square feet of space, each with its own conservatory; hand-carved, king-size bed; oversized bathtub with separate shower; and seating area beneath a thatched roof. The 18 Terrace Rooms offer 484 square feet of space with large French doors that open onto a private terrace; four-poster bed with hanging white cotton voile; and a semi-outdoor shower. Four Pool Suites feature 592 square feet of space with sitting room; a sundeck with outdoor furniture and garden views; and a plunge pool.
The 10 Garden Pool Villas, meanwhile, offer 570 square feet of space with an open-air courtyard; a four-poster, king-sized bed draped in airy white fabric; and a private plunge pool and terrace off of the bedroom. Eight Uma Pool Villas offer 990 square feet of space with a private swimming pool; a sprawling sundeck with views across the Balinese jungle or Tjampuhan Valley; and an oversized shower and freestanding bathtub.
For even larger digs, the Uma Villa (1,012 square feet) has a sitting and dining room; a bedroom with a four-poster bed; and a private terrace with daybeds and sweeping views across the Tjampuhan Valley. And the signature COMO Villa (1,023 square feet) has a separate bedroom, sitting area and en suite open-air bathroom; a private treatment area; a spacious sundeck; and an infinity pool overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley and the River Oos.
The Dining
The cuisine at COMO Uma Ubud includes an Italian-inspired restaurant and lounge bar, Uma Cucina. The street-side setting is perfect for lunch or dinner any night of the week; live music is offered on Saturdays and during Sunday brunch. Fresh ingredients are enjoyed in every Italian dish, including seriously mouthwatering pizza and decadent brunch delights. Meanwhile, at Kemiri Restaurant, the cooking techniques of Southeast Asia are highlighted on a delicious and diverse menu. Surrounded by tropical gardens at the heart of the resort, Kemiri also offers the COMO Shambhala Menu, which features food rich in living enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Kemiri sets a gorgeous backdrop for weddings.
At Uma Bar, expect a relaxed poolside environment ideal for enjoying fine wines, cocktails and healthy juices. Themed dinners also are on offer at COMO Uma Ubud. For example, Balinese Ribs ‘n’ Bibs takes place poolside at Uma Bar with Balinese-spiced spare ribs, sausages, smoky cocktails and more. Or, try Bebek Betutu—a traditional smoked roast duck dish that is part of a Balinese feast served at Kemiri and accompanied by a dance performance. For something more casual, try Street Eats at Uma Bar with a sundowner cocktail paired with traditional Indonesian street food. Private dining can also be enjoyed in the comfort of your own roo
Spa + Wellness
COMO Shambhala Retreat at COMO Uma Ubud invites guests to seek greater health through yoga, meditation and treatments such as facials, massages and holistic therapies. The serene retreat offers four spacious indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a fitness center, reflexology area, yoga studio and pavilion, steam room and sauna, and an 82-foot pool. With twisting wooden paths, koi ponds and lush green jungle, you’ll find peace and harmony at every turn.
The extensive array of Asian-inspired treatments includes massages, facials and body therapies. The COMO Shambhala signature treatment is a must. This cleansing therapy begins with dry brushing, which is followed by a COMO Shambhala invigorating salt scrub and revitalizing bath soak. The two-hour luxurious treatment concludes with a COMO Shambhala massage featuring signature blended oils, which relax the entire body. A healthy COMO Shambhala juice tops off the treatment.
An open-air yoga pavilion sits high in the Tjampuhan Valley, offering dramatic views of the river far below. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the fresh air and subtle energies that abound. Yoga and other classes are offered here.
Activities
Complimentary daily activities, such as yoga classes and guided morning walks through surrounding rice paddies, are on offer. Other alluring activities (prices vary) include guided walks through local villages and jungle gorges; mountain bike rides, including a descent from Kintamani on the crater of Mt. Batur; whitewater rafting on the Ayung River; cooking classes; and museum, temple and gallery visits. For more information visit comohotels.com/umaubud