Surrounded by nature, a perfect vacation in Bali

Last month, we went to Alila Ubud in Payangan, a hidden gem in nature. The road to Ubud was a bit congested, but the driver was chatty and interesting. It took about an hour to drive from the city, but it didn't feel long at all. We were amazed by the beautiful scenery as soon as we arrived at Alila Ubud. The car drove directly to the front desk, and the butler warmly welcomed us to check in. The front desk recognized my World of Hyatt membership and upgraded our room to a Valley Villa for free. The whole process was smooth and thoughtful. The signature cold drinks in the lounge were refreshing. 🌿 The butler took us to the room by buggy, which was located in the modern villa area of the hotel. We were amazed by the spacious 70-square-meter space as soon as we entered. The outdoor terrace, large king bed, and window couch were a dreamy experience. It was a place to completely relax, with endless jungle outside the window and the sound of birds and cicadas, making you feel completely isolated from the world. The bathroom had great lighting with floor-to-ceiling windows and was full of Balinese decorations. The breakfast at Alila Ubud was also unforgettable, with a la carte options and delicious bread and detox drinks. The seats near the valley were especially enjoyable, with the cool morning breeze and warm sunshine. Lunch at the poolside restaurant was simple with a sandwich and coffee, followed by a Balinese cultural feast organized by the hotel, which was healing. The iconic infinity pool was my favorite, with stunning views and monkeys playing around. Staying at the hotel for a long time was relaxing and fun, just be careful of the mischievous monkeys. You can also enjoy free afternoon tea snacks by the pool in the afternoon. The spa area was located on the hillside of the hotel, and it felt very peaceful when passing by. The staff were friendly and you could try their products, which was very warm. There were also many fun places near the hotel. I recommend renting a bike from the hotel to see the rice fields and have a quiet coffee at a nearby cafe. The hotel also provided three shuttle buses to and from Ubud Palace every day, which was very convenient. Just make sure to plan your time well so you don't miss it. The hotel was not perfect. For example, the pool water was relatively cold, the gym was dark, and the facilities were old. Although there were shuttle buses, it was inconvenient to travel at night. However, these small regrets did not affect the overall wonderful experience. Overall, Alila Ubud was a very special experience in Bali, suitable for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. 🌿