Reserve Style Luxury

MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

My latest visit to Bali led me to the mountains near Ubud and the island destinations’ newest luxury offering – Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. This is Ritz-Carlton’s latest entree of Reserve luxury on the Island of the Gods and if you haven’t heard of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand it might be because there are only three exclusive properties worldwide, one in Phulay Bay Krabi Thailand, one in Dorado Beach Puerto Rico and the latest here, in Ubud Bali.

THE LOOK

This resort is high-end, private luxury with 30 suites ranging from Deluxe apartment style hideaways with lush jungle views to ultra luxe pool villas overlooking the rice fields or the Ayung river – all make this stunner a stand out! I couldn’t believe it had only been opened since September… the gardens were refreshingly established and the traditional Balinese architecture (all built with local materials) is naturally timeless.

STAY IN STYLE

On arrival I was ushered quickly to my riverfront luxury villa where total indulgence was on tap… a large bedroom, a bathing pavilion connecting to a private garden and living pavilion with private pool… all perched riverside. I loved the original floor to ceiling art adorning the bedroom walls (each suite and villa features original and unique art produced by local artists) and the bathrooms were large and luxurious. These pool villas make the perfect place to flop for a few days, away from the madness that can sometimes overwhelm you in Bali.

EAT NOW

Delicious dining abounds… whether you are poolside in your villa (butlers quietly usher in lavish servings of satay’s and spicy Mie Goring.. my daily staple in Indonesia), at the Poolside Bar or “chicer than chic” Library and Sawah Terrace restaurants. Being a guest here also allows you front row seats at one of Ubud’s most progressive and breathtaking restaurants Kubu which is riverfront, cocoon-style pod dining featuring Italian cuisine by fab executive chef, Maurizio Bombini. It’s architecturally stunning and the staff execute some of the best service I have ever experienced in Bali.

Mandapa Reserve is firmly placed at the top of the luxury-list offering in Bali right now. I suggest to pair this with a stay at Nihiwatu on Sumba for the ultimate Indonesian experience. Families would also love this pairing – each resort has fabulous authentic experiences to indulge everyone (and many of Mandapa’s are complimentary).