Uma Ubud

Chic boutique hotel and spa set on a hillside on the edge of Ubud, Bali's cultural hub

Uma Ubud is one from the stable of Christina Ong, revered for her landmark design hotels from London to Bhutan. Her magic touch strikes again here in Ubud, Bali's cultural hub in the middle of the island. You're on the fringe of town but with the surrounding forests and paddy fields it's perfect for exploring town and country.

Its 29 rooms are set on a hillside overlooking a deep gorge. Many of them open out to this valley vista and open-air showers remind you where you are. All you see and touch has a soothing effect, from creamy white bedrooms, bleached wood carvings and super soft bedding to the tranquil COMO Shambhala spa for yoga and wellbeing therapies. The cuisine is light and imaginative, and the low-slung bar area serving espresso Martinis lets you pleasantly drift into conversations with whomever you wish. This is pure understated quality as you would expect from Mrs Ong.

Highs

• The stylish rooms are light, airy and comfortable, with all the latest techno-gadgets
• It's close but not too close to centre of Ubud and is very tranquil
• The excellent COMO Shambala Spa offers dedicated yoga weeks led by world-renowned teachers
• The funky curvaceous bar serves superb cocktails and inventive fresh food
• There's a sleek infinity pool
• The genuinely charming staff are always happy to help
• The Bali Bird Walk and other guided trips give personal insight into the surrounding nature and culture
• It's great value for money

Lows

• The Garden Rooms lack a valley view, but they have fantastic bathrooms with free-standing tubs
• The ponds and tropical plants attract mosquitos, but the gardens are sprayed daily to keep them at bay
• Ubud's centre is a 20-minute walk, but there is an hourly free shuttle service which takes 5 minutes
• You'll be up against competition amongst taxis to give you a lift when in town. It can irritate some - but not us