The hype
Travelers love the 'jungle luxury' vibe and staff kindness, but consistently underestimate how far it is from town.
Mayura A Karma Retreat
$55-110/ night
Book this if You want a jungle sanctuary that feels expensive but costs less than a dinner in Seminyak.
Why People Love It
- Infinity pool overlooking a lush river valley (Instagram gold)
- Genuine peace and quiet away from Ubud's traffic-choked center
- Spacious rooms (40sqm+) that feel like suites
Quick Take: A lovely, isolated hideaway that forces you to rely on their shuttle or a scooter to do literally anything.
Reviewed by @DeannaTroyTravels: I absolutely loved the vibe here. Waking up to rice paddies right off my balcony was surreal, and the staff were so sweet—they even taught me some traditional Balinese dance moves! It felt like a genuine escape from the busy tourist spots.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'river view' is stunning, but the 'river sound' is actually a roaring stream that might be white noise to some and annoying to others.
- You are comfortable riding a scooter
- You want to read a book by a pool with zero street noise
- You prefer a 'resort' feel on a backpacker budget
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff are praised for towel art and keeping the jungle bugs at bay.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally excellent. Some wear on grout in older rooms, but no major mold horror stories.
- Maintenance: Good condition, though the humid climate means occasional peeling paint on exterior walls.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and white, though pool towels can sometimes show signs of heavy rotation.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of frangipani; rooms are generally fresh, though ground floor can be slightly musty in rainy season.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roosters (ubiquitous in Bali)
- River rushing sounds
- Occasional construction next door (verify status)
Before you book
Good to know
- This property was formerly 'Mayura A Karma Retreat' and may still have timeshare-style marketing pitches — politely decline if approached.
- The on-site restaurant 'Sendang' is decent but closes by 11pm.
- Breakfast is often included but is a simple a la carte menu, not a sprawling buffet.
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (you are in the jungle)
- Earplugs (for the roosters)
- International driving permit (if you plan to rent a scooter)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Imperial Room (60sqm) — features a kitchenette and the best river views
- Deluxe Rooms on upper floors for better light and privacy
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the lobby if you want total privacy from foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request an upper-floor room facing the river/jungle for maximum privacy. If possible, please avoid rooms directly adjacent to any active construction.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually private?
No, it's a shared infinity pool, but the hotel is small (32 rooms) so it rarely feels crowded.
Can I walk to the Monkey Forest?
Absolutely not. It is a 4.5km drive on narrow, winding roads without sidewalks. Take the shuttle.
Is there a gym?
No dedicated fitness center, but they offer yoga mats and occasional classes.
Is the internet good enough for work?
Surprisingly yes. Guests report speeds of 100+ Mbps, reliable enough for Zoom calls.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Very few. 'Warung Gauri' is a cheap local spot nearby, but for proper dining, you need to go to Ubud center.
Does the hotel offer airport transfer?
Yes, for a fee (approx IDR 500,000). It's reliable but pricier than a Grab.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to 'Tonyraka Art Lounge' (300m away) for a dose of culture without the Ubud crowds.
- ✨
Ask for a floating breakfast in the pool — it's cheesy but they do it well for a small fee.
- ✨
The 'Imperial Room' is often priced only slightly higher than a suite but is significantly larger with better views.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'river' is more of a stream, but during rainy season it turns brown and rushes loudly.
💡The hotel is part of the 'Karma Group' history, meaning you might see 'Vacation Club' branding on old maps.
💡Lighting in the rooms is romantic but terrible for applying makeup or reading at night.
💡The shuttle schedule is limited; it's not an on-demand service.
💡You are in Mas, the wood-carving village — the local shops here sell the same crafts as the market but often cheaper.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mayura A Karma Retreat is located and what's nearby.