The hype
Travelers are blown away by the views and staff kindness, often calling it a 'slice of paradise' for the price.
AnandaDara Ubud Resort & Spa
$80-150/ night
Book this if You want a quiet, jungle-wrapped escape with infinity pool views that rival the $500/night resorts, and you're willing to take a shuttle to dinner.
Why People Love It
- Stunning infinity pool overlooking lush rice paddies
- Genuine Balinese hospitality where staff remember your name
- Peaceful location away from the chaotic Ubud center traffic
Quick Take: A visually stunning resort that nails the 'jungle vibe' but struggles with humidity issues and a phantom fitness center.
Reviewed by @juliathetraveler: I completely fell in love with the wood carvings on the door before I even stepped inside. The room felt like a hidden sanctuary, and having that massive tub right in the bedroom was such a romantic touch. Waking up to the lush jungle view was unforgettable.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The mold/mildew smell in bathrooms and the lack of a real gym are the most common deal-breakers.
- You plan to spend your days lounging by a quiet infinity pool
- You want the 'Ubud jungle' aesthetic without the $500 price tag
- You are comfortable riding a scooter or taking Grabs to town
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is consistent, but they sometimes miss deep cleaning in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Visually clean, but the persistent mold/mildew smell in showers suggests drainage or ventilation issues.
- Maintenance: New property (2023) so fixtures are modern, but rapid wear is visible in damp ground-floor rooms.
- Linens & towels: Generally fresh and white, though some reports of towels feeling slightly damp due to humidity.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers; some rooms smell strongly of must/dampness.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roosters/nature sounds (early morning)
- Housekeeping carts in hallways
- Pool noise for ground floor rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is about 15 minutes north of Ubud center on Jalan Tirta Tawar
- Breakfast is often not included in the base rate (~$19 USD/person add-on)
- Grab and Gojek ride-hailing apps work here, despite old 'taxi mafia' rumors
What to pack
- Dehumidifying sachets or room spray (for the musty smell)
- Mosquito repellent (you are in the rice fields)
- Swimsuit for the infinity pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Panoramic Penthouse Villa (highest level) for the best airflow and 360-degree views
- Rice Field Villas for privacy and direct paddy views
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Premier Suites near the pool (prone to noise and dampness)
- Rooms near the housekeeping station
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on an upper floor, specifically avoiding the ground level due to humidity concerns. A Rice Field view away from the main pool noise would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really a gym?
No. Listings say yes, but guests consistently report it's either empty, under construction, or just a yoga mat space.
Is the pool heated?
The main infinity pool is not heated. Some specific private villas (like the Rice Field Heated Pool Villa) have their own heated plunge pools.
How far is the center of Ubud?
It's a 3-5km drive, which takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Not walkable.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not in the cheapest base rates. It costs around IDR 300,000 (~$19) if purchased separately.
Can I rent a scooter at the hotel?
Yes, the front desk can arrange scooter rentals, which is the best way to get around this area.
Is it suitable for digital nomads?
WiFi is generally good in public areas and rooms, but the lack of a proper desk in some room categories makes long work sessions tricky.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Rooftop Villas' have amazing views but can get quite hot during the day due to direct sun exposure.
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes north to find smaller local warungs for lunch at 1/4 the price of the hotel restaurant.
- ✨
Book the 9am shuttle the night before; it fills up fast.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'floating breakfast' is popular but attracts flies if you don't eat quickly.
💡The bathroom ventilation in some suites is tied to the light switch, leading to humidity buildup when lights are off.
💡You might hear construction noise from neighboring developments as this area of Tirta Tawar is growing fast.
💡The 'River View' is more of a 'Jungle Ravine View' — don't expect a roaring river.
💡Staff will genuinely remember your name and preferences after just one day.
Local Playbook
Map
See where AnandaDara Ubud Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.