Mornings at Kaamala Resort began with toes dipped in my private pool, while I indulged in a floating breakfast and took in the views of the spectacular rice terraces in total serenity. Just a few minutes away, the streets of Ubud pulse with motorbikes, artisan markets, yoga studios, and the monkey forest, but here the noise fades with nothing but the rustle of palm leaves and monkeys running free.
The award-winning Kaamala Resort is inspired by the lotus flower — a sacred symbol in Balinese culture, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In Sanskrit, ‘Kaamala’ itself means lotus, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment, which reflects the philosophy of Kaamala Resort in Ubud.
Pool Villas in the Rice Fields
Nestled amidst lush greenery, Kaamala is a luxury resort in Ubud for couples, offering a collection of modern pool villas that feel secluded between the rice fields. Waking up each morning to rows of paddies and farmers in the distance was my favourite moment; it gave me an insight into Balinese life, while I indulged in luxury from my pool.
Stepping into the Grand One Bedroom Private Pool Villa, you’re welcomed by an outdoor kitchen and pool area, featuring sun loungers, a hammock, and dining area. Leading into the hotel room with a generous king-size bed decorated in the most beautiful rose petals, sat beside it was a private jacuzzi decorated in vibrant Balinese flowers, and a spa-like rainfall shower. Imagine soft teak floors, minimalist furnishings, and organic textures that echo the resort’s ethos of balance and intention. The floor-to-ceiling windows meant I could enjoy panoramic views of the forest and monkeys mischievously swinging from trees each day.
One of the privileges of staying here is the rare kind of privacy I experienced. Even though the resort has multiple villas and suites, each pool villa feels tranquil, as though you’ve stepped into your own private sanctuary. No shared corridors, no prying neighbours, just you, nature, and the occasional forest visitor.
Speaking of visitors, the monkeys mark their territory. It was early morning when I first noticed movement at the roof’s edge. I was on the terrace, half immersed in the infinity pool, half captivated by the unfolding spectacle of a baby monkey and its mum. The monkey paused, cocked its head, and chattered softly before bounding away into the treetops. It felt like a surreal moment that I’ll never forget.
Dining with a View
At Kaamala Resort, Habitat Bistro is the go-to for breakfast and the resort’s Italian restaurant. Wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes are elevated by the setting of tropical trees. I began my three-course meal with crisp arancini filled with mushroom, ground beef, and parmesan with a side of truffle aioli. For the main, I shared gnocchi Alfredo and a classic Margherita Napoli-style pizza. Ending with a delicate tiramisu tableside as the waiter gently infused it with a drizzle of rich coffee. The indoor-outdoor seating at Habitat Bistro allows guests to enjoy dinner under soft lighting, with cinematic views, and jungle silhouettes dancing in the background.
For nights when you crave something that isn’t Italian or Balinese, Shichirin Ubud offers an intimate Japanese experience. Tucked into the resort grounds, it’s open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily, with two seating sessions for dinner.
Discover the adventurous menu featuring signature sushi creations like Fiery Blazing Sushi with salmon, scallops, yuzu, and truffle oil, Gyu Katsu Set with breaded Wagyu beef and Raw Hamachi with crispy shallots and citrus gel.
Expert chefs craft each dish right in front of you and transform fresh ingredients into delightful plates. The decadent courses capture the harmony of Japanese cuisine with visual beauty and pure ingredients.
I imagine ending a day of immersion in Ubud with a meal here: watching the teppanyaki flame dance, tasting delicate sushi or the satisfying crunch of gyukatsu, and feeling observed by the forest’s shadows.
Wellness in the Jungle
At Svaha Spa, the experience begins unlike any other, not with oils or stones, but with a ritual. Balinese history and tradition are clearly rooted in this spa, with a treatment room that opens out to the forest, and light shifts softly through the trees with not a sound to be heard. I chose a hot stone massage, with rose oil, that seemed to melt time as much as tension. The warmth of the stones, the rhythm of the therapist’s hands, and the presence of the jungle beyond the class created a calm oasis that felt indulgent.
Once the treatment came to an end, I was invited to take part in a Balinese ritual. I wrote down a single word I wanted to release from my body. The paper was burned, smoke carrying away the weight of it, leaving me lighter.
Afterwards, I slipped into a jacuzzi bath overlooking the canopy. Immersed in hot bubbles, watching the forest breathe around, I felt at peace. It was a rare moment to relax and unwind.
The Heart of Ubud Within Reach
Though Kaamala Resort feels tucked away, its location on Jl. Bisma ensures you’re never too far from Ubud’s vibrant energy. You can spend your mornings cocooned in tranquillity and your afternoons exploring markets, rice fields, palaces, and hidden cafés. Then return to your villa for dusk swims, candlelit meals, and intimate settings.
During one afternoon walk into town, I found myself among markets of woven crafts, statues, and pulsing local life. Yet as night fell and I retreated toward Kaamala Resort, the transformation was striking: the roar of traffic and crowds faded, replaced by the chirping of insects, the hum of the field, and the soft movement of my pool. It felt like shifting between two worlds, but both felt essential to the Ubud experience.
Kaamala Resort’s private pool villas with views over rice fields offer both the luxury and comfort of a boutique resort, and the primal intimacy of nature. If you’re seeking a luxury resort in Ubud for couples, Kaamala Resort deserves its place as one of the romantic resorts in Bali.
Looking for more luxury hotels in Bali? Why not check out my review of Chesa Canggu.
