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There are beaches all over the world, but there is only one Ubud, which is why sophisticated travellers head inland for the most rewarding Bali hotel experience. A unique town on a unique island, Ubud offers a verdant sanctuary from the busy Bali beaches and the somewhat sterile environment of Nusa Dua. For a taste of authentic Bali in both the literal and figurative senses, Ubud has no peer on the island.

Not coincidentally, a plethora of ultraluxurious yet discreet resorts in Ubud serve as sanctuaries for their guests. However, there is only one name visitors to Bali need to remember for the most spectacular accommodation. Mandapa, one of only nine Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide, is a glorious example of superlative accommodation and service in a destination renowned for both. With a discreet entrance down a narrow side street, the path to this exclusive Ritz-Carlton paradise is easy to miss; indeed, it is meant to be noticed only by those who need to know.

: Mandapa’s villas dazzle even before entering them.

: One of Mandapa’s beautiful pool villa bedrooms

Located on a large parcel of land fronting the Ayung River, Mandapa is a private world of luxury in its accommodations, cuisine, experiences, and, most of all, kindness. Surveying the property from the elevated entrance, a kingdom of lush vegetation stretching down to the river dazzles guests before they even set foot in their villas, which then enchant them further with cultural touches, attention to detail, and immaculate interior presentation. Villas with private pools are mini-estates with huge bedrooms and bathrooms, plus separate living room pavilions, all overlooking private gardens and swimming pools. The Mandapa River Estate is the last word in luxurious accommodation on Bali, a walled compound of multiple pavilions with three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and its own very large swimming pool. Even for affluent travellers accustomed to deluxe accommodation, it is all very impressive.

: Disconnect To Reconnect, a superb concept at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

: Mandapa VW convertible is a great way to explore Ubud and surrounds.

And then there is the food. Dining at Mandapa is not just a meal; it is a culinary experience. From the abundant breakfast buffets at Sawah Terrace to the casual luxury of the poolside Ambar bar and restaurant, the variety of menu options for both food and drink is as irresistible as it is satisfying, with impeccable staff bringing glasses and dishes to the table, perfectly balancing efficient friendliness with polished professionalism. The resort’s riverside Kubu restaurant offers an extra-special dining experience with exquisite tasting menus served in open-air, woven-gazeboeed settings. Expect every mouthful to be absolutely delicious.

And this is just the pre-dinner welcome at Ambar.

Ubud, a destination ideal for mindful wellbeing, is home to Mandapa, which is proud of its Disconnect To Reconnect program, where guests can partake in an array of yoga sessions and other activities to remind us that we can survive without mobile phones, tablets, and computers, at least for an hour or two. Following a superbly relaxing massage in the stunning spa, after which relaxed bodies and minds are coddled by therapists whose only concern is guest happiness, no one is in a rush to get back online—and after a stay at Mandapa, no one is in a rush to leave. When that sad time comes, though, a van transfer equipped with First Class aircraft-style seats takes guests to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, where VIP assistance guides Ritz-Carlton Reserve guests through the departure process. If one has to leave at all, at least the Ritz-Carlton makes a reluctant departure as painless as possible.