- Hotel Website: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bali
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Reserve Suite – Mandapa Suite, 270 Degree Views Of The Verdant Rice Paddies & Forest, 1 King, 1560sqft, Living/sitting area, Separate living room
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: “Mandapa” means “temple” in Sanskrit, and the resort truly embraces this concept by having a functioning Buddhist temple right on its grounds. The resort made a commitment to preserve the temple and allow the local family who owns it to continue using it for important holidays and special occasions, seamlessly blending luxury hospitality with authentic Balinese spirituality and culture.
Stunning Location: Nestled in Ubud’s lush Ayung River Valley, featuring an open-air lobby with panoramic views and a design inspired by a traditional Balinese village with working rice paddies.
Exceptional Accommodations: Spacious suites and villas, many with private pools, are designed to blend traditional Balinese aesthetics with contemporary elegance.
Personalized Service: Each guest receives a dedicated “Patih” (butler) for a seamlessly personalized stay.
Immersive Wellness & Culture: A world-class spa by the river, offering holistic treatments and daily complimentary activities like Balinese cooking, yoga, and traditional farming experiences.
Exceptional Dining: Signature restaurant Kubu offers fine dining in bamboo cocoons by the river, while Sawah Terrace provides Balinese and Asian dishes with stunning views.
Mandapa stands out for its serene, culturally rich atmosphere, personalized service, and luxurious integration with Bali’s natural beauty.
Ultra-Luxury “Reserve”: It’s an exclusive, immersive, and highly personalized experience, distinct from a typical Ritz-Carlton.
Ubud’s Serene Valley: Located in the lush Ayung River Valley in Ubud, offering a secluded feel yet close to cultural attractions.
On-Site Temple: Features a functioning Buddhist temple on its grounds, used by locals, blending luxury with authentic Balinese spirituality.
Dedicated “Patih” (Butler): Every guest receives a personal butler for highly customized and seamless service.
Village-Inspired Design: Designed like a traditional Balinese village with working rice paddies, creating a harmonious and authentic ambiance.
Wellness Haven: A top-tier spa by the river, offering holistic treatments, daily yoga, and unique Balinese healing experiences.
Exceptional Dining: Signature restaurants like Kubu (riverfront bamboo cocoons) and Sawah Terrace offer exquisite local and international cuisine.
Complimentary Cultural Activities: A wide array of included daily activities like cooking classes, yoga, and traditional farming experiences.
Family-Friendly (Mandapa Camp): Offers a tech-free kids’ club focused on nature and cultural immersion.
🕐 24-hour room service
🧸 Babysitting services
🍸 Bar
🏋️ Gym
🎈 Kids Club
📋 Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🍽️ Restaurants
💆 Spa
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 10/10
Vibe: 10/10
Romantic: 10/10
Air Conditioning: 9/10
Room: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Location: 9/10
Gym/Fitness: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 10/10
Overall Experience: 9.7/10
A Detailed Review of Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve: The Ultimate Ubud Escape
Our stay at Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali was an experience unlike any other. More than just a resort, Mandapa is a secluded sanctuary carved into a lush river valley, a true escape where the soothing sounds of the Ayung River and the vibrant green of the jungle become an integral part of your stay. This review captures the essence of this luxury hotel, from its unique location in the jungle to its unparalleled service and dining, offering a window into a place where Balinese culture and five-star luxury are in perfect harmony.
Arrival: A Grand Entrance to a Jungle Paradise
Our journey began with a rather unconventional choice for Bali—a rental car. While most navigate the island on scooters, our adventurous spirit led us to a four-wheeled experience, much to the curiosity of the guard at the hotel’s entrance. The moment we were waved through, we were met with an absolutely spectacular driveway. A symphony of fountains lined the road, with water cascading into pools that led us to the main lobby. Despite the evening rain, we were greeted with a warm and personal welcome, as a member of the staff guided us directly to the entrance, ensuring we stayed dry.
The hotel’s design, which beautifully integrates with the natural landscape, was immediately apparent. Lush jungle greenery draped over the building, creating an awe-inspiring, organic entryway to the open-air lobby.
Unparalleled Service and Luxurious Accommodations
The open-air lobby felt like stepping into a traditional Japanese sanctuary, with the soothing sounds of cascading water and the lush jungle surrounding us. The check-in process was seamless and personalized, followed by a private tour of the property.
As expected from a Ritz Carlton Reserve, the accommodations were a highlight. Our villa was not only large and meticulously detailed but also thoughtfully equipped with every imaginable amenity. All rooms at Mandapa are exceptionally spacious, and the entire property exudes an air of organic luxury. Each room is essentially a private home, many featuring their own private pools. Additionally, a beautiful community pool is available for all guests to enjoy.
Our villa was a sanctuary of its own. The huge bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed and sofa, flowed into a luxurious bathroom featuring a double vanity, a high-end Toto bidet toilet, and a walk-in shower. A dressing table with a Dyson hairdryer was a thoughtful touch. Outside, a private patio led to our pool and a second living area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. The outdoor shower, a unique feature, felt like standing beneath a natural waterfall—an incredibly refreshing experience.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mandapa experience is the dedicated butler service. Our butler was instrumental in helping us with everything from coordinating our dinner plans to arranging transportation around the property via the signature club car. This highly personalized service ensures that every need is met, whether it’s booking a restaurant or arranging a kids’ club pickup.
An Extraordinary Dining Experience
For my wife’s birthday dinner, we were whisked away in a golf cart down through the expansive Mandapa complex to a restaurant nestled by the river called Kubu at Mandapa. Our table was a private, nest-like alcove reminiscent of a luxurious Tulum setting. With the calming rush of the river flowing just beyond us, we enjoyed an exquisite five-course, five-star meal. It was a truly memorable way to celebrate, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Mandapa Restaurant Guide
Kubu at Mandapa
Cuisine: International, with a focus on zero-waste and local sourcing.
Highlights: A signature fine-dining experience with a romantic, intimate setting in private bamboo cocoons by the Ayung River. The menu celebrates the best of Balinese produce and culinary innovation.
Hours: Daily, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Ambar Ubud Bar
Cuisine: Japanese fusion.
Highlights: Perched high on a cliff, this bar offers stunning views, handcrafted cocktails, and a Japanese-inspired menu. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset while listening to daily live jazz music.
Hours: Daily, 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Sawah Terrace
Cuisine: Balinese and Indonesian.
Highlights: An all-day dining restaurant overlooking the resort’s rice paddies. Sawah Terrace serves authentic Balinese cuisine and other Asian delicacies, with a farm-to-table concept sourcing ingredients from the chef’s organic garden.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Dining Beyond
Cuisine: International.
Highlights: This is a personalized, private dining experience that goes beyond traditional restaurants. Guests can arrange for custom culinary adventures in secluded spots across the reserve or even off-site.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Library
Cuisine: Light fare and beverages.
Highlights: A serene space for quiet relaxation with a view of the pool and the forest. The Library provides a peaceful atmosphere for reading and enjoying refreshments.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Exclusively for in-house guests)
In-Villa Dining
Cuisine: Balinese, Asian, and International.
Highlights: Enjoy the ultimate comfort and privacy with 24-hour dining services. The menu features a wide range of options for a refined culinary experience without leaving your villa.
Hours: Open 24/7
A Sanctuary of Relaxation and Unique Charm
The location of the Mandapa sets it apart from any other hotel. Tucked away in the middle of a jungle at the bottom of a canyon, it feels like a secluded, luxurious escape. The property uniquely features restaurants and bars at the top of the canyon near the check-in area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire hotel below.
Our favorite spot, however, remained the outdoor restaurant near the lobby. We loved starting our mornings there with a delicious breakfast and returning in the evenings for fantastic sushi and wine. Watching the rain fall off the roof and into the surrounding fountains was a truly tranquil and one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly captured the peaceful ambiance of the reserve.
Final Recommendation
For anyone seeking a new level of luxury, impeccable service, and a truly unforgettable stay surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bali jungle, I cannot recommend Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve highly enough. Its unique design, coupled with its serene location and dedicated staff, makes it the ultimate destination for relaxation and an idyllic escape.
The exceptional service is a cornerstone of the Mandapa experience. Your personal butler, or “Patih,” is more than a simple assistant; they are a seamless concierge who can arrange everything from dinner reservations to a vintage Volkswagen tour of the surrounding rice terraces. This high level of personal attention ensures a completely effortless and tailored stay.
Mandapa also offers a profound connection to wellness and local culture. The world-class spa, with its treatment rooms overlooking the Ayung River, provides a deeply immersive and relaxing experience. Guests can also participate in daily yoga and meditation, as well as unique cultural activities at the tech-free kids’ club, which offers traditional Balinese dance classes and nature explorations.
The dining is another highlight, with multiple options to suit any occasion. Beyond the beautiful dinner you experienced, the resort’s signature restaurant, Kubu, is a must-visit. Its stunning architecture, built entirely of bamboo, features intimate “cocoons” for a private dining experience by the river. Meanwhile, the Ambar Bar, with its fantastic views from the top of the canyon, provides the perfect setting for cocktails, live jazz, and a delicious sushi menu. This seamless blend of tranquil seclusion, luxurious amenities, and authentic cultural immersion truly sets Mandapa apart.
