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Private Paradise in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia |
Exclusive Boutique Hotels in the Natural Heart of Ubud
Ubud, the Artistic Heart of Bali -- Ubud is a one-hour drive north of Bali's Denpasar airport, but it is like a trip to another time and place. Ubud is renowned as the center of many artist colonies, and entire villages devoted to various traditional arts such as carving, wood-working, gold and silver smithing, textiles, batik, painting, stone carving, puppetry, gamalon music, dance, and more. Ubud has a beautiful and historic Sultan's Palace at its core, an enticing central shopping market, and is frequent host to exhibitions of traditional Balinese dance and music. There are many fine hotels in and around Ubud, some quite expensive, some mundane, some past their prime, and a few truly superb in the hospitality, service, value, and unique Balinese charm they have to offer. It is this last group we would like to share with you here, so as to show you the true "Island Dreams" that may be enjoyed in Bali and Ubud. For here it is not about how much you pay per night, but rather knowledge and experience that will bring you the best of Ubud.
In the Heart of Nature -- The three unique Ubud hotels we recommend here, Alam Shanti, Alam Jiwa and Alam Indah, are private, small scale jewels, off the beaten track and unknown to most tour companies. Located just across Monkey Forest from the center of Ubud, they are set well back from the road, sited along a deep ravine lush with flowering plants and a rushing stream. On the other side of the water-course are many acres of traditional rice padi. Despite your proximity to the shopping, dining and touring that has made Ubud justly famous, the only sounds you will hear at your lodging will be those of nature, wind-chimes, burbling water, the tinkling of bells, birds, frogs, and perhaps the flock of ducks and their herder whose duty it is to patrol the rice padi. Welcome to an Island Dreams' paradise, Balinese-style.
Alam Shanti Hotel (Peaceful Nature) -- Alam Shanti is a tiny boutique hotel, operated by one of Ubud's most beloved families. The owners, Ketut and Wayan, began their hospitality journey with Cafe Wayan. Now in addition to some of Ubud's best restaurants, and Ibu Wayan's cooking school, they are the proud owners of a group of carefully crafted boutique hotels. Alam Shanti is Ketut and Wayan's newest lodging creation. Comprised of just eight beautiful lodging rooms, this tiny paradise is located in Nyuh Kuning Village, between sister hotels Alam Indah and Alam Jiwa. Though its traditional design fits perfectly into the gardens and natural setting, all rooms have air conditioning and modern facilities. From Alam Shanti, a rice field path connects directly to Alam Jiwa or via a short walk into Monkey Forest and Ubud. Luxurious rooms have outdoor patios overlooking coy ponds, exquisitely carved doorways, giant king-sized beds, and amazing indoor/outdoor garden bathrooms. All this simple yet satisfying luxury is amplified by the warmth and hospitality of Ibu Wayan's highly-trained and personable staff.
Alam Jiwa Hotel (Soul of Nature) -- Overlooking a lush green rice padi and a rushing stream, Alam Jiwa is situated along the same tranquil river valley that runs beside Alam Shanti. Alam Jiwa is 15 minutes casual walk from Monkey Forest, removed just enough from the noise and bussle of downtown Ubud, but with easy access to all of the shopping, dining, and tourism. Rooms at Alam Jiwa are quite spacious and "Balinese" in design. They are equipped with air conditioner and/or ceiling fan, and a private bath with both modern and Balinese-style accoutrements. The propery has a relaxing swimming pool and a bali bengong (covered outdoor lounging area) surrounded by lush gardens.
Services Offered -- At both hotels, the room rate includes daily breakfast, made to order, and delivered to your room. In the afternoon you are provided coffee, tea, and home-baked sweets from Cafe Wayan. Complimentary car transportation is provided within Ubud, making these lovely boutique hotels the perfect mix of quiet private luxury, value, and convenience.
Optional Services -- At additional cost, available services include massage, day tours, car and driver arrangements, cooking classes at Cafe Wayan, shopping services, and more. If you'd prefer to stay in, rather than sample one of Ubud's many fine restaurants, other meals may be ordered from Cafe Wayan for delivery to your room.
Alam Wangi Spa 
-- Completing the joy of this these family-owned lodgings, Ketut and Wayan have added a lovely day spa, just at the entrance to Alam Shanti Hotel. Now Swedish and Balinese-style massage, plus manicure, pedicure, body wraps, and many other body treatments are available within walking distance of your private paradise. We can tell you from our own excellent experiences there, that the service, quality and value of Alam Wangi Spa is nothing short of superb.
Pak Ketut and Ibu Wayan Express their Unique Lodging Concept -- "We have created an ambience reflecting the beautiful nature of Bali. Our hotels are meant for those wishing to discover an enchanting and peaceful experience. The secluded setting of our Alam properties will feel like a retreat - yet also a connection to interact with Balinese culture. To avoid distractions, there are no TV's or telephones in the rooms. Guests who wish contact with the outside world may use the telephone, fax, or email in the hotel's office. Life in Bali is open air living, which means living in harmony with other creatures of nature - such as geckos, frogs and sometimes even insects - after all, you are in the tropics. In Bali we believe the Geckos bring good luck to a house. So we ask that you open your heart and ears to the wonderful sounds of nature that surround us here. Most of our guests are repeat visitors who feel as if they are returning to their Bali home away from home. Our staff will look forward to welcoming you."
A Romantic and Relaxing Getaway -- Alam Shanti and Alam Jiwa offer the perfect spot for a romantic get away in true Balinese style. These are a unique and delightful places to banish the symptoms of jetlag after the long international flights, or just relax into the true ambiance of Bali. An Ubud excursion can be a destination in it own right, or combined with any visit to Bali and the points beyond. At Island Dreams, we recommend Alam Shanti and Alam Jiwa highly to anyone with a taste for the real Balinese culture, massage, meditation, and a rejuvenating respite from the "real world."
Superior Value Lodging - Your lodging at Alam Jiwa or Alam Shanti includes daily made-to-order breakfast delivered to your room, afternoon tea or coffee with sweets, complimentary car transfers within Ubud, and 15% hotel tax. Airport transfers, touring, private car with driver/guide, and many other services, may be arranged at additional expense. The following prices are per room in U.S. dollars.
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Alam Shanti Hotel -- Ubud, Indonesia Valid through March 31, 2023 |
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| All Alam Shanti guest rooms are air-conditioned Includes daily American breakfast, afternoon tea, and free shuttle service within Ubud |
Room rate is quoted per room per night single or double occupancy including 15% tax and service charge |
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| Standard Gardenview (1) -- Laksmi | $ 95 + 15% = $109.25 per night | ||||||||||||||
| The Garden House (1) -- Saraswati | $108 + 15% = $124.20 per night | ||||||||||||||
| Superior Gardenview Rooms (2) -- Dewi and Shindu | $125 + 15% = $143.75 per night | ||||||||||||||
| Deluxe Gardenview Rooms (2) -- Indus and Narmada | $159 + 15% = $182.85 per night | ||||||||||||||
| Deluxe Rice Field View by the Pool (2) -- Gangga and Yamuna | $235 + 15% = $270.25 per night | ||||||||||||||
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Optional massage, touring, and other services are available at additional expense. Please note that all prices and package inclusions are subject to change. |
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Alam Jiwa Hotel -- Ubud, Indonesia Valid through October 31, 2019 |
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| All Alam Jiwa guest rooms are air-conditioned Includes daily American breakfast, afternoon tea, and free shuttle service within Ubud |
Room rate is quoted per room per night single or double occupancy including 15% tax and service charge |
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| Superior Room (1) -- Gelatik | $108 + 15% = $124.20 per night | ||||||||||||
| Deluxe Rice Field View Rooms (6) -- Jalak Bali, Ganesha, Garuda, Angsa, Kenari, Hanoman | $125 + 15% = $143.75 per night | ||||||||||||
| Deluxe Manis Rice Field View Room (2) -- Merpati, Casuary | $159 + 15% = $182.85 per night | ||||||||||||
| Cendrawasih Suite - Private Three-Story Villa (1) Excellent option for for multiple couples, friends, or families. Villa includes a complete kitchen and dining room. |
$260 + 15% = $299.00 per night | ||||||||||||
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Optional massage, touring, and other services are available at additional expense. Please note that all prices and package inclusions are subject to change. |
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Getting to Bali - International flights connect from all points of the world to Bali. Many different airlines, schedules and itineraries are available.
Airport/Hotel Transfers - Island Dreams can pre-arrange your airport meet-and-greet, and transfer to your hotel of choice with a good car and professional, English-speaking driver. Rates are quite reasonable. Contact Island Dreams for details.
Island Dreams will create a custom Indonesia itinerary offering you maximum diving value, plus the option of rewarding topside touring to Manado, Bali, Komodo, and beyond. A wide variety of diving and touring options can be customized to suit your taste, budget, and time constraints. Contact the adventure experts at Island Dreams for complete details.
Follow these links for more Indonesia information:
- Indonesia Dive Report -- Manado, Bunaken, and Lembeh
Island Dreams owner Ken Knezick has made numerous, extended research trips to Indonesia. Read his most recent review of diving opportunities in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, with first-hand reports from Murex Dive Resort and the excellent new Lembeh Resort. - Group Dive Tours to Indonesia -- Good Friends, Good Fun, Great Diving
- Wakatobi Found -- A First-Hand Report from Wakatobi Resort
- Kungkungan Bay Resort -- Dive the Best of Lembeh Strait
- Lembeh Strait Report -- Report by Indo-Expert Bruce Moore
- Beneath the Dragon's Realm -- Exploring Komodo Park
- Political Concerns? -- An Insider's Perspective on Indonesia
- Return to: Explore-Indonesia.com
