Uma Ubud, COMO Bali Indonesia
I've been told that i'm a COMO fan by someone i was introduced to for the first time. But who wouldn't be really, after getting a first taste of the signature Christina Ong experience at Point Yamu by COMO in Phuket. So immediately after my Phuket getaway, i booked the next COMO holiday in Bali Indonesia- Uma Ubud.
It was not love at first sight at Uma Ubud for me. For one, you really don't get to see much at a glance. It took a while for my other senses to kick in and that's when the Uma brand of love crept in.
Environment
If privacy is what you want, privacy is what you get. Uma Ubud is in Ubud, but not in Ubud. You step in, and you leave the world behind. Everything is tucked away and secluded and you're enveloped by the lush greenery, tall trees, bird and insects and all. Pause for a moment, and all you hear and feel would be the pulse of nature and the beating of your heart.
The property is sprawling without any feeling of crowdedness. The planted rock walls that mark each room blend in perfectly with the nature, removing any type of clastrophobia. On several occasions, i found myself lost on the narrow paths that connect the different spaces. It's literally a jungle in there, which is amazing because it was unexpected, at least based on my first impression at the reception area.
At the heart of Uma Ubud, be wowed by the gorgeous pool (though i prefer Point Yamu's pool and view better). I can't compare the two because they are not meant to be the same. Each harnesses the culture and natural environment and Uma captured that simple, Balinese look with thatched balés, whitewashed rooms and minimal decoration, and yet it has a quiet luxurious feel. There is a deep calm to the resort, broken only by the sounds of frogs, crickets, birds, and the jungle surrounding it.
Rooms
Uma's rooms are set on a hillside overlooking a deep gorge (if you are lucky to get that view). All you see and touch exudes tranquility.
I stayed in one of the 18 Terrace Rooms which has large French doors opening onto a private terrace that overlooks a forest. I've not been enveloped in such greenery and quiet for some time and it's perfect for reconnecting with yourself in the little garden. At night, a million stars are scattered across the black canvas and i marvelled at the beauty of the universe (and frightened at what could possibly jump out from the dark).
Only the typical four poster beds here with Egyptian cotton linen and fine goose-down duvet. Another great way to lounge and read under the high ceiling thatched bales.
Food & Drinks
Breakfast is served at Kemiri, an open-air dining balé pavilion beside a tranquil fishpond. Cooked to order breakfasts include the typical Western breakfast with eggs done any style with sweet corn cake, smoked house bacon and sausages; Eggs Benedict; French Toast; as well as Indonesian favorites like a sweet Black rice pudding in coconut, and Nasi Lemak. The beef rendang was delicious but the items on the Nasi Lemak platter were all a tad cold. A breakfast buffet of juices, yoghurts and croissants complements the mains.
The COMO Shambhala healthy menu is also presented here e.g. egg-white omelette with spinach, and buckwheat and pumpkin pancakes. I must say i was disappointed with the overall breakfast experience in Bali. It wasn't quite as tasty and there isn't any standout dish that is characteristic of Bali. I guess Point Yamu really spoilt me. Badly.
Weekly Food and Beverage events add color to the meals at Uma. Kemiri opens for special themed evenings too, such as spicy, meaty Bebek Bebutu (smoked duck) feasts. For an Italian fix, head over to Uma Cucina for handmade pastas, cheeses and sausages, wood-fired pizzas and breads, plus classic Italian gelato and granitas. Uma's Pool Bar is quite the ideal spot for a quiet drink, that's if you're not out partying.
Experience Ubud with Uma with their complimentary activities such as morning walks to the local rice paddies; my favorite being the yoga sessions at the pavilion which overlooks the jungle in the Tjampuhan Valley. There isn't a better wake up call than flowing to the smell of fresh dew, running river and the sounds of nature.
There is a small gym on site which is usually unoccupied and sufficiently equipped for some cardio and weights work.
Spa
Definitely make time for the signature COMO Shambhala experience. I've tried the Signature COMO massage at Point Yamu and enjoyed every bit of it. This time i tried the Deep Pressure massage and had every knot and pressure points kneaded out. It was perfection.
I love how COMO provides a different experience at each of their properties. The stay started out underwhelming but as the days passed, it got under my skin. Looking forward to the next one already.
UMA UBUD
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan
Ubud - Bali - Indonesia
About the Author
Posts
0 comments
Comments