The Purist Villas & Spa
Ubud & Central Bali, Indonesia
Reviewed by
Melissa Burfitt
A half-hour walk from central Ubud, Bali's bustling cultural hub, you'll find yourself in a quiet haven nestled amid a vibrant jungle backdrop. It's a small-scale yet super-stylish resort where you can flop, drop and treat yourself to spa and supper. The wonderfully private suites and villas each feel like a true home-away-from-home, and most have their own pools and verdant tropical surroundings.
What sets this place apart from Ubud's other offerings is its warm welcome and exceptionally beautiful design. Expect a fusion of traditional and modern. Wood carvings from Java and Timor blend with minimalist white limestone, and cushion-strewn pagodas. We especially liked the pebble-stone flooring, fantastic four-posters and decadent bathrooms. Enjoy the soundtrack of crickets, watch the bees buzz, and gaze at butterflies fluttering across the tropical gardens. We felt we were living in a Rousseau painting.
What sets this place apart from Ubud's other offerings is its warm welcome and exceptionally beautiful design. Expect a fusion of traditional and modern. Wood carvings from Java and Timor blend with minimalist white limestone, and cushion-strewn pagodas. We especially liked the pebble-stone flooring, fantastic four-posters and decadent bathrooms. Enjoy the soundtrack of crickets, watch the bees buzz, and gaze at butterflies fluttering across the tropical gardens. We felt we were living in a Rousseau painting.
Highs
- Beautifully designed and very private suite and villas; those with private pools feel particularly special
- Exceptional service: the friendly welcoming team really look after you and we felt instantly at home
- Pampering spa, with Ayurveda treatments and striking main pool with lime-cushioned loungers, overlooking the verdant forest
- Ideally located within easy reach of central Ubud - walk or use the hotel's regular free shuttle service
- Excellent seasonal food served in the restaurant or delivered to your villa
Lows
- Don't expect far-reaching views - though the forest backdrop brings you closer to the 'tropical'
- One of the River Villas is located next to the pool and isn’t quite as private as others, though it is convenient for families with children of swimming age
- Though all ages are welcome, the set-up isn't ideal for young children
Best time to go
Anytime. The dry season lasts from April to September, but one can easily have weeks of sunny dry weather in the rainy season and regular late-afternoon showers in the dry season. The area rarely experiences prolonged rain like other parts of Asia and it's cooler up in these hills than on the coast, particularly at night.
Our top tips
Stay more than 2 nights; this place is sublime. And don't forget your mosquito repellent, a good novel and binoculars to watch the wildlife.