Hidden deep in the heart of Bali, and yet only a stone’s throw away from the bustling streets of Ubud, you’ll find a slice of heaven; welcome to the Viceroy Bali. This is where you go if you are searching for a more considered alternative to larger, busier properties, to experience Bali through a more intimate lens. You’ll be invited to slow down and reconnect with your surroundings, allowing you to leave the worries of the world behind as you learn the true meaning of relaxation.
Bali, Ubud
Viceroy Bali
(5 stars)Location
Overlooking the emerald valleys of Ubud, and reachable by a 90-minute car ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport, you’ll find your perfect base for a balance of exploration and rejuvenation. Whilst it may feel like the Viceroy Bali is worlds away from the bustle of Ubud town, you can still reach key attractions such as Ubud Palace, the Sacred Monkey Forest, and Tegalalang Rice Terraces within a 15-minute drive, making it fully accessible whilst maintaining the aura of seclusion.
My Room
I stayed in the Deluxe Terrace Villa, and from the moment I stepped inside, I felt instantly at ease. Modern luxury is softened here by traditional Balinese craftsmanship and integration of natural materials. Imagine rich woods, hand-carved furnishings, and subtle Balinese touches woven together with soft white linens and luxury amenities, giving the space a quietly elegant charm.
The highlight? a deep soaking tub perfectly positioned to view the natural surroundings, against a backdrop of shimmering mosaic tiles that catch the light. The oversized rain shower and his-and-hers vanities reintroduce sleek, modern design, providing a sanctuary to unwind after a day spent exploring Ubud’s waterfalls.
With only 40 villas across the entire resort the Viceroy Bali maintains an intimate, boutique feel despite its iconic name. The philosophy here is simple; space, privacy, and connection to nature. Each villa is cleverly positioned to open outward rather than inward, naturally drawing your eye to the lush valleys that frame the heated infinity pool on your private terrace. This is where the Viceroy Bali truly stands apart. Every villa comes with its own private heated pool, with the temperature customised to your preference, inviting you for a dip at any time of day. It’s a small detail, but one of accessibility that makes a noticeable difference to the overall experience.
Culinary Journeys
My mornings began at CasCades Restaurant, where I enjoyed breakfast whilst getting lost in the emerald haze of the valleys of Ubud. Refreshingly, breakfast is entirely à la carte, with everything prepared fresh, from classic egg dishes with a twist to local Balinese dishes. My morning selection was simple yet indulgent; starting with a selection of fresh exotic fruits paired with a warm pastry, followed by their signature version of a classic eggs benedict, all whilst sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. With coffee being an essential part of local culture, the Viceroy Bali ensures it sources only the finest Indonesian coffee beans. I was impressed by the Indonesian blend served with its earthy, full-bodied and deeply aromatic notes, that provided the perfect pick-me-up I needed for a day of chasing waterfalls.
If breakfast isn’t part of your routine, the CasCades Restaurant transitions into providing a relaxed and unfussy lunch, which you can enjoy by the infinity pool. However, the real magic begins as the sun sets and the atmosphere subtly starts to shift. Soft lighting, warm tones, and the surrounding jungle as a backdrop creates a more intimate mood for dinner. The menu is generous, leaving you spoilt for choice, but the highlight was the catch of the day, prepared Balinese style. With ingredients sourced from the resort’s own greenhouse, it was a fresh and flavourful introduction to Indonesian cuisine, and a dish I’d recommend trying without hesitation. The alternative dining option to CasCades Restaurant is the Apéritif Restaurant & Bar. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to experience the restaurant, but if you’re looking for a truly memorable evening, it offers an intimate fine-dining experience with its award-winning tasting menu in the 1920s inspired space.
To round off the night, I couldn’t resist a nightcap at the Pinstripe Bar. The mood was set the moment I stepped inside with the low lighting, jazz drifting softly through the space, and a creative cocktail list sure to tickle your tastebuds. I stayed true to my usual choice and ordered a negroni which was executed to perfection. It’s an easy place to lose track of time, and the perfect full stop to an evening at the Viceroy Bali.
Moments in Between
If you’re looking to pause and reset after exploring all the natural wonders that Ubud has to offer, there is plenty to keep you occupied at the Viceroy Bali. My days fell into a simple rhythm that I would encourage: a morning spent lounging by the main infinity pool overlooking the jungle, an afternoon tucked away in one of the resort’s quiet nooks with a book in hand, and the perfect close to the day with a deeply restorative Balinese massage at the Akoya Spa.
There are also plenty of activities offered at the resort, including yoga classes, cooking classes, and guided walks through the surrounding valleys, to name a few. For something a bit more strenuous the gym is well equipped and includes a squash court and a boxing bag, which is beyond what most hotel gyms offer. Rest assured, you can fill your day as much or as little as you want here, completely tailored to your preference.
Final thoughts
What makes the Viceroy Bali stand out isn’t a single, defined feature, but the way everything comes together in perfect balance. Nothing feels like it’s trying too hard, and this quiet confidence is exactly what allows me, as a guest, to settle fully into the experience. My days naturally unfolded at an unforced pace, which provided a feeling of ease and balance that lingered long after I departed.
The Viceroy Bali isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing trends; it’s about creating spaces for moments that feel genuinely restorative, and in that, it succeeds beautifully.
