Bisma Eight

"Tell us about your first impressions as you roll up to the front door.Follow a bumpy lane from Ubud’s center past little shops and spa outlets, and eventually you'll reach Bisma Eight, an all-suite hideaway that does little to let on that an infinity pool hangs over the valley or that a rooftop restaurant awaits. Once you’ve checked in at the reception desk, you’re led to your suite via an open outdoor corridor blooming with frangipani, pandans, and bamboo. What's the story behind this place?The project of passionate first-time hoteliers, Bisma Eight demonstrates an acute attention to detail, from room size and layout to the way the property is organized. Okay, take us up to your room. What can we expect from the accommodations?The 38 spacious, stylish suites are home-like in feel. Amenities are designed for digitally savvy travelers—large cable TVs and DVD players, powerful Wi-Fi—and furnishings blend painstaking craftsmanship with materials such as hessian, woven leather, and delicate basketwork and wicker. Giant cedar Japanese bathtubs in the generous wood-clad bathrooms—which are stocked with chemical-free toiletries—further the hotel's synergy with nature. If we're in need of a pick-me-up, any good food and drink options on site?Copper Kitchen & Bar, a rooftop restaurant and bar, does contemporary takes on international and Indonesian classics; many of the ingredients come from the hotel’s organic farm. Breakfast is a winner; coffee-loving digital nomads will especially enjoy retreating from Bali’s heat and humidity in the air-conditioned, barista-staffed library. There's an onsite coffee shop—a nice touch, although we'd love to see it offer more in the way of retail. How did the staff treat you during your stay?Whether they’re serving you fresh coconuts by the ridiculously photogenic infinity pool or just totting up your bill, the staffers here are all charming—and, with encouragement from the owners, they're all authentically themselves. Who are you likely to see staying here?Curious culturalists, hip honeymooners, and adventurous young families. How does the hotel fit into the surrounding area? How accessible are the local sights and highlights?It's a bit of a walk to Ubud's many market stalls, boutiques, and restaurants, especially in the searing sunshine, so the hotel runs a shuttle a few times a day. Because Bisma Eight is set on the edge of the river, a japan-jalan, or "walk," can be an appealing way to appreciate the landscape. You'll amble past green rice paddies, ramshackle huts, and shrines garnished with flowers before arriving in Ubud's busy center. Bottom line: What's this place all about?Discreet all-suite hideaway that's one with nature." - Juliet Kinsman