"Set the scene for us. What stands out to you as you arrive at this hotel?Because Bali is a tropical island, there's a misperception that it's all about beaches. Yet there’s little more dramatic than the magical tableau of Ubud's jungle scenes. At COMO Uma Ubud, coconut palms and banyan trees frame 46 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed by Koichiro Ikebuchi, offering an intimate, hyperlocal experience. At the heart of the resort is an 82-foot jade-green pool with rooms and eating areas staggered across the snug plot. Clever planning, fresh interior design, private courtyards, and infinity-edge plunge pools make the property feel modern—yet totally at home in Ubud. What's the vibe?"Uma" is Sanskrit for "home" or "house," and this hilltop resort overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley, the little sister to Como Shambhala Estate, does the residential vibe well. So what does that mean for the rooms and villas themselves?Each charming, light-filled villa has an outdoor courtyard sandwiched between living spaces, as well as stylish bathrooms with every amenity and modern convenience you can think of. What are the food options at the resort? Anything we should be sure to try?Uma Cucina serves pizzas and pastas. Kemiri, further into the property, does a gorgeous breakfast buffet and Indonesian food for dinner. You can also enjoy meals on the deck just above the Uma Pool Bar. After we've freshened up and refueled, what else should we be sure to check out on the property?Riffing on the spirit of COMO Shambhala, yoga and wellbeing is a huge focus here; an open-air pavilion hosts different sessions and therapies. Who else can we expect to see here?Younger couples and adventurous honeymooners. How about the surrounding area? What's the best way to explore the neighboring sights?Local hosts lead guided walks through rice fields and forests, and tours of temples, galleries, and museums. You can also visit the Ubud Market and browse silk sarongs, wicker handbags, and other hand-made accessories. Sounds delightful. If you could give this hotel a sort of tagline, what would it be?This is a tranquil boutique hotel in the spiritual heart of Bali." - Juliet Kinsman
