Padma Resort Ubud | Hotels in Worldwide

It’s name may be something of a misnomer – the town of Ubud is in fact a 40-minute drive away – but nobody staying at this gorgeous resort complains about its isolation. Nestled in the unspoilt bamboo forests of the Payangan countryside, this family-friendly hotel offers respite from the tourist crowds and endless traffic while honouring Ubud’s reputation as the centre of Balinese arts and culture. Family resorts aren’t usually associated with peace and tranquillity, but Padma Resort Ubud pulls off the impressive trick of keeping the kids entertained without waterslides, foam parties and kids’ discos. It helps that the resort is vast, 11 hectares in total, and through the Wolly Kids Club and Kids Garden Club under-13s can explore the animal gardens and agroforestry sites with trained staff, and learn traditional Balinese arts and crafts such as the making of ceremonial offerings and the weaving of banana leaves. All these activities are also available to curious adults. The agroforestry gardens produce herbs, fruits and vegetables for use in the restaurants – the fresh papaya and dragon fruit juices served at the breakfast buffet are made from produce grown onsite. Breakfast at the Puhu Restaurant is a real highlight, with some of the best views in Bali accompanied by a vast range of Indonesian and Western breakfast items (though don’t overdo it with the breakfast pastries because the cakes served at the Payangan lounge, next to the koi ponds, are exquisite). While onsite adult activities include yoga, archery, fishing, golf and cycling tours of the local village and rice fields, most guests gravitate towards the 89-metre heated infinity pool, which offers a stunning view of the river valley as well as top-notch cocktails at a sunken bar (there’s also a kids pool for the little ones and a jacuzzi for grown-ups). The spacious guest rooms, meanwhile, feature Indonesian dark wood, artisan-created furnishings and balconies with valley views. The resort offers a regular free shuttle bus to central Ubud, but many guests will find it hard to justify leaving. Neighbourhood: The hotel is situated in tranquil Puhu village, which can be explored on one of two daily mountain bike tours (bring shoes; sandals aren’t allowed). The rice field views are particularly beautiful. Nearby: Ubud, with its temples, palaces, monkey forest and excellent restaurants is a 40-minute ride away on a regular free shuttle bus. Pura Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its purification ritual, is also close by. Tours are also available to nearby waterfalls and Mt Batur. Time Out tip: Tours of Padma Resort Ubud’s agroforestry gardens only take place twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, but it’s a rare opportunity to learn about Balinese produce and see where your fresh juice at breakfast comes from. So it might be worth timing your stay accordingly although you can visit without a guide on any day. - Timeout