Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan
Resort hotel · Ubud ·
Villas with private pools, spa, riverside dining, yoga classes
Information
Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia Get directions
Villas with private pools, spa, riverside dining, yoga classes
Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia Get directions
"On the banks of the Ayung River just outside Ubud, this resort is still queen of the jungle more than two decades in. Waterfront villas with lotus-filled pools and a lobby terrace that overlooks dense, tumbling palms create a sense of lush timelessness. But a new cooking school and refreshed wellness program are now speaking to the mindful crowd that flocks to this corner of Indonesia. There’s no shortage of five-star resorts outside of Ubud, but this is where Julia Roberts camped out while shooting Eat, Pray, Love and the Obama family chose to stay for a few days in 2017, thanks to the property’s lush serenity and peerless privacy. The main building’s dramatic, elliptical architecture makes a statement from the moment you arrive, with panoramic views of the jungle and the rushing river. The decor, a mix of traditional and modern Balinese styles, conjures a distinct sense of place, while the spa is especially strong in a region known for its wellness offerings." - Chris Schalkx, Kathryn Romeyn
"Nestled in a serene jungle valley above the Ayung River and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ubud, I found the resort to be an architectural standout—its striking footbridge entrance and rice bowl–shaped rooftop frame tiered rice paddies and gardens. Operating for 27 years, the property comprises 60 accommodations (42 villas and 18 suites) with private plunge pools, oversized windows, French doors, local art and ample outdoor spaces that make each villa feel like a secluded oasis. Suites in the main building sit close to the restaurants and pool, and room sizes range from 1,834 square feet for the One-Bedroom Duplex Suites to an exceptional 22,873-square-foot Royal Villa. I experienced a warm welcome ceremony on arrival, and the hotel provides a complimentary daily shuttle to Ubud (many guests arrive via private transfer from Ngurah Rai, about 75–90 minutes). The resort offers numerous activities—from the off-site “Can You Keep a Secret?” tour and cooking classes to rafting and the Sacred Nap guided in silk hammocks—and family-friendly features like family suites, the Pici Pici kids club, kids-eat-free policies (under four), and discounts for older children. Note that the property sits on varying elevations with many steps and no elevators. The hotel emphasizes sustainability through eliminating single-use plastics, on-site composting, sourcing from local organic farms and its own gardens, and supporting community projects. Nightly rates start from $790, and the resort participates in American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits." - Samantha Leal Samantha Leal Samantha Leal is a writer, editor, and content strategist who covers all the good things in life—style, beauty, travel, drinks, and more. She's held editor roles at Well+Good, Marie Claire, Latina magazine, and The Knot, and her byline can be found all over, including Byrdie, ELLE, Fast Company, Parade, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Immersed in Bali’s tropical lushness, the resort’s spa channels the region’s healing springs through therapies like the 90‑minute Warm River Stone massage, which uses steam‑heated stones from the ancient Ayung River placed on the body’s energy centers. Long, rhythmic strokes and aromatic oils deepen the sense of calm, turning the treatment into a profoundly peaceful experience." - Faye Bradley
"A sumptuous riverside hideaway along the Ayung River offering teakwood pool villas and suites that foreground regional materials and craftsmanship; interiors feature ikat fabrics and local shell and coconut elements. The property emphasizes cultural connection through Indonesian cooking classes held in an undulating bamboo structure, frequent Balinese music and dance performances, a spa rooted in ancient wellness rituals (including guided meditative experiences), and unique arrival options such as whitewater rafting from the sister Jimbaran property." - Kathryn Romeyn
"A lush river-valley resort near Ubud with views of the Ayung River and a verdant canopy, offering immersive culinary experiences and cooking classes that teach approachable local dishes (like quick beef satay with homemade sambal and peanut sauce) and memorable chef's-table meals that showcase slow-roasted techniques and regional ingredients." - Brian Freedman
