Luxury Hotel Bookings | Travel Advisor

Alila Ubud is one of the most celebrated luxury resorts in Bali, part of the Hyatt portfolio and consistently recommended as the finest jungle retreat in the Ubud region. Reviewed in June 2025 by Steve Michailidis, a London-based luxury travel advisor and Hyatt Privé affiliated agent, this clifftop resort offers breathtaking valley views, exceptional wellness programming, and the kind of deeply personal service that makes it the most recommended property in Ubud for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Bali. Located 25 minutes from Ubud town with daily shuttle service, it provides a genuinely serene alternative to Bali’s busier resort corridors.

Alila Ubud — At a Glance

• Location: Payangan, Ubud, Bali — 25 minutes from Ubud town, shuttle available
• Category: Five-star luxury jungle resort, Hyatt portfolio
• Best for: Honeymooners, couples, first-time Bali visitors, wellness travellers
• Standout features: Clifftop valley views, complimentary daily activities (yoga, Tai Chi, rice paddy walk), afternoon tea by the pool, resident monkeys, tiger eye bracelet farewell gift
• Photography perk: Complimentary 60-minute professional photography session (ideal for honeymoons)
• Hyatt Privé perks: $50 hotel credit or complimentary massage for two, breakfast for two, room upgrade, welcome amenity, early check-in/late check-out
• Booking fees: None
• Reviewed by: Steve Michailidis, Hyatt Privé advisor, June 2025

Bali. Just the name conjures images of lush rice paddies, serene temples, and vibrant cultural experiences. For many (including me!), Ubud stands as the island’s spiritual and artistic heart, offering a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace. As a travel advisor, I often get requests from clients to help them plan a trip that offers more than the “viral” trends that you see on social media, but to craft rare and intimate life experiences. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Alila Ubud, a breathtaking resort nestled in the jungle, part of the esteemed Hyatt portfolio of hotels. For those who want both Ubud and Bali’s coast on one trip, Conrad Bali in Nusa Dua pairs beautifully as a second stop — read my full review for the details.

Bali had been on my travel list for a long time, but  reports of overtourism (and social media posts) often made me hesitant. This trip to Bali showed me that while it’s true the island buzzes with energy,  you can absolutely still have a refined, quiet, and classy getaway from the crowds. Alila Ubud perfectly embodies this balance, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bali’s beauty while enjoying unparalleled serenity. This focus on harmony and well-being makes Alila Ubud an unparalleled choice for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Bali seeking both adventure and profound relaxation. Ready to discover paradise?

Arrival at Alila Ubud: First Impressions and Check-In

Our flights from Sumba were cancelled and delayed — but arriving exhausted at Alila Ubud after that journey made the welcome feel even more extraordinary.

From the moment we arrived, tired from our journey, Alila Ubud made us feel instantly at ease. We were greeted with a refreshing cold towel and a taste of Jamu Kunyit Asem, a traditional Balinese chilled juice made with turmeric, tamarind, lime juice, and honey. This ancient elixir, available daily at breakfast, is believed to boost immunity and offer anti-oxidant benefits – a truly revitalizing welcome.

The resort’s thoughtful touches continued: despite our late arrival, they had prepared delicious chicken sandwiches for us, a gesture that perfectly highlighted their attentive service. Even better, we were delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Villa, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. They had also gone ahead and made a reservation at the spa the following day for the complimentary massage that is included in the Hyatt Privé rate that can be booked through me.

Alila Ubud Rooms: Terrace Villas and What to Expect

Our Terrace Villa was a sanctuary of peace, designed with a distinct sensibility that blended beautifully with the natural surroundings. It boasted an external rain shower and a separate bath, alongside a tranquil pond, home to a charming resident frog.

Returning to our villa after dinner, we were often greeted with delightful surprises like freshly baked brownies and other desserts, adding a sweet note to each evening. On our final night, we received a thoughtful farewell gift: two authentic tiger eye bracelets, a beautiful keepsake from our time in Bali. Turndown service was exceptional in every way.

The attention to detail extended to the amenities. We adored the Alila Living line, including a soothing cucumber & aloe facial cleanser and a cooling cucumber eye serum. As someone with sensitive eyes who typically avoids eye creams, I found this serum incredibly mild and non-irritating – a true testament to the quality of their products.

The real joy though was waking up in the morning and seeing the local monkeys being cheeky and playing around in the grounds around our villa.

Dreaming of a Terrace Villa with those valley views? Get in touch for a free quote — I’ll confirm Hyatt Privé availability for your dates and arrange the complimentary massage before you arrive.

Alila Ubud Dining: Breakfast, Poolside and Afternoon Tea

Dining at Alila Ubud is an experience in itself. The breakfast menu delights with daily changes, offering a diverse selection of healthy, local, and international dishes served on smaller plates, a la carte or you can always get up and help yourself from the buffet. Highlights included deep-fried jackfruit, delicate pandan cake, and crepes with coconut filling. While service during Sunday morning’s peak breakfast hour was a little slow (a minor blip in an otherwise flawless experience), the team was exceptionally attentive and friendly throughout the rest of our stay.

For midday cravings, a tempting poolside menu offers a diverse selection of drinks and light bites, from classic Caesar wraps and loaded nachos to gourmet burgers and refreshing poke bowls. Naturally, there are also refreshing soft and alcoholic drinks available too. Complimentary afternoon tea (and unlimited refills of cake & beverages) is served by the pool daily.

Alila Ubud Wellness: Spa, Yoga, Tai Chi and the Complimentary Activities Programme

Alila’s commitment to “Conscious Living” truly shines through its wellness offerings. We had a massage for two booked in advance, with the option to reschedule if needed – perfect for a couple’s relaxation. The resort also offers a thoughtfully curated weekly program of complimentary activities, detailed in your room and provided at check-in (as timings vary daily). These often include:

• Morning Tai Chi or Qigong at the Sculpture Garden
• Yoga by the pool
• A scenic rice paddy walk
• Afternoon tea at the Cabana Lounge by the pool, with unlimited refills of small pieces of local cakes.

For honeymooners, the complimentary 60-minute professional photography session (including one digital photo) is an ideal way to capture timeless memories in this stunning setting.

Wildlife, Excursions and Getting Around Ubud

The lush jungle surrounding Alila Ubud is teeming with local wildlife. The resort thoughtfully provides a detailed booklet in each room, offering fascinating insights and photos of the area’s diverse animal inhabitants. Be mindful of the cheeky monkeys around the resort – they’ve been known to remove stuffing from cushions, especially if they smell fruity perfumes! I also saw one at breakfast climbing down from the roof and stealing a banana from the buffet!

While Alila Ubud feels wonderfully secluded, it’s conveniently located just 25 minutes from Ubud town. The resort offers a convenient shuttle service operating multiple times daily in both directions. Be sure to arrive at the lobby early, as seats are limited. Golf buggies are also readily available for seamless luggage transport and guest transfers around the resort. Our villa was at the very end of the resort and it took about 5 mins to walk but the staff always offered us the option of taking the buggy.

For the adventurous, bicycles are available to borrow, though I personally recommend caution cycling around Ubud due to narrow roads and traffic. For truly unique experiences, the onsite concierge can help organize ’Signature Journeys’ such as:

• A thrilling 1-hour topless retro car adventure
• A romantic hillside panoramic picnic
• An unforgettable panoramic sunset romantic dinner
• Private cooking classes with an Alila Chef

These activities are perfect for creating unforgettable memories on a Bali honeymoon or a first-time trip to Ubud.

Planning a wider South East Asia honeymoon? The Sukhothai Bangkok makes an exceptional first or final stop — and I can build the full itinerary around both properties.

How to Book Alila Ubud With Hyatt Privé Perks

My check-out process was smooth and seamless, with no unexpected surprises. Even for our early departure, the resort thoughtfully prepared a convenient breakfast box filled with pastries, fresh fruit, juice, and boiled eggs. The overall service was exceptional – super friendly and attentive. As your dedicated Hyatt Privé agent, I can elevate your Alila Ubud experience even further.

When you book Alila Ubud through me as a Hyatt Privé advisor, your stay includes either a $50 hotel credit or a complimentary massage for two — a treatment that would cost significantly more if booked independently at the spa. For honeymooners especially, this is one of the most meaningful inclusions available through any advisor programme. There are no booking fees, and I can arrange the massage appointment before you arrive.

When you book your stay through me, you’ll unlock an array of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your luxury getaway:

Hyatt Privé is one of several preferred programmes I work with. For a full picture of what’s available across 6,000+ hotels, here’s how it works.

FAQ

Q: Is Alila Ubud the best luxury resort in Ubud? A: It is consistently among the top recommendations for Ubud, particularly for couples and honeymooners seeking a jungle retreat with genuine serenity. The clifftop setting above a river valley, the complimentary daily wellness activities, and a level of personal service — from the Jamu Kunyit Asem welcome drink to the tiger eye bracelet farewell gift — that goes well beyond what most luxury resorts attempt, make it a standout choice in the region.

Q: Is Bali too crowded for a luxury holiday? A: The concern about overtourism in Bali is legitimate for certain areas — particularly Seminyak and the more popular beach clubs. Ubud, and specifically resorts like Alila Ubud, offer a genuinely different experience. The resort sits above a jungle valley, 25 minutes from Ubud town, and operates at a scale and pace that feels entirely removed from the busier parts of the island. A refined, quiet getaway in Bali is absolutely still possible — it simply requires choosing the right property and location.

Q: How far is Alila Ubud from Ubud town and the airport? A: The resort is approximately 25 minutes from central Ubud town, with a complimentary shuttle service running multiple times daily in both directions. From Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), expect a transfer of approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. Pre-arranged airport transfers through the resort or a trusted local driver are strongly recommended. I have a great driver that waited for us for 3 hours when our flight was delayed.

Q: Is Alila Ubud good for a honeymoon? A: It is one of the strongest honeymoon resorts in all of Bali. The Terrace Villas with outdoor rain showers and private garden bathtubs, the complimentary 60-minute professional photography session, evening turndown with baked desserts, and the intimate spa setting make it purpose-built for couples. Booking through a Hyatt Privé advisor like Steve Michailidis adds a complimentary massage for two, daily breakfast, and a room upgrade — all included at no extra cost and no booking fee.

Q: What is included in the Hyatt Privé rate at Alila Ubud? A: Booking through Steve Michailidis as a Hyatt Privé affiliated travel advisor includes a choice of $50 hotel credit or a complimentary massage for two (subject to a minimum stay), daily breakfast for two, a welcome amenity, a complimentary room upgrade confirmed in advance based on forecasted occupancy, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. There are no booking fees.

Q: What complimentary activities does Alila Ubud offer? A: The resort runs a daily programme of complimentary activities that varies by day. Regular offerings include morning Tai Chi or Qigong at the Sculpture Garden, yoga by the pool, a guided rice paddy walk, and afternoon tea with local cakes at the Cabana Lounge. A detailed schedule is provided at check-in and placed in each villa.

Q: Are there monkeys at Alila Ubud? A: Yes — and they are a genuine highlight of the experience. The grounds are home to resident monkeys who can occasionally be mischievous (avoid leaving fruity toiletries accessible on your balcony and secure any food). Watching them play in the trees from your villa at dawn is one of those unexpectedly joyful moments that stays with you long after the trip.

Is Alila Ubud Worth It?

For Bali first-timers who’ve hesitated because of the crowds, and for honeymooners wondering whether the island can still deliver something genuinely intimate — Alila Ubud is the answer to both questions simultaneously.

What makes it work is the combination of scale and sincerity. This isn’t a vast resort where personalised service is a marketing promise. The team knew our names, anticipated the late-night sandwiches after a delayed arrival, booked the spa appointment before we’d thought to ask, and sent us home with handmade bracelets as a farewell. These aren’t amenities — they’re gestures, and they’re the reason guests describe Alila Ubud not as a hotel stay but as a genuinely affecting experience.

The Hyatt Privé perks — complimentary massage for two, daily breakfast, room upgrade confirmed before arrival — represent exceptional value on top of an already outstanding product. And the photography session is worth booking immediately for any couple: the jungle and valley setting produces images you simply couldn’t recreate anywhere else.

If Bali is on your list, stop hesitating. And if Ubud is where you want to be, stop looking. Get in touch and I’ll take care of every detail.