Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word for “temple,” Mandapa – a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – offers each of its guests a genuine temple … individually. Located in the valley of the Ayung River, Mandapa feels like a holy village with its own rice paddies, steep winding lanes and the most beautiful landscaping. This traditional warmth is combined with an unmatched luxury in pools, wellness, fine dining, and the most lavish villas.

Location & Resort

This stunning hotel is located near Ubud, central Bali and is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and vibrant art scene. Ubud is surrounded by rice paddies and steep ravines, providing a picturesque setting. Ubud is the hub for traditional crafts, dance and music and known for its numerous temples. The cooler mountains and spiritual way of life have attracted those seeking a more relaxed and artistic atmosphere in Bali, turning it into a major tourist destination for those who wish to reconnect.

The Mandapa is one of the 6 ultra-exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserves owned by the Marriott Hotel Group. They describe it as an indulgence in uncommon luxury, a rare place set aside for those who appreciate an exotic sanctuary tucked away in the most exquisite corners of the world. The locations are handpicked for their lush and unspoiled landscapes and deeply personal experiences are guided by true human connection. All this is topped with an abundance of the world’s greatest luxury. After visiting Mandapa, we can surely agree that this stunning hotel ticks all of those boxes.

About 15 minutes away from the bustling streets of Ubud, a very unassuming small street leads the way to this hidden sanctuary entered by a beautiful courtyard with big arches covered by the nature it is embedded in. It is here that every guest is welcomed in the traditional Balinese hospitality.

The hotel is entered through an astounding open-walled lobby located on top of the hillside offering breathtaking views over the canyon and the whole resort, designed winding along the Ayung River.

The Mandapa feels like a local indigenous Balinese village with its own customs. Centre of this resort are the terraced rice fields which are nursed and maintained by local farmers. As such, this allows guests to capture the essence of what it is planting, tending, and harvesting the rice fields. In between the fields you can spot wild ducks living among the guests. Next to the rice fields there is also a local Mandapa temple in Sanskrit – where the local villagers come to honour their religion with the Ayung river in the background. Being located in the valley, you get the most stunning views when the light falls through the jungle into the resort.

The Mandapa has thoughtfully been designed by world-class architects Miles Humphreys and Jeffrey A. Wilkes and was inspired by the local ‘mandapas’ of Ubud. They used locally inspired and sustainably sourced materials, creating a resort that blends in perfectly in its environment and creating a mindful journey to the extraordinary – a full emersion inside the native Ubud culture, recreating the Balinese way of living with all the modern amenities.

Suites & Villas

Mandapa is designed to embrace the surrounding tropical landscape, featuring 35 luxurious and spacious suites, 25 private pool villas, including a three-bedroom pool villa – one of the largest villas in the area. During a visit to Mandapa, all guests have a 24-hour certified butler service, or ‘Patih’ at their disposal.

The following suite and villa types are available:

• Reserve Suite (100 m²) being an elegant space with intimate daybed, spacious bathroom, a private patio, large bedroom, inviting living space with beautiful views. Coming with 5 interconnecting rooms that are perfect for families, the Reserve suites offer a private piece of paradise.

• Mandapa Suite (145 m²) featuring traditional Balinese decor, individual local art, and 180-degree views over the rain forest beyond with lush rice paddies. Mandapa Suite offers a large balcony with veranda daybed, separate living area and a master bathroom with floor to ceiling windows.

• One-bedroom Pool Villa Units, 7 with forest view, 4 with rice terrace view and 12 with river front views (430 m²). These villas combine private outdoor spaces, including a pool and garden, with welcoming Balinese style interiors to offer unparalleled luxury. Elegant bedrooms, bathrooms with local amenities, indoor and outdoor rain shower, garden with seating areas, separate living room with glass walls which can be opened or closed and a 30 m² outdoor swimming pool. Views over the rain forest, rain forest toward rice paddies, or rain forest toward the Ayung river.

• Reserve two-bedroom Villa Units (995 m²) with one king and one twin room, located separately from one room to another. This villa features a Balinese house – concept in mind is designed with indoor/outdoor seating and dining areas, two bathrooms with local amenities, outdoor rain shower, lush greeneries, and an 82 m² infinity pool that overlooks the majestic Ayung River. The communal central living room abounds with local crafts, paining and fabrics; while the immense outdoor wooden deck takes prime advantage of mesmerizing Ayung River views and forest beyond.

• Three-bedroom Pool Villa Units (2,000 m²) are “The Ultimate Luxury”. With beautifully appointed interiors commanding a total of 2,000 m², the three-bedroom villa is one of the largest villas in Ubud area with exceptional views of the rainforest and the Ayung River. The villa features one king and two twin rooms; each room is equipped with a modern ensuite bathroom inside. Guests will enjoy an indoor and outdoor rain shower, separate living/dining area , fully equipped kitchen, spacious patio, a tropical garden, and a large 172 m² infinity pool. The three-bedroom villa is the perfect respite to rejuvenate the senses for discerning individuals or a family who appreciate a luxury retreat.

During our visit we stayed in a ‘one bedroom rice terrace Pool Villa’ with views of the central rice fields. Despite being in the centre of the resort, this villa offered us all the luxury and privacy for which we were craving. In this perfect location we enjoyed the sun from early morning until sunset while being covered by a green and lush oasis of calm. The detached living room next to the pool was charming and gives the opportunity of having breakfast, lunch and even dinner in your own room.

Gastronomy

The verdant rice paddies surrounding Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are more than simply a beautiful scenery – they serve as the foundation for nearly every meal, accompanied by fragrant spices, colourful vegetables, tender meats, and local fish. Visitors can experience Indonesian cuisine, alongside international dishes, at four distinct dining venues, where every meal is an elegantly orchestrated experience. Food is sourced as much as possible from the property’s organic garden and local suppliers. The unique wellness journey presented by Mandapa is also incorporated in the cuisine, where special attention has been taken to ensure that there are delicious and sophisticated options to align with any guest’s dietary needs.

• Kubu, meaning “hut” or “shelter” in Bahasa Indonesia, is the signature restaurant at Mandapa and is surrounded by a tropical breeze and the soothing sound of water with a unique bamboo construction. Kubu offers intimate dining spaces with nine private cocoons overlooking the Ayung River for guests to enjoy fine Mediterranean-European cuisine and the option to enjoy either sophisticated à la carte options or specially tailored degustation menus. An extensive list of European wines is also available. The setting in the cocoons is a one-of-a-kind intimate experience in a unparagoned setting. The dinner is of a remarkably high level and features the best of ingredients. The restaurant is also open for non-Mandapa guests who want to experience a gastronomic experience around Ubud.

• Ambar, meaning ‘sky’ in Sanskrit, offers guests a relaxed setting for handcrafted cocktails & Japanese fusion gastronomy, against the background of golden sunsets and daily live jazz music. Amber is located just next to the open lobby of the Mandapa and is perched on the sides of a cliff overlooking the whole resort. At dusk it is the favourite spot for enjoying the most beautiful sunsets. The Japanese dishes are of an outstanding level.

• Sawah Terrace, located at the edge of the Reserve valley, provides panoramic views of the majestic Ayung River, bringing “dining with nature” to the next level. Sawah Terrace amalgamate the best of Balinese and Asian flavours with an a most elegant setting. This more-then-stunning scenery is also the location where the breakfast buffet is served.

• The Pool Bar/Library serves timeless classics, fresh products, salad and sandwiches and light fare ideally suited for the warm climate. Juiceology, detox selections, and tea mixology for the health-conscious guests are also offered, accompanied by dedicated poolside services and in-room dining. The level of dishes served is of an exceedingly high level, from some local salads to crunchy tacos and in-room pizza by the pool.

• Dining Beyond is a unique and romantic dining experience allowing guests to enjoy their meals at exclusive locations throughout the reserve. Tailor-made menus are based on guest preferences and fresh market ingredients. Dining Beyond offers various location options such as the riverside, in the rice terrace, as well as explorer’s picnic togo, or simply a private in-villa barbecue.

Spa & Wellness

Disconnect to Reconnect is the mantra of the Mandapa’s wellness program. Both the Spa and Wellness facilities are of an extremely high level.

Renowned as a centre for spiritual and physical healing, Ubud offers a unique setting where visitors can escape the commotions of the everyday world and find peace within. The Ayung River offers a point of meditation, where the sound of flowing water lulls guests into a state of relaxation.

Based on the practice of treating the body to harmonize the soul, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers eight spa treatment rooms (three specifically designed for couples including the suite ). The truly holistic experience at Mandapa Spa utilizes a range of international and local products for sophisticated Balinese massages and skincare treatments. The Mandapa Spa also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, yoga studio, vitality pool, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Mandapa Wellness offers comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programs based on six pillars: Balinese Spa, Detox, Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy and Healing. A combination of regular classes from local therapists and workshops from global experts include Art Therapy, Jamu Works hops, and private consultation with healing masters.

Hotel Assets

Besides from being an experience on itself, Mandapa offers a wide array of assets:

• The pool area is located the very centre of the resort overlooking the rice paddies and the canyon. It is a very serene place as most of the villa’s come with their private pools. The area features two pools, one heated and the other unheated depending on the needs of every guest. Along the pools, wonderfully comfortable sun loungers or cabanas in all discretion and privacy make you feel like you are all alone in this little paradise. The pool is flanked by the Bar and the Library that got every need or craving covered.

• Even the kids have their own little paradise. Located way amidst the rice paddies, the expansive Mandapa Camp facility includes an organic garden, an enlightening Kid’s Hut, and an educational farm where young explorers can take care of the resort’s cow, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and many more. Inspired by Balinese huts that nestle in Ubud’s lush jungles, Mandapa Camp was designed as a wantilan, or meeting pavilion, where activities of the adherents take place and the location for supporting facilities of a temple. Debuting two curated journeys – one full day and one-half day – children are encouraged to embrace their innate curiosity for the world around them.

• In the light of disconnection, the Mandapa offers some activities where all guests are invited to participate, such as Balinese cooking or a medicinal plants workshop, which we immensely enjoyed. For people wanting to explore around the resort, Mandapa offers a wide selection of offsite activities and excursions exploring the fauna, flora, and culture of Bali around. The most popular excursion is the Volkswagen Vintage half-day tour, where a VW 181 convertible takes you on a beautiful tour around Bali’s countryside visiting rice fields, water temples and local villages. For the adventurers, a hike to Mount Batur is also possible, a perfect way to enjoy the most beautiful sunrise Bali has to offer.

Why go?

We started by stating that The Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers each of its guests a genuine temple of their own, but it is much more then that. It is as if you are being offered a temple inside a temple. The villas feature the highest of standards with all the possible luxury and privacy one could long for. Many of this is truly linked to a well-trained staff delivering a stellar experience to every guest. The place is spotless and the 24-hour butler service gives it that lofty dimension. Upon leaving your own villa, you end up in another paradise as this whole resort is just stunning with dazzling views from every angle. The impressive food and beverage options are of an exceptional level and takes the guest’s experience to an even higher level. Mandapa feels like a Balinese village you never want to leave!