Discover Ubud's hidden treasure, Kappa Senses, where French elegance meets Balinese serenity between rice paddy fields and lush rainforests.
Tucked away from the bustle of Bali’s coastline, Ubud is the island’s go-to destination for rejuvenation and cultural exploration. Venture into the central foothills of the Gianyar district and you’ll find a trove of wellness, culture and artistry at the five-star Kappa Senses Ubud. If you’re searching for inner balance, this French-inspired retreat has you covered – think morning yoga and meditation while listening to the gentle calls of rainforest birds, inspired dining featuring fresh farm-to-table ingredients and purposeful activities to ignite cultural closeness, all surrounded by flourishing greenery.
Here are five reasons this Ubud escape delivers the ultimate Bali bliss.
1. It’s French-owned with a Clarins spa
Partnering with high-end skincare brand Clarins, the OmTara Spa by Clarins combines the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of effortless French beauty with Ubud’s signature serenity. Under the prowess of powerhouse Clarins and an eco-conscious philosophy, this 1000-square-metre oasis delivers an extensive menu of treatments. From soothing facials for sensitive skin to a streamlining body treatments utilising plant extracts straight from the onsite permaculture garden, the OmTara Spa is dedicated to delivering a blissful retreat to the highest standard. Awaken your senses in a steamy sauna, Vichy shower and hammam, look your best with the help of the hair and beauty salon, keep up your routine at the fitness centre or let the experts take the reins in one of seven private treatment rooms.
2. It’s set amid rice fields, jungle and Balinese villages
Despite being only ten minutes from the centre of Ubud, you’ll feel worlds away among the resort’s verdant paradise. Jungle-like paths wind around the resort, taking you through a lush rainforest setting and past endless rice paddy fields. Each suite and villa is thoughtfully designed with Balinese-inspired contemporary interiors, enhanced by views of its lush surrounds. Lotus leaf fountains are dotted throughout the resort, Sanskrit carvings decorate warm timber buildings and two sparkling pools (a staple of any Bali holiday) let you soak up the serenity. On days when you’d like to venture out, a complimentary shuttle service running five times a day will take you to Ubud’s thriving cultural centre.
3. It offers farm-to-table dining across its ‘epicurean nests’
Every dining experience at Kappa Senses Ubud is considered, using fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, micro greens and edible flowers grown organically within the 2000 square metre onsite permaculture farm. Tour the farm to learn about its cultivation and produce and join a cooking class to see how these fresh ingredients are used by the resort’s chefs. Dishes are prepared using a mix of fruits and vegetables harvested direct from the resort (about 30%) and other ingredients sourced from local farmers.
4. Complimentary experiences immerse you in Balinese culture
A curated schedule of experiences named ‘Kappa Instants’ encourage guests to participate in daily cultural excursions and activities, all designed to make every stay as enriching as possible. All underpinned by the resort’s focus on wellness, guests are invited to live the Ubud way by connecting with both local tradition and the natural environment. During your time at Kappa Senses Ubud, you might discover the secrets of traditional coffee brewing, learn about Subak rice farming, perform a sacred Balinese ritual at a temple, make Arak cocktails, unwind with Surya yoga and visit the neighbouring Tanggayuda village.
5. It’s community-oriented and eco-conscious
Kappa Senses Ubud follows a belief system based on five principles – genuine encounters, culture and discovery, sense-awakening, environmental responsibility and luxury. This practice ensures the resort delivers a genuine and environmentally conscious wellness experience for all its guests, and Kappa Senses places even more emphasis on authenticity, honouring the community spirit of Ubud and its surrounds. Aligned with this ethos, the resort was constructed using local, eco-friendly materials and maintains ongoing initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, practicing permaculture gardening and upholding ethical work practices, including providing meals and health coverage to employees. Kappa Senses carries this ethos beyond its own grounds too, further giving back to the community by investing in the renovation of an elementary school at Tanggayuda village. The works saw six classrooms and one library be completely refurbished.
Searching for more Bali wellness? Here’s our pick of Bali’s best spas.
Featured image: Kappa Senses Ubud. Supplied.
