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From Bali with Love: Why Kaamala Resort Ubud is a Honeymooner’s Paradise
Written by Dana Cape
This Ubud resort sets the mood just right for a quiet stay with your special someone.
Part of iNi Vie Hospitality’s extensive collection of resort and villa stays throughout Bali, Kaamala Resort Ubud brands itself as a honeymooner’s paradise. With a central location that still manages to feel remote – thanks to its proximity to Ubud’s palm-fringed rice paddies – and just 28 suites and private pool villas, Kaamala Resort Ubud promises a sweet stay in one of the island’s quieter spots.
What’s the neighbourhood like?
The resort sits at the far south of Jalan Bisma, a street that opens onto an equal spread of mid-scale restaurants, terraced rice fields, villas and homestays. It’s just off Jalan Raya Ubud, the town’s main street, yet traffic is minimal. Kaamala’s infinity pool and main restaurant overlook a lush jungle canyon at the back of the property. Guests are both a convenient (and complimentary) five-minute shuttle drive from Ubud Palace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest is only a five-minute walk away – so don’t be surprised when the adorable primates decide to join you for breakfast!
The resort is located approximately a 90-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Where am I sleeping?
Over the course of five days, I lay my head in both the One Bedroom Villa with Private Pool (from A$497) and the Grand One Bedroom Private Pool Villa with Ricefield View (from A$570) – which comes with a larger outdoor terrace. Both have a small garden with plumeria and frangipani trees, two sun beds and a lounge area with a refrigerated minibar. That’s not to mention the extra-wide hammock, with views over my private infinity pool and the neighbouring rice paddy.
Villas are spacious and breezy, and both air conditioning and ceiling fan are welcome reprieves against the heat. Honeyed tones of teak and Vienna straw accompany thoughtful details, like a double-basin vanity (with plenty of counter space) and a closet containing two light-as-air kimonos – along with a straw tote bag and a wide-brimmed hat – for days out among the rice terraces. Best of all, my pillow-top king bed and pillows feel like they were made for my body to sink into them, and the cotton bedding feels soft without being cool – just how I like it.
Smart home systems make it easy to customise everything from the lighting to the Harman Kardon speakers, particularly handy when I pull myself a bubble bath. (Villas also include a granite-lined rain shower).
What’s on the menu?
Habitat Bistro serves a hefty a la carte breakfast with a view over the resort’s stunning infinity pool and the jungle valley below (by far, the best spot for a floating breakfast, should you be tempted). The menu ranges from traditional English (eggs, bacon and beans) to shakshuka, bibimbap and rainbow-coloured smoothie bowls. All come with cut fruit, bread, your choice of tea or coffee and freshly pureed juice – I sample honeydew, watermelon, papaya and guava over the course of my visit.
When I sit down to dinner at Habitat Bistro, I start with an aperitif of gin, tonic and coconut water – the perfect refreshment to quench my thirst as the temperatures die down with the setting of the sun. Ordering from the two-course set menu, I find my main is compact in comparison to breakfast, but filling nonetheless. The roast baby chicken with romesco, labneh and pickled onion hits all the right notes of spicy, succulent, sour and sweet. And my banana fritter dessert pairs the custard-like island variety with a delicate batter, a light smear of chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and an unexpected sprinkle of shredded cheese that rounds out the dish with a satisfying, savoury tang. Thanks to the plentiful serving, I return to my villa wholly content.
Shichirin, Kaamala’s teppanyaki-style charcoal grill restaurant, presents more fanfare as chefs slice, dice and ignite your dinner before your eyes. For starters, the sweet grilled scallops in buttermilk, honey and orange sauce have a perfect salty-sweetness, while the toro tartare refreshes my palate with its bite of garlic and wasabi. Though sushi is available, a combination of hibachi-grilled king prawn and cauliflower with tangy ponzu mayonnaise leaves me too full even for dessert, though I can’t resist a bowl of buttery rice with garlic chips, a dish which trumps all others as my favourite comfort food.
And how about drinks?
Delicate, balanced riffs on classic cocktails line Habitat’s menu, including a sassy trio of mezcal, vanilla and coffee negronis. Mocktails include ingredients like coconut water and chamomile and rosella teas (picked nearby). A short, smart wine list highlights two local wineries, with four sake options as well. Turn to Shichiran for more imaginative cocktails, like the Friends of Hibachi (vodka, wasabi paste and pickled ginger juice) or a bubblegum-flavoured play on the Clover Club.
What are the extras like?
Svaha Spa offers a sensational 90-minute massage and bath package, perfectly suited to couples. After letting me select a herbal massage oil with warming undertones of holy basil and cinnamon, my masseuse stretches my limbs and cracks my joints with a confident, firm pressure well beyond what I expected from someone half my size. While she works, the bath is magically pulled to just the right temperature for a 30-minute soak, during which I relax in a potpourri of limes, ginger and lemongrass.
There’s also a chapel onsite, making this an excellent choice for an intimate destination wedding. A complimentary shuttle service includes free entry to Ubud’s brand-new boutique haven for day-play, The Jungle Club.
What sets Kaamala Resort Ubud apart?
The service is incredible – every member of staff seems to know my name, making me feel welcome and at home every time I walk through the gate.
Who will love Kaamala Resort Ubud?
Couples seeking a quiet stay on the edge of Ubud Centre, who appreciate excellent service paired with upscale amenities and utter privacy.
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The writer was a guest of the hotel.
Featured image: Kamala Resort Ubud. Source: Kamala Resort Ubud.
