If you’re scoping out places to stay in Ubud and Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is on your radar — good call. I’ve stayed (well, visited enough) luxury resorts around Ubud, and this one’s got a lot of heart + leafy magic. Let me walk you through what it’s really like, what you get, what you should know, and whether it fits your vibe.
What is Maya Ubud?
Maya Ubud is a luxury resort & spa in Ubud, Bali, tucked between lush jungle and rice terraces overlooking the Petanu River valley.
Here’s the quick lowdown in plain words:
- The Vibe: Peaceful jungle sanctuary — you’re surrounded by greenery, river sounds, and open Balinese-style architecture.
- Rooms & Villas: They’ve got regular suites, private pool villas, and bigger duplex villas (some with valley views).
- Food: On-site restaurants like Mayasari (buffet + international), River Café (healthier menu), and Asiatique (Asian fusion).
- Wellness: A big focus here — spa treatments, yoga classes (even aerial yoga), nature walks, and cooking classes.
- Location: Just outside central Ubud (about 10 mins drive), so you get quiet jungle vibes but can still shuttle into town for markets, temples, and cafes.
- Perfect For: Honeymooners, couples, wellness seekers, and anyone who wants a calm base in Bali instead of being smack in the middle of the town buzz.
Think of it as a resort that mixes modern luxury + traditional Balinese design + wellness focus, all set in a jungle hideaway.
What You Get (Amenities + Experiences)
Maya Ubud is more than a place to crash; there are plenty of in-resort things to keep you happy:
- Multiple dining options: a buffet + à la carte at “Mayasari”, other themed/cultural dinners, River Café with healthier / organic / vegetarian-friendly menus.
- Wellness & Spa: spa treatments, healing session options, pretty tranquil setting. Also yoga activities (private yoga, aerial yoga, etc.) and forest/rice-paddy walks.
- Activities: Cooking classes, floating journey, romantic dinners, in-villa grill, yoga walls, jungle buggy or white water rafting options nearby (book via the resort).
- Service perks: Butler options (in some villas), shuttle service into Ubud town. The resort is close enough (a short drive) but also tucked away so you get calm.
What It’s Not Perfect On
- Some rooms / linens / bedding: a few reviews say they could be refreshed — some wear & tear visible. If you care, ask for a newer villa.
- Location trade-offs: It’s peaceful, but you’ll need transport for dinner in town / exploring markets, etc. Shuttle helps, but time + cost add up.
- Cost: This is luxury, so food, spa, extras add up fast. Especially if you treat every dinner or spa as “just casual.”
What’s Nearby: Eat, Explore, Local Spots
Here’s where staying at Maya Ubud gives you the best of both worlds: nature + local culture + convenience.
| Local Thing | What It Is / Why It’s Good | Distance / Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tegallalang Rice Terrace | Iconic rice fields + swings + artsy photo spots. Perfect for early morning light. | ~20-30 mins drive |
| Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) | Ancient temple & bathing pools, shaded gardens, peaceful atmosphere. | Relatively close; doable half-day trip. |
| Ubud Art Market | Bargain / craft stalls, art, textiles — good if you want something local. | Ubud town; short drive from Maya Ubud. |
| Campuhan Ridge Walk | Scenic walk at sunrise or sunset; nature + jungle vistas, easy for slow mornings. | ~10-15 mins drive depending on traffic. |
| Local Warungs / Restaurants | What to Expect | Why Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| River Café (in-resort) | Fresh menu, organic / veggie options, good for healthy meals + relaxing view | Great fallback when you just wanna stay in and chill. |
| Mayasari | Buffet + a la carte with international & local flavours | Good for breakfasts and when you don’t feel like venturing far. |
| Asiatique | Asian specialty restaurant with teppanyaki and theatre cooking | Nice for dinner with a view / a more special night. |
| Nearby local warungs in Ubud town | Small family-run stalls serving nasi campur, sate, local cakes | Cheap, local flavour, great for cultural immersion (ask resort for picks) |
Who This Resort Is Perfect For
- Couples or honeymooners who want romance + nature + spa vibes.
- Wellness seekers / yoga lovers who want serenity + beauty + well-designed activities.
- Families wanting luxury + space + activities for kids.
- Travelers who don’t mind being a short drive from Ubud town centre, valuing peace over nonstop city hustle.
Who Might Prefer Something Else
- If your priority is “walk everywhere, eat street food, nightlife on your doorstep”, a place in central Ubud or Bisma Street might be more convenient.
- Budget travelers who want ultra-cheap stays may find this resort’s rates + extras a bit steep.
- If you hate transfers / driving, note that traffic or winding roads can add time — plan your arrival accordingly.
Pricing & Deals
- Rooms / Villas often have special deals like “Stay Longer More Perks” or “Last Minute Deal” via Maya Ubud’s official site.
- As of data, some offers start from USD ~$179/night (depending on villa type, season).
- Best to book directly for perks (butler service, complimentary shuttle, sometimes spa credit) rather than third-party in some cases.
My Final Thoughts
If I were packing my bags tomorrow and had to pick a resort in Ubud to unwind in — Maya Ubud would be high up on my list. It strikes that sweet balance between luxury + nature + being near enough to town that you can do markets, temples & dance shows, but far enough that you wake up to jungle sounds, not car horns.
If you do end up booking here, these are my pro tips:
- Ask for a valley-view villa (you’ll pay more, but those views are worth waking up to).
- Check for deals (long-stay or last minute) on the Maya Ubud website.
- Plan a few full days in the resort itself — spa, yoga, forest trail — so you’re not always in “tourist mode.”
- Pack for wellness: insect repellent, comfy walking shoes, swimwear + a wrap for temple visits.
