There’s something magical about Ubud. As the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, every time we come to this part of the island, a state of calmness washes over us. Maybe it’s the lush green rice paddies and jungle surroundings? Perhaps it’s the ancient temples and moss-covered archways? Whatever it is, Ubud never fails to enchant us, making it the perfect location for a romantic couple’s escape.

Tucked away down the quaint street of Jalan Bisma, is Adiwana Bisma – a stylish boutique resort that somehow manages to juggle being close to Ubud’s main hub with blissful Bali serenity. We were looking for a getaway that was not only within easy walking distance of markets and temples, but also somewhere that has retained a sense of Balinese charm and authenticity – and as soon as we arrived at Adiwana Bisma, we knew we had found it!

Jungle Views & Bubble Baths – Our Dream Room

We were treating ourselves to 2-nights in the Bisma Jungle View room, which boasted not only a very generous king-size bed and deep freestanding bathtub, but also an ample-sized balcony that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding Ubud jungle. Spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated in a combination of natural materials, this room was pure luxury! If you’re travelling with a family or small group, there is also the option to interconnect the rooms, allowing for even more space.

You’ll also find plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay, including slippers, kimonos, complimentary minibar and premium tea and coffee-making facilities. We soon made ourselves at home with a cup of Excelso coffee using the pod machine, and relaxed on the balcony daybed, listening to the gentle birdsong coming from the treetops around us.

A Sweet Taste Of Island Delights

Daily complimentary afternoon tea is served from 3pm to 5pm at the hotel’s main restaurant, Pistachio. In keeping with the authenticity of the resort, you’ll be treated to a selection of tea or coffee, as well as bite-sized nibbles and traditional Balinese cakes that showcase the authentic flavours of the island. We particularly loved the Dadar Gulung – a rolled pancake coloured green from natural pandan leaves and filled with fresh shaven coconut and deliciously sweet palm sugar. 

Monkeys, Markets & More!

Being so close to the main Ubud shopping hub, we decided to take a jalan-jalan (walk) around the local area. Adiwana Bisma’s location is perfect for those who, like us, love an excuse to amble around at our own pace. Turn left as you come out of the resort and you’re not far from the Ubud Markets, perfect for grabbing a few holiday bargains. Turn right, and you’re just a short distance from the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, where you’ll be sure to spy some of those furry, long-tailed mischief makers clambering along the shop roofs and cheekily nabbing fruit from the offerings. 

A Night Of Balinese Culture

That evening we had arranged to experience Adiwana Bisma’s Barong Dance Cultural Dinner, which takes place every Friday starting from 7pm. Usually set against the backdrop of a starry night sky, a sprinkling of Ubud rain meant that the location changed to a cosier undercover setup. We were greeted with a traditional frangipani flower placed behind our ear and a welcome drink mocktail. 

The package also includes an alcoholic cocktail and a sumptuous buffet of traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine such as aromatic rice, grilled pork loin, chicken satay and peanut sauce, fresh grilled barramundi, green beans in coconut and crunchy tempe salad. Make sure to leave room for dessert with plenty of authentic cakes, tropical fruit skewers and black rice pudding (Bubur Ketan Hitam).

As we feasted, we were entertained with some captivating performances from some very talented local dancers, accompanied by a live Gamelang orchestra. First was the Pendet, a welcoming dance with ornate, colourful costumes, followed by a masked dance called Topeng Bujung. Next was the highly anticipated Barong, a heavy lion-esque costume worn by two dancers symbolising the struggle between good and evil. Finally was the Joged, a dance that encourages audience participation and provided plenty of laughs and smiles. It was a fantastic night that not only showcased delicious food and drink, but also gave a glimpse into Bali’s mythology and the cultural beliefs that make this island so very special.

Zen Mornings With Rooftop Yoga

Feeling rejuvenated after an extremely comfortable sleep, we decided to start our day in true Ubud style, with a morning rooftop yoga session. Available every Wednesday and Saturday at 7am, you are invited to stretch, bend and find your inner zen with an expertly led 60-minute session that’s open to yogis of all levels. Although we didn’t have much yoga experience, we found it easy to join in and really enjoyed this invigorating start to the day with the sights and sounds of the jungle waking up around us.

Brekkie Goals At Pistachio

By now, we had definitely earned our breakfast! So we made our way to Pistachio Restaurant and made the most of our inclusive brekkie amongst the rice paddies. You’ll be spoilt for choice with Pistachio’s vast selection. As well as freshly squeezed juices, aromatic coffees, pastries and fresh fruits, there’s a huge selection of hot breakfast mains such as hearty sandwiches with bacon, egg and avocado, corn fritter stacks, Turkish eggs, waffles and even a cheese selection with crackers and cashew nuts. Pistachio can also easily cater to dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian, and we were really impressed with the quality of the food – resulting in us eating a little more than we perhaps should have!

Infinity Pool Chills & Cooking Class Thrills

After our adventures around Ubud yesterday, today we decided to spend some time relaxing around the resort, and at Adiwana Bisma you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Their rooftop infinity pool is the perfect spot for some tanning, with comfy loungers and views that look out to the rolling Batukaru mountain range in the distance. 

Feeling inspired by our cultural dinner last night, we decided to try our hands at a Balinese Cooking Class, which was expertly led by Chef Mia. Here, we were introduced to fresh, colourful local ingredients (some familiar and some less so), as we learnt how to prepare and cook deliciously authentic Balinese dishes, including Satay Lilit (minced fish satay), Lawar (vegetables mixed with shaven coconut), Cam Cam (aromatic chicken soup) and Dadar Gulung Nangka (jackfruit & palm sugar pancakes). 

We chopped, shredded, minced, grilled and sauteed our way to creating a mouthwatering feast, which coincided just in time for lunch. As well as getting a certificate, you’ll also receive a printed copy of the recipes you make so you can recreate them all at home. The cooking class can be adapted to suit dietary requirements, making it a great hands-on activity to learn more about the Balinese culture.

After such a busy start to the day, it was only right that we enjoyed some time chilling poolside with a good book and a cold drink. However, if you prefer to keep busy, Adiwana Bisma has an array of amazing activities such as Balinese offering making, guided treks around Ubud’s picturesque rice fields, cycling tours, traditional water purification rituals and ATV riding adventures for the adrenaline junkies.

Sizzling Feasts & Signature Cocktails

Every Saturday night, Pistachio Restaurant showcases its premium meats with an exclusive Grill Night along with live acoustic entertainment. Although it was busy, we managed to snag a table and poured over the tempting menu full of sumptuous meats, such as Ribeye, Lamb Chops, Pork Ribs, Tenderloin, King Prawns and Red Snapper. They also serve their regular menu, however we were keen to try the Sampler Set which had a little bit of everything, as well as your choice of carb accompaniments, sides and sauces.

As we awaited our feast, we decided to try some of Pistachio’s signature cocktails, perfectly made by their expert bar staff. The Ulu Sour was sensational! A combination of tequila, homemade limoncello, vanilla essence and passion fruit puree, it was zesty, smooth and went down far too easily. Following that was the Asha, made with gin, vanilla essence, passion fruit syrup, fresh mint leaf and topped with house brew ginger beer – another hit! 

Our food was also excellent, with the melt-in-your-mouth Pork Ribs and perfectly cooked Tenderloin being the standout favourites. The live music added to the buzzing atmosphere, making it a perfect final night indulgence. However, if you are looking for a more select dining experience, Adiwana Bisma offers a candlelit Twilight Heavenly Romantic package, as well as an exclusive Intimate Dinner in the privacy of your balcony, complete with romantic decor – perfect for a sophisticated evening with your special someone.

A Spa-Tacular Send-Off!

The last morning of our serene Ubud getaway meant making the most of the stunning lagoon pool views with a floating breakfast. What better way to start the day than with a tray full of delicious goodies, fresh juices and hot coffee against the treetops? Then it was time to enjoy a final bit of tanning before our last treat – a rejuvenating massage at Tejas Spa Bisma, the resort’s luxe haven where wellness and tranquillity go hand-in-hand.

Whether you’re in need of a refreshing facial, a tension-relieving neck & shoulder massage, foot reflexology or body scrubs, Tejas Spa’s menu is full of tempting treatments. We opted for the Aromatherapy Massage, combining warm essential oils with long flowing strokes to promote deep relaxation. After 60 blissful minutes (and a few gentle snores later), we certainly felt as though all our cares had melted away. 

Wanting to make the most of our final few hours before checkout, we decided to follow the treatment up with a couple’s Citrus Bath. The tub was filled with the invigorating scent of fresh oranges and pandan leaves, and as we relaxed in the deep warm water, sipping on an aromatic ginger tea, we agreed that this was the perfect way to conclude our romantic retreat.

One Stay, A Million Memories!

From start to finish, our stay at Adiwana Bisma was pure bliss! It’s easy to see why this boutique resort is a top choice for couples – it’s luxe, serene and packed with thoughtful touches that make an intimate getaway extra special. Adiwana strikes the perfect balance between romance and adventure, making it the ideal choice for couples looking to reconnect. But it’s not just for lovebirds! Families will love the spacious, interconnecting rooms and cultural activities, whilst solo travellers will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality. No matter who you are holidaying with, Adiwana Bisma delivers plenty of Bali charm for everyone!

Address: Jl. Bisma, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Website: https://adiwanahotels.com/bisma-resort-ubud-bali 
Instagram: @adiwanabismaubud