Mandapa’s luxury, blending serene landscapes, exquisite dining, and rejuvenating spa retreats provide ethereal and sensory experience that captivates both heart and sou.
Made legendary by ‘Eat Pray Love’, Ubud is where serenity meets creativity, wrapped in rice fields and endless wonder. Amid its lush beauty, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, redefines luxury with an ethereal, sensory experience that captivates completely.
Welcome to Ubud, where verdant rice terraces roll gently into the horizon and artisan markets vibrate with the heartbeat of Balinese culture. Here, the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of frangipani and the soft sounds of gamelan music. Artistry thrives in every nook, and café offerings stretch from traditional to trendy. In this vibrant hub, spirituality and creativity coalesce beautifully, drawing travellers into a world that feels both ancient and alive. You can lose half a lazy afternoon watching a mesmerizing dance drama, or wandering warungs (read: charming local eateries) where the aroma of fresh spices wafts like an unspoken promise. The quirky boutiques and flower-petal offerings dotting the streets only add to Ubud’s charm, but what seals the deal is the people—smiling, ever-laughing, as if they hold the secret to the universe in their hearts. Whatever spell this place casts, I’ll gladly fall under it again and again. And amidst this picturesque joy bursting from every corner, I was poised to uncover the enchanting secrets of Mandapa. Stepping into this Ritz Carlton Reserve felt like stumbling upon a dream, painted in greens and golds, where tranquillity envelops you from the get-go. Upon arrival, my eyes widened at the sight of the resort cascading gracefully down a hillside, bordered by emerald rice fields and the sacred Ayung River, a natural wonder that seemed borrowed from a fantasy story.
NATURE’S EMBRACE
The heart of my stay was undoubtedly my pool villa, an exquisite establishment cloaked in privacy behind soaring volcanic stone walls. Each day started with the sun filtering through leafy canopies, illuminating the stunning interiors—a blend of rich dark woods, intricate Balinese artwork, and plush Ikat fabrics that whispered luxury. I stepped out into my own private paradise, where a shimmering infinity pool invited me to dive into a universe of relaxation. With views spanning across the surrounding landscape, lounging poolside felt almost like an indulgent act of rebellion against the outside world. As I soaked in morning sun amidst fragrant blossoms, breakfasts at Sawah Terrace became a ritual of pure poetry. Under a tasselled parasol, I savoured colourful smoothie bowls that danced alongside decadent croissants, the culinary brilliance invoking blissful sighs at each bite. The weekend Royal Brunch was an extravaganza that would have made the gods weep—an extensive spread showcasing the best of local flavours while I gazed at psychedelic butterflies flitting gracefully around me.
CULINARY MAGIC BY THE RIVER
Evenings melted into twilight hues as I ventured to Ambar Ubud Bar, perched on Mandapa’s hillside with its breath-taking panorama. My Wild Fields cocktail, infused with local Balinese Arak, felt like a rite of passage, and I dined on scrumptious Japanese fusion plates. Each dish was a love letter to the senses, making every bite an unforgettable duet of flavours. But let’s not overlook the pièce de résistance: Kubu, an enchanting bamboo haven set alongside the riverbanks, where the ten-course tasting menu was a metaphorical love affair. The artistry of the dishes—a delicate mushroom consommé, seasonal treasures captured in cashew cream—rendered me utterly speechless. Dining here felt akin to stepping into an exquisite culinary journey where every course was a delightful surprise.
SANCTUARY OF RELAXATION
Ah, the spa! Date night with serenity? Yes, please. I surrendered myself to the temple-like stone spa designed to awaken the senses. The rhythmic Balinese massage deftly worked out the knots of my travel-weary body, leaving me in a state of utter bliss. It’s the kind of spa where time retracts; the myriad of offerings—steam rooms, ice fountains, and a rooftop vitality pool overlooking the lush landscape—combined to create an ambiance of pure radiance. I luxuriated in the tranquil atmosphere as treatments soothes my mind, body, and spirit, making me feel like I could float back to my villa at any moment. For those looking to explore beyond the villa walls, Mandapa’s complimentary shuttle to Ubud town was an adventure waiting to unfold. Roaming the charming streets allowed me to discover local artisans, try my hand at crafting, and sample the many culinary delights bustling in open-air restaurants—each day spent exploring was like a vibrant splash of colour on my Bali canvas. At each enchanting corner, Mandapa; a Ritz Carlton revealed itself as a land of discovery and delight. From breath-taking views to ethereal spa journeys, indulgent meals to cosy evenings, it bridged the gap between my quotidian existence and a world where the gods would indeed dwell. By the end of my stay, the experience felt less like a vacation and more like a poignant love story, leaving me gloriously dedicated to returning to this paradise that feels like it was tailor-made for my soul.
Akanksha Dean is a zealous enthusiast of the nomadic way of life. She is the first and only Indian to have trained at 3 Michelin star Osteria Francescana (In the Best of The Best List) and is an independent food & travel writer, a chef and a catalyst.