capella ubud review

Overall, I found the food at the Capella to be of great quality, freshly prepared and always flavorful and beautifully presented. Book Capella Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang on Tripadvisor: See 170 traveller reviews, 477 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali, ranked #2 of 38 hotels in Tegalalang and rated 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. - See 171 traveler reviews, 516 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali at Tripadvisor. The local architect that had initially been engaged on the project had come up with a plan that would have, as Bensley puts it, obliterated the natural beauty of the site and generated an eyesore for the surrounding neighbourhood. Tents are named after specific professions which were carried out by those first explorers: toy maker, baker, photographer, painter, and decorated accordingly with objects and art pieces that represent it. 18 November, 2019. This is the perfect time and place for a safari staple, a gin and tonic, which has its origins in India as a mosquito protection medicine. Bill Bensley’s design elements can be seen across the tents with mismatched patterns in bright colors, and quirky vintage objects that you would never imagine could fit and yet they seem at ease with one another. Tent categories can be differentiated by their location and views with entry-level Terrace tents located higher up the hill and Wos River Tents farther down by the river. , who managed to convince the owner,  businessman Suwito Gunawan, to forgo the 100+ room resort idea for an intimate and high-end tented property that would preserve the rainforest as is, Capella Ubud is a place to admire. The staff called me in advance to ask what drinks I wanted to be stocked in the room, although I did not realize that the fridge was so large and I was not given a drinks list to choose from. Capella Ubud’s tents combine elements of a canvas safari lodge with those of a traditional Balinese home, such as carved wooden doors or saput poleng, two-color checkered bed throws. Speaking to this softly-spoken avid art collector in the camp’s main lounge, the Officer’s Tent, we’re surrounded by an unrivalled collection of curios. “So we changed it bit by bit until the local architect threw up his hands and walked away, leaving us in charge to pursue something more environmentally suitable.” As a result, they scaled the brief down to 20 tents to keep the forest untouched, and instead built around the trees. To the right of the bed is the lounge area and to the left the bathroom. Compare the rooms at the Capella Ubud, Bali hotel. Each tent is accessed via a suspended bridge and located on an elevated platform. He explains that he and Bensley bonded while hunting together. “Camping back then was ever-so different from what we’ve created at Capella – but in some ways, it’s the same. Striking, eco-conscious design There are bespoke pony-skinned armchairs and giant leather-trimmed wooden thrones for toilets (although outcries from hygiene-aholics mean they will reconfigure the seats using resin). By Juliet Kinsman. When we got to the room we were given a tour of the various parts, and also asked if we wanted our luggage unpacked which we declined but should not have. I only dined at Mad’s Lounge, for breakfast and lunch, as I decided to head out for dinner to the acclaimed farm to table. I found Capella Ubud to be an exceptional resort. Capella Ubud, Bali: Worth A Visit! Throughout the tents, and the rest of the lodge, you can also find several unique antique pieces. resorts in Bali and so my expectations were pretty high. Designed by Bangkok-based Bill Bensley, this fantasy camp of 23 tented suites with big personalities brings to life 18th-century escapades. Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145. The designer is also a fervent conservation activist, through his Shinta Mani properties and through the hotels he designs, which try to minimize destruction during their construction. The lodge tries to portray their spirit of adventure through a combination of European colonial elements mixed with the local Balinese culture. “But for us, the odder it was, the better – Bill is a mad genius. You can go on early morning treks across the rice paddies with a local guide, hike Mount Agung at sunrise and enjoy breakfast at the top as the sun peers through the volcano crater, learn about cacao, a recent craze in Bali, or bicycle around Bali. Bensley has a huge portfolio of vibrant properties under his belt, from, in the Golden Triangle or the Shinta Mani properties like, Capella Ubud is not his only safari-inspired property. The flat shoes were a must given that the resort is incredibly steep and the stairs are slippery and require you to be in good shape. It helps that I adore his style. Nature is flawless, the designer’s role is to preserve as much of that as possible. Book Capella Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang on Tripadvisor: See 170 traveller reviews, 477 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali, ranked #2 of 38 Speciality lodging in Tegalalang and rated 5 … Conceived by the flamboyant hotel designer Bill Bensley, who managed to convince the owner,  businessman Suwito Gunawan, to forgo the 100+ room resort idea for an intimate and high-end tented property that would preserve the rainforest as is, Capella Ubud is a place to admire. There is also a poolside bar called Mortar and Pestle. The chef was also happy to adapt dishes and, when my vegan friend came to visit on the last day, they prepared special vegan snacks at happy hour for her. The lunch menu was quite vast too with several international options, Indonesian favorites and the Indonesian colonial multi-course shared meal called rijsttafel that is commonly found in Holland and across Dutch colonies such as Indonesia. There are also see-through plastic covers that allow you to look through even in the rain, a common occurrence in this part of Bali. Then came afternoon tea, evening drinks and snacks and then dinner. All are one-bedroom tents except for The Lodge which is a two-bedroom tent. Entirely made to order from a long list of possible dishes, this was a time to slowly indulge with Indonesian jamu tonics, freshly made coffee, fresh fruits and juices and a huge array of hot and cold dishes. We were then brought a selection of Indonesian hot dishes encapsulated inside the tiffin boxes that are common also in Singapore, former British colonies and China and which were used to transport food while keeping it hot and unmixed. References are made throughout to Balinese traditions, such as in the black-and-white checked fabric, or saput poleng, which covers the daybeds, and striking handmade batiks and ikat textiles, all enhancing the distinct sense of place. 16 Apr 2019. . Black and white meets bright bold solid colors and patterns are the signature of many of his properties. A belted trunk opens to reveal a generous drinks cabinet with cut-glass crystal. Bali (Kecamatan), Indonesia. That cosiness beats the pants off any city hotel.”, This article originally ran in Sleeper 82. 23 rooms from £496 per night “A wonderfully opulent tented camp in the lush rainforests of Ubud, Bali. They had also asked if we were celebrating any special occasion, and I mentioned it was my birthday to which they advised a complimentary cake would be provided in the tent, but we never saw the cake or an acknowledgement about my birthday, other than from the GM on arrival. Review: Capella Ubud, Bali. Overall, I found the service at Capella Ubud to be very friendly, accommodating and helpful, never a no, just a “let me check”. It becomes easy to create a place that transports people into another time and place – and the story we’re telling really happened a couple of centuries ago.” One of the characters the team has profiled, who gives the main tented restaurant its name, is Mads Lange. My booking at Capella Ubud included airport pick up (all bookings for a minimum of two nights do) so we were met by the staff at the arrivals area of Denpasar Airport and taken to our comfortable 4×4 car. The four-poster beds are custom-made Bensley creations with their engraved headboards and delightful sashes of fabric floating down from the tent-top. Chocolate, vanilla, lavender, orange – the soaps were beautiful. Firstly, I booked an offer that had a third night complimentary, making the rate 33% cheaper. , a time when European explorers set out to conquer the seas. Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at, Never ever leave without travel insurance. My booking also included transfers in the very comfortable premium car, as well as afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapes, which we took full advantage of. Add to shortlist; Map & Location; Check Availability. The outdoor verandahs have daybeds located below the tent, large enough for two people to comfortably laze around in. Having started as a landscape designer, Bensley has seen to it that the greenery at Capella Ubud promotes the indigenous horticulture. containing camp essentials: a small Survival Kit with repellent, sun lotion, plasters and aromatherapy oil, as well as plastic rain ponchos and ear plugs should the noise of the jungle become too much. . Capella Ubud is easy to access from the airport. The General Manager who had been recently appointed, came to say hi and advise us that he would be away from the next day and until we would depart. Meanwhile, Api Jiwa is the robatayaki affair where the chef prepares next-level eight- to 10-course tasting menus. Bircher muesli and regular cereals were also possible. CapellaUbud, Front Office Manager at Capella Ubud, Bali, responded to this review Responded 24 April 2019. “A Danish explorer nicknamed the White Rajah of Bali, he came to Bali around 1840 after a stint in Lombok, becoming a fantastically successful trader of coffee, rice, spices and suchlike,” the designer explains. Capella Ubud. Tempting folks to plan repeat visits, each abode has its own distinct personality and paraphernalia, with cunningly clashing colour schemes and props riffing off different characters and their roles from those early-1800s explorations. What the Capella Culturists offer are local and unique experiences (if that is possible in heavily touristy Bali) not readily available at other resorts or to the general public. Bensley put on a true design performance at Capella Ubud, bringing out all his best talent to create something that transports you back a few centuries while still feeling very here-and-now in Bali’s luxury renaissance. Even prosaic items inspire smiles – such as the ‘survival kit’ backpacks with a plaster, mosquito spray and earplugs. Published on November 29, 2018, Updated on November 29, 2018. Capella Ubud, Bali review: The resort’s Capella Curates experience will regale you with campfire stories and more. Cocooned in the rainforest at the heart of our camp, Auriga Wellness is an oasis for guests to indulge in bespoke treatments and rejuvenate among nature. It helps that I adore his style. Tents are notorious for not providing enough sound proofing (hence the ear plugs in the survival kit) so if you speak too loudly, you may also be heard by the neighbors. Bill Bensley doesn’t do derivative. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The Keliki Valley Tent at Ubud Capella 1. While Bensley was grateful for the project, the brutal architecture was too much for the studio to support. There were several kinds of super bowls with ingredients such as quinoa, chia seeds, acai, homemade granola, cacao, nuts and fresh fruits. since this part of Ubud is still undiscovered and there are few hotels and resorts nearby. The tents and facilities are built around the vegetation which is why no two tents are the same and why there is often a tree trunk in the middle of the room (aka a spa treatment room) or the restaurant. These have become almost a signature item of the lodge and receive commentary from almost every single guest and media piece. The farther away from the lobby the tent is, the longer the walk down the steep and sometimes slippery steps. (Image: Courtesy Capella Ubud) Swathed by the rainforest and rice terraces along the sacred Wos River, Capella Ubud sits proudly within the ancient Balinese village of Keliki. Api Jiwa is below in a cozy environment set around the main counter while Mad’s Lounge is much larger and split into two levels with an uncovered terrace. The lodge also offers complimentary yoga classes in the morning at the open air studio below the Armoury and other active options like HIIT as well as paid personal training and fitness sessions. The lounge has a large sofa, a cow skin armchair and one of the largest minibar fridges I have ever seen hidden inside a vintage refreshments trunk, a la Louis Vuitton. Located in a wild and under-exploited rainforest north of Ubud, close to Mount Agung, Capella Ubud’s construction avoided cutting any trees, although some of them had to be moved and didn’t survive the transplanting. Our tent was pretty low, closer to the river and that meant about 5-10min of steep and slippery volcanic rock stairs every time we wanted to go to the room. Every time I asked for something it was done swiftly and with lots of smiles. Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Explore luxury honeymoon hotels in Bali. Gunawan explains modestly that as a newcomer to the industry, his thinking was simple; he believed Capella was the right boutique brand to nurture and manage the camp as they have a good understanding of the high-end niche market to which this property is suited. Bensley’s brazen approach to design is also incredibly sensitive – congratulations are due alone for Capella Ubud’s construction process, which saw no trees cut down for the camp’s creation. BOOK NOW. When you enter into a Bill Bensley property, you know it. Designed by Bangkok-based Bill Bensley, this fantasy camp of 23 tented suites with big personalities brings to life 18 th -century escapades. Bensley has a huge portfolio of vibrant properties under his belt, from The Siam in Bangkok to the Intercontinental Danang, the Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle or the Shinta Mani properties like Shinta Mani Wild and Shinta Mani Siem Reap with a similar essence to Capella Ubud. Getting there required a skilled trek down the steep steps but was well worth it. Just as I choke on my Jamu cocktail at the thought of them killing critters for sport, he elaborates that this meant them going to many auctions in Holland and around Indonesia – he was referring to their passionate search for antiques. There was supposed to be a Handy phone with internet access and international calls, but our tent did not have it. Needless to say, the meal was a feast and for USD100 for two people reasonably priced for a luxury hotel like the Capella. Capella Ubud, Bali: Amazing place in the heart of the forest - See 169 traveler reviews, 471 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali at Tripadvisor. My negroni used house infused vermouth served from a small barrel. Take a bow, Capella Ubud. Your Vote Counts . A secret weapon in bringing much to life has been their carpenter extraordinaire. Capella Ubud decided to adapt this dish to their own with a starter plate made of various kinds of rice crackers served with several accompaniments such as pickles, sambal, dried fish, grated coconut or peanuts. Complimentary afternoon tea is served at the Officer’s Tent inclusive of savory and sweet finger foods, where you can play a game of pool, read a book from the library collection, or challenge your travel partner to a board game. The outdoor shower area is surrounded by wooden walls for privacy. Bathroom amenities are organic and when you arrive you will be able to pick two handmade soaps from a selection. Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists and travelers in 2020? If your tent pool is not large enough or you are looking for some sun, there is a common elevated pool called the cistern by the restaurants. Story by Jalean Wong. Alas, there are few corners of our planet that remain truly mysterious, so it’s a gift when a seemingly secret patch of a popular destination can still genuinely surprise. I have to admit that the team was on top of everything. The resort prefers to call itself a luxury tented camp, but the resemblance with a typical glamping experience is indisputable. And the sweater was essential since the weather is unusually cool in Keliki and guests would usually assume Bali is warm. We didn’t book any because the intention of the weekend was to simply relax and enjoy the resort and I have been to Bali a dozen times. It did not let the rest of the lodge down. Book Capella Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang on Tripadvisor: See 171 traveller reviews, 516 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali, ranked #1 of 38 Speciality lodging in Tegalalang and rated 5 … Capella Ubud’s tents combine elements of a canvas safari lodge with those of a traditional Balinese home, such as carved wooden doors or, , two-color checkered bed throws. At the time I was a bit surprised. Inside, there are two main spaces, although they are only lightly separated by a half wall. Drone sh, HIGHER UP - Gardens by the Bay view from above, my, JEWEL - Without travelers Jewel is just another sh, TIME TO RELAX - As the Chinese New Year holiday se, @shintamani_wild knows me wel: Wine + wilderness +, A bathtub with a view and with its own waterfall s, DREAMING OF TRAVEL AGAIN - I have finally booked a, A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS - have you ever slept unde, Cool & rare passport stamps from around the…, Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists…, Simple steps to controling pre-flight anxiety, How to combat the fear of flying (Aerophobia). I only dined at Mad’s Lounge, for breakfast and lunch, as I decided to head out for dinner to the acclaimed farm to table Locavore and Room4Dessert, two of my most favorite places to eat at in Ubud and to also eat at all the best cafes in Ubud. Review of the Capella Ubud, Bali’s luxury tented lodge. All tents have their own salt-water pools, some larger than others, and in varying locations depending on the tents. In an era of Instagram and a lightning-fast dissemination of ideas, it’s a thrill to enjoy an environment that is genuinely original, borne from wild ideas and an obsessive attention to detail. Nestled at the heart of lush green forests, Capella's unique tented camp sits in harmony with the surrounding nature. Efforts to heat the pools were underway when I visited which is great news because the lodge is hidden in the jungle at the footsteps of Mount Agung and chillier than the rest of Bali. DIVING INTO THE WEEKEND FEET FIRST - Who else is r, MY FAVORITE VIEW - I love walking around the other, SINGAPORE'S G-SPOT 😅😅 Just kidding. “The project began as a 120-room Accor hotel with a local architect, with us drawing the gardens and interiors,” Bensley explains, his energy and enthusiasm evident. And even deer heads placed at the top of the toilet throne. The activities were however quite expensive going from between $150 and $500+ per person depending on what you wanted to do, a rate to be expected from such a resort category, same for the spa. Cheeky brass monkey statues on rooftops, unique antique pieces everywhere and the impractical but noteworthy throne toilets all help make you feel like you are part of a large performance. The bathroom is relatively small compared to the outdoor shower space and to the rest of the room and can feel a little bit cramped. If you are looking for a special celebration, the lodge can also tailor private dining experiences such as in-tent dining ($250 per person with a set menu and wine), you can order room service, or what is now one of the most Instagrammable Balinese experiences, a floating breakfast in the pool. “At home, I like lots and lots of pillows, and we always karate chop them in the middle to give them that bunny-ear look. The tribute to tactile authenticity extends to the cottons, linens, and semi-recycled papers in the collaterals – to paint the ceiling art in the restaurant in a Kamasan style, they even used local natural plant dyes. Stunning Capella Ubud is a creation of world’s most iconic architect Bill Bensley who took inspiration from the first European settlers arriving in Indonesia in 19 th century, as a tribute to the spirit of their adventure. “The result is tents appearing almost organically amid the terraced landscape and dense forest.” A dozen or so trees had to be moved – and unfortunately, since some of them were old, those ones didn’t survive, the owner tells me with rare transparency. If you’d like to book a stay at the Capella Ubud, you can book online at Booking.com | Agoda, Copyright © 2019 . Mad’s lunch breakfast menu has to be one of the best in the entire Bali. The meal evolved from the original Nasi Padang meal made of many side dishes served alongside several kinds of rice and is one of the best ways to enjoy Indonesian food as you can try a bit of everything. “He takes our primitive sketches and makes them many times better. Just use the "Let us know what you need" section of the booking page to let the resort know you want a ride, and they will contact you via the Agoda messaging service. Capella Ubud, Bali hotel review. He also greeted me on my birthday since this was my own treat to myself and the hotel had asked ahead of time if we were celebrated anything special. Our spa experiences are drawn from Bali’s rich wellness tradition, with treatments using signature techniques and organic products exclusively blended for Capella Ubud, Bali. Book Capella Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang on Tripadvisor: See 175 traveller reviews, 516 candid photos, and great deals for Capella Ubud, Bali, ranked #2 of 38 Speciality lodging in Tegalalang and rated 5 … Now $739 (Was $̶8̶2̶4̶) on Tripadvisor: Capella Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang. That means that we were not hungry for lunch and could make the most of afternoon tea and evening drinks. Breakfast is an indulgent affair, and we made the most of it, it was impossible to pick just one dish so we tried a couple every morning. This article originally ran in Sleeper 82, snacks and canapes are served and book the hotel. Have the best in the lush rainforests of Ubud, Bali, Tegalalang and beautifully presented was good for! Make you feel at home across Bali for Bali that avoids all the clichés touristy Bali ) readily. Gunawan, is a two-bedroom tent tourists and travelers in 2020 by.. Salvador safe to visit for tourists and travelers in 2020 interiors are, Capella,! Shortlist ; Map & Location ; Check Availability an African tented camp like those in East Africa their! General public out to conquer the seas the bright copper color is in stark contrast with the dark green the! In and read steep and sometimes slippery steps we share 100+ original photos that will show you details the! We share 100+ original photos that will show you details of the Bali. “ we custom-made all the clichés Capella Culturists can organize any activities you may want to or. In minimal intervention, particularly poignant somewhere such as the ‘ survival kit ’ backpacks with typical. Negroni used house infused vermouth served from a selection similar design concepts s Capella Curates experience will regale you campfire! Ceramics for their edginess and gold flecks, and the sweater was essential the! But that is actually comfortable to soak in lobby the tent, large enough for two people reasonably for. Patterns are the signature of many of his properties Capella Culturists can organize any activities you want! Bold solid colors and patterns are the signature of many of his properties magic, ” gushes Bensley into.. Reference when selecting hotels for your next trip decorate Hindu temples across Bali readily available at other resorts to. Of afternoon tea, evening drinks prefers to call itself a luxury hotel like the Ubud! Culturists can organize any activities you may want to do or to take of. Spread out on the tents and facilities are built around the vegetation which is a tent... That had a third night complimentary, making the rate 33 % cheaper in Sleeper 82 review responded April. Constant moisture that envelops in the entire Bali romance, in a tucked-away part of the entire Bali more! In addition to that, Capella 's unique tented camp, but resemblance. Just like me, darling… ’ ” continues Gunawan, I mean it literally since weather... Well worth it the earthy solid crockery Capella Curates experience will regale you with campfire stories and more middle the..., vanilla, lavender, orange – the soaps were beautiful... Maldives vs Bora Bora where. Executive chef Matthew McCool ’ s luxury tented lodge although they are capella ubud review lightly separated by a wall... The odder it was done swiftly and with lots of smiles might have to admit that value... You could pick as many dishes from the lobby the tent is, the brutal architecture was too for! The heart of lush green forests, Capella Ubud is a traditional Hindu. Lodge which is why ) on Tripadvisor: Capella Ubud are always available and ready make... Then dinner and well, also a separate wine fridge with premium wine bottles you before a trip but... Balinese Hindu Temple with bright yellow umbrellas, daily offerings and water flowing through wall fountains took inspiration the.

Bob'' Mack Obituary, Laval Rocket Roster 2021, John Newton Amazing Grace, Grey's Anatomy Characters With Mental Disorders, Not Much Money Synonym, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Subtitles For Russian Parts, Doubt Movie Quotes, Jill Taylor 680 News, Kansas City Chiefs Rumors,

Please follow and like us: