The Ridge Bali – Home for Epicurean Nature Lovers.

Disclosure: I was invited by The Ridge Bali for a two night stay in return for this review. All opinions are as usual my own. Thank you!

I am one of those people who still love Bali. That doesn’t mean I am blind to the issues that over-tourism has brought to the island. The gentrification and the gym bros, the Eat Pray Lovers, the real healers and false charlatans. And the traffic, oh the Bali traffic!

Still, once a year I crave a visit and will be the first to admit I head to those areas where the overtourism is most evident – Canggu and Ubud. They also come with creature comforts that I crave but by the end, I am usually exhausted and a bit overstimulated. This summer was no exception and so I was grateful when The Ridge extended an invitation to experience their new property for myself and get away from the madness.

You may ask – does Ubud really need a new luxury property? A few weeks ago I would have honestly said – probably not. There is already a myriad of Ubud luxury villas, romantic resorts, and international 5-star hotels. What could yet another one add to the mix? But after staying at The Ridge I have changed my mind. Ubud is one of those places that doesn’t need more tourism but rather better tourism, people who not only value all its treasures but add value as well. And I think The Ridge is just the place to bring those tourists to its yard. 

The Story of The Ridge Bali

The Ridge calls itself a boutique hotel, a big term to fill. I Made Puspa is probably just the man to do it. The Ridge is his baby that he gave a bit more than blood, sweat, and tears for; he literally had to sell his house to purchase the property. But having worked in hospitality all his life, he decided that his vision of luxury villas in Ubud, Bali was just what was needed in the local hospitality scene. 

His attention to detail is palatable in the whole property as is local craftmanship and a wonderful understated kind of luxury. And while you will look in vain for the typical Balinese decor that makes so many other places look like a cookie-cutter versions of each other, you will immediately feel deeply connected to his Balinese heritage. There is a holistic approach to the whole operation – The Ridge could not be home at any other place.

If you think this is too airy-fairy, just know that The Ridge is locally and independently owned. The first of its kind at this level of luxury in Bali. Have you ever preferred a little guesthouse or B&B to support the local economy? This might be your option to upgrade the experience with anything you could want for a truly luxurious stay. 

Villas at The Ridge

The Ridge Bali is in Sayan, Ubud, a suburb that runs along Jalan Raya Sayan parallel to the busy streets in the center of town, and a lifetime away. It is green, 50 shades of, and on the other side of the Sayan Valley, you will find the most picturesque Bali swings. Those who come to this side of the valley, however, want the views but also seclusion – their Instagram accounts a little less flashy. 

You will quickly notice that privacy is at the center of the experience when staying at The Ridge Bali. My driver almost misses the sign, it is that understated. The walk to the entrance framed by tall bamboo trees makes me feel like I am going down the rabbit hole. In a very good way. At the end, a small lobby – needless to say check-in is done at my villa. 

There are only five villas in total at The Ridge, so chances you are going to see another guest are slim to none unless you visit the in-house restaurant, Sayan Valley. The grounds are as lush as the surrounding valley, nature meets nurture. I have a hard time containing my excitement and not squeal when I see my deck for the first time. Not that anyone would have heard me, all there is are sounds of nature. 

Three different villa categories are on offer: one Deluxe Ridge View Villa, two Premier Ridge View Villas, and two Premier River View Villas. The Deluxe is probably the most private and smallest one though that term is relative – it is 96m2. The other two categories are quite a bit bigger though with 140m2 and 145m2 respectively. The Premier River View has the best and most uninterrupted views of the valley and the Ayung River. 

I am staying at a Premier Ridge View though and have nothing to complain about. The room and the deck feel spacious without me getting lost, a feeling I often get when I travel by myself and stay at a place bigger than most New York apartments. While it doesn’t quite feel home away from home (my home is just not that chic), it feels warm and inviting. I don’t need to call my butler to figure out how the light switches work, there are thoughtful things like yoga mats, straw hats, and kimonos provided for my stay, and local Sensatia Botanical products in the bathroom. 

In my bedroom, there is also a clever desk/ vanity combo with plenty of plugs, a discreet TV screen, a sofa, and a minibar with a Nespresso machine. The contents of the minibar are of course included. I also like my dressing room which has plenty of space for my suitcase, hangers, and a full-length mirror cleverly hidden behind a beautiful Balinese door. The bathroom has two sinks, a rain shower, and direct access to the pool outside. 

The whole room was designed with outside living in mind though as the piece de resistance is definitely the terrace overlooking the valley. Two big daybeds, a decently sized plunge pool, and of course a free-standing tub are all part of the experience. 

Ridge Service & Experiences

One of the probably biggest aspects that sets The Ridge apart from other hotels on this level is its dedication to personalized service. There is a team of butlers available 24/7. You communicate – welcome to the 21st century – via WhatsApp, an easy and unintrusive way. Your butler will help you with anything you may need even before you arrive. Once you get there your massage is booked, your dinner table reserved, and someone is already picking the flowers for your floating breakfast. Setting that up is also your butler’s job by the way. Though I did help…

While I have stayed in my fair share of luxury hotels I have not ever had butler service except for some Maldives hotels. To be honest, I am pretty self-sufficient in most of my travels and while I love it when someone brings me coffee in bed (something your butler won’t do) it is not a service I can fully appreciate. That said, I love the flexibility that the butler service at The Ridge offers. They will arrange your breakfast, of course, there is no surcharge if you want it at your villa. They help the in-house masseuse with setting up a personal spa in your room and make sure your room service dinner comes with extra mayo on the side. The approach is incredibly personal and discreet at the same time. 

If you are in the mood for company you can have your meals at the Sayan Valley restaurant. This is also where afternoon tea is served and cocktails for a killer view at sundown. That said, nobody will say a word if you choose to just not leave your room. And seriously, why would you if anything you could need or want is only a WhatsApp message away? 

Staying at The Ridge

The Ridge is wanting to appeal to a very special kind of traveler. You will need to have a certain amount of cash, yes, but that is a requirement many luxury hotels in Ubud have. The difference is more subtle. Inclusivity is huge and people from all walks of life are welcome. If you are an adult that is, as it is an Ubud adult-only resort. But other than that it doesn’t discriminate and honeymooning couples are just as welcome as solo travelers like myself in need of a breather and a bit of peace and quiet away from the town’s madness. 

And I get just that. I sleep like a baby until the birds get too loud and see how the day is starting from bed. In the evenings I watch the sky turn pink, purple, and indigo. Either from my pool or from my tub. I am usually not a tub kind of girl, but when in Ubud… I just put a single frangipani blossom in to keep me company. My version of a Balinese flower bath. A glass of wine and my book too though that view makes it hard to focus. 

After I sit in my PJs on the daybed, it is almost dark now, and I call my mother. “Guck mal, wo ich bin, Mama!” “Oh, mein Schätzchen, das ist aber schön!” – she appreciates the private pool more than the view but that’s okay. I don’t have to choose. 

Anggi, my butler, sends me a WhatsApp – is it okay to bring in my dinner? She lets herself in carrying trays with more wine and what will become the best room service burger with fries in the history of room service burgers with fries. Of course, she doesn’t forget the extra mayo. And I am glad, that the devil is in those simple details at The Ridge as they make all the difference in the end. 

The Ridge has not even been open for a year yet but already runs at pretty high occupancy. If you want to visit, I recommend you book early especially when coming in high season during the summer months or around holidays. While the Deluxe villa is slightly cheaper than the others, I recommend you splurge at least on a Premier Ridge View villa as the views are just that special. 

Book your villa at The Ridge Bali here