There are a handful of resorts in Bali that genuinely stop you mid-sentence when you round a corner and see them properly for the first time. Aksari Resort Ubud is one of them.
Positioned in Kenderan village in the Tegallalang area, roughly 25 minutes from central Ubud, the property sits above a deep jungle valley with views over a river gorge and the rice terraces of north Ubud stretching across the hillside.
I spent four nights here earlier this year and can honestly say that by day two I had stopped wanting to go anywhere. If you’re weighing it up for a honeymoon, a romantic trip, or simply a proper retreat, here’s the full picture.
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What Is Aksari Resort Ubud?
Aksari Resort Ubud is a five-star luxury resort managed by iNi ViE Hospitality. The property is located at Jalan Raya Desa Kenderan No. 88A, Kenderan, in the Tegallalang area of Gianyar regency.
Its name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “letter” or “essence,” which reflects the resort’s philosophical positioning around knowledge, spirituality, and the written word.
The entrance features a Ganesha statue as the guardian of the property. The resort has 28 accommodations ranging from pool suites to a Royal Two Bedroom Villa, all built around the natural landscape of the valley.
It holds top-ranked status on major booking platforms and has won consistently strong reviews for its combination of setting, staff warmth, and culinary quality.
Location and Getting There
Aksari Resort is located approximately 38 to 47 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, with a typical journey time of 80 to 90 minutes under normal traffic conditions. During peak hours or busy tourist seasons, allow up to three hours. From central Ubud, it’s around 25 to 30 minutes by car.
The resort is not walkable to Ubud’s central attractions, but a free shuttle service runs four times daily to the town centre, which makes the relative distance manageable.
Nearby attractions include the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Alas Harum swing about 2 kilometres away, Tirta Empul Temple at 2.4 kilometres, and Wanna Jungle Pool and Bar at approximately 2.5 kilometres.
Rooms and Villas
The accommodation at Aksari ranges from Royal Wakanda rooms to private pool villas. The Royal Wakanda rooms are 90 square metres with bamboo walls, hanging bamboo chandeliers, and stone bathtubs. They feel spacious and well-designed.
The pool villa categories, including the One Bedroom Paddies Pool Villa, offer private infinity pools overlooking the jungle valley and are the most photographed aspect of the resort.
Several reviews specifically mention the complete privacy of certain rooms, with natural vegetation providing screens between neighbouring villas. The Royal Two Bedroom Villa includes a private infinity pool, a king bed in one room, and twin configuration in the second, plus a hot tub and premium bathroom fittings.
Breakfast is included in most packages and guests consistently praise it. The spread includes continental, Asian, and à la carte options served daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available on request.
Dining
The resort has two restaurants. Ankhusa Restaurant focuses on Indonesian and Balinese cuisine, including the Megibung Feast, a traditional communal Balinese royal dining experience served in the resort’s garden setting.
Kojin is a teppanyaki and omakase Japanese restaurant set within the jungle landscape, where chefs cook at the table in a theatrical setting. Guests who have dined at Kojin consistently mention the wagyu rib eye as an exceptional dish. Live music and cultural performances take place most evenings in the main dining area.
Wellness and Activities
The Svaha Spa offers a full menu of treatments including aromatherapy massages, flower baths, and body scrubs. It is consistently praised in reviews, often described as one of the resort’s highlights.
Daily morning yoga classes run at 7:30 AM on a rooftop with views across the valley. The infinity pool is a multi-tiered design that integrates with the landscape and overlooks the jungle gorge. The resort also offers Balinese cooking classes, Melukat purification rituals, traditional craft workshops, and private candlelight dinners.
Top Highlights
- Jungle valley setting: The view from the pool or villa terrace, over deep jungle and across the rice terrace landscape, is genuinely among the most beautiful resort settings in Bali.
- Svaha Spa: The spa earns consistently exceptional reviews for quality of treatment and therapist skill. Book in advance.
- Kojin Teppanyaki Restaurant: A theatrical dining experience with exceptional Japanese-Balinese cuisine in a setting unlike anything else in the Ubud area.
- Staff warmth: The personalised service at Aksari, with staff learning guest names and preferences, is repeatedly singled out as what elevates the stay from good to memorable.
- Free morning yoga and daily shuttle: Complimentary yoga classes overlooking the valley and a regular shuttle to central Ubud remove two of the most common friction points at remote resorts.
The Honest Verdict
Aksari Resort Ubud is a genuinely excellent property that delivers on its promises. The setting is spectacular, the spa is one of the best in the area, the restaurants are strong, and the staff operate at a level of personalised attention that larger resorts struggle to replicate.
The honest caveats: the location requires a car or shuttle for anything outside the resort, so it suits those who want to make the property itself a significant part of the experience.
Room rates are a reflection of the quality on offer, and package deals tend to offer better value than standard rates. This is a place to slow down and stay for a few nights, not a one-night-only convenience stop.
Explore Ubud Further with SatuSatu
Aksari is a destination in itself, but SatuSatu makes exploring the wider Ubud area just as easy. SatuSatu is a Bali travel platform connecting visitors with curated local experiences and seamless transport, bookable on SatuSatu.com
SatuSatu Airport Transfer handles the 80-minute journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Aksari Resort with fixed, transparent pricing and same-day booking.
SatuSatu Exclusive Car Charter is ideal for day trips from the resort to Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, or central Ubud, with a flexible dedicated driver bookable on SatuSatu.com
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FAQ about Aksari Resort Ubud
Is Aksari Resort Ubud worth the price?
Yes. The combination of setting, spa quality, dining, and personalised service positions Aksari among the best value five-star options in the Ubud area.
How far is Aksari Resort from Ubud centre?
Approximately 25 to 30 minutes by car. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to central Ubud four times daily.
Is Aksari Resort Ubud good for a honeymoon?
It is consistently rated as one of the best honeymoon resorts in the Ubud area. Private pool villas, flower bath packages, candlelight dinners, and romantic setup services are all available.
Does Aksari Resort have a spa?
Yes, Svaha Spa at Aksari is one of the most praised aspects of the resort. It offers aromatherapy treatments, flower baths, body scrubs, and a range of other wellness services.
What are the nearest attractions to Aksari Resort Ubud?
Tegallalang Rice Terraces are approximately 2 kilometres away. Tirta Empul Temple is 2.4 kilometres from the resort. Both are accessible via the resort shuttle or a short private car trip.