Looking for somewhere to stay where you can truly relax and indulge in 5-star comfort without worrying about whether you can bring the kids? Then look no further than Kamandalu in Ubud, Bali. Kamandalu is an expansive property featuring luxurious accommodation options from hotel suites to opulent private pool villas. The grounds are immaculately manicured with stunning gardens, rice terraces and even a river. Where Kamandalu Ubud really shines thoug, is in their oh so Insta-worthy extra experiences, from private romantic dinners to floating swings and forest massages to picnic lunches aboard your own private boat. Best of all, Ollie was welcomed with open arms at all of them, and we think he was even more sad to leave than us!
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Kamandalu – Ubud, Bali
Kamandalu is situated on 3.5 hectares of land a short 10 minute drive from the cultural capital of Bali – Ubud. This region is known for its arts & crafts as well as its world-renowned rice terraces.
Kamandalu Ubud has been meticulously designed, inspired by one of the oldest traditional settlements in Bali, Panglipuran Village. This give’s guests a feeling of stepping back in time in absolutely pristine condition. Perched atop a high valley, many of the 1,2 & 3 bedroom villas have dramatic views from both the rooms and their private infinity pools. For those seeking an extra luxurious experience, you may choose to stay in the amazing Presidential Villa, complete with an enormous private pool. If the pool villas are out of the price range, Kamandalu also boasts rice terrace view villas and chalets.
Inside Our One Bedroom Valley Villa
As we strolled the small tree-lined alleys of the Kamandalu village of villas, we knew we were in for a treat as soon as our one-bedroom valley pool villa compounds gate opened. Each villa sits within its own authentic stone fenced allotment, providing guests with the utmost of privacy within their private villa, garden and pool.
The spacious villa itself feels traditional, but with a luxurious twist. Grass thatched roofing, traditional wood throughout and lots of natural tile and stone. Our villa comprised of a large bedroom with an enormous king bed, certainly big enough for three, however, Oliver had his own cot set up, complete with sheets and pillows (too cute!).
The bathroom featured his and her sinks as well as a large bath and not just an indoor shower but an outdoor shower too! You’ll find the full suite of usual hotel amenities provided.
To top the villa off it has an expansive lounge room with multiple sets of french doors leading to your balcony, overlooking your private pool and the luscious tropical valley. Here’s where you will also find your free one time mini-bar and extra treats Kamandalu provide, as well as more than enough water to get you through the day.
The real show-stopper of the villa, however, would have to be the incredible, large, stone-lined private infinity pool and shaded outdoor day bed (yes, an actual mattress with pillows, draped in white fabric!). Although if you’re seeking some sun, you do of course have the choice of your wooden deck and typical pool chairs. You’ll also be able to wash off in the outdoor shower right beside the pool.
The Experience at Kamandalu Ubud
For us being in a pool villa, as soon as we entered the property we were whisked down to the Village Club to check-in in complete comfort. A huge range of complimentary refreshments (that are actually good), cool-face towels and a super refreshing welcome drink. Ollie’s favourite part, however, was the waiting room for kids to go wild in, full of more toy’s than he had ever seen in his life! During check-in, we were provided with our schedule for our visit and provided a map of the expansive grounds (in all seriousness you need one!).
We were also explained how our butler service would work and how they would be on call 24/7 for all our requests and desires. This personalised service is a refreshing feeling, allowing you to relax in the utmost of comfort. Being able to request more water at a whim was a godsend for a thirsty family.
The staff were all exceptional and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best time possible, constantly entertaining Oliver and keeping him one extremely happy bubba.
What we found amazing was just how expansive the property was and how you could seriously have a wander and constantly discover new things. I mean c’mon how many hotels can boast their own rice terraces!
Free Morning Yoga @ Rumah Yoga
The Rumah Yoga studio is in a picturesque setting overlooking the valley and provides a complimentary guided session in the morning. Paige took some R+R time to stretch it all out at a session and came back a new woman, seriously she said it was just what she needed. For those seeking even more guidance, you can seek out further private classes or utilise the room on your own.
Forest Spa & Swing
We had the pleasure of having a traditional Balinese massage in the idyllic setting of the Forest Spa. The open-air bale allowed us to look out into the forest whilst preparing to have our couples massage. The best part, you could hear all the wildlife in their natural surrounds whilst deeply relaxing with a great massage. Right next to the spa area is the floating ‘swing’ platform, where you can relax with a post-massage drink and take it all in.
Infinity Pool
If you have a room without a pool, Kamandalu has a large infinity pool for guests to enjoy as well. You’ll find many pool chairs around it and a bar right beside to bring you whatever your heart desires.
Main Pool With Sunken Pool Bar
In addition to the infinity pool, there is a much larger pool that is the centrepiece of the resort, with everything else circling out from it. There is a well-stocked sunken pool bar in addition to loads of chairs which is right alongside Aira Cafe.
Chaya Spa
Although we didn’t visit the Chaya Spa, it is home to many more spa practices that you may choose to indulge in.
Dining Options At Kamandalu Ubud
Kamandalu has a range of place to eat, the following are what we were lucky enough to experience.
Floating Breakfast in Our Villa
Why not start the day with breakfast of a different kind, floating in your very own private pool. This extravagant affair was amazing, albeit slightly difficult with a baby, we made it work – turns out Ollie really likes eating with his hands which made things much easier lol. A fully cooked breakfast featuring staples like eggs, pastries, noodles, coffees, juices and more made for one extremely filling breakfast. Plus it even came with a bottle of sparkling wine! This was our first ever floating breakfast and it is safe to say we were duly impressed. You can also choose to have the floating breakfast in the hotels’ infinity pool if you so desire.
Floating Picnic Lunch on The Boat
Another water-based dining activity we partook in was a picnic lunch on The Boat, which includes your own personal gondolier to paddle you along the resorts stream. This was definitely more than a ‘picnic’ and definitely a full-blown lunch and had everything we needed to be well and truly sufficient at the end. It was such a unique experience that we’ve never had the pleasure of and loved every moment, even Ollie was pretty chill, although he did try to grab the paddle a fair few times! You can also opt to have the lunch in the resorts own rice terrace huts or in other spots of the resort.
Romantic Candlelight Dinner at Tipi
The absolute highlight, however, was a private romantic dinner for three, Ollie in his highchair, underneath a teepee style canopy, complete with a flower petal love heart. Who said romance was dead! We indulged in a scrumptious three-course meal whilst watching the sun go down, surrounded by jungle and hundreds of candles. This was a dinner we won’t be forgetting anytime soon that’s for sure.
Aira Cafe
Overlooking the main swimming pool, Aira Cafe is a more laidback affair, albeit still with great food. We enjoyed another three-course meal which was thoroughly enjoyed. Although there are quite a few tables, there is a section where effective screen separates diners giving a private dining experience. This time we managed to have a child-free dining with Ollie getting babysat, what a surreal experience haha!
How Kid-Friendly is Kamandalu?
We give Kamandalu a big thumbs up for being kid-friendly. We knew from the moment checked-in that this hotel was focused on giving the kids as much of a holiday as the parents. Seriously that kids waiting room whilst checking-in needs to be a staple for hotels around the world! There were so many toys and even a ball pit! Ollie could not stop zipping from one corner to another with the biggest grin on his face. They even let us choose a toy to borrow for him to play with, even offering to swap it whenever he got over it!
All of the staff were constantly wanting to hi-5 him or even wanting to pick him up and play games with him. He’s never had as much attention in his life!
Our villa was well equipped for Ollie, with a sturdy and modern portacot fitted with sheets and pillows. Kettles available and unlimited water made bottle time a breeze.
We wanted to bring Ollie along to all of our ‘extra’ experiences and he was more than welcome. He even had his own high chair in our romantic ti-pee dinner, he was so cute all dressed up for the occasion. However, if you want a bit of a break from the kids, babysitting services are available on request.
Although Ollie was a bit young, we noticed Kamandalu have heaps of activities for kids to partake in. We thought the Balinese offering making class would have been super cute, but they also have Bali Junior Chef Classes as well as Balinese dance/music classes.
Book Your Stay at Kamandalu Ubud, Bali
Address: Jalan Andong, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 975 825
Website: http://www.kamandaluresort.com
Email: sales@kamandaluresort.com
Room rates start at approximately $300 per room, per night. Book the cheapest available rate online at Kamandalu Ubud.
Have any questions about Kamandalu Ubud? Let us know in the comments below…
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Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Kamandalu Ubud. As always, all the reviews and opinions expressed are based on our personal view and experience.