Nandini Jungle Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Infinity Pools.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools

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The best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping swimming pools are often secluded hotels set amidst lush tropical gardens, rice terraces and rainforest with sweeping valley or paddy vistas, and they all have stunning swimming pools. There’s a resort for every traveller, from ultra luxurious to budget boutique, and everything in between.

The Indonesian island of Bali has long lured Bali lovers to bask on its wide beaches, surf its superb waves and sip cocktails while sunset watching on its sands. But for this travel and food writer, aside from dining at Bali’s outstanding restaurants, the island’s big appeal has long been the lush jungles and rice terraces of Ubud, Bali’s artistic and cultural heart.

My picks of the best Ubud resorts boast gobsmacking jungle views, gorgeous accommodation with private pools, balconies, spacious terraces, airy public spaces, breezy dining and drinking spots, luxuriant gardens, fresh mountain air, forest sounds, nearby rice terraces for walks and hikes, and a range of engaging experiences to get out and enjoy Ubud’s nature and culture.

I’ve got an Ubud resort for every budget, from affordable to luxurious, with a mix of Ubud resorts, hotels, villas, and a guesthouse in the heart of Ubud and in surrounding villages. Properties not in town offer transport to Ubud, from free shuttle buses to private vehicle with driver and car rentals. A tip: Luxury Escapes, a travel site specialising in luxury for less, has some impressive Bali hotel deals right now.

If you’re a culinary traveller and an Asian food lover, time your visit for the annual Ubud Food Festival, which takes place annually from end of June to early July, with loads of delicious events, including cooking demos, tastings, workshops, and discussion panels. My picks of the best Ubud resorts all make a great base for the food festival. Book accommodation well ahead.

Before I tell you about our picks of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and swimming pools, I have a favour to ask. Grantourismo is reader-funded. If you’ve used our guides and found them inspiring and helpful, please consider supporting Grantourismo by using our affiliate partner links, below. We may earn a commission but you won’t pay extra.

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Best Ubud Resorts for Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools

These are our picks of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping swimming pools, beginning with the most luxurious Ubud resorts worth a splurge right down to the best value budget boutique hotels in Ubud.

Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens

The sister property to nearby Hanging Gardens, Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens (pictured above) is modelled on a traditional Balinese village, and is one of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping swimming pools.

Whereas Hanging Gardens is perched at the top of the hill and overlooks the forest canopy, Nandini Jungle is in the thick of it, with its 34 villas and suites cascading down the slope, with verandas or terraces with views through the lush foliage.

Located in a building high above the villas, the Jungle View Royal Suites are more spacious, but with their stark white interiors they feel at odds with the atmospheric location and would be more suited to a beachside resort.

We prefer the Jungle View Villas, which have similar Balinese design features, but with polished timber floors and big breezy wooden verandas with breathtaking views through the steamy jungle.

While the infinity swimming pool, pictured above, is not as large as some of the other pools in this compilation, it boasts some of the most spectacular jungle vistas – as does the cute, rustic, thatch-roofed bar, which has just two seats with forest views.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle for the 20-minute ride into the centre of Ubud with its many museums, galleries, markets, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Book Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens with our booking partners.

Best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping infinity pools

Alila Ubud

Boasting one of the most awarded resort swimming pools in the world, located high on a lush hilltop above the Ayung River, the luxurious Alila Ubud is our pick of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and swimming pools.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed Kerry Hill Architects and inspired by a traditional Balinese hillside village, Alila Ubud’s thatched-roof timber Valley Villas perch on stilts overlooking the forest canopy, while the Pool Villas are hidden behind high stone walls with courtyard garden pools. Four poster beds feature throws and cushions made from Balinese textiles, while the wooden furniture is hand-crafted locally.

The property is also one of the most sustainable Bali hotels. Green initiatives to minimise environmental impact include the use of local produce, reduction of waste and packaging, and eco-friendly amenities, and the resort gives back to local communities through employment, economic opportunities, and community projects.

The award-winning Plantation restaurant is a member of Slow Food Bali, offering delicious farm-to-table cuisine, including authentic Balinese food prepared with produce harvested from the resort’s organic garden and sourced from local suppliers. And it’s stunning, with high ceilings and lofty coconut pillars supporting a traditional alang-alang roof.

Don’t miss the multi-course Rijstafel (‘rice table’ in Dutch) to share, with dishes such as Tongkol Sambal Matah, grilled local tuna with shallots, torch ginger and lemongrass, and Rendang Sapi, braised beef rump in Sumatran paste, coconut milk, potato, and fried shallots.

A bonus for experiential travellers: plenty of engaging and immersive experiences to be had, including a session with a Balinese healer; a melukat blessing with a Pedanda priest in a Brahmin village; Balinese art, architecture and temple tours; and rice terrace hikes and countryside treks.

The 5-hour Balinese organic culinary masterclass begins with a trip to the market to shop for ingredients and learn about Balinese spices, flavours and techniques, followed by a cooking class in the breezy kitchen by the organic garden.

Other activities include tai chi and yoga classes in the garden and Balinese dance classes for the kids, and there are free shuttle services into Ubud, including in the evening to restaurants and bars. Book Alila Ubud with our booking partners.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools.

Capella Ubud

Nestled amidst lush rainforest and rice terraces 7kms from Ubud, the luxurious 5-star Capella Ubud is one of our picks of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and breathtaking swimming pools if money is no object.

Perhaps the most lavish glamping accommodation in Southeast Asia, Capella Ubud is also one of the quirkiest of luxury tented camps with 22 individually-styled and whimsically-decorated one-bedroom tents and a two-bedroom lodge.

Only a few years old, Capella Ubud was designed by flamboyant Bangkok-based starchitect Bill Bensley, creator of some of the region’s most imaginatively designed lodgings. Inspired by Bali’s early adventurers and explorers, the décor features claw-foot bath-tubs, vintage suitcases and Indonesian antiques.

The Rainforest Tents have vistas over the surrounding forest, the River Tents look over the Wos river (and so close you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the water), while the Keliki Valley Tents boast panoramic valley views; all best taken in from the outdoor decks and saltwater swimming pools.

By day, your personal assistant can arrange Bali excursions and spa treatments, while after dark you can savour gastronomic meals at one of the inventive restaurants, enjoy an interactive Asian street food barbecue, or listen to local storytellers around the camp fire. Book Capella Ubud with our booking partners.

Suara Alam Ubud

Just an 8-minute drive to the centre of Ubud and a 20-minute drive to the lush Tegalalang rice terraces, the Suara Alam Ubud is another of the best Ubud resorts for jungle views and swimming pools.

In fact, you can choose between rooms with rice paddy or jungle views. The best of the lot is the Grand Suite with Jungle Views, which overlooks lush vegetation from the bedroom with comfy king-size bed and, adjoining it, on an alfresco terrace, a big white bathtub.

Although the Grand Paddies Suites is tempting with its sweeping rice paddy views from floor to ceiling sliding doors, which open the room to the elements – heavenly on a breezy morning or rainy monsoonal evening. Instead of an outdoor bath, there’s a generous sized terrazzo-walled bathroom with rain shower.

All rooms are light-filled and airy with a natural feel – all furnishings and décor, such as curvy day beds, mirrors and the basket-style light-shades are made from natural fibres, such as bamboo, cane and rattan, while the doors, beds and side-tables have been handcrafted with polished timbers.

While the minimalist style is very contemporary, arches and geometric-patterned breezeways give the rooms a subtle mid-century retro vibe that’s in keeping with one of the most fashionable trends of these times.

The Suites include thoughtful extras such as a sunhat and bag for the pool or an afternoon stroll, a coffee machine, baskets of fruit, and jars of cookies replenished daily, welcome drinks and farewell drinks. All rooms feature Netflix for the quiet nights in after an energetic day hiking the rice terraces.

There are three pools, two plunge pools with rice paddy views and a central swimming pool off the terrace of the sleek, breezy restaurant that’s also open to the elements, and is a fine place to sip a crisp glass of white during a wet season downpour.

Staff can organise almost anything from the popular floating breakfast in the pool to day tours, afternoon tea, and candle-lit dinners. As the Suara Alam is best suited to couples in the mood for romance, celebrations and surprises are their specialty. Book the Suara Alam with our booking partners.

Suara Alam Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Infinity Pools.

Hanging Gardens of Bali Payangan

If the idea of a luxury 5-star resort set in a tranquil rainforest appeals but you’re not so taken by the quirky design of Capella Ubud, then the Hanging Gardens of Bali Payangan might be for you and it’s another of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and stunning swimming pools.

The 44 villas either overlook lush forest canopy, look through dense vegetation, or look onto the Ayung River, with its cascading waterfalls. All have private infinity pools and timber decks, although the resort’s main double-tiered swimming pool, frequently voted one of the world’s best pools, is absolutely breathtaking and worth a dip or three.

Here the luxury is understated and the spacious breezy villas decorated in a modern Balinese style with traditional elements, such as rattan furniture, hand-carved wooden bed-heads and Balinese textiles.

There are more lush valley vistas from the spa and restaurants, including the airy Three Elements restaurant, as well as forest views to be savoured on the romantic Jungle Dining experiences that can be arranged with a private chef and gourmet picnic lunch by the river or lantern-lit dinner or barbecue cooked outdoors in a secluded location.

The chef offers market tours and Balinese cooking classes and resort guides lead cycling tours and leisurely walks through valleys of rice terraces. The Hanging Gardens of Bali Payangan is 10kms from Ubud and you can hire a rental car from the resort or use their free shuttle services into Ubud. Book Hanging Gardens of Bali Payangan with our booking partners.

The Royal Pita Maha

One of Ubud’s oldest resorts and one of its most opulent, The Royal Pita Maha is another of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping swimming pools. Set on 18-hectares, the property boasts unrivalled valley vistas, villas with generously-sized deep-green infinity pools.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools.

There’s access to the Ayung River and waterfalls and the resort has its own coconut groves and rice field. There are a range of private villas that sprawl down the hillside, all set within private Balinese compounds with natural stone pools, sun terraces, and gob-smacking views of the lush rainforest, rice terraces and Ayung River.

The Royal Pool Villas are the most lavish, set behind high walls in a traditional village-style compound, with tropical gardens, separate living and sleeping quarters, and enormous bathrooms.

Sumptuously decorated with stone bas reliefs on the walls, fresh flower arrangements, and white linen table cloths, the elevated restaurants offer Indonesian and international cuisines, and breathtaking valley views. There’s a more casual riverside garden restaurant and romantic private dining options in spectacular settings, dramatically illuminated at night.

Activities including arts and craft classes from learning the art of making offerings to traditional painting techniques, and wood carving and stone-carving, along with cooking classes, and outside excursions, though it’s very hard to leave. Book The Royal Pita Maha with our booking partners.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools.

COMO Shambhala Estate

A 20-minute drive from the heart of Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate offers more jungle views and jaw dropping swimming pools for luxury travellers who like to use their holidays to get healthy rather than indulge in gourmet meals.

The individually styled lodgings at this idyllically located spa resort are spread across a number of freestanding Residences, each of which has its own stunning swimming pool, sun beds, and breezy pavilions with spacious lounge and dining areas.

Although each room, suite and residence is different to the next, with styles varying from contemporary to traditional, most have polished timber floors, four poster beds, airy spaces that open to the elements, and balconies, verandas or terraces overlooking the lush tree-tops, tropical gardens or swimming pool.

It’s helpful to have some ‘wellness goals’ when you check in, as the resort offers bespoke programmes for each guest focused on the body, mind and spirit, crafted in consultation with resident experts. Guests have access to doctors, dieticians, an ayurvedic specialist, acupuncturist, and yoga and pilates instructors.

Along with on-site activities, spa treatments and massages, the hotel can organise excursions to Kintamani and Mount Batur, a 45-minute drive away, treks, bike rides, rafting, canyoning, and cultural tours. Located in Begawan village, there’s a complimentary daily shuttle to/from the Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud. Book COMO Shambhala Estate with our booking partners.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools.

Como Uma Ubud

If you’re a fan of the Como brand, but prefer a more modern style of resort and would like to be within walking distance of the centre of Ubud, then book a stay at the hillside Como Uma Ubud instead.

You can still expect a high standard of luxury at the Como Uma Ubud, however, these lovely light-filled lodgings, which are home to 46 rooms, suites and villas, are more contemporary and minimalist in style with whitewashed walls, clean lines and cool tiled floors.

Lush gardens and courtyards hidden behind high walls provide privacy and there are plunge pools and timber decks off rooms and suites, and more sizeable swimming pools and terraces in the villas.

Shaded by enormous banyan trees and towering coconut palms, the resort overlooks the Tjampuhan Valley and River Oos, and the hotel’s main pool – a generous 25 metres in length – is set in frangipani filled gardens, with gorgeous green tiles and plenty of sunbeds to go around.

There are two restaurants: Kemiri (‘candlenut’ in Bahasa) offers Indonesian food, with both classical and contemporary takes on local dishes, as well as the brand’s signature healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine, while Uma Cucina is an Italian restaurant and bar serving handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian gelato.

There are complimentary yoga classes in an open-air pavilion high in the valley. Guests can also experience the purification ceremony at Sebatu temple, do rice paddy treks and bike tours, visit Bedugal highlands, and enjoy a rice field walk and market tour in Keliki village. Book Como Uma Ubud with our booking partners.

Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools.

Bisma Eight Ubud

Just a 10-minute stroll into the centre of Ubud, and a short walk to Ubud Monkey Forest, the stylish contemporary Bisma Eight Ubud boutique hotel is one of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views of the more centrally located accommodation.

But you’ll need to book a Forest Suite to savour those vistas from your room. Located at the western end of the property near the spectacular infinity pool, which also looks over the tropical rainforest, each of the 18 Forest Suites have treetop views from their breezy balconies or terraces, bedrooms and living areas.

The Forest Suites also have a Japanese soaking tub in the bathroom, but no outdoor plunge pools, however, they’re spacious lodgings with big comfy sofas, polished floorboards, and table and chairs on the balcony. The other suites are located in the main hotel building and look onto bamboo gardens and courtyards.

If you’re keen on a private pool, consider the nearby Bisma Eight Villas, 500 metres away, which have beautiful lap pools in courtyard gardens. They’re absolutely stunning with spacious living, kitchen and dining areas that are handsomely decorated with stylish furnishings. Lovely room amenities include linen robes, parasols, jute bags and pandanus slippers.

There are two restaurants: Copper Kitchen and Bar serves Indonesian food and Embers offers Mediterranean fare, with produce harvested from their organic farm and local suppliers – and a coffee shop, the Library Café, and casual poolside eatery and bar, the Pavilion, which boasts spectacular treetop views. Book Bisma Eight Ubud with our booking partners.

Pertiwi Bisma 2

If it weren’t for its compact size, the stunning infinity pool overlooking the rainforest at 3-star Pertiwi Bisma 2 would rival any of the pools of the luxury resorts in this guide – including that of its neighbours, Bisma Eight and Goya Boutique Resort – making it one of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and swimming pools in the budget boutique category.

In the off-season, you’ll find rooms for as low as US$36 a night here. For forest views from your room, book a Garden Villa with Valley View. Traditional in style, the two-storey wooden houses have covered wide verandas with table and chairs that look onto the manicured lawns, infinity pool and lush treetops beyond.

The other rooms and suites are plainer in style and located in whitewashed modern buildings, and have a narrow terrace or balcony that looks onto a path and greenery. A second swimming pool is tucked between the buildings and there’s a small spa offering traditional massages and aromatherapy.

There’s a restaurant at the front of the hotel by reception where breakfast is served, although the centre of Ubud and its many cafés, restaurants and bars is just a 10-minute stroll away. The hotel can organise tours, excursions and transfers. Book Pertiwi Bisma 2 with our booking partners.

Alam Terrace Cottages

This is the last of my picks of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views which at budget-friendly Alam Terrace Cottages come in the form of lush tropical garden vistas at this friendly guesthouse. They are certainly jungle-like, with plenty of banana trees and lofty coconut palms shading a lovely blue-tiled pool.

Most of the rooms have pool views from their balconies – the ground-floor pool-side rooms have pool views from the beds – and are similarly decorated in a simple style although the Deluxe Rooms have four poster beds.

The rooms on the higher floors are lighter and brighter with treetop views and table and chairs on their balconies, however, you’ll have to lean over the rail to see the pool.

You can’t complain in low season, however, when rooms here go for as little as US$25 a night. All rooms have flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and small fridges.

Breakfast is served in a simple but charming little restaurant off the reception area, however, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants a short stroll away and the centre of Ubud is a ten-minute walk from the guesthouse. Book Alam Terrace Cottages with our booking partners.

Images used with permission from Luxury Escapes and lodgings featured.

Published 17 June 2022; Updated 7 December 2023

Do let us know if you check into any of our picks of the best Ubud resorts with jungle views and jaw dropping infinity pools as we’d love to hear about your experience.

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A travel and food writer who has experienced over 70 countries and written for The Guardian, Australian Gourmet Traveller, Feast, Delicious, National Geographic Traveller, Conde Nast Traveller, Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia, DestinAsian, TIME, CNN, The Independent, The Telegraph, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, AFAR, Wanderlust, International Traveller, Get Lost, Four Seasons Magazine, Fah Thai, Sawasdee, and more, as well as authored more than 40 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, DK, Footprint, Rough Guides, Fodors, Thomas Cook, and AA Guides.

2 thoughts on “Best Ubud Resorts with Jungle Views and Jaw Dropping Swimming Pools”

  1. Lara, planning my 4th trip to Ubud and have used your brilliant Ubud resort guide every time, working my way up from the budget boutique hotels in Ubud as a solo woman traveller to the luxury resorts out of town overlooking that gorgeous jungle and rice terraces that surrounds Ubud for our honeymoon and anniversary. Every review has been spot on. Returning this time with my mum and planning on spending a lot of time shopping and eating so will try one of the Bisma hotels this time. Thank you for your detailed reviews. Will look at your Siem Reap reviews next to plan our 2nd anniversary.

  2. Hi Wanda, this is what I love to read! So pleased you’ve found the guide useful for booking your Ubud stays over the years. You’ll definitely enjoy the Bisma properties with your mother. Please don’t hesitate to leave questions in the comments if you need help with Siem Reap. I’m currently updating those guides – so easy to do when we live here :) Enjoy your Ubud trip!

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