Padma Resort Ubud Review — The Resort That Made Us Fall in Love with Bali

Before we became three, it was just the two of us — and Bali was one of our best trips together. We stayed at Padma Resort Ubud, and honestly? It set the bar so high that we’ve been comparing every resort to it ever since. Here’s our full review.

🌿 Where is Padma Resort Ubud?

Padma Resort Ubud is nestled in Payangan, a lush river valley about 8 miles north of central Ubud. It’s not in the middle of town — and that’s exactly the point. The resort sits surrounded by forest and rice paddies, with views over the valley that stop you in your tracks. The trade-off is that you’ll need a shuttle or taxi to get into Ubud proper, but the resort runs a daily scheduled shuttle which takes the hassle out of it.

📋 Resort Quick Facts Total rooms: 149 suites and rooms
Pool: 89-metre heated infinity pool with panoramic valley views
Dining: 3 on-site restaurants + poolside bar
Spa: Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, and more
Activities: Cycling tours, archery, yoga, cooking classes
Shuttle: Daily scheduled shuttle to Ubud center (free)
👉 Official Website | Check availability on Booking.com

🛏️ Our Room — Premier Deluxe

We stayed in a Premier Deluxe Room, and it was everything we hoped for. The room design blends contemporary comfort with authentic Balinese aesthetics — hand-carved wooden details, custom lighting, artisan-crafted furnishings. It felt genuinely luxurious without being over the top.

The bathroom was a highlight in itself. A freestanding bathtub, walk-in rain shower, single marble vanity — the kind of bathroom you plan your day around. Several Premier Deluxe Rooms also have direct garden access from a private terrace, which makes the whole experience feel even more immersive.

🛏️ Premier Deluxe Room Highlights

• King-size bed with premium bedding and pillow menu
• Private balcony or terrace (some with direct garden access)
• Freestanding bathtub + walk-in rain shower
• Balinese-inspired decor with hand-carved wooden details
• Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, 24-hour room service

♨️ Swimming in the Rain — Our Favourite Memory

Bali has a wet season, and we happened to hit a proper downpour during our stay. Most people would head indoors. We did the opposite.

Padma Resort Ubud’s infinity pool is heated — 89 metres long, overlooking a valley of forest and rice paddies. When the rain started coming down hard, we jumped in anyway. Warm water, cool rain, the sound of the jungle all around us, not another soul in sight. It’s one of those travel moments that you don’t plan, can’t replicate, and never forget. If you go to Padma Resort Ubud and it rains — don’t go inside. Go to the pool.

🍳 Breakfast — Better Than Expected

The breakfast buffet at Padma Resort Ubud is genuinely excellent. It’s not just the standard hotel spread — there’s a wide range of local Balinese dishes alongside the continental options. Nasi goreng, fresh tropical fruit, traditional Balinese pastries, made-to-order eggs. We looked forward to breakfast every morning, which is always a good sign.

🚲 Cycling Tour — Hidden Gem Activity

One of the things we didn’t expect to love was the resort’s guided cycling activity. A guide takes you out through the surrounding villages and rice paddies — the kind of Bali that most tourists don’t see because they’re busy in central Ubud. It’s slow, unhurried, and gives you a completely different perspective on the area. Highly recommend adding this to your stay.

💡 Tips for Staying at Padma Resort Ubud

• Book the cycling tour as soon as you check in — spots fill up
• If it rains, go to the pool — the heated infinity pool is magical in the rain
• Use the free daily shuttle to get into Ubud center rather than taking taxis each time
• Ask for a room with a valley-facing balcony when booking — the views are worth it
• The spa books up fast — reserve treatments in advance

✅ Final Verdict

Padma Resort Ubud is one of the best resorts we’ve ever stayed at. It’s not the cheapest option in Bali, but for what you get — the location, the pool, the food, the service, the activities — it’s worth every penny. If you’re planning a couple’s trip to Bali and want to do Ubud properly, this is where to stay.

Would we go back? Without hesitation. Would we bring our toddler? That’s a story for another post.