The resorts in Ubud are yet another reason people are attracted to the area.

Nestled on the edge of a river valley sits The Purist Villas & Spa, a tranquil boutique resort that weaves traditional Indonesian culture with contemporary European design.

Founded by art connoisseurs Yvonne Hulst and Alberto Cortes, The Purist Villas & Spa combines the essence of Bali with stylish architecture, making it the perfect base for the culturally curious to explore Bali’s vibrant living heritage and Ubud’s world-class dining scene.

Stepping into the resort is like entering an art gallery, where traditional wood and stone carvings and rare statues from Indonesia’s outer islands welcome guests.

Each of the boutique resort’s 18 uniquely styled and lavishly appointed villas has its own identity and every element whispers artisanship and creativity, reflecting the founders’ vision to combine high-end hospitality with Indonesia’’s extraordinary cultural diversity.

"Our aim has always been to envelop our guests in an ambience of refined luxury and cultural richness," says Alberto.

“Our wish is to enable our guests to connect with Bali and Indonesia’s many spiritual and artistic traditions. That’s why we’ve furnished The Purist Villas with only the most beautiful and authentic artifacts that we’ve slowly accumulated on our travels across the Indonesian archipelago.”

From large paintings of Bali’s sacred Kamasan style, which dates back to the 17^th century, and mesmerizing sculptures to exquisite textiles and alluring light features, every villa promises guests a truly inspiring stay.

To add to the already rich interior and exterior surrounds, The Purist Villas offers an experience like no other. During their stay, all guests are invited to learn how to create canang sari, delicate offerings to the Gods, as well as the magnificent multitiered gebogan, which are used in ceremonies.

"We invite all our guests to immerse themselves in authentic Balinese traditions, providing them with a holistic experience that enriches the mind, body and soul," said general manager Desi Kurniasih.

Guests who book directly with the resort can start their day with a complimentary one-hour yoga session, complete with birdsong and other sounds of nature that encapsulate the calmness of Bali from a higher elevation, away from the beautiful chaos of the sea.

Verdant bamboo thickets and frangipanis in full bloom also create the ideal environment for The Purist Spa’s signature massage treatments, which feature Southeast Asia’s most trusted techniques delivered by highly trained therapists.

What is Ubud without classic fine dining? With its sumptuous range of spices and aromatics, Balinese cuisine is known for its fragrance and bold flavors, which guests can explore in a cooking class on the jungle’s edge.

Stop by Café Balisimo for afternoon tea, serving local and international delicacies. With its earthy terracotta flourishes and subtle jazz and bossa nova soundtrack, Balisimo offers a transcendent dining experience while overlooking the main pool and river valley. The menu features authentic local dishes that celebrate the country’s culinary heritage, passed down through the generations.

"At Balisimo, we believe that food is one of the best ways to connect with culture, which is why every local dish on our menu tells a story of our country’s rich and extremely tasty culinary traditions,” said Desi.

Despite its secluded riverside location, The Purist Villas still offers guests easy access to central Ubud. Those who enjoy walking can take a leisurely downhill stroll past ancient temples and emerald paddies to Ubud’s main street, while others can opt for a complimentary shuttle ride.

“For centuries, Ubud has remained Bali’s cultural heart, the home of its most revered artists, leading art museums and enchanting dance and musical performances,” says Cortes.

“In recent years, it has also emerged as the central hub of the island’s contemporary arts scene, with dozens of galleries and independent design studios exhibiting breathtaking works.”

Ubud has also cemented its reputation as the home of Southeast Asia’s largest annual literary event, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, as well as Bali’s biggest celebration of contemporary artists, Ubud Open Studios.