Located just outside Ubud, Bali'€™s vibrant capital of art and culture, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a choice of exceptional accommodations, dining options and a range of facilities that are redefining Ubud'€™s intimate luxury resort landscape.

One of only three Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties, and the first in Asia, wherever one looks, the design simply exudes sophisticated contemporary Balinese luxury. Overlooking the Ayung River and set around working paddies, the design features an abundance of stone, carved wood and specially commissioned local art that together creates a unique and special Balinese village feel throughout.

The arrival piazza leads to an open Wantilan-style viewing area high above the expansive resort and offers captivating views across the lush valley and Ayung River. All check-in details are handled in room, so guests are invited to arrive at Mandapa an agreed time to be personally greeted with cool fragrant towels and garlands before being served drinks in the viewing area.

Your patih, or personal butler, escorts you to your suite or villa by buggy and, once there, check-in is quickly completed.

There are just 35 suites and 24 river or rice-field view pool villas. All the accommodations, from the gargantuan 2,001 sq m. Mandapa three-bedroom villa with its 172 sq.m. pool, down to the spacious one-bedroom suites are extremely well appointed and beautifully furnished.

Built on the shore of the Ayung River, the Mandapa Spa & Wellness offers guests a selection of holistic, comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programs based on six pillars: Balinese spa, detox and nutrition, alternative therapy, body therapy and healing. The relaxation and rejuvenation theme continues with the quiet yoga areas, a fitness center and relaxation rooms, as well as a heated vitality pool complete with stunning views over the river.

Dining throughout is directed by executive chef Maurizio Bombini. The Sawah Terrace is the all-day-dining restaurant overlooking the rice paddies and forest offering Balinese and pan-Asian dishes, as well as an extensive international breakfast.

Sitting just above the rice fields is a majestic infinity pool served by the Pool Bar, which is open for lunch and drinks. Adjacent to the Pool Bar is The Library, a sophisticated lounge that serves lunch and dinner and is also the location for the splendid afternoon tea experience.

The dinner-only Kubu is located riverside and features an exquisite fine-dining menu; guests at Kubu can chose to dine in one of the private cocoons as part of the Dining Beyond experiences, which also includes dinner at the rice field, the Mandapa Explorer picnic, the romantic In-Villa dinner and the Mystical Dinner '€“ a magical dinner for two accompanied by a Balinese performance and blessing at Mandapa'€™s own temple.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a superb resort and its proximity to Ubud enhances its appeal for guests wishing to explore, while its comfort, tranquility and superb facilities make it a perfect retreat for those wishing to remain ensconced within its delightful boundaries.