Two new Retreat Villas come with private therapy rooms and private pools. The COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri boasts an attractive spa, Kedara (formerly The Source), set further down the hill near a natural spring and waterfall. Toya Mampeh, the spring, is known in local lore for its healing properties. This mineral-infused water also feeds the chlorine-free Vitality Pool. Pick a custom-made treatment, stretch out over Yoga exercises, head up a climbing wall, or limber up in the Pilates Studio.
Just a ten minute drive north from here is the Kamandalu Resort & Spa. Set amidst terraced rice paddy fields above the Petanu River gorge, the resort is compact and classy. You won't need to walk for miles. It was built to resemble a traditional Balinese village. The spa is at the lip of the valley with open views and pool area. The treatment rooms feature Jacuzzis and saunas. Try a herbal wrap, a spot of hydrotherapy, a Javanese Lulur or get on the scent of a relaxing aromatherapy rubdown.
At the heart of Ubud are the Pita Maha (Tjampuhan Resorts & Spa), the Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa, and the Ibah, now called the Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa. This delightful resort is built on a human scale and is wonderfully intimate and green. It has its Spa at Ibah run by Mandara, on the banks of the Tjampuhan River. Try a Mandara Massage featuring two therapists working in unison to offer Shiatsu, Thai, Balinese or Swedish treatments. A deluxe spa villa is at hand for extreme pampering followed by tea and speciality Ibah cookies. The Pita Maha and Hotel Tjampuhan have good spa facilities and the latter also boasts a spring-fed pool, a grotto setting (with some pretty extensive and outlandish carvings) and sauna and steam rooms. The Tjampuhan Spa is a Hollywood Lord of the Rings setting with an Asian flavour. At Hotel Tjampuhan you'll also find the original Walter Spies villa. A third and quite sumptuous sibling is the Royal Pita Maha in Ubud's Kedewatan area with its exclusive Royal Villas.
