Ubud can be a bit of a contradiction. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Bali, with busy streets, endless streams of scooters, cafes on every corner, and plenty of people heading to yoga classes, temples, and restaurants. Yet somehow, hidden among all that activity, you’ll still find places that feel peaceful and surprisingly secluded. Plataran Ubud is one of those places.
The hotel is tucked away down a small path just off one of Ubud’s main roads. You check in at an open air reception near the entrance and are then driven down to the hotel by buggy. It only takes a minute or two, but by the time you arrive, it feels as though you’ve left the town behind. The traffic noise disappears, the greenery takes over, and suddenly you’re surrounded by rice fields, tropical gardens, and birdsong.
For Steve and me, it ended up being the perfect base in Ubud. We could spend the day exploring restaurants, cafes, markets, and temples, then return to a place that felt calm, quiet, and completely removed from the crowds.
One of the first things that struck me about Plataran was how much space there is. The property feels more like a small tropical village than a hotel, with winding pathways leading through gardens, past pools, and pockets of greenery. The hotel has two swimming pools, one overlooking the rice fields and another tucked away among palm trees and tropical plants. I especially loved the garden pool, which felt like a little oasis hidden in the middle of the property.
A big part of what made our stay so memorable was the staff. During our visit, Butler Manager Martinus looked after us, and while he was always available whenever we needed help or had questions, what really stood out was how much he taught us about Bali. Whether we were talking about local customs, ceremonies, food, or daily life, he always had something interesting to share. We learned so much from our conversations with him, and those conversations gave us a much deeper understanding of the island than we would have gained on our own.
How was the room?
We stayed in one of the suites overlooking the pool area, and when we arrived, there was fresh fruit and a selection of snacks waiting for us in the room. The suite was spacious and comfortable, with a separate living room, a large terrace, and two bathrooms. The main bathroom connected to the bedroom was almost the size of some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, complete with a bathtub, separate shower, and excellent bath amenities.
One of my favorite little details was the evening turndown service. Every night, the mosquito net over the four poster bed was lowered, the curtains were drawn, and the room was prepared for the evening. After a day out in Ubud, it was always nice to come back to a room that felt calm and inviting.
How was the food?
Food is a big part of any hotel stay for me, and Plataran did very well in that department too. Breakfast was served at The View, the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the gardens and pool area. There was a generous buffet with both Indonesian and international dishes, but I kept returning to the Indonesian rice porridge/congee station, where you could customize your bowl with different toppings and sauces.
One morning, the hotel arranged breakfast in the rice fields at sunrise. We sat among the rice paddies with coffee, fresh fruit, and Indonesian breakfast dishes while watching the sun slowly rise over the fields. It was one of those moments that perfectly captures why people fall in love with Bali.
In the afternoon, afternoon tea was served in a bamboo lounge tucked away in the garden. There was a nice selection of sweet and savory treats, though I was particularly fond of the scones with clotted cream and jam and the Indonesian mung bean dessert soup.
Another memorable evening was Dining Under the Stars. A beautifully decorated pavilion had been set up in the rice fields, where we enjoyed a three course dinner surrounded by candlelight and the sounds of nature.
The hotel’s second restaurant, Enclave, is located closer to the main road and has a completely different vibe. The menu focuses on international dishes with Asian influences, and the restaurant attracts both hotel guests, locals, and other Ubud tourists. During our stay, we attended both a salsa night and an alternative rock night with a DJ. Both evenings were lively and well attended, and it was fun to see a completely different side of the property.
What did we do?
Plataran offers a wide range of activities, many of them centered around local culture. During our stay, we tried traditional batik painting, learned how to make kites, joined a private yoga session, and took a cooking class with Chef Budi, who taught us how to prepare several traditional Balinese dishes from scratch. The cooking class was especially enjoyable and gave us a much better understanding of Balinese ingredients and cooking techniques.
We also spent a morning at the spa, which is located at the top of the main building and has what might be one of the best views in Ubud. Our Balinese massage began with a foot bath and ended with a spice tea and homemade cookies. The massage itself was excellent, but the peaceful surroundings made the experience even better.
Is Plataran for you?
Plataran is a luxury hotel, but not in a flashy or overly formal way. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a strong focus on wellness, nature, and meaningful experiences. I would call it barefoot luxury. One of the things I appreciated most was how genuine everything felt. Thoughtful and very much in tune with the surroundings.
A huge bonus for us was the location right next to Yoga Barn. Whenever we wanted to walk between the two properties, we simply contacted the front desk and someone would come unlock the gate connecting the areas. If you’re planning to spend time at Yoga Barn, I don’t think you can stay much closer without actually staying there.
Looking back, some of my favorite moments at Plataran weren’t the activities, the meals, or even the spa treatments. They were the quiet moments in between. Sitting on our terrace with a cup of coffee in the morning, walking through the gardens before breakfast, or watching the light change over the rice fields in the late afternoon. Those moments were what made Plataran feel special.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay in Ubud without giving up the convenience of being close to restaurants, cafes, and everything else the town has to offer, I think you’ll love Plataran as much as we did.
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