Landing in Denpasar, we were instantly greeted by Bali's famously unpredictable weather—one moment caught in a downpour, the next bathed in golden sunlight. As we navigated the colorful streets, we passed a moving funeral procession. It was a quiet, powerful moment—a reminder that Balinese culture is always present, always heartfelt.
The journey to Ubud was a scenic one, full of lush greenery, elegant temples, and more scooters than I could count. Before checking in, we stopped for a late lunch at Bebek Tebasari Resto, tucked away with koi ponds and sweeping views of rice fields. The food was fresh and satisfying, and we bonded instantly with our driver, who became more of a friend than a guide over the next few days.
Tanadewa Resort Ubud welcomed us with jaw-dropping beauty—our private villa and plunge pool surrounded by thick jungle felt like something out of a dream. No words or photos can quite capture the serenity, but we certainly tried.
Our days were filled with a wonderful mix of adventure and stillness. A definite highlight was the floating breakfast experience deep in the jungle at Bali Pulina. Imagine sipping fresh coconut water and eating warm eggs while immersed in the sounds of the forest and a nearby waterfall—pure magic.
We also explored the famous Luwak Coffee experience. Meeting the civet (yes, that civet) gave us a new appreciation for this unusual brew. It’s not every day you drink coffee that’s been… well, processed twice. ☕
Of course, we made time to see Ubud’s rice terraces, but we veered off the beaten path. Instead of joining long queues for overhyped swings, we wandered quiet trails, where the beauty of the terraces truly unfolded—peaceful, authentic, and unspoiled.
One afternoon we ditched our plans altogether and spent the whole day floating between our villa’s private pool and the resort spa. Our massage was restorative and reminded us why slowing down is sometimes the best way to travel.
Dinner one night brought us to Tall Trees Restaurant at the Westin, where the food was solid, but the real entertainment came from watching a procession of would-be influencers change in and out of robes just for the ‘gram. The West-in indeed.
Our time in Ubud was full of charm, flavor, and soul—and honestly, we weren’t ready to leave.
