A Romantic Bamboo Villa Experience in Ubud

Sometimes, a honeymoon isn’t about a packed itinerary, but finding a place that makes you want to linger. That’s what we felt when we saw and explored our stay at Equipoise Resort Ubud.

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The resort is located in the Kenderan area, slightly outside the center of Ubud. The drive there takes a bit longer compared to staying in central Ubud, but once you arrive, the atmosphere changes immediately.

Being a bit further out turns out to be part of the experience. The surroundings feel quieter, more immersive, and it’s easy to spend most of your time within the resort itself, especially with the range of activities available, from yoga and waterfall trekking to a gym overlooking the rice fields for those who like to stay active.

The gym itself feels quite unique, as it directly faces the rice fields, so even a simple workout comes with an open, scenic view rather than an enclosed indoor space.

As an adults-only resort, the atmosphere also feels noticeably calmer and more uninterrupted, which adds to the overall honeymoon experience.

There are no more crowds, just expanses of rice terraces, valleys, and the constant sounds of nature from morning to night.

A Peaceful Resort with a “Balance” Concept

The first thing we notice here is how everything blends together. The resort area follows the contours of the valley, with bamboo structures and stone elements that feel naturally integrated into the surrounding environment. There are no rigid paths, everything flows with the natural form of the land.

That same sense of “flow” already starts from the moment you arrive. Instead of a standard check-in, guests are welcomed with a relaxing foot bath and a complimentary short massage, which immediately sets a slower, more calming pace.

There’s also a selection of aromatherapy oils to choose from, adding a more personal touch to the experience right from the beginning. It’s a small detail, but it reflects how the resort approaches the stay as a whole, more focused on how you feel, not just how it looks.

The same feeling carries through the service as well. The staff comes across as very well trained, warm and attentive, but never overly intrusive, so the overall experience still feels relaxed and unforced.

Our Bamboo Villa with Private Pool

We focused on the most signature villa type here: the bamboo villa with a private pool. As soon as you enter, you’re immediately struck by the scale. The villa is incredibly spacious, and it’s not just one large space; it’s more like several naturally divided areas, almost like a home away from home.

Even before stepping fully inside, the arrival already felt a bit different. Instead of a standard welcome drink, it was presented by a bartender with a small show, which made the first impression feel more memorable.

Each villa is also personalized, with the guest’s name displayed at the front. In our case, the villa was named “Olivia,” which added a small but thoughtful touch from the start.

What makes it even more interesting is the contrast. Even though the structure is dominated by bamboo, the overall feel is surprisingly modern. There are multiple controls throughout the villa, from the TV projector and curtains to side curtains and AC, which makes everything feel very intuitive and comfortable to use.

The upstairs bedroom is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, so despite the open and natural design in some areas, you still get that sense of comfort and privacy when you need it.

The interior itself feels thoughtfully put together, with a mix of natural materials and modern finishes that come together in a way that feels both warm and refined. It doesn’t feel rustic, but rather a more elevated, luxury take on a nature-inspired stay.

There are stairs inside the villa that connect the bedroom, so the layout feels unique and not flat. Some areas are semi-outdoor, but still feel private.

Outside, there’s a fairly large private pool, complete with sunbeds beside it. The view directly overlooks the rice terrace and surrounding greenery, and this is consistent from several points, from the pool, balcony, to the bathtub/jacuzzi area.

If you’re choosing a villa category, the rice field view is definitely worth considering, as it really completes the overall experience.

Yes, they also have a bathtub and jacuzzi overlooking the rice paddies, making it a popular spot for relaxing in the afternoon or evening. At certain times, the setup can feel even more special, especially with options like a floating breakfast in the pool or a flower bath in the jacuzzi, which adds a more romantic touch without having to leave the villa.

Inside the villa, a welcome set was also prepared, including chocolates, snacks, and a selection of drinks. One detail that stood out was the local snakefruit arak, which can be mixed with fruit juices, along with other options for those who prefer something lighter or non-alcoholic.

Breakfast & Dining at Terra Verte

During our stay, Terra Verte became our most frequented place to eat, and it slowly became one of our favorite spots.

Mornings felt very slow here. The rice fields in front were still slightly misty, the air was cool, and there were almost no sounds other than nature. Many guests lingered, rather than simply eating and leaving.

The breakfast menu leans towards western options with a few variations, but what stood out to us wasn’t just the food, it was the pace. No one seemed to be in a rush, and mornings here felt intentionally slow.

During our stay, we ended up trying quite a few dishes from the menu. The pricing is on the higher side, but it feels aligned with the quality, presentation, and overall dining experience.

One dish that stood out to us was the Melon & Prosciutto, paired with burrata, a hint of honey, and subtle touches of herbs and pistachio. The combination is light yet flavorful, with a balance of sweet and savory that fits perfectly with the overall dining experience.

Overall, dining here feels less about variety or quantity, and more about enjoying each meal in a setting that naturally slows you down.

Wood Carving Experience

One of the things we liked about this resort is how many complimentary activities are available throughout the day. There’s a good mix of wellness, nature, and hands-on cultural experiences, from yoga sessions and meditation to waterfall trekking and rice field walks.

Guests can also join various workshops like wood carving, silver making, batik painting, clay or pottery sessions, and bamboo crafts. It adds a nice balance to the stay, especially if you feel like doing something more engaging without having to leave the resort.

We ended up trying the wood carving session, and it turned out to be one of the more interesting experiences. It’s usually set up in an open, quiet space, so the whole atmosphere already feels calming from the start. We were given pieces of wood and basic tools, then gently guided by a local instructor, so even without prior experience, it still felt easy to follow.

What’s interesting is that this activity doesn’t feel like a “class.” It’s more about sitting back and trying something new. The soft sound of the carving tools, combined with the quiet surroundings, makes the experience quite grounding.

Many come with no experience whatsoever, and that’s what makes this activity feel so easy. There’s no pressure for the results to be perfect, it’s more about enjoying the process.

For couples, this is a unique experience. It’s not just relaxing at the villa, but there are small activities that can be done together without feeling too “strenuous.”

Morning Waterfall Trekking

The final day usually begins early, with a waterfall trek to Manuaba Waterfall that begins around 7 AM. The journey takes about an hour, with two different waterfall spots to explore along the way, which makes it a really good way to start the morning.

The walk itself passes through small village paths and rice paddies, while the air is still cool and quiet. It’s not too demanding, but just enough to gently wake up the body.

Along the way, everything still feels very natural, with the sound of flowing water, trees, and occasional glimpses of local daily life.

Once you reach the waterfalls, the atmosphere remains calm and relatively quiet. The water flows quite strongly, but the surroundings still feel peaceful, and many guests choose to sit for a while before heading back.

Beyond the waterfall trek, there are also quite a few other experiences that guests can try during their stay. Some are more active, like walking through the rice fields or joining simple farming activities, while others lean more towards cultural experiences, such as artisan workshops like wood carving or batik.

There are also more relaxed options, like guided rituals at the waterfall or even curated rest experiences designed to help you unwind more intentionally, so the overall stay doesn’t feel limited to just one type of activity.

Wellness at Hammana Spa

Time at Hammana Spa feels like a natural pause in the flow of the stay. It’s also one of the more unique spa concepts we came across in Bali, combining traditional Balinese rituals with elements of a Turkish hammam experience.

The spa area itself is dominated by bamboo, with a fairly open structure that lets in natural light and keeps everything feeling connected to the surroundings. Even with its luxurious setup, it still feels light, calm, and very much in tune with nature.

Before the treatment begins, we were welcomed with a drink and introduced to something called a Wariga Birth Reading. Using the traditional Balinese calendar, the therapist interprets your birth day and energy, offering a glimpse into your elemental balance. It’s a small detail, but it adds a more personal layer to the whole experience.

Once the treatment starts, everything moves at a slow, unhurried pace. We were also served small snacks and drinks during the session, which made it feel like more than just a massage.

There are also options to include a flower bath as part of the spa experience, which adds another layer of relaxation after the treatment, making the whole session feel more complete.

After finishing, it didn’t feel like rushing back to anything else. Most guests, including us, lingered for a bit, just sitting and taking in the atmosphere before heading back to the villa.

It’s the kind of spa experience that goes beyond the treatment itself, the setting, the pace, and the small details all come together in a way that helps you properly unwind.

Yoga in a Semi-Outdoor Shala

Wake up early at 7 AM and start with yoga!

One detail that we found quite standout was the yoga shala located on the resort grounds. It’s semi-outdoor, with an open structure and direct views of the surrounding nature. So during the yoga session, you won’t hear loud music or overly formal instructions, but rather the sounds of nature.

Olivia tried one of the morning sessions here, which usually starts around 7 AM, and the atmosphere felt very different from a typical indoor studio. The air was fresh, the light filtered in gently, and the whole experience felt more grounded.

This isn’t just an added perk, but truly part of the overall experience at this resort. For couples seeking a more mindful and tranquil honeymoon, the presence of a yoga shala like this is a significant plus.

Conclusion

Compared to many resorts in Ubud, Equipoise Resort Ubud has a quite different approach. This isn’t a place for a packed itinerary or a busy experience. Rather, it’s more about an immersive honeymoon, where the villa, nature, and activities all blend.

And in the end, what’s most noticeable isn’t just the amenities, but how time passes more slowly. And for honeymooners, that’s often the most precious thing.