Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Mandapa is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort on the Ayung River in Ubud, Bali, laid out like a Balinese village among rice fields and rainforest. It's best for couples and travelers who want a high-end stay with daily yoga, Balinese healing traditions and a riverside spa.

What it's like

Mandapa sits in the Ayung River valley just outside central Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. The resort is set out like a traditional Balinese village, with rice paddies, rainforest and the river running right past the spa. It has 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, and every guest gets a dedicated Patih, the resort's word for a personal butler.

It's a full luxury resort, so you'll find several restaurants, a pool and family services alongside the wellness side. But wellness runs through the whole place, from free sunrise and sunset yoga to ceremonies held on full and new moon days in the resort's own temple. The World Spa Awards named it Asia's, Indonesia's and Bali's Best Wellness Retreat 2025.

The spa and programs

The riverfront spa has five treatment rooms, including a couples' room. There's also an open-air vitality pool with air and water jets, plus a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and experience showers, separated for men and women.

• Yoga and meditation. In-house guests can join complimentary sunrise and sunset yoga in a pavilion over the river or on rice paddy platforms. There's also a meditation temple.
• Balinese healers. Local healers offer traditional sessions such as Prana Kombi massage, Panca Mayakosha healing and pranic acupuncture, as well as Reiki and acupuncture.
• Blessing rituals. The spa runs Melukat rituals, a water blessing held in the resort's temple and a fire blessing.
• Disconnect to Reconnect. A curated wellness journey with indigenous healers in the Ubud rainforest, with personalized spiritual, well-being and health programs.
• Detox, nutrition and fitness. The wellness menu covers detox and nutrition, body therapy and alternative therapy. A 24-hour gym and private training sessions, from mat Pilates to antigravity yoga, round it out.

Beyond the spa, the resort arranges riverside rituals, temple blessings and guided rice field walks.

Food

There's plenty of choice. Kubu is a zero-waste restaurant that sources ingredients from within 100 kilometers, Sawah Terrace serves Indonesian heritage dishes by the river, and Ambar has cocktails and Japanese fusion. In-villa dining runs around the clock, and private dining can be arranged around the grounds.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

Mandapa suits couples, honeymooners and travelers who want a comfortable base for yoga, spa time and real contact with Balinese healing traditions. Families are welcome too, with children's activities through Mandapa Camp and babysitting.

It's not a strict retreat with a set schedule, and you won't be on a structured program unless you book one. If you want a simple, low-cost yoga retreat, Ubud has many smaller options.

Getting there

Mandapa is about 35 kilometers from Bali's international airport near Denpasar. The drive to Ubud often takes longer than the distance suggests because of traffic. The resort doesn't run a free shuttle, but it can arrange airport transfers if you book ahead.