If you want to skip the full review and just get to the bottom line, here it is: Stay here, without question, and you will have zero regrets!
If you’re curious as to why we would give this villa the best possible review, here it is: As other reviewers have noted, the pictures (surprisingly) do not do this villa justice. Yes, the photos are amazing, but once you enter this villa, and are greeted by several staff members, and welcomed with fresh coconut juice, you will be at a loss for words. Honestly, Putu (the village manager) sets the peaceful and welcoming tone from the airport with his kind demeanor and warm heart.
When we entered the villa, I had asked what is customary for where our shoes and such should go. I’ll never forget his response, “This is your home, you may do whatever you like.” And yes, from that moment on, we truly were made to feel like this was our home. For the remaining 8 days, Putu, Kadek, Made, and Komang catered to our every need. We were pretty exhausted from nearly 40 hours of traveling, and the team took care of ordering delicious authentic cuisine for our first two nights. Nothing was too much for them… More Bintang? Done. A delicious cocktail? Kadek knows what he’s doing! Floaties for the pool? Check. A private chef for the evening? Just ask!
On top of that, forget about stressing over arranging tour guides, whether it be to a numerous temples, a guided bike tour, or seeing authentic art, wood-carving, basket-weaving studios, Putu isn’t just a wonderful village manager, he is your tour guide (whether by car or by bike), and your connection to all that is authentic and “off the beaten path”. Putu is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about Bali’s culture and history. I had researched guides for cycling, climbing Mt Batur, several temples, etc. only to find out that Putu will take care of everything! Whenever we toured a temple, Putu, again, was our guide with an immense amount of knowledge. From remote villages, to traditional ceremonies, to food and culture, if Putu recommends it, do it. You will have no regrets!
Not only is this quite possibly Ubud’s (perhaps Bali’s) most amazing villa, it includes the kindest staff that exceeds expectations at every opportunity. If I could give this villa 6 stars, I would. On our departure day, we felt as though we were saying good-bye to family. If we ever have the opportunity to return to Bali, we will most definitely stay at Alami Villa.