Truly lush experience tucked away in a quiet Bali village
Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, in the cultural and spiritual enclave of Ubud, is making waves in the retreat scene. With 27 rooms and villas, this boutique sanctuary is tucked away in the artistic village of Mas, known for its generations of skilled artists and stone carvers.
Officially an hour’s drive from the airport, but more realistically a scenic two-hour journey through Bali’s lush landscapes due to the island’s notoriously heavy traffic, the resort promises a haven of tranquillity and artistic heritage.
The National checked in to a Grand Deluxe room for two nights to experience Gdas Bali’s all-vegan vision for wellness with a hint of hip-hop.
The welcome
At Gdas Bali, the welcome ritual is an experience in itself. A ladle of cool coconut water is gently poured over your head, symbolising a fresh start.
Post-ceremony, the check-in process is a breeze. Guests are welcomed with cold towels and a refreshing iced tea. Then, it’s a leisurely stroll along the resort’s winding wooden walkways, leading you to one of the four interconnected “houses” set over two levels.
Each house faces either the lush neighbouring rice paddies – offering some of the best views – or the Bali Eden, the hotel’s wellness retreat.
The rustic charm of traditional keys to unlock the door to each room contrasts with the contemporary flair of the black-and-white open lobby, and a flower-filled bath overlooking the fields is ready for you to take a soak on arrival.
The neighbourhood
Gdas Bali is down a winding driveway off the backstreets of Mas, a spot that’s all about embracing Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart.
It is a perfect base for exploring – it’s close enough to the action but still a peaceful sanctuary to return to at the end of the day. The hotel’s free shuttle service is your key to unlocking the treasures of central Ubud, or local taxis can be ordered via Bali’s Careem equivalent, Grab, to whisk you into town. Here, you’ll find yourself wandering through a maze of lively streets, a vibrant contrast to the resort’s serene setting.
The room
Each Deluxe room at Gdas Bali features full-height windows, immersing you in the surrounding beauty of rice paddies and jungle greenery.
Colourful artworks on the walls and intricate ornaments dotted around the room’s plush king-size bed are all created by painters and craftsmen from Mas. The generously sized bathroom is luxurious, with green marble counters, a glass-enclosed rain shower and a deep stone bathtub hidden from view by lush vegetation.
The service
The staff, predominantly from the local area, bring genuine Balinese hospitality to the hotel – they’re more than happy to talk through the culture of the surrounding area or make recommendations for bars. From the welcoming smiles at the front desk to the culinary expertise of the chefs, the service is warm and authentic throughout.
The scene
The ambience at Gdas Bali is one of relaxed sophistication, with the boutique pool area a particular hotspot for unwinding in the sun on wooden loungers or in cabanas.
The resort has a laid-back elegance that feels like an escape from the tourist-filled streets of Bali. A yoga shala overlooking the rice fields and surrounding jungle hosts daily classes. Daily complimentary cultural experiences, including hat making and walks to the local village, offer more opportunities to connect with Balinese tradition.
The Bali Eden wellness retreat, due to open next month, will feature a traditional bathhouse, where guests can immerse themselves in warmed, filtered spring water and breathe in steam scented with organic herbs, spices and aromatherapy oils.
The food
The all-vegan Tangi Restaurant is a culinary haven for plant-based food fans, serving everything from enormous slabs of tempeh steak to jackfruit spring rolls and the Indonesian classic gado gado (vegetables with tofu in peanut sauce) from an open kitchen.
A standout dish is the teriyaki wok-fried “chicken”, which delivers a burst of flavours so authentic, it gives the real thing a serious run for its money. However, be wary of the spice levels – unless you’re up for a face-tingling adventure, ask for a milder version.
The cake selection changes each day, adding to pan-Asian dessert options such as sticky mango rice, an oat brownie artfully plated with orange zest, plus pandan crepes doused in palm sugar sauce.
The restaurant closes at 10pm, but the full menu can be served to your room 24 hours a day.
Highs and lows
A full week of plant-based meals might not be for everyone, but the hotel is considering introducing a new restaurant with non-vegan options.
The hotel’s hidden location in the forest can be a tad challenging for first-time visitors to find. Also, the attentive service, though warm and personalised, might feel a little overwhelming for those seeking a more private stay.
The insider tip
If you’re itching for a change of pace then hop on the hotel’s free shuttle service to central Ubud. The first stop is at the Monkey Forest, an enchanting sanctuary where playful primates are the stars of the show, and then it’s on to the art market surrounded by bars.
The verdict
Gdas Bali is off to a promising start, and it’s fast becoming a notable addition to the island’s flourishing wellness scene. Its combination of traditional Balinese hospitality and a deep connection with nature sets it apart.
The bottom line
Grand Deluxe rooms start at $700 per night, but can be booked in low season for about half that price, with the rate including daily breakfast and yoga plus a complimentary spa treatment and airport transfers on stays for three nights or more. Check-in is at 2pm and checkout is at noon, with early room access available for an additional charge; gdasbali.com.