Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Our stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — one of only eight in the world — was so magical I had to share. My family and I came here to celebrate my birthday in Bali, staying for three nights, and we already deeply miss it — we wished we could have stayed much longer. From the bustling streets of Ubud, a narrow path leads to this serene, zen-like oasis. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by stunning views of lush forests and rice paddies, perched on top of the landscape and surrounded by nature. It immediately made us feel calm, enchanted, and ready for the extraordinary stay ahead. We were personally welcomed upon arrival by Mr. Gunawan, the Director of Rooms, and other team members, which immediately made us feel valued and at home. We stayed in a pool villa, and it was nothing short of spectacular — my wife said it’s the best villa she has ever stayed in. The villa featured a private infinity pool, a separate living area, and thoughtful amenities like a Dyson hair dryer (always a plus in my book!). Turndown service was enchanting: every night brought different local drinks and snacks, accompanied by little Balinese stories that made each evening special. On the first day, the team surprised me with a birthday cake crafted exactly to my preferences — it was the best birthday cake I’ve ever had, and my wife and son wholeheartedly agreed! The service at Mandapa is truly unparalleled. Our patih, Madi, exemplified perfection — graceful, efficient, and extraordinarily attentive, anticipating our every need before we even spoke. Dining staff, including Nila at Sawah Terrace, consistently went above and beyond, providing personalized touches like small Indonesian snacks and ensuring every meal was memorable. Everywhere we went, the team knew our names and our child’s, treating us like royalty and making every interaction feel special. Our son was overjoyed with Mandapa Camp — he would rush us through breakfast daily just to get there. The camp features live animals, including cows, ducks, and chickens; the two cows, Manda and Dapa, are delightfully named. The activities are screen-free, educational, and endlessly engaging. He called it “the best kids club in the world.” The resort itself is breathtaking, like a fairytale come to life. Lush forests, rice terraces, and elegant architecture combine with the lively sights and sounds of the Ayung River to create an enchanting atmosphere. Our spa experience was equally exceptional. We booked a massage session and enjoyed every moment. Afterwards, we were escorted to the relaxation room with small snacks and drinks while enjoying the sights and soothing sounds of the Ayung River. From there, we went to the vitality pool through a separate locker room, which also included a sauna and steam room. There is even a barbershop inside the spa — we didn’t have time to use it, but it looked incredible. We also took advantage of the complimentary 30-minute family photo shoot session, and the results were amazing — a perfect keepsake of our magical stay. While enjoying delectable, unique cocktails and breathtaking views from Ambar, Mr. Suarjaya, the Loyalty Manager, personally stopped by to introduce himself and ensure our stay was perfect. One of the drivers we had shared fascinating Balinese myths and history with us, which I loved and added a special layer to our experience. Having stayed in plenty of luxury resorts around the world, Mandapa is undeniably one of the most magical. From the breathtaking villa and vistas to the impeccable, personalized service, every detail was curated to perfection. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is polished, high-end luxury with heart — an unforgettable birthday escape for the entire family.