The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas, Ubud, Bali

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas

Monica Tindall

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas promises a connection with nature, a wellness escape and cultural enlightenment in its lush and peaceful surroundings. On the outskirts of Ubud in the village of Kenderan, Tegallalang, guests are invited to experience the heart and soul of the community.

The boutique resort is home to 24 rooms and villas tastefully styled in contemporary Balinese fashion. Curated to highlight the pleasure of the natural environment, lines are clean, fostering a focus on the pristine haven in which it is set. Rice terraces encircle the property giving guests a sense of place and calm. At the same time, it’s about 30 minutes from the action of Ubud, with boutiques, dining and attractions ready to fill your day.

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas

Suites and villas provide accommodation for single travellers, couples or families. White-washed wood is a welcome change from the more traditional deeper hues giving a light, bright feel to the rooms. Touches of ornately carved wood and rattan weavings are a change in texture, providing a backdrop to the beautiful views.

It’s a little cooler here (not cold, just fresh), so the outdoor spaces are well-used. Waking up to pristine air and lush greenery is wellness in itself. Combined with quality bedding, the peaceful location, good food and options to fill the day with cultural activities, it almost guarantees a sound night’s sleep (which seems to be fewer and further in between these days).   

I’m grateful for bath products in refillable pumps and glass bottles of water, reducing single-use plastic where possible. Little touches such as designer robes and slippers, a rack for drying clothes, a fruit basket, netting around the four-poster bed and turn-down service are also appreciated.

Facilities

The environment at The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas nurtures a slowed pace. Leisurely days by and in the heated infinity pool are high on my agenda. At 16-metres in length, it’s long enough for me to do laps, and I sure appreciate the warmer temperature. While some might curl up with a good book, I find it a peaceful place to write. Undistracted, many words get laid to page. Additionally, there’s a separate pool and playground dedicated to children, encouraging higher-energy guests to enjoy themselves without disturbing residents desiring a quieter stay.

More opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate are found in the yoga lounge and gym. Sunrise yoga is a truly magical experience with an expert instructor on site. For a more vigorous workout, the fitness room holds several cardio machines – a bike, cross-trainer and treadmill. It too overlooks the rice fields, making for an inspiring workout view.

Tejas Spa

Tejas Spa at The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas faces tropical gardens and supplies a menu of treatments, including massages, facials, wraps and scrubs. Natural products are used in therapies with high-quality coconut oil scented with various local ingredients of special note. Each session begins with a foot ritual (scrub using sandalwood in a floral bath) and ends with a warm cup of ginger tea.

Activities

Guests looking for more to occupy their time will find guided walks, cooking classes, picnic lunches, craft lessons, dance shows, live music and much more! The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas serves to enrich the guest experience with activities embedded in local culture. For example, I’m sure you’ve seen the daily offerings made by the Balinese Hindu; well, here, you can take a class to understand the philosophy and what it represents and learn to make the Canang Sari. Alternatively, take a morning walk amongst the rice fields and take a look inside a local village and home. If you’re lucky, you may even have the chance to plant some young rice plants yourself. 

Kunang-Kunang Restaurant

Alternatively, eat your way to comprehension with meals from Kunang-Kunang Restaurant. Meaning firefly in Bahasa Indonesia, Kunang-Kunang mirrors its namesake glowing in its preferred pristine environment. Elevated in the upper section of the lobby, there are 180-degree views of green fields as far as the eye can see. A bamboo frame provides shelter, while the open walls allow for natural ventilation. Relying heavily on ingredients that are fresh and local, recipes offer Balinese flavours with international plating (really pretty!)

Daily specials highlight Indonesian flavours. I enjoy one such taste on arrival, the Bebek/Bakar Pinjul (IDR 135k++). Fried or grilled duck comes with steamed rice, vegetable urab (salad), three kinds of sambals, fruit and ice tea as a set. It’s absolutely delicious. On top of the ala carte menu, there’s also a four-course set menu and a whole page of Healthy Selections. The Dragonfly’s Bowl (IDR 94k++) is a pleasing dish loaded with cauliflower rice, sweet potato, mixed salad, grilled eggplant, zucchini, semi-dried tomatoes, garlic bread crisps, and carrot noodles in a honey balsamic dressing. 

You can also benefit from the kitchen’s delights in various locations around the resort. I savoured the Heavenly High Tea in the gazebo overlooking the rice terraces. The set is presented in a tiered basket and displays hand-crafted local specialities, all with Chef Ardhy’s artistic plating. Or take it one step further and arrange for a picnic lunch served by your own personal butler. Popular with couples, a private romantic dinner can also be arranged poolside or in the privacy of your villa.

Every night there’s something different to entertain guests at Kunang-Kunang restaurant. From interactive dance shows to live music and daily specials, it’s an exciting place to be. 

Breakfast orders are taken the evening before allowing the kitchen to serve you better. It can be delivered to your room or taken in the restaurant. Considering both are beautiful locations, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Here again, there are selections to suit a wide range of preferences, local and international, decadent and healthy. I can highly recommend the smoothie bowl with mango, banana and a topping of chia pudding, freshly sliced fruit and house-made granola. Eggs made to order are also well made, and I see my fellow guests cleaning up plates of rice and noodles. Perhaps, most importantly for my morning ritual, though, the coffee is good! 

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas Review

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas is the third property I’ve visited on this trip managed by the Adiwana team. Each stay has provided something unique. Adiwana Jembawan is a peaceful retreat with the excitement of Ubud literally on its doorstep. Adiwana Warnakali Nusa Penida is perfect for guests wanting a little adventure in the sun and sea in a comfortable environment, and The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas is a relaxing retreat encircled by rice terraces. With around 20 properties managed by this team, you could visit the whole island of Bali with one booking and find inspiration, warm hospitality and unique and memorable stays.

Reasons to stay at The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas: beautiful setting skirted by rice terraces; comfortable, bright, cheery rooms; a load of cultural activities; delicious food and views at Kunang-Kunang restaurant; shuttle to Ubud; signature Balinese hospitality.

The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas
Banjar Pinjul, Kenderan, Kec. Tegallalang,
Gianyar, Ubud, Bali 80561
+62 361 908 9028
[email protected]
https://thesunofgranary.com/

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