Viceroy Bali – Private Pool Villas Ubud
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
A family-owned and managed gem, Viceroy Bali has long been a beacon of beauty, hospitality, and sustainability, overlooking the breathtaking Valley of the Kings in Ubud.
Despite the rise of new properties in Bali, Viceroy Ubud remains a constant draw for us. There’s comfort in revisiting something tried and trusted, especially when precious holiday time is limited. It’s like ordering your favourite meal at a beloved restaurant – a guaranteed source of happiness and satisfaction.
Location
On one side of Viceroy Bali, there are lush rice paddies, and on the other side, a wall of green sloping down to a hidden waterway below. It’s minutes away from Ubud, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the famed Sacred Monkey Forest, yet far removed from the island’s now-normal busyness.
We arrive via private transfer between ready-to-harvest rice fields and small Balinese homes. If you have the means, though, you might prefer to bypass the traffic and drop in via helicopter; Viceroy Bali does have its own helipad, after all.
Viceroy Bali
I’m always harping on restaurants to acknowledge that service begins the second a guest walks in the door, not a moment later, and many would do well to take a look at Viceroy Ubud as a model. Before our feet have touched the ground, we have a frangiapani chain around our necks as we exit the car, and someone has taken our bags to reception. We’re greeted by name, and after formalities have been taken care of, our host gives us a comprehensive tour of the room. He ensures we know where the air-con and light switches are, explains the mini-bar, and gives us a WhatsApp number for instant connection.
Viceroy Bali Rooms
Viceroy Bali is ideal for couples desiring privacy. It’s a favourite amongst honeymooners and those looking for an intimate escape. The property is firm with its “no drone” policy and has several systems in place to guarantee the discretion of its guests.
The villas vary in size and outlook but all share a luxurious design, with lots of marble and polished wood blending with traditional Balinese aesthetics. The living areas and bathrooms are expansive, and the private pool in each is certainly a highlight. Guests are asked before arrival if they prefer to have the air conditioning on or off and the pool heated or at a natural temperature. It’s these small details that make an exceptional stay.
There’s a giant TV, although it isn’t used during our stay, and the WiFi is fast and has good connectivity. We have enough international plugs to keep devices charged without needing adaptors. Besides air-conditioning, there’s also a ceiling fan, and we find that with the huge glass sliding doors open during the day, that’s all the cooling we need. We appreciate the walk-in closet with electronic safe, iron and ironing board, enabling us to keep the room tidy with our luggage tucked neatly away. Tea and coffee-making facilities and a fruit basket are also complimentary.
Dual sinks in the bathroom give each our own space, and there’s a bathtub if you prefer to soak inside rather than in your private pool. Beds are comfortable and can be made up as twin or king. As mentioned, the rooms are designed for couples. There’s not a lot of privacy between the bathroom and bedroom, so if you’re travelling with a friend or colleague, this might be a consideration. The Viceroy Bali team kindly added some additional curtains for us, showing their flexibility in meeting guest’s needs.
Facilities
If you’re a couple, I don’t know why you’d ever leave your room! With your own private pool, deck, magical views and room service (you can even have brekkie delivered as a floating tray for a small USD 5 fee), the obvious choice seems to stay in. However, an on-site spa, fitness centre, squash courts, complimentary shuttle to Ubud, a magnificent infinity pool, and excellent food and beverage options might draw you out. These, too, have been designed with privacy in mind. I especially appreciate the quiet gym, furnished with quality LifeFitness machines. They have an upbeat playlist you can connect to via Bluetooth, but if you prefer to take in the serene views in peace, just leave your earbuds at home.
Restaurants & Bars
Bali, and Ubud in particular, is known for its exceptional dining options, and Viceroy Bali is home to two such world-class establishments. CasCades presents a blend of Western and Asian culinary traditions, curated with the freshest local ingredients. This is where we have breakfast -well, one floating breakfast delivered to our private pool and another in the pretty open-walled restaurant overlooking greenery and the rising morning mist.
Breakfast is an unlimited selection of made-to-order items at CasCades. It’s perfect for reducing waste and ensuring food is at its freshest while delivering the opulence you’d expect from such a property. Local and Western dishes are both available. I’m a fan of their veggie omelette and oat milk lattes, while Han Sen appreciates the local fried rice and beautifully presented French toast.
The fine-dining sister restaurant, Apéritif, is a destination in itself. Located in a separate colonial-style building, it, alongside the 1920s-themed speakeasy Pinstripe, provides an exceptional dining experience. It features a tasting menu that takes diners on a global food journey with delicious Asian accents, paired with an extensive selection of fine wines and cocktails. Even if you’re not staying at Viceroy Ubud, I strongly recommend a reservation. Check out our latest visit to Apéritif Bali here.
Sustainability
The number one reason I love Apéritif Bali is the extraordinary culinary experience. However, having their own on-site organic garden gives them a few additional marks, too. Besides celebrating local flavours, the team has their very own greenhouse, growing a multitude of herbs and vegetables. This is a relatively new addition, but Viceroy Bali was “doing” sustainability far before it became a trend.
The owners genuinely want to protect the precious landscape they call home and positively impact those further down the stream (literally). Many hotels are responsible for treating their own wastewater before releasing it into the environment, some more and some less effectively than others. Viceroy Bali uses a multi-stage wastewater treatment process before discharging treated water into a local river, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Furthermore, they have solar power, employ energy-efficient practices, and implement water conservation measures. They also prioritise waste reduction through composting and recycling.
Viceroy Bali Review
Viceroy Bali stands out as a destination that prioritises personalised service and a deep respect for its environment. Beyond the luxurious villas and exceptional dining, the resort demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability, making it a choice for discerning travellers who seek a meaningful and eco-conscious escape.
Reasons to visit Viceroy Ubud: a beautiful escape prioritising privacy on the outskirts of Ubud; EXCEPTIONAL dining experiences; private pool villas; gracious service; commitment to sustainability and doing good.
Viceroy Ubud
Br. Nagi, Jl. Lanyahan, Petulu
Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Link to Viceroy Ubud on Google Maps
+62 361 971777
www.viceroybali.com
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Perfect place!