COMO Uma Ubud

Our first three nights of our Bali adventure started in Abud with Como as our base. The resort boasts five stars and it qualifies. From the finely appointed rooms, three restaurants and dedicated teams we felt comfortable, cared for, and able to relax. We mostly stayed on site for our meals, finding the breakfast offerings terrific with a rotation of assorted menu items and help yourself tasty items like home made pastries, juices, sliced fruits and yogurts. The dining staff is always attentive and measured in their service. We had dinner at the pool side restaurant one night and the onsite Italian restaurant the following evening. Both offered food choices and incorporated Balinese dishes along with more western menu items. We walked to the center of Abud one day finding it a challenge to navigate among the masses of scooters, motorbikes and vehicles on the narrowest of roads with poorly maintained “side walks.” We’d suggest planning your day to central Ubud by utilizing the free shuttle down and back, rather than the treacherous 30-plus minute hike. We utilized the resort’s small map and recommendations to find a great place for lunch - Clear Cafe - requiring patrons to remove their shoes and many sitting on the floor to enjoy the healthy menu items (no alcohol served). Rather than winging it we opted for organized experiences through the resort. We took advantage of the walk that rotates each morning. We found the walk to the neighboring rice fields and gardens to be a wonderful way to spend an hour before breakfast. Our guide was passionate about the sustainable practices of the Balinese, and also taking the time to pick up trash along the roadway to the fields (nice touch). We also booked a “vintage car” tour and thoroughly enjoyed our day with Ketut and his tangerine ‘76 VW Thing - top down! Ketut cruised the less busy windy backgrounds around Abud stopping at perfect attractions along the way - rice terrace, temples, coffee plantation - and offered insights into the Balinese way of life. Our final morning we participated in the resorts Yoga class in the onsite Yoga Pavilion. Seemed appropriate to do a little yoga while in Bali. Nice class with capable instructor for these less than stelar participants. Our room was nice, large, comfortable bed, espresso maker, plenty of bottled water (no charge), nice sized bathroom with soaking tub, robes, perfect towels, separate head and shower. Rooms are serviced twice a day and the turndown service much appreciated. We opted for the paid upgrade to a private pool suite that had an extra outdoor shower. Perfect to cool down during the day or evening, and wonderful spot to enjoy in the early morning as the sun comes up. The main pool is central with full service food and drinks throughout the day and once again with top notch well trained staff. Seems to offer just enough pool side seating to accommodate the number of guests. In all, a nice visit to Abud and the Como Uma. It’s an oasis from the hectic and crowded center of Abud. When we return, the resort will be top of our list.

Como Uma Ubud is the perfect blend of serenity and accessibility. Set just outside the main town, it offers peaceful seclusion while the complimentary shuttle makes it easy to explore central Ubud. From arrival to departure, the service was flawless and genuinely warm. Our room was generously sized, with a beautiful four-poster bed and a calming view straight into the jungle – a truly tranquil setting. Breakfast by the koi pond quickly became a favourite part of the day, with delicious options and a stunning atmosphere. One absolute must during your stay is the daily guided walk through the surrounding rice fields – an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Ubud’s landscape. A stay here is equal parts luxurious, peaceful, and deeply memorable

The service in this beautiful hotel is flawless. No-one ever says no to anything. We were upgraded to a pool suite which is lovely - spotlessly clean and the biggest bathroom I’ve ever seen in a hotel ( and I specialise in 5 star hotels). The bedroom is separated by a koi fish pond but I must confess I found them creepy - the hotel is full of koi ponds - so had them removed. Again, no problem. The food is wonderful - breakfast is a la carte with a buffet of fruit and home made yoghurt and fresh juice. We have a package which includes a 75 minute treatment every day in the spa - what luxury! - and lunch at La Cucina a fabulous Italian restaurant. Have the grilled prawns. We have been having a late breakfast then ‘lunch’ at about 4.30 which does for dinner, especially as we are still jet lagged. Netflix on the telly with your own login. There is only one downside. The steps. Being Ubud it is on a hillside and there are maybe hundreds of steps from the lobby down to the spa and breakfast. I feel like I’m climbing Mt Everest twice a day! I have a disability - bad knees and back - and am in a great deal of pain so much so that the hotel is driving me to the doctor this morning for pain killers. So be warned. This is not the hotel for you if you are not mobile. Which is a shame because it is close to perfect. The staff call you by name - Miss Jennifer - remember everything you’ve ever said and asked for down to toothpicks at breakfast, come within seconds of you calling the lobby for something. We just had breakfast in our room and will have our daily massage here later due to those stairs.

We’ve just returned from another completely relaxing and utterly wonderful stay at Uma - our fifth visit in ten years. For a comprehensive description of the property from a previous stay, see my review from September 2022. Uma is an incredible holiday destination - beautiful rooms, great views, exquisite gardens and water features, fantastic modern and well equipped gym, delicious food and beverage options (the best dry martinis) and one of the most decadent breakfasts you’ll find anywhere, incredibly relaxing massages and treatments at the sensational Como Shambhala Spa. I could go on. The central aspect of all of this, that really sets Uma apart from its peers, are the staff. They are true customer service professionals: warm, engaging and interested in ensuring their guests have everything they need in each and every moment. They are so attentive and so focused on making sure this is a holiday you won’t forget. They’ve never missed a beat in ten years. If you are looking for the perfect location to relax within or as a wonderful base to explore Ubud, you can’t go wrong with Uma. I promise, you’ll thank yourself soon after arrival and will likely want to extend your holiday. Thanks to each and every member of staff for making this another Uma holiday we’ll never forget.

COMO Uma Ubud is a gorgeous oasis slightly removed from but easily accessible to Ubud, and the perfect base for exploring most of Bali. The hotel is tranquil and tastefully designed. Staff is extremely helpful and personable. The food and drinks (especially the amazing breakfast) are worth mention and add to the overall experience. The hotel also arranged a few activities for us during our stay, which were also excellent. And, the spa and spa services are also excellent. It’s nice to know that hotels of this caliber and personal attention to every detail still exist. 5+ stars