Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

I almost did not write this review as frankly I don't really want too many people to be aware of this gem. I would like to keep it for myself. However, it felt churlish not to share this incredible property. Mandapa is a destination I have been dreaming about visiting for years, and never quite got there. There is no doubt it is extremely expensive for Bali, but what we were pleasantly surprised about was actually how decent the value felt on the ground. Both the soft and hard products are truly world class and we do not regret a cent spent. We were fortunate enough to be upgraded to the River Villa from the Forest Villa and given both an early check in and late checkout so we had effectively four full days in the resort. We genuinely treasure those four days. The location on the Ayung River is truly breathtaking and the sounds of the river are soul soothing. If you want absolute privacy you may want to choose a forest view room as the River Rooms do expose you to multiple white water rafters each day. Personally I thought watching them from my pool added to the fun. Housekeeping almost always attended to our room while we were absent which I personally value highly as I feel awkward when people are working around me. The housekeeping team kept our villa impeccably clean and well stocked with amenities. The gym was a highlight - it is staffed and (if you are not scared of some soreness) you can brave a session with the PT present which was painful, but rewarding. We did not participate in any other classes as we were too busy relaxing but there is a lot on offer. Customer Service cannot be beaten. Our thanks to Darren who looked after us very well, was ultra responsive and made us feel that we were the only guests on property. To be fair, every staff member we encountered without exception were at the top of their game. We have been fortunate enough to stay in some truly lovely properties and we agree the staff at Mandapa surpass them all. There are many little inclusions at Mandapa that were a pleasant surprise to me as I did not research thoroughly in advance. While I won't set them all out at risk of ruining the surprise for others personal favourites included the included mini bar (including local beers) and the nightly tea (already brewed in a flask) and various snacks and treats generously given out. We also loved the cold brew coffee and snacks available for takeaway at breakfast. Sitting by our pool drinking some of the best coffee I have had was a wonderful luxury. We were able to have breakfast both in our villa and at Sawah Terrace, both locations were very pleasant. I did splurge on a spa treatment which was very good. The hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms are all available to use without a spa booking and were frankly excellent and some of the best I have ever had access to. The relaxation area was generously stocked with drinks and delicious snacks. The only downside I would say was Ambar Bar was a little too busy and noisy for our preferences. As such we cancelled our reservation there for dinner and ate at Sawah Terrace twice. While not a hardship, had Ambar being a little less busy I would have liked to have tried the food there also. While it is not a real criticism, the breakfast at Mandapa is very good, I will say they are still beaten by Andaz Bali (which is amazing). I would love to see the breakfast move to a full ala carte offering (like at Andaz) as the buffet at some points did feel a little busier and less luxurious than I would have hoped. However this is very much a non-issue given the overall product. We will return without hesitation, hopefully for longer and already have sketched in several nights at Mandapa for our milestone wedding anniversary next year.

Mandapa was truly the highlight of our honeymoon. We originally planned to leave for Uluwatu, but after experiencing the resort and the incredible hospitality, we extended our stay another night and happily gave up a night elsewhere just to stay longer at Mandapa. That alone says everything. A huge part of what made our experience so unforgettable was our butler, Tapsir. His service was absolutely top notch. He anticipated every need before we even had to ask and made us feel so cared for throughout our stay. He genuinely made our honeymoon feel magical and personal. The resort itself is stunning. The pool overlooking the jungle was peaceful and beautiful, the atmosphere throughout the property felt luxurious yet serene, and every dining experience exceeded expectations. Whether it was dinner at Kubu at Mandapa, cocktails and bites at Ambar Ubud Bar, room service, or breakfast and brunch at Sawah Terrace at Mandapa, every meal was exceptional. The spa experience was honestly the best spa experience we have ever had anywhere in the world. The treatments were incredible, and the hot water therapy and cold plunge took everything to another level. Every detail at Mandapa felt thoughtful, elevated, and special. We have stayed at many luxury resorts, but Mandapa left a lasting impression on us. We cannot wait to come back.

Where every prospect pleases, and guilt persists. This is the cumulus cloud of Luxury. It is an unique ecosystem that can be be caused in one spot in all the World, because the Balinese spirit, Architecture , topography and Art are delicately blended into producing the spectacle that is the Ritz - Mandappa. Special mention to dearest Nessa and her Team and Kitan at the Spa.

While there are many luxury hotels around Bali, Mandapa truly stands out because of its exceptionally attentive and heartfelt service. Every restaurant within the resort offers outstanding cuisine, beautifully incorporating local culture and ingredients, which made each dining experience memorable. I would especially like to express my sincere gratitude to my butler, Sugi. Her thoughtful care and attention to every detail were the absolute highlight of my journey and made my stay truly unforgettable. I look forward to returning to Mandapa in the future, whether for another stay or simply to dine, whenever the opportunity arises.

Stayed 4 nights. Excellent service from all staff members. One bedroom top floor unit was spacious with good amenities; a bit shy on plugs for recharging in the dining area. Good variety of restaurants albeit the cuisine weights heavily on local; there’s some international but carrying local flavors. Having a more balanced Asian fusion menu options would have rounded out meal options given it’s not as inconvenient to visit town. Great housekeeping and room always well prepared. Buggies always quick to respond. Special kudos to spa, as therapists were excellent with consistent touch for all 3 sessions. Facility always being maintained by staff. In summary, overall stay was tops relative to other equivalent resorts in Asia or Europe.