The Ark Ubud Bali — Hotel in Pulau Bali

I’ll start with the positive. A beautiful space that had everything that’s needed, mats, bolsters, blocks, masks, incense, and candles. I enjoyed using the sauna and the clean pool. There were a lot of mosquitoes, because you are in the jungle, but there were a lot of repellent coils going at the house, which was helpful. The 6 staff have been here for 10 years. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. Thank you to all the staff.

Things that affected my rating: I paid extra to get a giant bathtub. The first three nights I didn’t have hot water. The water did get fixed, however, I could only fill the bathtub 1 to 2 inches before the hot water was gone and it affected all three rooms on the second floor of the main house, I don’t know if it affected the downstairs rooms. So, the bathtubs are more for decoration than actual use.

I would have to move my clothes and suitcase when I wanted to shower, because of the position of the showerhead would result in water on the floor and spraying onto the area where my clothes were hanging.

The food was fresh, although not hot because they don’t have serving dishes that would keep food warm. A few times food was not prepared and I didn’t have a heads up about this. When I reached out to the owner she offered to bring me food but didn’t get back until 8:30pm, so too late for me to eat.

The biggest influence on my score was our host, Tammy, and her energy and attitude. She was accessible, but she was often exasperated by requests that were made, claiming everybody needed something. I experienced this and observed her behaving this way towards others as well. She gave me a bit of a hard time when I told her I had to leave a day earlier than planned three days prior to my departure. I found the interaction so stressful, that I just told her to use the $108 USD for staff tips for the ~10 days that I was there. At the same time I had stated that I did not need a ride to the airport, but instead of reimbursing me, a couple weeks later, when I inquired, she stated that she’d decided to give the money to the staff for tips, approximately $175 in total at this point, which felt inappropriate and unacceptable. There are other stories, but to summarize the attitude of scarcity and unprofessionalism was palpable throughout my stay, enough so that I decided to not have a retreat there and I know that one of my colleagues made a decision for the same reasons to not host their retreat there as well. I will not...

I absolutely loved my time here, it is absolutely beautiful! Surpassing my expectations, the hotel itself is like a sanctuary tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and just a 10 minute walk to the centre of Penestanan (or short scooter ride to central Ubud). It really does not feel like a hotel, but more like a small community that you have been welcomed into. The two rooms I stayed in were quite basic, but were comfortable and clean. You will get a good night sleep as the place is located in a quiet tucked away area. The lovely communal spaces, luscious gardens, and large pool over-looking rice fields are also a bonus. I highly recommend the 7-day retreat, where I participated in daily Vinyasa yoga, meditation and restorative yoga. Also on offer was breathwork, Kirtan and other additional activities, which I found very moving and tools for personal growth. You will also get ample time for reflection and journaling, or time to perhaps relax by the pool or go out into town. The retreat also included most breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The food was to die for, always made fresh by the beautiful staff. The course itself was run by the most amazing group of individuals, my time here really felt like a home away from home. If you decide to do the retreat, you will feel so welcome, so nurtured and so a part of the family at the Ark. I would 100% come back and just stay at the hotel, and possibly do...

I traveled solo in Bali for a month so finding the perfect retreat was a top priority. The Ark Retreat was everything I had hoped it would be, and more.

I had the Master Suite and I felt like a queen. The accommodations make you feel one with nature while being extremely clean and comfortable. I had also never eaten Vegan before so I was a little nervous. However, the food was absolutely delicious and I was pleasantly surprised how much the retreat included! But what really made this retreat stand out, were the people. The second I got there I felt like I had a second family. I actually ended up extending my stay 4 more days after the retreat because I just couldn't say goodbye to the incredible Ark and they people there.

This retreat was the perfect mix of yoga, mediation, healing and Balinese Culture. It was a full schedule but I still had plenty of down time by the pool to lay out and read :)

If you are considering a retreat or a place to stay in Bali, do yourself a favor and go to the Ark. I am ecstatic with my experience and will 100% be coming back in the future.

Love...