The Ridge Bali — Hotel in Pulau Bali

Staying at The Ridge in Ubud was like buying a ticket to paradise only to be dropped off at the bus stop just outside of it. Out of the 10 places we’ve stayed in Bali over the past two years, this one takes the crown for "Most Overpromised, Under-delivered. Here’s why: LOCATION - On a map, it looks like you’re practically neighbors with Monkey Forest & Ubud’s vibrant center. In reality It’s 30–45 minute car ride. I’m convinced that distance in Bali operates in dog years; 5 kilometers somehow feels like 35. Forget about walking unless you have a death wish. The hotel shuttle runs on its own strict schedule, which is basically like catching a bus in the 1950s—you better plan your whole day around it. I didn’t fly 9,000 miles to live by someone else’s clock. THE VILLAS: The Ridge has just 6 villas. Villa #2, where we initially checked in, was spacious with high ceilings and a large bathroom. Unfortunately, the AC was completely non-functional. I flagged it to the staff immediately and was told, with a smile, to "give it time." Time passed. It got hotter. They said no one could attend it until the next day. Meanwhile, all of our belongings stayed in Villa #2 while we were shuffled off to Villa #5 to sleep. I’d call it an inconvenience, but that’s being generous. Lots of hotels in Bali have 2 AC units but the Ridge doesn't. The hotel we are currently staying at has 3 ACs in our villa. 3.ELECTRICITY: For a solar-powered villa, it sure goes dark often! I was told by the staff that the Ridge operates on solar power system. During our three-day stay, we experienced five separate power outages—and we were barely even there. They were short outages, nonetheless annoying. FOOD - bland, forgettable and uninspired. Bali has so many mind blowing restaurants that hands down deserve to be in Michelin Guide. After the first day, we stuck to just coffee and juice, which, thankfully, is hard to mess up. Do yourself a favor and pass on including breakfast in your reservation. For that price, you deserve much better. SUNIA ENERGY HEALING Misleading and Unprofessional. Here’s where things went from inconvenient to absurd. I booked their “Sunia Energy Healing,” expecting a serene, spa-like experience. What they don’t tell you—anywhere on their site or in their materials—is that they don’t have a spa at all. The healing session is done in your villa. Energy healing is a personal experience, not a sideshow, yet I was expected to undergo it in the middle of our skimpy living space while my partner either sat silently nearby or loitered outside on the deck in the middle of the night (my booking was for 8pm). I asked to cancel but was pushed into doing it in another villa. I reluctantly agreed. The session took place on a mat on the floor—hardly the “luxury spa experience” I expected. To make things worse, the villa’s phone rang seven separate times during the session. SEVEN. It supposed to be 90 minutes but I walked out after 45. For the price they charge, the lack of professionalism is staggering! 6.SERVICE: Smiles That Cover for Excuses When I asked for a refund for the first day / night, considering the room was not usable for 24hrs and we had to part with our belongings and sleep in a different villa due to their AC issue, I was met with the same warm smile and a polite, rehearsed nod. I was denied. They pretended like I did not ask. Even though I believe this should be offered and apologized for. They did, however, "generously" offer to transport us at their expense to another hotel upon checkout. That’s like serving someone undercooked overpriced food and offering them a bus ticket to McDonald's. Insulting and missing the point entirely. OVERALL I can’t understand the glowing reviews. Maybe these guests haven’t experienced true Balinese hospitality before. For the price, there are far better options in Ubud that don’t treat you like a walking ATM. The Ridge is a lesson in overpromising and under-delivering, masked by polite smiles and good photography. If you value your time, your comfort, and your money,...

Exceptional offering in the most scenic locale in Ubud.

The Ridge has only recently opened and it's clear to see that the minor details have not been overlooked... We enjoyed the Marshall speaker with bluetooth to play our own music. The size of the indoor shower was huge, with glass surrounding it (strangely in Bali many high end hotels forget the shower screens and the bathroom floor can stay wet) Two day bed's on the balcony which faces the river and rice paddies...one exposed to enjoy the sun, the other with a roof so that if you have some afternoon rain you can still sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere - again, smart move. Handwritten welcome note (more places should bring this back!) Yoga mat's A selection of loose leaf tea Sizeable desk/study area Plenty of gluten free options on the menu Outdoor bath & shower USB (small and big) power connection

Also what you would expect in a villa: Private pool Huge bed Great A/C In room dining His and her sinks

In regards to the staff, from the moment we arrived we felt very welcome and throughout our stay they were highly accommodative while also providing ample privacy.

The villa's also face towards the sunset so you really do have the best view not only with landscape but but aspect as well. You can enjoy that from your villa or the restaurant/pool downstairs.

The location itself is also awesome. I've been visiting the Sayan area of Ubud since 2017, it is by far my favourite. With protected rice terraces and palm tree's - you can truly escape into the tranquility that this micro-climate & micro-culture has to offer, whilst also being close enough to dip in and dip out of the high amenity /attractions e.g. river rafting, monkey forrest, yoga retreats, world class dining etc.

Overall highly impressed with the Ridge, can definitely recommend and we are already planning on coming back again next year :)

P.s. after talking with staff we also found out that Made, a local balinese man with seemingly a wealth of experience is behind this hotel and I think it really shows. Made's vision for these villas (only 5) provides an intimate joglo (traditional balinese housing) feeling, with the high end fit out/interior design...

The most relaxing, cared for, personalized & tranquil experience.. and this coming from a world traveller!

All the compliments and rave reviews to the people who designed the Ridge with all its amenities.. but even more glowing & amazing compliments & reviews to the staff of The Ridge. What an INCREDIBLE experience!!!

Right from when we were picked up from the airport in a brand new luxury SUV (pick up was very easy via What’s App) to arriving at the villa. Everyone was prepared and our arrival felt flawless and we felt so cared for & pampered.

Everyone was just so genuine and kind. A HUGE shoutout to our butlers, Ngurah & Edy. You are AMAZING!!!!! Incredible shining stars indeed.

I will sound like a broken record but honestly, everything was amazing.

We loved our villa. AC was quiet and actually kept the villa comfortable cool. Everything impeccably clean and very modern. Surroundings are quiet (you don’t hear traffic or the staff working) — it’s just you and the jungle & river. Beautiful view looking towards the lush jungle & Four Seasons Resort. Food is A++++ — breakfast was divine every single day. Looooved the avocado toast!

Communication was done via what’s app with your butler - loved that feature. There was also a phone in the room if you wished to use it.

The restaurant onsite, Sayan Valley, also has delicious food and great cocktails. Servers there are so warm & friendly. It was a joy to go downstairs and not order room service. We enjoyed the warm atmosphere they created.

We have now been to two different luxury boutique villas/hotels and the Ridge surpassed all of them — BY FAR. I’d give 100 stars if I could — and I don’t give rave reviews often.

Keep up the amazing work, The Ridge Team! Certainly do hope to come again...