Best food & drink

1. Floating Breakfast

From the comfort of my villa, I enjoyed a floating breakfast in Bali, which is a must-do experience. Presented in a romantic heart-shaped tray, decorated with vibrant marigold flowers, it featured fresh fruits, delicate pastries, a nutritious breakfast wrap and one of Bali’s signature acai smoothie bowls. I had a choice of croissants, pain au chocolat and pain aux raisins, complemented by seasonal fruits of watermelon, pineapple, melon and passion fruit. The standout dish was the smoothie bowl, topped with granola, mango and banana, beautifully harmonised with the radiant marigolds. For a savoury touch, I enjoyed the breakfast wrap, which consisted of avocado, scrambled egg, bacon, tomato, and pepper.

Not only was the food delicious, but it was a picture-perfect moment amongst the rolling rice fields, immersed in a private pool, enjoying the peace of my own company and the sound of nature.

2. Habitat Bistro

Set beside an infinity pool with incredible views of Ubud’s jungle, Habitat Bistro is the resort’s Italian restaurant. Many Ubud visitors, outside of the resort, flock to this restaurant renowned for its beautiful scenery, indulgent cuisine and serene atmosphere.

Sitting high above the infinity pool, I enjoyed the Arancini, which was the first and most heavenly dish of the course. Infused with mushrooms and ground beef, topped with parmesan and dipped in truffle aioli, the Arancini was mouth-watering.

For mains I tried lamb pappardelle, gnocchi Alfredo and a classic Margherita pizza. All three dishes were rich and flavoursome, with the house-made pappardelle being the star of the show. The lamb neck ragu was cooked to perfection and smothered in rich tomato sauce, while the stracciatella melted into the pasta lusciously.

Dessert arrived next with a unique tiramisu and a playful performance, pouring rich espresso into a chocolate filter that separated the creamy mascarpone, ladyfinger and berries.

Habitat Bistro offers Italian comfort food and a wide range of dishes suited to everyone, including grilled fish, eggplant parmigiana, and ribeye steak. It’s the perfect place to dine if you’re looking for ambience, views and gourmet comforts.

Stay

Kaamala Resort offers 10 different room types. From luxury pool villas to grand suites with forest views, each space offers complete privacy and picturesque scenery, making all villas and suites a serene retreat.

I had the pleasure of staying in the Grand One Bedroom Private Pool Villa. As I entered the villa, I was greeted by an outdoor kitchen that led to a terrace with a pool, a hammock, a seating area and sun loungers. Overlooking the ricefields of Ubud, it was mesmerising and felt like I had my own sanctuary away from the bustle of the centre.

The villa’s outdoor area was extraordinary, but the room was equally stunning. Walking into a plush king-size bed scattered with rose petals, this one-bedroom villa featured a rainfall shower, a dressing area and a jacuzzi bath decorated in Kaamala’s signature marigolds. It felt comfortable and cosy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that gave me a front row seat to monkeys leaping around outside the villa.

One aspect I appreciated the most was that I could take in the views from every angle of the villa, whether I was soaking up the sun, relaxing in the jacuzzi, snug in bed or swimming in the pool. The villa offered a convenient, tranquil and luxurious experience.

Explore

Staying in a villa at Kaamala Resort feels like a tranquil haven you don’t want to leave. However, there is also a main swimming pool beside Habitat Bistro, which offers panoramic views of the jungle and convenience to the restaurant. The infinity pool is surrounded by palm trees and opulent sun loungers and day beds, allowing you to enjoy a change of scenery from your villa while still immersing yourself in the serenity of Ubud.

For days when you’re feeling adventurous but not ready to embrace Ubud centre, the luxury resort also offers activities that allow guests to connect with culture and creativity. From live cooking shows and mocktails classes to language sessions and crafting sacred Canang Sari offerings.

Beyond Kaamala Resort, Ubud offers a wide range of activities and sights, including a scenic trek up Mount Batur at sunrise and a trip to Bali Twin Lake, both offering sweeping views of nature. You can also tour ancient temples or take part in a silver jewellery-making workshop. All of these activities can be organised by Kaamala Resort, and are exclusive to guests.

Close by to Kaamala Resort is Ubud centre, where you can discover the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, explore the vibrant Art Market, and watch traditional Balinese dance performances at the Ubud Palace. Further afield, relax at day clubs such as Cretya Ubud or visit a coffee plantation to understand the history and production behind Bali’s renowned Kopi Luwak.