COMO Uma Ubud

A five-minute drive from Ubud's city center, nestled in the forested volcanic mountains that run across Bali, the twenty-nine-room Uma Ubud could hardly be farther — in geography or in mood — from the noisy beachfront resorts. It’s a COMO hotel, and while still luxurious, the Uma resorts are of a slightly more ascetic bent than their decadent cousins.

This is a peaceful place, and Koichiro Ikebuchi’s design opens the hotel to its surroundings — there is plenty of natural light and airflow, and the interiors blend a Zen simplicity with traditional Balinese materials. It’s just the right note for the mountain-village setting.

Not that simplicity of design translates to hardship. Every room has its own terrace or courtyard, and the more extravagant suites come with private infinity pools overlooking the valley and river below. For hardcore relaxation, you’ll want to head to the COMO Shambhala Retreat — a spa with an emphasis on fitness over pampering, holistic health over skin care. Complimentary yoga classes and guided morning walks are a good way to get into the spirit.

Perhaps the greatest delight of this mountainside location is that it affords the opportunity for exploration. Ubud is Bali’s cultural center, with any number of museums and temples to see. Traditional outdoor activities are available as well, from hiking to whitewater rafting and even volcano climbing.

How to get there: Uma Ubud is a 1-hour drive from Denpasar International Airport.