Relaxing Vegetarian Bali Villa in Ubud, Indonesia

Kristin | On 07, Dec 2016

A few weeks before my arrival (see: my very fist time in Indonesia), I had been in touch with Renuka (the owner of BeingSattva) about being picked up at the airport. I didn’t know this was a service they offered until she mentioned it, but being that this would be my first time in Indonesia I felt more comfortable knowing someone would be there to take me to the villa.

I’m so glad I booked transport ahead of time because the second I exited the airport into the arrivals terminal there were literally hundreds of people shouting “TAXI! TAXI MISS? TAXI! WHERE ARE YOU GOING? TAXI?!” at me and the other people who clearly looked bewildered. I was relieved to see smiling David standing patiently holding a sign with my name on it (I’ve never had anyone hold a sign with my name on it so I also felt pretty cool). Haha! The shouting from other drivers faded and my joy of being in a new country for the first time had begun to set it again.

NOTE: Booking private cars/taxis to get around Bali is quite common and many locals make earn a living this way. A lot of times you can find a reliable and affordable driver through word of mouth or asking your accommodation. Since I booked through the villa they sent their own driver, not a hired one from another company or individual. It cost about $40 (I think) to be driven 1.5 hours. That’s really quite good!

After opening my door and starting the car to get the air conditioning going, David handed me a chilled bottle of water and a cool damp face towel to refresh from my flight. NICE. During the 1.5 hour drive we had casual conversation on our way to the villa but he also seemed to know when I was enraptured with the surroundings and let me gaze out the window for some time, which was nice.

As we pulled up to the entrance of the villa I was greeted by two hosts, one who opened the car door (fancy!) and another who took my bags and checked me in. I was then guided into the dining area, past the sparkling infinity pool, up some beautiful greenery-lined stone walkways and steps, and to the porch front of my private villa. It almost seemed like I was on a movie set!

With a fish-filled flowing fountain (I know.. womp) to the left and a large veranda with comfortable seating on the porch I suspected that the inside of the villa would be just as beautiful. As the glass doors slid open my jaw literally dropped at the simplistic beauty of my room (made possible by incredible smaller detailed things, like the dark teak wood carved bed canopy with matching desk and armoire, crisp white bed sheets with a cute elephant made out of a towel).

There was a remote control air conditioning unit, free decent speed wifi, and a jug of water. There was also a water boiler for tea, and two bottles of wine (one red, one white – for purchase).

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better I stepped into the bathroom and was stunned by how gorgeous a bathroom could be! Haha!! Nearly half of it complimented by wild greenery and tropical budding flowers, a large bathtub, his and hers sinks, and an outdoor shower (with not one but two shower heads); this was like nothing I’ve seen before!

After settling in and taking some photos I rolled into the bed, pulled the blanket up around me, and squished the big billowy pillows along both of my sides (four big pillows? Yes please!), took a deep breath in, and sighed with an ease of knowing that this was going to be an epic place to stay.

I might have briefly fallen asleep and wasn’t keen on going into Ubud city center (for the first time ever) at night by myself. So I called the butler service to see about food options. Someone came right to room in a matter of minutes and asked what I’d like. I didn’t see any vegan labeled things on the menu but as soon as I said the word “vegan” the butler said, “No problem, I’ll have the chef prepare something special.”

About twenty minutes later an Indian inspired dish was delivered to my room. I sat on my secluded porch that night, under a soft light, surrounded by the humming beetles and frogs, while enjoying a bowl of warm soup and dahl. It tasted fantastic and this whole scenario seemed to good to be true.

The days that followed were filled with morning walks around the property and swimming in the infinity pool. I took a complimentary yoga class and went on the complimentary rice trek through a nearby village (within walking distance to the villa). Mona (my rice trekking guide) and I walked slowly while I peeped rice paddy workers. We giggled over boys and traveling and having kids and getting married. :)

I utilized the free daily shuttle service to go into Ubud city center. Sunarta drove me in the first time and even helped me get a country SIM card for my phone. I hadn’t taken any rupiah out yet but the place only accepted cash. Without even asking, Sunarta kindly used his own money to pay there, and to have me pay him back later. Amazing!

The villa offers onsite spa services and so I indulged in a traditional Balinese full-body massage. Yasnedi and Dewik were very kind and made suggestions as to the type of massage I might enjoy and allowed me to select a scented oil. After changing into my robe I was given a foot bath (traditional pre-massage ritual) and then one of the most amazing (medium-pressure) massages of my life! The spa massage room overlooks more incredible lush greenery, a soothing fountain induced a form of almost involuntary meditation, and the music they played was equally relaxing.

Every person I interacted with at BeingSattvaa both in email and in person, were incredibly kind, generous, and helpful.

Speaking of which, let’s talk about the food! One of the reasons I chose BeingSattvaa is because it’s a vegetarian establishment. Being vegan I figured this would be my best bet for vegan options! I was right! Bagus, the head chef was wonderful. He had prepared vegan carrot bread cake and veganized some of the meals I’d selected, with the utmost care.

I ate almost every meal here over my 3 night, 2 day stay; breakfasts, lunches, dinners—it was all exceptionally good and large portions (as well as being very affordable).

One of the most appealing things about his place is the free daily shuttle service. BeingSattvaa is about a 15-20 drive (by car or scooter) from the city center of Ubud. Which is no problem but having to rent a scooter or pay a driver could get pricey after some time. Plus, Ubud center is incredibly noisy and hectic. Since BeingSattvaa is located a bit north of the center, and off the main roadways, it’s incredible quiet and a nice escape from what can being head-spinning volumes of energy and noise when walking around, shopping, etc.

All-in-all I give BeingSattvaa a 12 out of 10. ;) Tranquil, peaceful, relaxing, beautiful, and a place you’ll be completely taken care of. I’ve already told them I’ll have my wedding here someday (ya know, after I get a boyfriend and all that). Haha!

Thank you to everyone at BeingSattvaa who made my stay so memorable!

Learn more at BeingSattvaa.com.sg
Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beingsathvaa