Alila Ubud
bali, indonesia · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Alila Ubud is one of the original great Ubud jungle resorts — set above the dramatic Ayung River gorge since 1995, its 56 rooms and villas offer a classic Balinese luxury experience with an ecological and community-focused ethos that feels genuinely authentic rather than performative. The infinity pool above the river gorge remains one of the most visually dramatic in Bali, and the resort's programme of local village walks, cycling through the rice paddies, and Spa Alila treatments creates a honeymoon that is both indulgent and meaningful.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
87/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Alila Villa is the top honeymoon category — a private two-storey villa with a plunge pool, open-air bathing terrace, and spectacular views down the Ayung River gorge. The Deluxe Valley Room offers the same jaw-dropping gorge vista from a beautifully designed terrace at a more accessible price point.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $900/nt) | $6,300 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $2,400 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $9,450 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,260 |
| Total estimated | $20,910 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Alila Ubud across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Ayung River Welcome
Check in after the 90-minute drive from Denpasar Airport and take your first walk to the infinity pool — the view down the Ayung River gorge is genuinely one of Bali's most spectacular, with jungle cascading hundreds of metres below. Your welcome drink is served at the pool's edge as the light fades on the gorge walls.
Village Walk & Spa
Start the morning with the resort's guided local village walk — passing through working rice paddies, small Hindu temples, and traditional family compounds. This is authentic Bali, not a tourist trail. In the afternoon, book two hours at Spa Alila: the traditional Balinese massage with kaffir lime and frangipani oils is a perfect antidote to travel fatigue.
Ayung River Rafting
For the adventurous couple: white-water raft the Ayung River through the gorge below the resort — a two-hour adrenaline journey through jungle and past waterfalls, followed by a riverside lunch. For those preferring serenity, the resort offers a guided meditation walk along the gorge rim with a traditional priest. Both end at the infinity pool.
Rice Terrace Cycling
Join the guided cycling tour through Ubud's rice terraces and farming villages. The dawn departure catches the terraces in golden light before the day's heat builds. Return for a leisurely late breakfast at Plantation restaurant, then take a lazy afternoon in the pool watching the mist rise and fall in the gorge below.
Ubud Exploration
Devote the day to Ubud town — the Monkey Forest, the Royal Palace, the famous morning market, and the art gallery district. Ubud's central area is walkable, vibrant, and full of excellent independent restaurants for lunch. Return to Alila in time for the sunset from the infinity pool — one of the great daily rituals of Balinese resort life.
Cooking Class & Private Dinner
Morning Balinese cooking class in the resort kitchen — the class covers the construction of a full ceremonial feast including lawar (spiced minced meat with coconut), bebek betutu (slow-roasted duck in spice paste), and jaja (traditional rice cakes). In the evening, arrange a private villa dinner through the resort: Balinese dishes served on your terrace as the stars emerge.
Farewell Morning
One final sunrise dip in the infinity pool above the Ayung gorge — a view you will carry with you for a long time. Leisurely breakfast at Plantation, then the drive back to Denpasar. Alila Ubud's combination of ecological authenticity, community connection, and genuine Balinese luxury makes it a deeply satisfying honeymoon resort.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Alila Ubud is inland — no beach access from the resort.
The resort sits above a steep river gorge — those with vertigo or mobility concerns should check with the resort about suitable room positions.
The property dates from 1995 and, while beautifully maintained, has a more classic feel than newer ultra-modern Ubud resorts.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Alila Ubud Dear Alila Ubud team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: [Alila Villa / Deluxe Valley Room] Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or complimentary upgrades - Details on the village walk programme and Spa Alila treatments Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Alila Ubud good for honeymooners?
Alila Ubud is an excellent choice for honeymooners who value ecological authenticity and Balinese cultural immersion alongside luxury. The infinity pool above the Ayung River gorge, Spa Alila treatments, village walks, and ecological programme create a genuinely enriching honeymoon experience.
What is the best time to visit?
May through September is Ubud's dry season — the best months for outdoor activities and village walks. October to April can bring afternoon rains, but the jungle and rice terraces are extraordinarily lush, and the gorge atmospheric with morning mist.
What should we book in advance?
Book the Alila Villa early if possible — there are limited private pool villas. Spa Alila treatments and cooking classes should be reserved before arrival. Mention your honeymoon at booking.
Is it adults-only?
No, Alila Ubud welcomes all ages. The resort's jungle and nature focus means it attracts a thoughtful, relatively quiet guest demographic that suits the honeymoon atmosphere well.
What's the best room for a honeymoon?
The Alila Villa is the most romantic — a private two-storey villa with plunge pool and gorge views. The Deluxe Valley Room is excellent value with the same gorge panorama from a spacious terrace.
How do we get there?
Fly to Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) in Denpasar and arrange a private car or hotel transfer to Ubud — approximately 90 minutes. Alila Ubud is set above the Ayung gorge, slightly north-west of central Ubud town.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
