Luxurious Detox at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Ubud attracts a different kind of tourist to Bali. The island’s cultural hub is brimming with yoga and healing centres, healthy-food eateries and wellness retreats. Name a holistic therapy and Ubud has it. Throw in stunning scenery, mystical experiences and the warmth of the local people, and you have all the ingredients for both a memorable holiday and a much-needed detox.

Set along the Ayung River as it meets the lush jungle of Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the third bespoke resort in the brand’s Reserve portfolio. Opened five years ago, the resort is named after the entrance to a traditional Hindu temple and situated among temples with a backdrop of rice terraces.

Like its Sanskrit namesake, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers hotel guests a “temple” of their own, a sanctuary for inner exploration and tranquility. The hotel offers 35 luxury, butler-attended villas and suites; vintage VW convertible tours of villages, rice fields and temples; and dining including the signature Kubu, featuring Mediterranean-European cuisine, and private cocoons.

Jeffrey Wilkes of Asia-based Designwilkes meticulously designed traditional, yet contemporary, Balinese interiors with a luxury feel to lure travellers. Every element of design at the hotel is naturally inspired and sustainably sourced. At Mandapa, local providers have infused the retreat with natural materials that blend effortlessly throughout the property.

The hotel serves as an exclusive journey inside an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory path to wellness and nature. Unobstructed access to nature is an essential component of the experience in Ubud, where outdoors and indoors are interconnected and is always instantly accessible; even views of working rice paddies are immediate from private terraces. As an ideal destination for collectors of extraordinary moments, the center of Mandapa features a traditional rice field, which allows guests to experience the time-honoured methods of planting, harvesting and tending this local culinary staple.

Mandapa is home to four restaurants and lounges offering a choice of Indonesian cuisine, Mediterranean dining and tailored health-conscious menus for wellness and detox programmes incorporating the freshest local ingredients. There’s also “Dining Beyond”, an exclusive culinary experience that allows guests to tailor-made menus in special and exclusive locations within the Reserve.

When it comes to the subject of wellness, Mandapa offers individually tailored spiritual, wellness, health and detox programmes, complemented by full-time, personalised butler service. All experiences are designed to relax one’s mind, body and soul.

The Spa at Mandapa invites guests to discover the mind and body’s peace through holistic, comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programs based on six pillars: Balinese Spa, Detox, Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy and Healing. The Spa features eight treatment rooms and uses both ESPA and local products, the spa complex also has a state-of-the-art fitness centre, sauna, river-front yoga studio, vitality pool and relaxation areas.

The Reserve recently introduced an exclusive space for destination gatherings in the privacy of Mandapa Village. “Exclusively Yours” is designed to make a powerful impression for guests travelling together to create memorable bonding experiences and mark significant milestones or celebrations.

As part of the experience, guests staying at the Reserve can expect luxurious amenities, personalised service and a combination of authentic Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisines, while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Balinese culture. The package includes group photo sessions, massages, rafting adventures, round-trip airport transfers, daily breakfast at Sawah Terrace, butler service, private use of all wellness facilities and cocktail hours in a Balinese traditional market, followed by a superb Indonesian dinner.