I love Ubud. Outright, it's an amazing little town in the highlands of Bali, filled with traditional art and craft and Balinese incense blowing from the many house temples and through the streets. Not to mention the absolutely stunning surroundings where rainforests kiss lush green rice terraces. It's totally romantic too!

If you are travelling to Bali, there is no way around visiting Ubud. And even though it has become quite touristy over the years not only because of Elizabeth Gilbert's infamous book “Eat, Pray, Love“, there are still some hidden gems to find in Ubud, too.

Bisma Eight Ubud infinity pool
fantastic Bisma Eight Ubud Bali

What I absolutely recommend is to stay a little away from the main strip, because you'll have a beautiful, more local experience living right between where most of the Balinese people live and you can get away from the tourist hustle bustle of the center. Here's why I absolutely loved staying at Bisma Eight. And why I'd definitely return again.

#1 The location is unique and still surprisingly close to town

The boutiquey Bisma Eight offers 38 spacious rooms, each set up with a view to the green bamboo garden or if you are on the upper floor, you'll have a view over the rainforest trees. This also means you never really get to see your neighbours because each suite is really private.

Located down the road in a quiet part of Jalan Bisma, it's a mere 15-minute walk from here to town and the infamous Monkey Forest, if you fancy visiting. The hotel is surrounded by nature, which you will surely get to feel even more when lazing around the infinity pool (more about this one later)!

Bisma Eight in Ubud Bali
staying at Bisma Eight Ubud
Canopy Suite at Bisma Eight Ubud

#2 The rooftop restaurant will blow you away

No matter if it's Eggs Benny for breakfast on the airy rooftop or an afternoon drink paired with international-Asian fusion dishes, Copper Kitchen & Bar will be the place to be! If you love locally grown produce like I do, their Earth to Table approach will make you just a little bit more happy as most of their ingredients come from their own organic farm.

Don't forget to take in the views as you dine at the rustic wooden benches overlooking the canopies!

splurging at Bisma Eight Ubud

#3 You will love their Yoga & cooking classes

Ubud is the heart of yoga, so surely you'll have to give it a go. Bisma Eight offers free yoga classes every day from 8 to 9 am.

The classes combine Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga which includes some of the yoga styles you may have already heard of even if you are a beginner. So breathe, relax and prepare your body and mind for a new day in charming Ubud.

If you like to ramp up your cooking skills, here is your perfect chance. Learn directly from Bisma Eights Executive Chef Ben McRae all the steps about how your food travels from the farm to your table and join a crafty cooking masterclass happening every Wednesday morning.

Make sure you book in advance so you don't miss out. If cooking is not your cup of tea, maybe cocktails are! Learn the secrets and tricks to making amazing drink creations from the barmen at Bisma Eight.

To view all current activities offered at the hotel, visit their website here.

rooftop restaurant Bisma Eight Ubud

#4 The daily afternoon tea is simply delish

You will probably not deny, but sunrise and sunset time have something magical. Tasting small savoury bites and sweets with a cup of tea or coffee or even opt for a glass of bubbly – and all that within a stunning surrounding and any afternoon in Ubud will be perfect.

Served on a wooden stand à la Bisma style, afternoon tea has never looked so good. Even if you are not staying at Bisma Eight, you can come in to take in your afternoon High Tea here, there is also an option to use the infinity swimming pool if you fancy a cool down.

Loose track of time as you chill at The Library Café, a small modern space next to the lobby perfect for a cool down in the air con, have a coffee and flick through some of the books available. For all you coffee snobs out there, look out for the Coffee Tasting session!

Bisma Eight Ubud
The Library Café Bisma Eight Ubud
Bisma Eight Ubud The Library Café

#5 Finding a Japanese-inspired soaking tub in every room

Japanese-inspired soaking tub Bisma Eight Ubud

Besides a large homey living area infused with local and international architecture, you will have a moment of surprise when entering the bathroom. Here you will be greeted by a handcrafted Japanese-inspired soaking tub – definitely something you don't find everywhere!

It's pretty big too, hence it will take some time to fill up, but totally sufficient for two people including a splash of scented bath salt that is waiting next to it.

#6 The Canopy Suite is to die for

There are three different room categories you can stay at Bisma Eight: The Garden Suite, The Canopy Suite and The Forest Suite. I stayed in one of their Canopy Suites which is located on the second level and features lush green panoramas of the bamboo jungle right outside all the windows as well as a large private balcony.

Get cosy in the kingsize bed, lounge on the comfy sofa, order room service or hook yourself up to the free wifi. You can definitely relax and enjoy the aesthetics of the room if you are tired from exploring in the tropical heat.

realxing at Bisma Eight Ubud
Bisma Eight Ubud Canaopy Suite

#7 It's upright romantic

Oh yesss, it is! No matter if you are coming for a weekend getaway with your boy or girl, are on a honeymoon or simply want time to reconnect, Bisma Eight is your luxurious treat. You could even have your wedding here! From lazy days in the sun with cocktails by your side to romantic sunsets and candlelight dinners in the evening, Bisma Eight is your tropical paradise you will hold on for a long time to come.

And really, there are so many more romantic things to do all over Bali, check them out here.

staying at Canopy Suite Bisma Eight Ubud
enjoying the view at Bisma Eight Ubud

#8 You will never want to leave the infinity pool. Ever.

With your eyes on the green tropical backdrop, the subtle noises of the jungle in your ears and the sun shining eternally from the blue skies on your skin, the hotels own infinitely pool will have you under its spell in no time!

If you have been looking for the one answer to why “Eat, Pray, Love” was filmed in a location as spectacular as Ubud, then you will most definitely know why after you had a dip into Bisma Eights infinity pool and lounged on the edges with a freshly cut coconut in hand.

infinity pool at Bisma Eight Ubud
lazing around at Bisma Eight Ubud

No doubt, Ubud is not only a spiritual and artistic place, it surely is full of magic and romance, in a way it cannot be described but needs to be experienced, so go book that trip to Bali!

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