If you’re after a luxurious, exclusive and utterly relaxing resort that offers incredible views over the jungle and rice terraces in Ubud from the convenience of your own outdoor bath or private plunge pool, then a visit to The Ridge in Sayan is a must when you’re in Bali!
Opened recently at the end of 2023, The Ridge is an absolute gem, consisting of five boutique villas situated in the perfect location.
With just a handful of adult-only spacious villas, you’re able to enjoy a peaceful and private environment and get a really personalised luxe experience.
With complimentary massages, unlimited free mini-bar, breakfasts served in the pool, a sunset bar, unobstructed panoramic views, complete privacy and the highest level of service, this place is pure paradise.
We recently stayed at The Ridge and it honestly blew our expectations out of the water – here is everything you need to know!
Location Of The Ridge
The Ridge is located in Sayan, a village 5km west of Ubud. Sayan is such a lovely little village to stay in, and one of the most charming parts of Ubud.
Situated in a lush jungle setting, The Ridge sits on the Sayan ridge overlooking the Ayung River, offering the most breathtaking views.
As someone who was keen to explore all Ubud has to offer, I honestly found the location of The Ridge to be just perfect.
It was close to the action and lots of touristy sights, yet you felt in a different world once you got back to your villa.
Staying in the centre of Ubud actually means you’ll be surrounded by traffic, nightlife and just a lot of noise.
It’s no longer the yoga, spiritual retreats and Eat, Pray, Love image we have in our heads as Ubud has gotten so hectic over the last few years.
Therefore, staying on the outskirts of Ubud, in a village like Sayan for example, is the best option, as you’ll find several luxury resorts that offer a much more pleasant and tranquil experience, so I definitely recommend staying here as opposed to in the centre of Ubud!
Plus, just outside of Ubud is where you will find accommodation with the best views of palm trees, rice paddies and beautiful river valleys.
So if you want accommodation with the absolute best views – definitely check out The Ridge!
Premier River View Villa
We stayed in the Premier River View Villa during our stay at The Ridge and oh my goodness it was absolutely perfect. I genuinely didn’t want to leave by the end!
The minute you walk down the bamboo entrance of The Ridge, you feel relaxed.
The staff are always attentive, kind, professional and caring, and do their best to help you and make your stay as special as possible.
From the moment we saw our villa we were so impressed! It was so stylish and elegant, and instantly made us feel so calm, so indulged, and at home.
The room was really fresh and modern, and we loved the little thoughtful touches like the welcome drink and hand-written welcome note.
There was even an overflowing fruit bowl full of exotic fruits such as mangosteen and snake fruit, as well as cookies, a Nespresso coffee machine (a rarity in Bali accommodation!) and a complimentary mini bar – all of which would get topped up daily.
Inside the wardrobe were two trendy straw hats for us to wear, a cute oversized straw bag, dressing gowns and slippers.
There was also a basket of beach towels available in addition to the bathroom towels, as well as a little bottle of bug spray available and a Marshall speaker for us to play music.
They really thought of everything here, the attention to detail was clearly evident and it really felt like a home away from home.
The interiors were so elegant and spacious, making it super easy to relax, with an extra large double bed, a desk and a seating area to enjoy, as well as a tv.
The bathroom was also extremely spacious too, with his and her sinks, a giant shower and plenty of complimentary products to enjoy.
Plus, I just loved how in addition to the floor to ceiling glass doors in the bedroom there is also a door from the bathroom that leads you directly out to the outdoor terrace!
The large private outdoor terrace was absolutely the highlight of the already impressive villa – it was just like a stunning private oasis.
A lovely heated plunge pool, an outdoor bathtub, sun loungers, a big comfy double day bed and a covered single day bed with seating area, plus the most mesmerising panoramic views overlooking Sayan ridge, what more could you ask for.
I was genuinely blown away by these views every day – situated at the top of the valley, we had the perfect view of palm trees and jungle as far as you can see!
No buildings or anything in front of you, just complete privacy. This was honestly one of the best views I have ever woken up to, absolutely unforgettable.
Plus the terraces here are west facing so you get perfect sunset views each evening.
The views and our outdoor terrace were so beautiful – some of the most beautiful I have seen in the whole of Bali, that I honestly wanted to stay on the terrace all day and not leave the resort at all!
We spent our time moving from the outdoor bathtub to the pool to the sun loungers on the balcony enjoying the complimentary minibar drinks. It was just the perfect place to relax.
I loved how the big daybed was in the sun, but the smaller daybed and other seating area was covered.
So if you wanted a break from the sun – or if it was raining but you still want to be outside – you could still stay out there without getting wet.
The hotel even left out umbrellas for us on the outdoor drying rail, as well as yoga mats. No detail goes unnoticed here!
The Ridge assigns each villa to their own private butler who you can contact via Whatsapp whenever you need anything.
We found this so handy and much more convenient than having to ring reception if we wanted to order room service, organise a driver, or anything else we required.
The butler would always reply very quickly – we loved how they were attentive, while at the same time ensuring we had maximum privacy.
The team would also come and do a turn-down service in the evening, preparing the room for a comfortable night’s sleep, turn on the atmospheric lights in the pool and on the terrace, and ensuring the complimentary minibar and fruit bowl was constantly topped up, which was also greatly appreciated!
Food At The Ridge
We went down to the restaurant by the pool to enjoy the breakfast, but you can also enjoy a floating breakfast delivered to your pool which would make for some fantastic photos – we will just have to come back next time to experience this!
Breakfast at The Ridge was honestly incredible! The lovely team let us order several dishes from the menu, and they were all presented so beautifully.
It was without a doubt the most beautiful breakfast I’ve ever had in my life!
From the smoothie bowl to the cooked breakfast, everything was just delicious and the service was excellent.
Amenities & Activities At The Ridge
As there are just 5 villas at The Ridge, plus it’s an adults only resort, it’s always very peaceful here so you can really relax and unwind.
On the bottom level of The Ridge, right below our villa was the pool and poolside restaurant known as Sayan Valley, which is a great sunset bar where you can enjoy cocktails and tapas, or a full-course meal if you prefer.
The menu has a great selection of food options, including plenty of gluten-free options.
Just like from our villa, the panoramic views from the sunset bar are stunning. The pool is also lovely – a really long infinity pool with fountains on one end that offers stunning views.
There is also an in-house spa, and you can enjoy massages in the comfort of your own villa. The Ridge offers complimentary massages – such a treat!
Other complimentary services that The Ridge offers includes afternoon tea, as well as a free 10 minute shuttle bus to the centre of Ubud several times a day, if you can tear yourself away from the resort!
Places To Visit Near The Ridge, Ubud
Some popular spots in Ubud to visit include the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Ubud Market.
If you don’t manage to catch the shuttle, or would prefer a driver to take you to all the different spots, as well as some sights outside of Ubud, your butler can arrange a driver for you, who can take you to all the places you wish!
A 40 minute drive north of Ubud will take you to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the Tirta Empul water temple nearby.
Or a 40 minute drive east will take you to some of Bali’s most epic waterfalls, including Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Suwat Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall.
They are all located close by to each other so you can visit them all in one morning.
Just note that all these tourist spots get very busy during the day so it’s a good idea to arrive first thing in the morning!
Conclusion
The Ridge Bali is the perfect elegant yet laid-back resort in Sayan to stay in if you’re looking for a dreamy getaway close to Ubud.
It’s exactly what I wanted when I came to Bali, and is everything I could have expected – and more. I was honestly so impressed by this place and would go back in a heartbeat.
Whether you’re visiting Bali on your babymoon, on your honeymoon, a special anniversary or you’re just treating yourself, the views, the service, the amenities, the attention to detail and the intimate experience at The Ridge is sure to blow you away. Book your stay now!
This article is sponsored by The Ridge Bali. All views expressed however are my own.
Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.