After an incredibly long 36-hour journey from the Dominican Republic, arriving in Bali was both a dream come true and a moment of utter exhaustion. Trading Caribbean beaches for Balinese beauty sounds idyllic, but the reality of transcontinental travel left us feeling far from refreshed. We knew we had just one precious week to soak in the magic of Bali and desperately needed to rejuvenate. Thankfully, anticipating this, we had planned a restorative stay at the luxurious Kupu Kupu Barong Villas And Tree Spa in Ubud.

Nestled in the artistic heart of Bali, Kupu Kupu Barong is a sanctuary of tranquility. Like many of Ubud’s hidden gems, the entrance appears unassuming, tucked away down a narrow Balinese alleyway. However, this modest entrance belies the expansive luxury that unfolds within. As you venture further, the resort dramatically reveals itself, cascading down a lush hillside with breathtaking panoramic views of the verdant river valley below.

From the moment we arrived at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa, the luxurious experience enveloped us. We were greeted with refreshing welcome cocktails, cool towels to soothe our travel-weary skin, and fragrant flower necklaces, instantly transporting us into a state of relaxation. Adding to the feeling of pampered luxury, we were informed that we would have our own personal butler throughout our stay – a truly exceptional touch that elevated our experience from luxurious to extraordinary.

One of the most anticipated aspects of our stay at Kupu Kupu Barong was the indulgence of a private villa with its own pool. Even in high-end resorts, complete seclusion can be elusive. We yearned for undisturbed tranquility, and our private villa delivered beyond expectations. The moment the traditional Balinese gate closed behind us, enclosing our private sanctuary, the outside world simply melted away.

Our villa at Kupu Kupu Barong was the epitome of Balinese luxury. Inside, a magnificent four-poster bed took center stage, complemented by essential air conditioning for the tropical climate, and a lavishly sized stone bath, perfect for soaking away stress. Stepping outside, our private oasis continued with a comfortable double sun lounger and a wonderfully refreshing private swimming pool – an idyllic escape for cooling down after exploring the vibrant town of Ubud.

Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Rooms start from $170 for a traditional hotel-style room with views of the main pool, moving up to pool villas from around $370, and expansive two-bedroom river view pool villas for $595 per night. For the most up-to-date rates and availability, it’s best to check directly with booking platforms.

Beyond the exquisite villas, Kupu Kupu Barong is renowned for its unique and romantic dining experiences. The resort offers three spectacular settings for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: the Birdnest, the Private Infinite Pool, and the Eagle Nest. Each promises an unforgettable ambiance, and had time allowed, we would have eagerly experienced all three.

We ultimately chose the Birdnest for breakfast, a decision made only after considerable reluctance to leave the comfort of our villa. The Birdnest offered breathtaking views and a breakfast experience that was equally impressive. What began as a set menu soon transformed into a lavish banquet as our attentive waitress continuously offered an array of dishes, creating a table overflowing with culinary delights. The service was impeccable, and despite the footpath located behind the Birdnest, we felt completely secluded and immersed in our private dining haven.

While the Infinite Pool dining option might offer slightly less privacy due to its proximity to the hotel lobby, Kupu Kupu Barong cleverly uses curtains to create a sense of intimacy. It remains a highly appealing option that we hope to experience on a future visit.

Each of these unique dining locations at Kupu Kupu Barong incurs an additional charge ranging from $40 to $85, depending on the chosen location and time of day. Detailed information, including menus, can be found on the resort’s website.

For more casual dining, we enjoyed several dinners at La View Restaurant. The quality of the food consistently impressed us, with a particular highlight being the Wednesday Japanese buffet night. As avid lovers of sushi and Japanese cuisine, it was an irresistible choice. The allure of an all-you-can-eat buffet often leads to overindulgence, and in this case, resisting was futile. Delicious food comas followed each Japanese buffet night – a delightful consequence of culinary satisfaction.

No visit to Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa would be complete without experiencing their renowned spa treatments. We booked ourselves into the Mango Tree Spa, nestled high amongst the trees, for traditional Balinese massages. The spa’s unique treehouse setting offered incredible views of the river and surrounding rice paddies, further enhancing the sense of tranquility. Louise and I enjoyed our massages side-by-side. Despite the sound of construction work in the river below, which earplugs helpfully mitigated, the massage itself was exceptional. Opting for a strong massage, I certainly felt the intensity – be careful what you wish for! However, the results were undeniable. We both emerged feeling incredibly rejuvenated, although I did experience a touch of muscle soreness for a day or two afterward, a testament to the deep tissue work and perhaps exactly what my body needed after our long journey. I would wholeheartedly return for another treatment at the Tree Spa.

Spa treatments at Kupu Kupu Barong range from $125 to $179 per person, encompassing a wide variety of options. For the ultimate indulgence, the more extensive spa packages offer a truly immersive experience, such as the luxurious package detailed below:

• 75 min. REINE BLANCHE FACIAL WITH WHITE JADE
• 30 min. ALMOND BODY SCRUB
• 90 min. DEEP TISSUE BODY MASSAGE
• 30 min. ALMOND DETOX BODY WRAP
• 15 min. SCALP MASSAGE
• AFTERNOON TEA

Even if you are not a guest at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa, you can still experience the serenity of their spa. A complimentary shuttle service from Ubud is available, making this tranquil escape accessible to all. Further details on the extensive spa menu can be found on the Kupu Kupu Barong website.

For a unique cultural immersion, Kupu Kupu Barong offers the “Become a Rice Farmer” experience. For $150, guests can participate in the entire rice farming process, from planting to harvesting. While initially sounding like hard work rather than relaxation, the experience includes a massage and picnic breakfast, offering a blend of cultural activity and pampering. Kupu Kupu Barong thoughtfully provides access to their riverside rice paddies via a private elevator, given the resort’s hillside location.

If you are seeking a luxury spa retreat in Ubud, Bali, to unwind and escape the stresses of daily life, Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa comes with our highest recommendation. It is a truly exceptional destination that promises rejuvenation, luxury, and unforgettable experiences.