Hanging Gardens of Bali

Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud, Indonesia, a Michelin Key Selected property, is renowned for its breathtaking setting and luxurious jungle retreat experience. It consistently garners overwhelmingly positive feedback, making it a dream destination for many travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hanging Gardens of Bali is exceptionally positive, with many guests describing their stay as "absolutely stunning" and feeling like they've arrived in "paradise". It's often referred to as a "dream come true" and considered one of Indonesia's best resorts, offering the ultimate luxury jungle hideaway. The hotel receives high scores for its wonderful atmosphere, location, cleanliness, and value for money, with a guest score of 19.3 out of 20 by Michelin Guide.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Iconic Infinity Pool: The resort's twin-tiered infinity pool is world-famous, often cited as "the world's best swimming pool" by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the "most Instagrammed pools." Its design, inspired by traditional Balinese rice terraces, seemingly cantilevers out into the jungle, offering spectacular views.
• Serene Jungle Location: Nestled in a densely forested valley north of Ubud, the resort provides unparalleled tranquility and immersion in nature. The stunning jungle views are accessible from almost every part of the hotel, including during the funicular ride to the villas.
• Privacy and Design: The hotel's design integrates seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a sense of escape. All accommodations are private villas, ensuring seclusion for guests.
• Attentive Service: The staff's exceptional hospitality is a recurring highlight, noted for being warm, welcoming, polite, and highly attentive.

3. Room Quality

The 44 private suites and villas at Hanging Gardens of Bali are designed for luxury and comfort. Each villa boasts its own private infinity plunge pool, spacious living areas, and terraces for enjoying the natural surroundings. The accommodations feature trademark hand-crafted furnishings and exotic textiles, with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting the serene jungle ambiance inside. Bathrooms are often large and may include jacuzzis. Guests can expect panoramic views of the lush landscape, including the river or a temple across the valley. While some older reviews (2018) mentioned rooms feeling "a bit outdated," more recent feedback describes them as "beautiful," particularly the bedroom areas.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience generally receives high praise. Breakfast is particularly popular, described as "awesome" and "served beautifully," with both continental and à la carte options available. The main restaurant, Three Elements, offers lunch and dinner with a "great selection of different meals." Some guests enjoyed the food so much they chose to dine at the hotel every night. However, one older review (2018) noted that food and cocktails at the restaurant were "sub-par" and "inconsistent" compared to other dining options in Ubud. Special dining experiences like romantic evening dinners and private picnics are also offered.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hanging Gardens of Bali is consistently lauded as superb and a significant factor in guest satisfaction. Staff are frequently described as "warm and welcoming," "top-notch," "attentive," "polite," and "well-educated." Guests often remark on feeling like VIPs from the moment they arrive, appreciating the staff's genuine kindness and efforts to make their stay extra special.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is located approximately 25-30 minutes north of Ubud town center, offering a truly secluded "middle of nowhere" retreat in the Balinese jungle. This remote setting provides peace and quiet, with splendid views of the Dalem Segara temple. Getting around the property involves a funicular ride from reception to the villas, adding a unique element to the stay. While the seclusion is a major draw, it also means limited external dining options nearby. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to Ubud town a few times a day, though guests needing to travel outside these hours might need to arrange a taxi. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 90-minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests affirm that a stay at Hanging Gardens of Bali is "well worth every penny" and "100% worth the price tag." Prices for a one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $457.49, excluding taxes and fees, as of January 29, 2026, for a stay on February 28, 2026. The unique setting, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service are seen as justifying the cost, particularly for special occasions like honeymoons. One older review (2018) felt the service and amenities did not fully match the 5-star pricing compared to other luxury hotels, rating it 3.5 out of 5 stars in that context.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Room Modernization: An older review from 2018 suggested that some rooms might feel "a bit outdated" in their interior design, although recent feedback indicates improvements.
• Dining Consistency (older feedback): One reviewer from 2018 found the food and cocktails at the hotel restaurant to be "sub-par" and "inconsistent," advising guests to seek dining options in Ubud if possible. However, more recent reviews praise the food.
• Private Pool Temperature: A recent concern from November 2024 mentioned that the private pool in their villa was "way too cold," suggesting the need for heated pools.
• Accessibility to Ubud: The hotel's remote location, while peaceful, means a 25-30 minute drive to Ubud. While shuttles are provided, inflexible timings might necessitate paying for taxis for specific early or late trips.
• Wildlife Encounters: Due to its jungle setting, guests are advised to keep patio doors closed to prevent monkeys from entering villas.

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