Hotel Review: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana – a 5-star luxury resort in Ubud

Lux Nomade checks into Tanah Gajah;  An Artistic and Luxurious Resort in Ubud.

Whilst exploring Bali, I recently found myself at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, a hidden gem tucked away amidst the hills of Bali’s culturally rich highlands.  The unique and arty resort, whose name is derived from the spiritual number 11, connected to Gajah and the elements of Karma, blends the rich Balinese heritage with modern amenities. Friendly staff, lush gardens, beautiful Balinese furniture, and great food make this a great hotel for travellers heading to Ubud who prefer a tranquil escape just outside the town. 

Tucked away amongst lush greenery just outside Ubud, the resort, which over the years has earned prestigious awards solidifying its position as one of Bali’s premier luxury establishments, is close enough to easily access the famous and walkable town, offering complete tranquillity and privacy. Located a 45-minute drive from the airport the hotel offers airport pickup for added convenience. There’s also a free- transfer from the hotel to Ubud running daily in spacious cars offering plenty of seats, perfect for families or larger groups.

Upon my smooth arrival, one of the many friendly butlers escorted me to my villa. The warm hospitality from the staff immediately set a great tone for what ended up being a delightful stay. 

The first thing that struck me was the spaciousness of the resort.  The twenty villas on the estate are spaced out creating a feeling of privacy and intimacy. 

The history of this stunning resort dates back to the 1900s. Initially, it was the family home of Hendra Hadiprana, a famous architect. He created his family estate naming it after the nearby Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and the family lived here for many years. The villas are, in fact, still adorned with original Balinese artworks from Hadiprana’s private collection. 

My first day at Tanah Gajah ended with a breathtaking sundowner Mojito cocktail at the restaurant, where I watched the sun set below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the surrounding rice fields before returning to my villa. 

The twenty art-filled club suites and villas, each promise a unique and indulgent experience. My stay in a one-bedroom pool villa was nothing short of spectacular. An eight-meter private pool, sun loungers, a dining bale, and a shaded daybed created a haven for relaxation. The spacious bedroom with a king-size bed seamlessly connected to a living area, leading to a lavish dual-sink bathroom with an indoor shower and outdoor soaking tub – The highlight was the bath session. I could connect my iPhone to the Bose surround sound system via Bluetooth. The villa is fully equipped with all the amenities you need; luxury hotel towels, complimentary coffee & tea, a mini bar and even some comfy slippers. The one-bedroom villa is great for couples, the resort also has villas catering to families. The personal butler service, private airport transfers, daily breakfasts, morning yoga, afternoon tea, and sunset cocktails added exquisite touches to the overall experience. The spacious villas are perfect when travelling with young children since there’s access to a large shared swimming pool on site. 

The resort is also perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway with the spa offering romantic couples spa treatments including a massage followed by sparkling wine to be enjoyed overlooking the breathtaking rice fields. And, as it turns out, it was the highlight of my stay. The signature Tanah Gajah oil, a blend of sweet almond oil, lemongrass, and rosewood is used for the 60-minute massage, a rejuvenating scrub, and a soothing steam bath. With yummy snacks and a bottle of sparkling wine, this spa journey wasn’t just a treat for my body but for my tummy as well! And left me feeling pampered and refreshed.

After a restful sleep, I kicked my last day off with a visit to the spacious gym to continue the wellness journey. Towels are provided and the gym is well equipped with weights, a trainer and all the modern machines you need. Overlooking Ubud’s iconic rice paddies, the yoga studio and health club provided a serene backdrop for workouts. Complimentary Hatha Yoga classes and private meditation sessions with a master added a touch of zen to the enchanting surroundings.

Later in the evening, I experienced the local Balinese dance and Royal Balinese Dinner served in the main restaurant which are both included in all packages and offered to all guests. The 30-minute Balinese Kecak and fire dance performances at the outdoor amphitheatre, followed by the Royal Rijsttafel dinner at The Tempayan restaurant, were mesmerizing. The yummy Rijsttafel had local vegetarian dishes e.g. slow-cooked pork belly. It was great to get a glimpse of the local culture whilst enjoying delicious food and made the evening a fun (and tasty) experience. 

Eco-conscious travellers will be pleased to know that the resort is dedicated to sustainability. They have rolled out several initiatives to save our planet such as not using plastic straws, and not washing towels and bed sheets daily. The restaurant uses locally produced food and works with local food suppliers to incorporate the local community.

The hotel is perfect for couples, romantic getaways, wellness seekers and families. The hotel provides guided rice field tours, daily transfers to Ubud as well as jam-packed day tours to various spots around the island. Tanah Gajah is truly a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty, tranquillity, and rich heritage of Ubud.

For more information and bookings visit www.tanahgajahubud.com Villas starting at IDR 6,750,000