Hotel Spotlight: 3 Nights at Four Seasons Bali at Sayan

Tegallalang rice terraces

Bali is a complex destination with so many unique areas to explore. When planning a visit to this expansive island, Ubud itself should definitely be a priority. Home to temples, rice terraces, and unique wildlife, Ubud is frequently referred to as a cultural epicenter of Bali. I spent three nights in the area on the tail end of a whirlwind trip around Southeast Asia with the goal of experiencing a new, unique culture, while also getting some rest and relaxation in ahead of a long travel day back to the US. I can confidently say Ubud and the Four Seasons Bali at Sayan delivered.

FS Bali at Sayan main lobby, suites & rice fields

The Four Seasons Bali at Sayan is perfect for the traveler seeking adventure, but also a quiet retreat in the Ubud area. The resort does a great job of letting the natural environment shine, with almost all venues being outdoors with stunning views of the river valley. My fellow guests often spent their mornings enjoying breakfast and going over their itinerary for the day, taking advantage of many of the tours offered by the hotel. The resort is quite quiet during the day, with the flow of the river making most of the noise by the pool. Nights pick up with guests enjoying nightcaps in the lobby bar or by the Ayung River. Still, even with the resort nearly fully booked, no venue was ever overcrowded. If you are seeking a lively, trendy scene, then I’d suggest looking up the road at Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve.

FS Bali at Sayan rafting

Across my three nights, I took advantage of the resort’s amenities, including the spa and multiple dining outlets, while also taking advantage of a few tour offerings. These highlights included the Ayung River Rafting that took us 90 minutes down the river, splashing through rapids before landing right at the hotel, where a welcome drink was awaiting us. A must-do is also the tour called Can You Keep a Secret? that highlights more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Ubud. Expect to learn more about Balinese culture and participate in offerings most tourists would never see. I’d tell you more, but... some things are best left as a secret!

FS Bali at Sayan—Can you keep a secret?

After all that adventure, you’re likely in need of a bit of relaxation, and the Ayung Riverstone massage at the Sacred River Spa is a must! If a bite to eat is what you’re after, Riverside offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine either in the restaurant or poolside. The Four Seasons also offers traditional Indonesian cuisine at the Ayung Terrace, which is where breakfast is also served. Be sure to also check out the Chef’s Table offering during your stay. This meal was one of the highlights of my entire trip, with chefs preparing a traditional Indonesian tasting menu in an outdoor kitchen with a full explanation of the flavors and importance of each course. In-suite and in-villa dining is also available 24 hours a day, and a mezze platter compliments an afternoon by your private pool perfectly!

FS Bali at Sayan—Chef's Table

Now we can’t not talk about the rooms and villas. The Four Seasons Bali at Sayan offers options from duplex suites and family suites to villas ranging from one to three bedrooms. For my stay, I booked into the standard duplex suite, but thanks to the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program I was upgraded to a Sayan Villa at the top of the resort, offering over 5000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space and a private full-size pool. With all that space and infinity pool views of the Ayung River Valley, I questioned if I even needed to leave the villa! Other highlights of the Preferred Partner Program include a $100 property credit, full breakfast each morning (either at Ayung Terrace or via In-Room Dining), and early check-in/late check-out pending availability. These benefits perfectly round out a stay at any Four Seasons property and bring so much value to what is often a splurge. These benefits are combinable with any other offerings, including the Advance Purchase or Free Night discounts.

FS Bali at Sayan—Sayan Villa

Outside of the resort, the town of Ubud offers so many sites surrounded by vibrant energy. The resort shuttle will drop you off right in the heart of it all, and getting to the Monkey Forest or Rice Terraces are a short taxi ride away. I also would highlight Mandapa for its vibrant dining scene if you are looking to explore outside the Four Seasons property. Kubu offers a menu highlighting local ingredients served Riverside, with many tables sitting in private cocoons. Ambar in the lobby also not to be missed, especially at sunset, for a pre-dinner drink.

FS Bali at Sayan—Riverside Pool Deck

Ubud and the Four Seasons Bali at Sayan are clearly a must-visit when stopping in Bali, and these three days were the perfect mix of sightseeing and rest ahead of my extensive travel day back to Florida.

FS Bali at Sayan—lobby bar

• When visiting Bali, be sure to pack for tropical conditions. Rain storms can come through the area in the afternoons, and the humidity can be no joke.

• Since Ubud is around a 90 minute drive from the airport, pre-arranged transportation is highly recommended. Due to the nature of the roads and traffic, be sure to take motion sickness medicine if you are prone to car sickness!

• Be cautious when dining outside of the hotel. There are plenty of fantastic dining options around Ubud, but just remember that tap water is not drinkable in Bali and some street food options may not sit well with tourists. Supplements like Travelan and a good travel insurance policy will help you stay covered if something does come up!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bali page.