Nestled amidst the undulating rice fields in the heart of Ubud, the newly opened Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort stands as a 5-star haven, seamlessly marrying Balinese charm with contemporary indulgence in Bali, Indonesia. A gem that is part of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, Gdas beckons discerning travelers to an extraordinary retreat.
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| Relax in the privacy of the private villa, Manacika |
Embrace personalized service amidst serene surroundings
From the moment of entry into this resort, the unfolding panorama of rice fields captivates, urging guests to not only revel in the landscape but also acknowledge the contributions of local farmers. My one-night sojourn at the two-floor private villa, Manacika, is a sanctuary of personalized service with the ever-attentive butler, Agung, reachable through WhatsApp. The villa also offered ample privacy, featuring a private pool, in-room massage, and a delectable healthy repast for any meal of the day.
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| Outdoor living at its finest |
The outdoor living spaces, including the airy living room and the enclosed second-floor bedroom and bathroom overlooking the expansive rice fields, seamlessly blend luxurious comfort with the embrace of nature. The allure of the outdoors extends to the second-floor bathing experience. Gdas' meticulous attention to detail shone brightly as they inquired about my scent preferences ahead of my arrival, allowing me to indulge in my favorite lemongrass-scented amenities, including body wash, salt scrub, and shampoo. Notably, the premium salt scrub, a true highlight, complements the rejuvenating outdoor bathtub with lemongrass leaves and lemon slices carefully prepared prior to my checkin, creating the perfect ambiance for a pampering retreat.
Beyond lavish amenities, Gdas surprises with intricate wood carvings adorning the ceiling of the king-sized bed frame fit for royalty, and playful bolster pillows, among others. Opening the curtains during sunrise reveals the artistry in full glory as natural light bathes the rice fields in golden hues and the bedroom—a serene and meditative experience accompanied by the gentle rustle from the rice paddies.
The melodic symphony of nature, featuring the morning chorus of birds and nightly serenades by frogs, imbues the Balinese experience with authenticity. During the night, the unexpected company of three frogs on the ground floor of the villa, upholding the sanctity of the swimming pool during my night dip, added a whimsical touch. However, the same cannot be said for the fish pond at the entryway, where frogs seem to find a nightly allure swimming with the majestic Koi fishes.
Experience healthy and delicious cuisine on a wellness retreat
Embarking on a wellness retreat, I drifted into a deep slumber with the enchanting song of the frogs and woke to the sunrise overlooking the rice paddies, setting a tranquil mood for a hour-long morning yoga session just steps away from the resort's main swimming pool area. The high ceiling of the yoga studio provided a refreshing breeze and a panoramic view of the rice paddies, creating an ideal setting to elevate one's yoga practice or embark on a rejuvenating yoga retreat.
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| Yoga overlooking the main swimming pool and rice fields |
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| Rejuvenate in a yoga retreat |
Gdas' culinary offerings and resort activities underscore a commitment to holistic well-being. From savory vegetarian Balinese mushroom soup and laksa to stir-fried chicken with nuts and sweet sticky rice with mangoes, the predominantly vegetarian menu elevates the dining experience-- all of which can be enjoyed in-room or at the Tangi restaurant. Each dish pays homage to local flavors, with rice being a staple, a fitting tribute to the surrounding rice fields.
Post-yoga, my voracious appetite led me to indulge in energizing dragon fruit smoothies with vegan honey for breakfast, accompanied by Balinese coffee and fresh fruit juice.
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| Energizing dragon fruit smoothie for post-yoga breakfast |
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| Filled my soul with chicken plus rice for lunch |
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| Dessert time with sticky rice with mango |
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| Soak in the culinary delights at Tangi Restaurant |
As mid-morning unfolded, the Me-Apun in-room massage by the private villa's swimming pool augmented the wellness offerings. This traditional yet relaxing deep tissue massage, synonymous with the Balinese term "Me-Apun," denoting a massage therapist with a natural talent for healing physical and spiritual energy, provided a rejuvenating experience. The anticipation of the spa center's grand opening in 2024, featuring massages rooted in ancient Balinese culture and traditions with organic, natural, and medicinal ingredients, adds an extra layer of excitement.
While my stay at Gdas was regrettably brief, the profound beauty of the grounds, the reinvigorating and the thoughtful hospitality left an enduring imprint. Gdas transcends the conventional definition of a hotel; it embodies a meticulously curated experience seamlessly blending luxury, nature, and local culture. With the spa center poised for its grand unveiling next year, I eagerly anticipate returning to delve deeper into the wonders of Ubud and immerse myself in the full spectrum of Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort.
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