Ubud is the inland jungle area of Bali, known for it’s rich culture, rice paddies, traditional villages, and stunning jungle landscape. I have to admit, I’m much more of a beach person, I could live and die by the ocean. But, something about Ubud has me smitten. It is unlike any other place I’ve ever experienced and is a sight to be seen.There are many wonderful hotels in Ubud that have stunning views of the jungle valley and rivers (they could’ve filmed Jurassic Park here), but the Four Seasons at Sayan is much different from the rest. The entrance to the hotel is very hidden and leads you down a road that is so narrow you wonder if this is the right way through. Down a winding driveway you go all the way to there reception where you are greeted with the Four Seasons customary blessing ceremony. From there you are guided down a long pathway over a huge bridge into the heart of the valley. The FS At Sayan has one of the most extraordinary entrances for a hotel I have ever seen, I literally stared in awe for about 10 minutes just taking it all in. The draw bridges leads to a giant pond of water with koi fish and lily pads, which leads to the lobby down a staircase through the pond.

The lobby is a canopy treehouse that is large and open-aired with spectacular views of the river down below. A guide will lead you to your villa or room, which are situated among giant rice paddies to give you the feeling that you’ve left the hotel and entered some luxurious village. They wanted to keep the hotel more intimate and exclusive, there are 18 spacious suites and 42 private villas. The top of the villas have thatched grass roofs and staircases winding down to your private pool and extraordinary room. I recommend the 1-bedroom villa with river view, the villas come with infinity pools overlooking the river and a private lawn where you can do a romantic candlelit dinner for two along the river. The beds are huge four post beds with large mosquito netting draped around it and each room comes equipped with indoor/outdoor showers and a soaking tub.

There are two dining options: the pool club which is situated right along the river bed with a 30 meter infinity pool, or the terrace restaurant which serves excellent breakfast. Both have amazing views but opt for the pool club for dinner, it is very romantic with amazing bistro french food curated by Head Chef Jocelyn Argaud. If you’re on your honeymoon, you must do the couples spa day in your own private spa villa. The spa treatments are amazing and the private villas are perfect for…relaxation. One of my favorite things about the hotel is the vast number of complimentary activities the hotel provides daily. From sunrise yoga to guided bike tours of the villages, the Four Seasons truly wants you to experience and appreciate the culture of Ubud. My favorite activity is the guided walking tour of the rice paddies and village, followed by a couples spa treatment and picnic riverfront lunch.