Capella Ubud has earned global recognition in the luxury travel world — often named among the best hotels on the planet by publications like Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and AFAR. Designed by the celebrated Bill Bensley, the property promises an immersive jungle escape in a series of ultra-luxurious tents, solidifying its place as a top-tier luxury hotel in Ubud.
Naturally, I was curious to find out if it truly lived up to the hype.
In this comprehensive Capella Ubud review, I’ll share what it’s really like to stay in one of its tented suites — from the dramatic arrival experience to the thoughtful service, the standout dining, and a few surprises along the way. You’ll also find practical tips for navigating the jungle terrain, choosing the right tent, and getting the most from your stay at what is often considered one of the best hotels in Bali.
Capella Ubud is located in the village of Keliki, just north of Ubud — a setting that’s more developed than I had imagined. While I was expecting uninterrupted jungle and sweeping rice fields, in reality, the surrounding area has quite a few houses and local buildings, and it didn’t feel nearly as remote as anticipated.
After turning off the main road, we followed a short, paved path through some rice paddies before arriving at the entrance gate. Security checked our names, and from there, we were welcomed into the arrival pavilion, where the tone of hospitality immediately stood out.
We were greeted with cool drinks, light snacks, and a thoughtful welcome gift: a canvas duffel bag containing mosquito spray, sanitizer, wipes, and other jungle essentials — a nice touch that immediately set Capella apart. Check-in was smooth and personal, and within minutes, our designated “Culturist” led us to our tented suite via a lantern-lit suspension bridge.
Capella Ubud is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), depending on traffic. Located near the artistic village of Keliki, it’s around a 25-minute drive from central Ubud. For a seamless experience, consider arranging transfers through the hotel, which offers comfortable vehicles and professional drivers. For more travel planning information, the official Bali tourism website is an excellent resource.
Tip: The Uber equivalent in Bali is called Grab or Gojek, and they are also available from the airport in case you didn’t pre-book any airport transfer.
Staying in a luxury tent at Capella Ubud is nothing like a traditional resort experience—and that’s exactly the point. It’s playful, immersive, and refreshingly different, making it a popular choice for a Capella Ubud honeymoon or a romantic escape. Here, nature isn’t just a view—it’s part of the room. You’ll fall asleep to the calls of geckos and the hum of the jungle, and wake to filtered morning light flickering through the canopy. And yet, this is not your average glamping experience. These might just be the most luxurious tents I’ve ever stayed in—easily on par with some of the best safari lodges I’ve visited in Africa. Read my full review of my Tangulia Mara tent experience here.
We stayed in Tent 14, part of the “Terrace Tent” category, which is the resort’s entry-level room—but there was nothing entry-level about it. Our Capella Ubud terrace tent was enormous—173 sqm—with a grand, four-poster canopy bed, plush seating area, antique trunks, a large writing desk, and a minibar that looked like a vintage travel chest. The space was filled with whimsical Bill Bensley design touches that are a signature of this famed hotel: bold colors, historic prints, carved wooden doors, and layers of soft lighting that created a theatrical but cozy ambiance. The minibar was impressive: a wine fridge, full-sized bottles of champagne and red wine, local beer, infused rums, and soft drinks—all complimentary. There were even homemade cookies and a fresh fruit platter waiting for us.
Behind the bed, a large dressing and wardrobe area made unpacking effortless, and the bathroom was a real highlight. The space felt both extravagant and intimate. There was a gorgeous hammered copper bathtub, indoor and outdoor jungle showers, two copper sinks, a dramatic vanity mirror, and thoughtful amenities like mosquito spray, natural soaps, and beautiful handmade toiletry kits.
The soap selection is a nice touch, as you can choose from 6 different fragrances.
The toilet was tucked discreetly behind a curtain.
Tip: the bathroom opens up onto the bathroom so it lacks privacy if you are travelling with a friend.
Curtains throughout the tent are triple-layered (mesh, blackout, and decorative), maintaining privacy while reminding you that yes, you are in a tent. There are no TVs or Bluetooth speakers here—just the sounds of the jungle and the occasional rustle of palm fronds in the wind.
But as magical as the setting is, there are trade-offs. Staying in a tent like this is very different from a suite in a luxury resort. The tent canvas is thin, offering no real insulation. You can hear everything: birds, frogs, your neighbors zipping up a bag, and—during our stay—torrential tropical rain hammering the roof like a drumline. It was so loud that I couldn’t sleep. This is a crucial factor to consider when planning your visit, as the Capella Ubud rainy season experience can be intense. The air conditioning is powerful, but from a sustainability perspective, it feels counterintuitive to cool such an open, fabric-based space with full-strength AC. The tent feels closer to nature, but also more vulnerable to it.
The terrace outside the tent included a shaded seating area and a private plunge pool. Unfortunately, the outdoor roof is quite small, and when it rained, we had nowhere to sit outside without getting wet. The cushion got wet too, and we couldn’t use the outdoor area during our stay. The terrace also lacked privacy—we could clearly see the plunge pools of two other tents from ours, and likely, they could see ours as well. If panoramic views or seclusion are priorities, you might want to look into other tent categories or consider alternative hotels like the Four Seasons Sayan or Bambu Indah, which offer dramatic views of rice fields and valleys.
It’s also worth noting that the tents are spread across a hillside, connected by steep, uneven, and often slippery stone paths and hanging bridges. There’s no avoiding some climbing. This adds to the adventure—but also means the resort is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Tip: Staying in a tent at Capella Ubud is a fun and playful experience—perfect for a couple of nights if you want to reconnect with nature in luxurious surroundings. But be sure to plan your stay during the dry season (June to October). During the rainy months, the lack of insulation and limited outdoor shelter can affect your comfort and enjoyment.
Capella Ubud’s culinary offering is as refined as its design. There are two main restaurants: Mads Lange, the all-day dining venue, and Api Jiwa, the intimate chef’s counter serving an Asian omakase experience. We didn’t try Api Jiwa during our stay, but our research showed it consistently receives high praise from other guests and reviewers, making it a destination in itself.
We focused our meals at Mads Lange, and this is our Mads Lange Ubud review: breakfast alone was worth waking up for. It was easily one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in Bali. Nearly everything is à la carte, with just a small buffet for pastries and fruit. The dishes were creative, perfectly executed, and beautifully presented—from toasted avocado sourdough to silky scrambled eggs on brioche. Even the classics like Eggs Benedict were reimagined with flair. They have a great baker.
Dinner was just as satisfying. The food quality was excellent and reasonably priced for a five-star resort, with generous portions and a well-balanced mix of Indonesian and Western dishes. We especially appreciated the impeccable attention to detail from the staff. My friend was recovering from food poisoning (from a previous hotel), and without us even needing to ask, the team brought her fresh ginger tea and prepared dishes specifically suited to her condition. That level of intuition and care is rare—and it didn’t go unnoticed.
You can find their food menu here.
While the dining at Capella Ubud is exceptional—and perfect for a restful, refined evening in—the town of Ubud is home to some of the best cuisine in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture out and discover these culinary gems just a short drive away:
Syrco BASÈ: About a 15-minute drive from Capella, this critically acclaimed restaurant has quickly become one of Ubud’s most anticipated dining destinations. Syrco’s tasting menus showcase modern techniques and exceptional ingredients, offering a dining journey worth traveling for.
Room4Dessert: Located roughly a 25-minute drive from the resort, this dessert-focused venue by pastry chef Will Goldfarb is globally renowned. It is the best dessert you can find and totally worth trying but make sure you book 3-4 weeks in advance as it is often fully booked.
If you’re exploring Ubud’s broader food scene, check out my Best Restaurants in Ubud article.
Be prepared to discover a mix of refined Indonesian, international, and avant-garde dining experiences.
One of the loveliest surprises during our stay was the complimentary afternoon tea at the Officer’s Tent, Capella Ubud’s stylish lounge pavilion. Served daily, the Capella Ubud afternoon tea service is beautifully curated, with a selection of sweet and savory treats presented on a tiered étagère. It felt more like a refined social ritual than a simple snack. Tea and coffee are served to your preference, and the relaxed setting—furnished with vintage armchairs and explorer memorabilia—made it the perfect place to unwind after a morning excursion or before dinner and to meet other guests.
Capella Ubud excels in offering thoughtfully curated facilities. The centerpiece is the Cistern—a breathtaking outdoor infinity pool heated to a comfortable 35 degrees, accompanied by attentive service. Staff at the Capella Ubud Cistern pool promptly provided cold water, snacks, and personalized care, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere.
Guests can also enjoy wellness experiences at Auriga Spa, with treatments available in spa tents or private accommodations. We didn’t have time to try the spa. The Armoury provided a fully-equipped gym and yoga studio, though notably, the property does not have an ice bath or sauna. Numerous complimentary Capella Ubud activities were available, including guided hikes, yoga sessions, and cultural interactions, though most were outdoors, making rainy days less convenient. For travelers looking for different styles of accommodation, such as those with larger private spaces, it’s worth exploring all options, including some of the best villas in Bali for comparison.
One of the most serene experiences at Capella Ubud is the short walk down to the river. A stone path winds gently through the forest, eventually leading to a Balinese temple and a large wooden platform nestled by the water’s edge. It’s a tranquil and secluded spot—perfect for meditation, yoga, or simply sitting in silence with the sound of the river flowing nearby. We found it to be a calming retreat away from the rest of the property, and it’s well worth setting aside time in your day to enjoy this peaceful corner of the jungle.
Service at Capella Ubud is genuinely outstanding. From the moment of arrival, the staff anticipated our needs effortlessly, accommodating special requests gracefully. This exceptional level of personalized service is a cornerstone of the experience and a key reason why it ranks among the best luxury hotels in the world.
The commitment to Capella Ubud sustainability impresses aesthetically and experientially; however, sustainability concerns arose regarding temperature control. Despite commendable efforts in preserving trees and sourcing local produce, the open tent design made efficient air conditioning challenging. This was somewhat contradictory to the property’s otherwise environmentally conscious ethos, but it’s a trade-off for the unique “in-nature” design.
Capella Ubud undeniably left a lasting impression with its immersive design, exceptional culinary experiences, and unparalleled service. Despite some practical limitations during inclement weather, the property’s magical atmosphere and personalized care made our stay genuinely special. Answering the main question—is Capella Ubud worth it?—comes down to what you seek.
Would I recommend Capella Ubud? Absolutely, particularly for travelers seeking a distinctive luxury experience immersed in nature, including those searching for the ultimate luxury glamping in Bali. To fully appreciate everything Capella offers, I suggest planning your stay during Bali’s drier months, ensuring the best possible experience.
Yes, for the right traveler, Capella Ubud is absolutely worth the price. The cost reflects a truly unique experience that goes beyond a standard luxury hotel. The rate includes many complimentary high-value amenities such as a full à la carte breakfast, a daily afternoon tea service, and a generously stocked in-tent minibar with full-sized bottles of alcohol. When you factor in the exceptional, personalized service and the one-of-a-kind Bill Bensley design, the value proposition is strong for those seeking an immersive and memorable jungle retreat.
The best time to visit Capella Ubud is during Bali’s dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall and lower humidity, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoor elements of the resort, including your tent’s private terrace and the main Cistern pool. As this review notes, the experience during the rainy season can be affected by loud rain on the tent canvas and limited use of outdoor spaces.
Capella Ubud is an exceptional choice for a honeymoon. Its blend of adventure, romance, and unparalleled luxury creates a perfect setting for couples. The private, intimate tents with their own plunge pools, the exquisite dining options like Api Jiwa, and the attentive, discreet service make it feel incredibly special. The unique jungle setting provides a sense of seclusion and a chance to connect with nature and each other, making it one of the most romantic and best hotels for couples in Bali.
Both Capella Ubud and Four Seasons Sayan are top-tier luxury hotels in Ubud, but they offer very different experiences. The Capella Ubud vs Four Seasons Sayan debate comes down to personal preference. Capella offers a whimsical, adventurous, and immersive “luxury glamping” experience with its unique tented camps. Its design is theatrical and playful. Four Seasons Sayan, in contrast, offers a more serene and architecturally dramatic experience with its iconic bowl-shaped main building and spacious suites and villas overlooking the Ayung River valley. If you prioritize a unique, nature-immersed adventure, choose Capella. If you prefer classic luxury, expansive valley views, and a more traditional resort structure, the Four Seasons may be a better fit.
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