A Bali Resort That Mixes Adventure With Tranquility

For those who think that a vacation is either adventurous or relaxing, it just takes one night at Capella Ubud in Bali to realize that the two can go hand in hand. The wooden bungalows tangled among the trees give the impression of a 19th-century explorer’s camp, where guests cross suspension bridges and sleep in open-air tents. But the curated décor, private plunge pools, and top-tier spa treatments are just a few examples of what makes Capella Ubud one of the most luxurious places to stay in Bali.

“There’s quite simply nothing like Capella on the island of Bali,” says Rick, an Origin travel curator who specializes in trips throughout Southeast Asia. Hotel recommendations are always tailored to the individual, but Capella Ubud is one of the properties he most frequently turns to for travelers to Bali—and it’s easy to see why.

Capella is a property designed by Bill Bensley, and that name alone is enough to let guests know that something extraordinary awaits them. “Bill Bensley is a legend when it comes to hotel design in Southeast Asia,” Rick explains for travelers unfamiliar with his work. “The genius in his mind is detailed in every square inch of each property he designs.”

The original idea for the property was a 100-room resort, but Bensley advocated for something more intimate that would surprise guests. In the end, Capella has just 22 tents, each one designed with its own unique narrative. Every tiny detail—from the Javanese teakwood floors and artisan-crafted doors to the brass monkeys that sit on the roof—plays a part in that story.

Bensley’s award-winning designs are lauded not only for their aesthetic but also for the way they minimize impact on the environment. The decision to scale down from a multi-level resort to a jungle camp wasn’t just for the guest experience, but also to protect the surrounding forest. Instead of cutting down obtrusive trees during construction, they were incorporated into the architecture so that not a single tree was removed.

In addition to the natural environment, Capella also places an emphasis on giving back to the people of Bali. The majority of staff are recruited right from the neighboring communities and the property also sponsors English classes for local youth.

There's no need to choose between adventure and serenity at Capella Ubud. Chat with an Origin Travel Curator below to start planning your next trip to Bali.