Review: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Following a stay at Andaz Bali, my brother and I moved inland to the town of Ubud for a stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. This would be the first stay for either of us at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand seeks to offer a more intimate setting with highly refined and personalized service compared to a traditional Ritz-Carlton property. They are typically set in remote areas, carefully chosen for their lush, pristine landscapes, and designed to blend with their natural surroundings. Among Marriott’s 30-plus brands, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, of which there are only seven locations worldwide, is regarded as its most prestigious brand. 

It goes without saying, we had sky-high expectations, and I’m pleased to say that our stay exceeded them in every way possible.

Booking

As you can imagine, a stay at this ultra-luxury property comes at a hefty premium. The nightly cash and redemption rates are among the highest in Bali. Cash rates at Mandapa range between $2,000 – $2,500 CAD per night for the base-level suite. 

Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points at Mandapa often results in a very good valuation, usually exceeding well over 1 cent per point. You can expect to pay between 100,000 – 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. 

For our two-night stay, I redeemed two Marriott Bonvoy 85,000-point Free Night Awards, each requiring a 15,000-point top-up. I earned both of these awards through my U.S.-issued American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card. This card provides an 85,000-point Free Night Award every anniversary year for cardholders. The second Free Night Award came from a targeted offer, which granted an additional 85,000-point Free Night Award after spending $4,000 within a 90-day period.

I consider my redemption at Mandapa as a near-perfect, holy grail-like example of how to make the most of an 85,000-point Free Night Award. Not only is securing one night at Mandapa for 100,000 points a rare occurrence, but finding two consecutive nights at exactly 100,000 points each on the exact dates we needed was nothing short of an extraordinary stroke of luck.

From a points-to-dollar perspective, the value here is off the charts. As I’ll explain later, we were upgraded to a higher-tier suite that has a nightly rate approaching $3,000. So, to extract nearly $6,000 in value from two 85,000-point Free Night Awards was nothing short of exhilarating. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled with this redemption.

Despite the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant Card carrying a $650 USD annual fee, I’ve been able to consistently get outstanding value from the card and continue to hold it year after year. If your travels take you far and wide, particularly to destinations in Asia or the Middle East, you can unlock excellent opportunities to use the 85,000-point Free Night Award at some of the best properties in the Marriott portfolio. 

For example, over the past two years, I’ve redeemed my 85,000-point Free Night Award at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, and now, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Award prices for North American properties tend to be less favorable. If your vacations typically involve staying closer to home, an 85,000-point Free Night Award may not provide the best value, as award rates in North America are generally higher.

To learn more about U.S. credit cards, our detailed guide provides everything you need to get started. It includes instructions on how to obtain a U.S. mailing address, open a bank account, and utilize the Frugal Flyer ITIN service. After building your credit history in the U.S. over a few years, you’ll become eligible for credit cards from a range of U.S.-based issuers, including both personal and business cards from Chase.

Resort Overview

Mandapa has 60 guest units which includes 35 suites and 25 pool villas. The suites are located in the low-rise buildings on the upper levels of the property, while the villas are situated closer to the river. Each suite features an outdoor balcony, and the villas are divided evenly between garden views and river views.

The resort was thoughtfully designed to preserve the surrounding natural environment. It is beautifully nestled amidst lush rainforest, dense rice paddies, and the Ayung River. Committed to sustainability, the resort aims to source many of its food and ingredients from within a 100 km radius.

The property features an expansive garden that grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which are used daily in the resort’s restaurants. Additionally, the resort grows its own organic jasmine rice, which is tended to by local farmers.

As part of an agreement with the local community, the resort was built around an existing temple that remains in active use by the locals. The temple is reserved exclusively for community use and isn’t accessible to hotel guests.

The public areas feature a prominent use of dark stone, wood, and water elements throughout the grounds.

Due to the vast grounds and limited number of rooms, we rarely saw other guests during our stay, creating a serene and private ambiance across the property. The only sound was the soft, distant murmur of the Ayung River, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Check-in

From the main road, you’ll spot a small Mandapa sign in the roundabout, guiding you to turn down a narrow alley that leads to the entrance of Mandapa.

A security guard will verify your reservation details and inform the staff of your imminent arrival. After passing through security, you’ll enter through a set of Balinese temple gates and proceed to the main arrival valet area.

In this review, I will talk at length about the staff at Mandapa, as the level of personal attention we received during our stay was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced at any hotel. This is one of the defining characteristics of Mandapa and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand.

Over the years, I’ve learned that while nearly all luxury resorts offer stunning settings and opulent rooms, what truly distinguishes the good from the great is the staff. The staff at Mandapa seem to possess an almost uncanny ability to know the whereabouts of guests at all times and even anticipate their next move. 

To say we were welcomed warmly would be an understatement—an entire team of staff greeted us, including our personal butler, Dheya, who would be our primary point of contact throughout our stay, as well as what seemed like every member of the management team. The hotel manager herself even took the time to personally introduce us to the property and provide an overview.

The welcome pavilion at Mandapa is perched at the top of a steep ravine, with the rest of the property descending towards the Ayung River below. During our walk through the welcome pavilion, we were each handed a welcome drink and a cold towel, but I was honestly so distracted by the view I forgot to take a picture.

The welcome pavilion is surrounded by a large infinity-edge water feature, which is a prominent design element found throughout the resort’s public areas.

The welcome pavilion provided a stunning panoramic view of the entire resort and its facilities. Mandapa embraces a sense of dramatic elegance without resorting to bold or gaudy design. The design of the public areas is subtle, avoiding flashy gimmicks or ostentatious décor, instead choosing to focus on inspiration and spirituality.

Once we had finished enjoying the view, our butler guided us to a buggy for a full tour of the property before escorting us to our suite to complete the check-in formalities. Due to the extreme changes in elevation at this property, requesting a buggy is the most convenient way to get around.

Check-in is completed directly in your suite, following a tour of the room and its amenities by your butler.

Although the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand has limited participation in the Marriott Bonvoy program, the elite recognition at Mandapa is excellent. Dheya thanked us for being Titanium Elite members and informed us that we had been upgraded to the highest-level suite on the property. 

This upgrade was done without any request on my part. In fact, she told us that the resort does its best to offer villa upgrades to Titanium members whenever possible. However, due to our need for a room with two separate beds, a villa upgrade wasn’t possible, as the one-bedroom villas are furnished with only one king-sized bed.

Furthermore, we didn’t have to concern ourselves with the Marriott Bonvoy breakfast benefit, as breakfast is included on all stays, even those booked with points.

Lastly, Dheya reviewed all the dining options and activities available to guests, offering assistance with any reservations. She also noted that she or any of her colleagues could be contacted 24/7 through WhatsApp.

Location

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is located in Ubud, the renowned arts and cultural hub of Bali, Indonesia.

The inland region of the Ubud District is known for its lush rainforests and iconic terraced rice paddies, interspersed with Hindu temples and shrines, creating some of Bali’s most famous and picturesque landscapes.

Traffic in Bali is famously congested, so if you’re traveling during peak times, the 35 km drive between Mandapa and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) can take upwards of 2.5 hours. The staff at Mandapa recommend you allocate at least two hours to reach the Southern part of the island from Ubud. 

The property provides a complimentary shuttle service to Ubud town center throughout the day. We used this shuttle several times during our stay, and although it’s only 4 km away, the ride typically took about 30 minutes.

From the shuttle drop-off point, you’ll be within walking distance of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Also, within Ubud city center are dozens of restaurants, shops, and temples to visit. 

I wouldn’t recommend trying to get around on foot from Mandapa, even though there are many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques nearby. The poor condition or complete lack of sidewalks combined with the chaotic traffic makes walking not very enjoyable.

Parking

Mandapa offers complimentary valet parking to all the guests of the hotel.

Room – Two Queen Mandapa Suite

We were assigned a Two Queen Mandapa Suite located on the second floor of building three.

The Mandapa Suites are positioned at the ends of each building, making them the only corner suites, while the base-level Reserve Suites are situated in the middle of each floor.

Each suite boasts beautifully designed double-entry doors adorned with intricate carvings.

Upon entering, you’ll step into a foyer that leads to the living room on the right and the bedroom on the left. Both rooms in the suite are also connected via the bathroom. 

Spanning over 1,500 square feet, the Mandapa Suite is among the most impressive accommodations I’ve ever stayed in, offering an abundance of living space and a truly palatial bathroom.

The walls throughout the suite are adorned with dark wood paneling, perfectly complementing the abundance of natural light streaming into the space. Being a corner suite, it features expansive windows facing toward the valley below and a large bay window on the other, complete with a lounging sofa.

Suspended from the coffered ceiling is an eye-catching light fixture, enhancing the room’s overall sense of grandeur.

On the near wall was a minibar cabinet flanked by two floor-to-ceiling murals depicting elements of Balinese culture. On top of the cabinet are the complimentary bottled waters provided by the hotel, which are replenished daily.

In the corner of the living room is a small marble dining table with two cushioned chairs.

Several binders were placed on a side table, containing comprehensive details about the resort’s activities, amenities, and in-room dining menus.

Tucked into the alcove of the bay window was a large sofa. Although we didn’t use it as such, it could easily serve as an extra bed if needed.

On the coffee table was a welcome note, a bowl of fruit, and some macaroons as a welcome amenity.

An armchair and ottoman occupy the other corner of the room, with a side table holding several jars of Balinese snacks provided by the hotel.

The first of the two flatscreen TVs in the suite is integrated into the paneled wall.

Contents of the minibar include a Nespresso machine and a mini refrigerator stocked with bottled water, soda, beer, and champagne.

The minibar cabinet also contained a variety of snacks, wine, spirits, and all of the necessary glassware.

The bedroom is another opulently designed space, featuring the same dark wood paneling on the walls, coffered ceilings, and chandeliers as seen in the living room.

Our room included two queen-sized beds, each with its own nightstand.

Each nightstand has its own set of master lighting controls, and inside the drawer is a pair of USB-A charging ports and a universal power outlet.

The walk-in closet provides ample space for numerous pieces of luggage, along with several drawers and hanging areas for your garments. 

In the closet, you’ll find a tote bag that includes two straw hats, along with small bottles of sunscreen, skin lotion, and insect repellent.

At the foot of the bed are two chairs and a small side table. Another flatscreen TV is built into the wall opposite the beds.

The spacious bathroom can be closed off with a pair of sliding doors and features a dual vanity arrangement on opposing walls. High-end amenities such as a Dyson hairdryer are provided.

The walk-in shower and private toilet chamber are located behind each of the frosted glass doors.

An enormous free-standing tub is situated in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The walk-in shower includes both a wall-mounted fixture and a rainfall showerhead. The enclosed toilet chamber was equipped with one of the more advanced Toto toilets I’ve seen, complete with all the usual features plus a motion-sensing lid that opened as you approached and an automatic flush.

The bath essentials were in unbranded ceramic pump bottles.

The outdoor balcony runs the entire length of the suite and can be accessed from both of the main rooms as well as the bathroom.

At one end of the balcony is a table with two chairs.

At the other end is a daybed, a cushioned chair, and a small side table.

The view from our second-floor balcony was somewhat limited, mostly blocked by the suite towers below.

Overall, the suites at Mandapa are incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed, incorporating a variety of Balinese elements. Additionally, the complimentary snacks, drinks, and amenities were a much-appreciated touch.

Room service and turndown service were offered daily, and I couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief at the attention to detail. Every time we returned to our room after an outing, our charging cords were neatly coiled, and any small items we had left scattered around the room were carefully organized, with little handkerchiefs placed underneath them.

As I mentioned earlier, I felt the staff, and our butler specifically, were always one step ahead. I had been messaging with Dheya and commented that after being in Ubud and visiting the monkey sanctuary, that we had been out in the heat for several hours and were now heading back to the resort. By the time we arrived back at the resort, she had already arranged for two bottles of ice-cold, fresh-pressed juice to be awaiting us in our room.

Room – Two Bedroom Reserve Pool Villa

On our last day at Mandapa, we had some free time before heading to the airport. So, we reached out to our butler, Dheya, to ask if we could tour one of the pool villas before leaving. She was more than happy to oblige and took us to the second-largest villa on the property.

The two- and three-bedroom villas are standalone units within a walled compound, providing exceptional privacy and over 10,000 square feet of space.

The Reserve Pool Villa consists of three separate structures: a primary bedroom, a secondary bedroom, and a staff quarters.

Upon entering through the gate, you’ll be in a small outdoor courtyard, with a wooden pathway that connects each of the three structures of the Reserve Pool Villa.

The primary bedroom features a king-sized bed, adorned with décor similar to our suite, featuring dark wood paneling and Balinese-inspired murals. As a standalone structure, the design incorporated the use of more windows, allowing for more natural light.

Dheya explained that the typical clientele for these larger villas are often very large families, or even multiple families, each occupying their own room within the compound.

The primary structure also had its own separate dining room with seating for eight.

The bathroom was very similar to our suite and included a dual vanity, walk-in shower, and bathtub.

Each unit features its own private outdoor shower, accessible through a door in the bathroom.

The secondary bedroom has two queen sized beds and mostly the same living room and bathroom layout as the primary bedroom. However, only the primary room has a separate dining room area.

Both rooms share access to the spacious outdoor patio and private swimming pool.

At the far end of the pool is a shaded cabana.

Finally, the staff quarters consist of a kitchenette that includes a full-size refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, and espresso machine.

Restaurants & Bars

There are several restaurants and bars at Mandapa for guests to enjoy. We made an effort to grab a drink or bite to eat at most of the dining outlets during our stay. 

Sawah Terrace, the main all-day dining restaurant, offers traditional Indonesian cuisine with views overlooking the Ayung River. Breakfast is served here daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

I’d like to highlight that for guests with dietary preferences, the resort takes extra care by sending a request about a month before our arrival to gather information about any dietary restrictions. As someone with a peanut allergy, I shared this information in the pre-arrival form, and I was impressed by the seamless communication. At every dining location, the staff acknowledged my preference for no peanuts without me having to remind them, ensuring a smooth and worry-free dining experience.

Sawah Terrace – Daily Complimentary Breakfast

As I had mentioned earlier, breakfast is included on all stays at Mandapa. The breakfast service includes an extensive buffet, several made-to-order stations, and dishes from an à la carte menu. 

You can find the dining menus for all of the restaurants and bars, the in-room dining menu, as well as a complete list of available spa treatments and guest activities, at this link.

As you can imagine, breakfast is an extravagant affair, featuring a buffet that offers a wide range of both Western and Indonesian dishes, including made-to-order eggs, congee, Balinese pancakes, and noodle bowls.

The restaurant offers both covered seating and an outdoor patio with spectacular views of the Ayung River below, making it a strong contender for one of the best breakfast spots ever.

The cold buffet featured a wide selection of staples you’d expect from a luxury resort breakfast, including salads, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh juices, smoothies, local fresh fruits, and an assortment of pastries.

The hot buffet offered a mix of Western and Asian dishes, such as crispy bacon, golden potato wedges, and a variety of flavorful noodle options.

At the made-to-order station, you can enjoy eggs prepared in any style, pancakes, and customizable soup. There was a choice from a variety of noodles, proteins, and accompaniments to create your preferred bowl of noodles.

Over our time at the resort, we did our best to try as many different dishes as possible, including several items from the à la carte menu.

The made-to-order dishes are expertly prepared, and the service was, as always, attentive and proactive. Since the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand is not required to include a complimentary breakfast, its inclusion at Mandapa is a fantastic value add and ranks among the best breakfast experiences I’ve ever had.

We also ate dinner one night at Sawah Terrace. Three nights a week, you’ll be able to enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance and live music.

Building on the excellent breakfast at Sawah Terrace, both the service and the food for dinner continued to impress.

The food and drinks at Mandapa are expensive, but not as outrageous as you might find at some other luxury resorts. For example, cocktails begin at approximately 220,000 IDR ($20 CAD), and main courses typically cost around 300,000 IDR ($28 CAD). The portions are generous, so sharing meals at lunch and dinner can help you keep costs in check.

On our final evening at the resort, after dinner, we were delighted to receive a complimentary dessert as a gesture of appreciation for our loyalty to Marriott Bonvoy.

The full lunch and dinner menu at Sawah Terrace are as follows:

Ambar Ubud Bar

Ambar Ubud Bar is situated on the upper level of the resort, right next to the welcome pavilion. It offers Japanese fusion cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. This popular spot is perfect for enjoying the sunset over the valley in the early evening.

From 7:00 to 10:00 PM every day, you can enjoy some live jazz music played by local musicians.

My brother and I visited Ambar one evening for drinks and snacks, but we were apparently so captivated by the sunset and the views of the resort that neither of us thought to snap a photo of our food or drinks. However, I did get a shot from our perch along the rail, overlooking the resort below, so I’ll share that instead.

Amber is open daily from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. You can view the menus for Ambar here.

Kubu

Kubu, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, is dedicated to providing a community-sourced, zero-waste dining experience. Alongside a carefully curated à la carte menu, Kubu features its signature 10-course tasting menu, showcasing locally sourced ingredients from Bali.

Set along the banks of the Ayung River, Kubu is renowned for its distinctive huts, thoughtfully designed to offer an intimate dining experience.

There are only a limited number of huts available for each seating, so you’ll need to make a reservation in advance with the restaurant to ensure your desired seating arrangement. 

The non-hut seats still provide plenty of privacy, as they’re widely spaced apart from other tables. Plus, they provide equally impressive views of the river.

We thoroughly enjoyed the 10-course tasting menu. While some dishes stood out more than others, the generous serving of Wagyu was exceptional and undoubtedly the highlight of the meal.

The service was precisely what you’d anticipate from a fine-dining establishment—attentive and friendly, yet discreet, with the staff making a clear effort to minimize interruptions throughout the meal.

Each dish was presented in a distinctive way, featuring vibrant pops of color that enhanced its visual appeal. With each course, a staff member provided a detailed explanation of the dish, highlighting its ingredients and preparation. Some dishes were even accompanied by a small pamphlet that offered insights into the origins of certain ingredients or featured a map of Bali, showing the locations where they were sourced.

The portions were well-balanced, and by the end of the meal, we both felt fulfilled. Each dish offered just enough to enjoy a few bites of every item without feeling overly full by the end of the night.

The Library

We didn’t have the chance to visit The Library, which is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and offers afternoon tea, light bites, and cocktails.

Facilities

Built in 2015, some of the resort’s public areas and facilities are due for an update, and as a result, the property is currently undergoing a year-long renovation to refresh most of its public spaces and venues. To minimize disruption for guests, only one restaurant or facility is closed at a time. Several restaurant renovations have already been completed, and just weeks before our arrival, the fitness center was expanded and equipped with brand-new machines.

Unfortunately, our stay coincided with renovations to the spa facilities, which were closed for an extensive refurbishment. During this time, the hotel had converted the three-bedroom villa into a temporary spa facility. However, we were unable to tour or view the temporary spa area unless we had an appointment for a treatment.

Under normal circumstances, Mandapa Spa serves as a full wellness retreat, offering all guests access to a yoga pavilion, meditation temple, vitality pool, 24-hour fitness center, saunas, and a relaxation area.

You can view the spa services and make a reservation here.

Fitness Center

Recently expanded and outfitted with brand-new equipment, the fitness center at Mandapa is an exceptional gym and the perfect place for a morning workout. Located in the same building along the riverfront as the spa, only the fitness center was accessible to guests during our stay.

Everything you need for a workout is provided including towels, bottled water, and snacks such as fruit, granola bars, and more.

The gym was equipped with the latest-generation Technogym equipment each with its own 4K display, wireless charging pad, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, and along with a full range of cardio, weight machines, and free weights, offers great views of the river and lush jungle scenery.

Pool

Mandapa features two adjacent swimming pools, both situated right in front of the rice field. They both overlook the lower part of the property, with the dense forest across the river serving as a picturesque backdrop.

With 25 of the 60 rooms at Mandapa featuring their own private pools, the main swimming pool should never feel overcrowded. During each of our visits, there were rarely more than one or two other couples around, ensuring ample seating and plenty of space for privacy.

Both pools share the same deck and furniture. On the left side of the pool deck, there is a shallow pool intended for young children and families.

The adult swimming pool has a chill and relaxed atmosphere. Attendants from the nearby Pool Bar are frequently making the rounds to take drink and food orders. Every hour or so, they pass by with refreshing popsicles or ice cream cones.

Loungers, daybeds, and private cabanas are all available on a first come, first serve basis. Immediately upon arriving at the pool, the staff are quick to spring into action to assist you in selecting and setting up your preferred seating option.

Refreshments such as lemonade and fruit are available poolside at a small self-serve station.

Once you’ve settled into your spot by the pool, the staff will bring over a tray of refreshments and amenities, this includes a chilled coconut, water, fresh fruit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. 

One of the many aspects I appreciate about Mandapa is that this offering is provided complimentary to all guests enjoying the pool. I can think of plenty of resorts that would happily charge $50 or more for something similar. 

Small details like this contributed to one of the most genuinely relaxing and inviting experiences I’ve ever had at any hotel or resort. Guests are already paying a fortune to be at Mandapa, so the feeling that the resort isn’t constantly trying to nickel-and-dime its guests at every opportunity was both a very noticeable and deliberate decision by management seen throughout the property and one which we both greatly appreciated.

Guests may also enjoy food and drinks from the Pool Bar menu that includes the classic poolside favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and similar items.

Mandapa Camp

Mandapa Camp is a large bamboo pavilion at the bottom of the rice field.

Designed for families with small children, the activities at Mandapa Camp provide opportunities to learn new skills, and engage in a variety of creative experiences. These activities encourage learning about Balinese culture through art, music, and games.

Inside, there are kids-sized tables and chairs for arts, crafts, games, and a slide.

Kids’ activities are available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Twice a week, the resort brings in a cow, chickens, and ducks for the kids to feed.

Activities

There are an enormous number of complimentary and paid activities available for guests to partake in during their stay. Many of the activities are focused around wellness and the resort’s Disconnect to Reconnect Program, which is designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Recreational activities range from a 1-hour Balinese Dance lesson to a full-day tour of Bali in a vintage Volkswagen, with options catering to those seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or educational experiences.

We participated in a few of the shorter activities around the resort. On our first night, we took part in the Desa Walk, a guided tour of the property led by a local expert. During the tour, we learned about the significance of Balinese Hinduism on the island, the key rituals, and the various traditional Balinese elements that went into the design of Mandapa. The guide also shared insights into the daily life and routines of the Balinese people.

During our Desa Walk, we crossed paths with the resort’s executive chef, Chef Eka, on his way to the on-site garden to gather ingredients for the evening’s dinner service. He invited us on an impromptu tour of the fruit and herb garden, encouraging us to sample nearly everything that was in season.

He not only had us sample a variety of fruits and herbs growing in the garden, but he also took the time to explain how each item was used in different dishes and how each ingredient contributed to the overall flavor profile. It was quite fascinating, and Chef Eka was literally bursting with enthusiasm as he guided us around the garden.

This kind of interaction with a staff member is not something we’re accustomed to, and is part of what makes Mandapa so special. Of course, we’ve been to many hotels and resorts with great service, but the level of personalized attention we received at Mandapa is what left a lasting impression. It felt as though every member of the team was dedicated to going to any length to ensure each guest had a memorable experience.

My brother summed it up perfectly after our garden tour with Chef Eka. He said, “He’s exactly the kind of person you want to meet at a place like this, and the exact person you’d want preparing your food.”

Most of the other activities, such as hiking, cycling, arts and crafts, and cooking classes, do require you to pay an additional fee. However, you can likely arrange similar experiences at a lower cost through booking platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.

Conclusion

We’ve had the opportunity to stay at many luxury properties, but Mandapa was our first true taste of what I would call ultra-luxury. With any luck, I hope to have many more stays at other Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties.

The secluded setting of the resort set amidst the jungle and rice fields with the Ayung River river winding around the property is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

The abundance of complimentary offerings, whether it was the in-room amenities, refreshing treats by the pool, breakfast at Sawah Terrace, or the thoughtful extras in the fitness center, all contribute to the wonderful hospitality.

Above all, the staff at Mandapa stand out as its greatest asset. Each team member greeted us with a warm smile and made an effort to connect with us personally. I now find myself worried that future hotel stays will never measure up, as it’s hard to imagine anything else could compare to our time at Mandapa.