Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The fine‑dining restaurant Kubu lies on the banks of the Ayung River and was named ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Bali’ at the Exquisite Awards 2024. Here, sustainability is not an afterthought but deeply woven into the very concept of this exceptional culinary experience.

Kubu’s Chef, Eka Sunarya, was born and raised in Buahan, a village just north of Ubud, and first learned the craft from his grandmother, herself a chef. His respect for nature and profound knowledge of Balinese culinary traditions shape his creative process. Rather than following strict recipes, Eka allows the ingredients to guide the direction, ensuring each dish is deeply connected to Bali and tells a story of the wider ecosystem.

The restaurant’s zero‑waste philosophy inspires creativity. Vegetable peelings form the base of rich broths, fruit rinds are transformed into elegant garnishes, and leftover organic produce from the kitchen is repurposed as nourishment for the resort’s own herb garden.

Kubu also offers the intimate setting of nine private cocoons overlooking the river. With the sounds of the water and surrounding jungle, they add an extra dimension to the culinary experience. Many of Kubu’s cocktails and local spirits feature house‑made fermentations and infusions, showcasing Bali’s tropical fruits and spices.

Sawah Terrace – meaning ‘rice terrace’ in Indonesian – offers panoramic views of the rice fields, the river and the surrounding jungle. Open throughout the day, it serves both Indonesian and international cuisine.

One of the highlights at Sawah Terrace is the Sunday brunch, featuring an extensive selection of local and international dishes, many of which are prepared at one of the live cooking stations.

From the terrace, guests enjoy magnificent views over the Ayung River – in many respects one of Bali’s most important waterways. For the local community, the Ayung holds profound spiritual significance, with rituals and ceremonies taking place at sacred sites and temples along its banks. The river is regarded as a source of life and energy.

Ambar is Mandapa’s elegant bar. Perched high on the cliff – Ambar means ‘sky’ in Sanskrit – it commands breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. This is the perfect setting in which to experience a spectacular sunset.

On Ambar’s menu you will find Japanese fusion dishes such as sashimi, tartare, maki, usuzukuri and tempura. The chefs at Ambar create truly unique compositions by combining Bali’s fresh herbs and spices with traditional Japanese ingredients such as miso, soy and yuzu.

The close collaboration between Ambar’s chefs and local farmers and fishermen teaches them traditional techniques and the seasonality of certain crops, while granting access to unique and often rare ingredients. This results in culinary creations that are truly distinctive.

One of these fishermen lives in a small village on Bali’s east coast and is deeply committed to preserving the marine ecosystem. Before sunrise, he prepares his traditional wooden boat, a jukung, for a day at sea, relying solely on fishing methods that have been passed down through generations of his family.

To catch fish, he relies solely on handlines and small nets, and ensures that only mature fish are taken. In this way, the fisherman contributes to healthy fish populations, while Ambar’s chefs are assured of exceptional quality.

For unique cocktails, Ambar presents the ‘Taru Pramana Menu’, inspired by an ancient Balinese palm‑leaf manuscript detailing the medicinal properties of plants on the island. Guided by this knowledge, Ambar’s mixologists have created their innovative cocktails.

With the jungle of Ubud and the tranquil Ayung River as a striking backdrop, Mandapa’s poolside setting and The Pool Bar provide a wonderfully relaxing retreat. The menu features light snacks, salads, sandwiches and a variety of Indonesian dishes.

The Library is a charming, relaxed venue overlooking the pool and verdant surroundings, where guests may enjoy fresh juices and light dishes either indoors or out on the terrace in an informal atmosphere.

The Library also offers a delightful Afternoon Tea, featuring a curated selection of teas and sweet treats.