Why COMO Uma Ubud is a haven of wellness and one of the most unique and beautiful places to stay in Bali’s Ubud.
Visiting COMO Uma Ubud in Bali is like stepping into a serene dream, nestled in Ubud’s verdant jungle, just next to the main arterial road into the heart of Ubud town.
As someone who’s spent years traveling Bali exploring the island’s most luxury hotels and wellness offerings, the five star COMO resort stands out for its unique ability to combine tranquility, wellness, and accessibility amongst the coconut palms and banyan trees that richly surround the elegant accommodation.
I have been coming to Bali since I was 17 years old, and the verdant jungle of Ubud has always been a draw card for me. The magical tableau of Ubud’s jungle is not only majestic, there is an energy to it you can feel the minute you walk into either COMO Uma Ubud or nearby COMO Shambhala.
For me this Balinese energy immediately calms me (as I demonstrated in a video posted to my instagram @renaesworldofficial 5 minutes after checking in).
At COMO Uma Ubud, the 46 rooms, suites, and villas designed by Koichiro Ikebuchi have stood the test of time, and are modern, serene and spacious.
COMO is a unique luxury wellness brand of hotels. It was established by Singaporean Christina Ong, who was decades ahead of her time 30 years ago, when she focussed on wellness as a key offering within luxury resorts.
Her daughter Melissa is now in the business (hence the business name COMO taking the first two letters of each mother and daughter’s names). They now have 18 properties globally under the COMO brand, all featuring the unique wellness food and spa concept from the original property here in ubud, COMO Shambhala, which is about 20 minutes drive from COMO Uma Ubud.
The two prpoeties are vastly different. COMO Uma Ubud is better suited to couples, honeymoners and families, whereas COMO Shambhala is the location for inner work, peace, and even couples wanting to disconnect from the world and re-connect with each other.
COMO Shambhala is a vast sprawling estate oozing wellness and tranquility, whereas COMO Uma Ubud is a trendy boutique style property which is social, effervescent and fun.
One of the many wins of the COMO concept is that guests can click into as little or as much wellness as they like. This is fantastic for couples who may have different approaches to wellness, nutrition and fitness. One person can effectively have massages and workout all day, and the other can lounge by the pool drinking first class cocktails.
COMO Uma Ubud has a brand new gym which is of the highest standard with excellent cardio and weights equipment. The twice daily yoga is also excellent, and the spa reaches fro the same heights as that at COMO Shambhala, so you are guaranteed exceptional care and connection, and effective treatments.
Overall Rating: 9/10
COMO Uma Ubud offers an unparalleled experience for relaxation in the lap of understated luxury as well as access to Bali’s cultural heart. Unlike its sister property, COMO Shambhala Estate, which is geared toward a more isolated, holistic, retreat-style stay, COMO Uma Ubud is perfect for families, groups, honeymooners, and anyone wanting to explore Ubud’s buzzing streets while retreating to peace and quiet.
At COMO Uma Ubud, during my stay everyone talked to each other, and got to know each other. It was a great social scene by the pool, at breakfast, in the gym and at the restaurant.
Christina Ong and her daughter Melissa established the COMO brand over 24 years ago, and it has since flourished into a global collection of 18 properties, each emphasising wellness, local charm, and thoughtful design. COMO Uma Ubud exemplifies their vision beautifully.
Location: 9.5/10
Set on the edge of the Tjampuhan Valley, COMO Uma Ubud enjoys a lush jungle backdrop yet is only a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive to central Ubud. The proximity to Ubud’s markets, restaurants, and cultural hotspots makes this location ideal for exploration while still feeling like a secluded retreat.
The resort’s design blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering a tranquil escape from Ubud’s sometimes chaotic streets.
Rooms: 9/10
Designed by Koichiro Ikebuchi, the 46 rooms, suites, and villas are light, airy, and elegantly simple, with whitewashed wood, chequered tiles, and private tropical courtyards.
Many (like mine) come with a striking infinity-edge plunge pools, perched right on the edge of the jungle, offering stunning valley views. The COMO Uma Pool Villas are my personal favourite, with vistas stretching over the lush jungle to the Oos River below.
Modern amenities and COMO’s signature toiletries, as well as thoughtful touches like outdoor showers, separate baths and showers (in the suites) and yoga mats in every room enhance the luxury experience. I loved the straw bag provided for use during my stay – stylishly simple yet so useful.
Food & Beverage: 9.5/10
The resort has two exceptional restaurants and a poolside bar. Kemiri serves a delightful mix of Indonesian and international dishes, and breakfast. The breakfast is outstanding and there are 3 pages of cooked to order selections from simple eggs to coconut rice, chia puddings, daily specials and more – as well as a buffet. I loved being able to lazily eat breakfast until 11.30, with the last breakfast served at 11am.
The focus on healthy, organic low carb and low fat ingredients mirrors COMO’s wellness ethos, but there are indulgent options, too (don’t miss the pastries with your morning coffee).
The property’s nasi goreng is a must-try according to my neighbours who were holidaying with their two year old who also loved it.
For casual Italian fare, Uma Cucina is my favourite, and I rate it as one of the best restaurants in Bali. It is right at the entrance of the property and the menu offers wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and fresh salads.
You can sit in COMO’s Uma Cucina and feel as if you’re indulging when you are actually eating super healthy, clean food – and the prices are super reasonable given the quality of ingredients – I was shocked. One when night I was there, there was a special steak night with a huge 500g sirloin, various sides and all for around AUD$100. More than enough for two.
And there is a huge global wine list with quality offerings again at acceptable prices and excellent cocktails too.
Wellness & Sustainability: 9/10
True to COMO’s roots, wellness is central to the experience at COMO Uma Ubud. Daily yoga classes in one of two an open-air pavilions overlooking the jungle are a highlight, as are the exceptional Asian-inspired treatments at the COMO Shambhala spa.
The gym is new and expertly stocked and designed with the best equipment for both cardio and weights workouts.
Guided treks through rice fields and forest trails provide opportunities to connect with nature.
Sustainability is woven into the resort’s operations, from the locally sourced materials within the design to COMO’s commitment to supporting Balinese artisans and communities.
For more on COMO Shambhala, click here.
Style: 9.5/10
The aesthetic at COMO Uma Ubud is an effortless mix of traditional Balinese and neutral modern minimalism.
The moss-covered stone walls, white flowers billowing from overhead wooden frames in the gardens, and antique doors feel timeless, while the interiors are crisp and contemporary, with striking tiled floors in the suites.
The central jade-green pool, surrounded by tropical foliage, and elegant cream day beds, creates a sense of understated elegance that defines the COMO brand.
COMO Uma Ubud is a perfect blend of luxury, accessibility, and wellness. It’s an ideal destination for Ubud’s jungle setting and vibrant culture while retreating to a peaceful sanctuary.
For yoga enthusiasts, wellness junkies, foodies, or simply seeking a serene escape, COMO Uma Ubud delivers. It’s no wonder the COMO brand has become a global success, starting right here in Ubud at COMO Shambhala up the road. Namaste.
COMO Uma Ubud Review in Brief:
Who Is Behind It: Dynamic mother daughter duo, Christina and Melissa Ong. Chrisina was a visionary when she cane up with concept over 20 years ago.
Insider Knowledge: The spa team are trained at COMO Shambhala, regularly voted as one of the world’s best wellnass and healing retreats.
Renae says: I adore this property, as the food is literally some of Bali’s best, and COMO Uma Ubud has a unique luxury feel with a relaxed vibe – and one of Bali’s best gyms.
Who should Stay at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Review.: Couples, singles, groups.
Who shouldn’t stay here: There were young children staying when I was who seemed to enjoy it.
Location: Can take up to 90 minutes from the airport in Bali.
Best culinary delight: The steak night was sensational during my stay, and I loved the meatballs.
The Highlight: My suite with private plunge pool overlooking Ubud valley – wow.
The lowlight: I couldn’t find one.
Most Instagrammable location: The pool from many angles, as well as the rooms.
Click below to hear from COMO Shambhala’s inspiring wellness director Kimberly Rose.
