whatsup Jakarta: Padma Resort Ubud - where nature is a good friend of mine

“We search for happiness everywhere, but we are like Tolstoy’s fabled beggar who spent his life sitting on a pot of gold, begging for pennies from every passerby, unaware that his fortune was right under him the whole time. Your treasure – your perfection – is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the busy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart.” -Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love

During the most hectic time, when life zooms me by and traffic madness consumes what life I have left from this blessed life, I took a pause and bought a ticket to where time seems to work in slow-mo and by that I meant the island of Bali.

I found the most promising lodging for my long overdue staycation (I have heard good things about this place many moons ago since its grand opening early this year) and booked without any hesitation to Padma Resort Ubud. Located in Payangan about 13 km from Ubud (more towards Kintanami than Ubud according to my observation). Where it was located was more that I had bargained for; the resort was secluded and surrounded by such lush greenery with spectacular view overlooking the enchanting bamboo forests of Payangan completed with river valley. It is to die for. Period.

The stunning resort comprises of 11 hectares of untouched nature, or should I say serenity, truly calms any busy thoughts and lets you listen to the silence of nature (bird chirpings, flowing water from the river and all).

The resort Is designed with local culture in mind, the front part of the resort is architecturally designed in a traditional manner and as you travel through the passages you came upon the hanging infinity pool that embraces the contemporary time yet still organic (the back part of the resort), seemingly taking you to a journey through its architecture, translating Bali and nature harmoniously intertwines.

The luxurious property consists of 149 rooms that are designed with impeccable executions. The rooms are designed moderately traditional yet still maintaining its contemporariness; a very comfortable king sized bed or two single beds, big window and balcony bringing the light in and also to enjoy the wonderful view of the lush greenery. Not forgetting the convenience of its modern amenities such as DVD player, cable TV, Ipad dock and impressive WIFI throughout the resort (with no dead zones I would always stumble upon time to time on secluded places like this).

The bathroom was almost as big as the bedroom itself and I felt pampered. Big free standing bathtub, dual sinks of his and hers, rain shower that I always love when it is available, spacious ‘walking in’ dressing area and luxurious bath amenities (I did not really need to bring anything from home)

I had the privileged to stay on the third floor facing the luscious valley of Payangan and spent quite some time at the balcony just chilling while listening to some go to songs of ‘winding down’. I exceptionally enjoyed it during (almost spiritual) sunrise.

The hospitality of the resort is commendable, from the moment I stepped off from the car, to the check in being served cold chilled drink, non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the day, delightful afternoon tea, evening cocktails, complimentary of 5 pieces of clothing for laundry a day, and 24-hour butler service were all generously given to all patrons (what is there to complain about this place, really?)

The wine lounge is comfortably well designed to accommodate ‘chilling mode’; folding windows open up to the inviting hanging infinity pool and that forest view I cannot stop gushing about.

I was attracted to the unique spa of the resort, a grotto like architectural that depicts organic shapes. With my little or minimal knowledge of architecture and design especially the encompassing pillars, reminded me of a place called Parc de Guell designed by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona, the designer that is famous for its free forms as an homage to nature.

The organic architecture and design flows through to the pool café & Bar, it creates an intimate and wholesome ambience of tranquility.

The infinite pools’ water is cool during the day and heated during the evening as the air cools being that the area’s temperature tends to drop during the evening and early mornings. The pool consisted of three types; the main pool that is big enough to do a full lap swim, the more secluded pool on the side of the resort that gears more towards chilling out and enjoying the view and the last one would be the heated Jacuzzi with massaging jets.

I made an effort to catch the sunrise which I heard was quite spectacular to experience from the pool area. It was indeed lived up to the hype, it was quite a chilled morning as the sun rises and broke the dark skies into indigo colors only nature can create, fog hung lazily over the pool creating a mist of illusion than we were floating above the clouds. It was truly a moment where exhaustion of the cosmopolitan literally melts and envelops you with bliss. I felt reenergized. I was brought back to earth when a jogger passed by and smiled knowingly that we both felt that utter bliss. The jogging track is best to use in that wee morning. And if the sky is clear enough you could almost see the tip of Mount Agung which is the highest point on the island.

Padma Hotels are well known for its breakfast selections and this resort proved it right. From the egg station that serves your eggs according to your heart desires (egg benedict for me!), the fresh selections of fresh pastries, fruits and unforgettable beef bacon that had me going back for more. This is top notch breakfast at its best!

Just like that my three days and two nights’ staycation was over yet the feeling of restoration and being re-energized and ready for the real world was tangible.

With my utmost sincerity I could not be more grateful and privileged to stay in this resort, what a wonderful stay however short it may be. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to find a little ‘me-time’ and be re charged. Give yourself that treat, you deserve it.