You’ve probably seen the photos. Those impossibly blue infinity pools that seem to spill right into the Indian Ocean, the limestone cliffs of Uluwatu, and the kind of minimalist architecture that makes you want to throw away everything you own and live in a sarong. It looks like every other high-end Bali resort on Instagram, doesn't it? Honestly, that’s where most people get it wrong. Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts isn't just another pretty face in the crowded luxury market of Indonesia. It’s actually a massive, 72-villa clifftop sanctuary that sits 70 meters above sea level, and it’s doing things a bit differently than the old guard of five-star stays.
Built on the site of the former Banyan Tree Ungasan, this place underwent a radical transformation before reopening as the first LXR property in Southeast Asia. It’s big. Like, "you need a golf cart to get to breakfast" big. But somehow, it feels intimate. Maybe it’s the way the villas are tucked into the cliffside, or maybe it’s the fact that you have a "Curator"—basically a high-end butler—who texts you on WhatsApp to see if you want your bath salts refilled or a private BBQ set up on your terrace.
The Cliffside Reality of Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts
Location is everything. If you’re looking for the frantic energy of Seminyak or the digital nomad vibes of Canggu, you’re gonna be disappointed. This is Uluwatu. Specifically, it's Ungasan. It’s remote. It’s quiet. It’s the kind of place where the loudest thing you’ll hear is a monkey trying to figure out how to open your villa’s sliding door (pro tip: keep them locked).
The resort has direct access to Melasti Beach, which is arguably one of the best white-sand strips on the island. But "direct access" in Uluwatu terms usually means a winding road or a steep descent. Umana runs a shuttle, and it’s worth the five-minute ride. Down there, you’ve got the Uma Beach House, which feels sort of like Miami met Bali and decided to serve really good Peruvian-Mexican fusion. It’s a vibe.
The design itself is a nod to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. Basically, it’s about harmony between people, nature, and the divine. You see it in the way the lobby is structured to look like a contemporary Banyan tree, with a massive Lasvit chandelier that looks like it’s made of frozen rain.
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What’s inside the villas?
Size matters here. Even the "basic" one-bedroom villas clock in at over 400 square meters. That’s bigger than most suburban houses.
- Private Infinity Pools: Every single villa has one. They aren't those tiny plunge pools where you can barely stretch your legs. You can actually swim laps.
- Outdoor Hot Tubs: Perfect for when the sun goes down and the ocean breeze kicks in.
- Marble Everything: The bathrooms are ridiculous. Huge soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and enough vanity space to film a professional makeup tutorial.
- Smart Tech (mostly): The 65-inch TVs are great, though some guests have noted they aren't all "Smart" yet, which feels a bit 2022. But honestly, if you’re watching Netflix in Uluwatu, you’re doing it wrong.
Why the Food is Actually the Draw
Most resort food is… fine. It’s safe. It’s designed to not offend anyone. But at Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts, the culinary team is actually swinging for the fences.
Oliverra is the star. It’s perched right on the edge of the cliff. It serves Mediterranean food that wouldn't feel out of place in Santorini. Think fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and a wine list that’s surprisingly deep for being on a tropical island.
Then there’s Commune. This is where you’ll spend your mornings. It’s a mix of a massive buffet and an à la carte menu that features local Southeast Asian flavors. If you see Leah, the pastry chef, ask for the almond croissant. People literally write home about them.
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Interestingly, they source about 80% of their produce from local farms. They even have their own hydroponic garden. It’s not just a marketing gimmick; you can actually taste the difference in the lime and the chili.
The Wellness Side: More Than Just Massages
You can get a massage anywhere in Bali for ten bucks. At Lohma Spa, you’re paying significantly more, but the experience is on another level. They do this thing called "Sound Healing" with Tibetan bowls that basically vibrates your stress into submission.
If you’re feeling a bit more spiritual, you can book a Soul Blessing at the nearby Batu Pageh Temple. You’ll hike up about 100 stairs into a cave filled with bats (it’s cooler than it sounds, promise) and undergo a purification ritual with holy water. It’s heavy, it’s authentic, and it’s a far cry from the "wellness" you find on an app.
A Note on the Monkeys
Let's be real for a second. This is Bali. The monkeys at Umana are part of the landscape. They are clever, they are fast, and they will absolutely steal your sunglasses if you leave them on the outdoor table. The hotel staff is great at managing them, but you’ve gotta play your part. Keep your snacks inside. It’s their territory; you’re just renting it for a few nights.
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The Hidden Costs and Realities
Luxury isn't cheap. A night here can easily run you $800 to $1,500 depending on the season and the villa size.
- Breakfast: If it’s not included in your rate, be prepared for a bill of around IDR 950,000 (roughly $60 USD) per person.
- Transport: Since it’s remote, you’ll be relying on the hotel’s cars or apps like Grab/Gojek. A trip to the airport takes about 35-45 minutes depending on the legendary Bali traffic.
- Service: It’s generally flawless, but like any new-ish resort, there can be hiccups. Some guests have mentioned waiting a bit too long for check-in during peak times.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you’re actually planning to book a stay at Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts, don’t just show up and hope for the best.
- Book through a Hilton Luxury partner. You’ll often get a $150 resort credit and a fourth night free. It makes the price tag much easier to swallow.
- Request a villa away from the main paths. Some villas have more foot (and cart) traffic passing by. If you want total "naked-in-the-pool" privacy, ask your Curator for a more secluded spot.
- Download WhatsApp. This is how you’ll communicate with everyone from the front desk to your butler. It’s fast and efficient.
- Don't skip the village walk. It’s a 6km guided stroll through Ungasan. You’ll see the real Bali—the markets, the local homes, the community temples—before heading back to your marble-clad sanctuary. It provides a necessary perspective that you just don't get from the infinity pool.
This place is a beast of a resort that manages to feel like a secret. It’s not perfect—no place that has to contend with tropical humidity and clever macaques is—but it’s a serious contender for the best stay in the southern tip of the island.
The move now is to check your Hilton Honors balance. If you’ve been hoarding points, this is exactly the kind of "bucket list" redemption they were made for. Just remember to lock your balcony doors.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current seasonal rates on the official Umana Bali website to see if they are running any "stay longer" promotions, which often include the airport transfer and a spa credit. If you’re a Diamond member, verify if the 25% F&B discount is currently active, as this significantly changes the math on dining at Oliverra.