Hotel Review: Umana Bali – A hilltop luxury escape!

At a glance:

Formerly the Banyan Tree Ungasan, this hotel joined the Hilton portfolio in 2023 as the Umana Bali LXR Hotels and Resorts. With 72 private villas perched up on a hill, the Umana offers a serene and luxurious experience on Bali’s south coast with access to stunning Melasti Beach.

What is actually is: A luxury private villa resort set high above a wonderful beach on Bali’s southern coast

What it is not: A destination to immerse yourself in the local culture

Time of year: Fall

Room Type: Partial Ocean View 1 Bedroom Pool Villa

Scores:

Hotel Design: 88 – An all-villa property with luxury resort amenities, the overall design felt more contemporary than balinese or tropical. The villas and outdoor space prioritize privacy with the common areas perched at the highest point of the hill.

Location: 90 – On a cliff high above one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in Bali, but a bit far from anything else. Unless you are using a scooter and trying to use Grab, you will be confined to the hotel and their beach club for your stay.

Sleep: 86 – Comfortable and quiet, however the AC struggled to keep the bedroom area cool.

Service: 90 – Service was very good overall – a significant effort was made to make sure we enjoyed our stay.

Room Design: 93 – Continuing the contemporary design, the villas are extremely spacious and private, although unfortunately trouble with monkeys in the area made indoor/outdoor living not possible (doors closed and locked at all times).

Room Amenities: 98 – The villa had a huge private outdoor area with a pool and a hot tub, 2 bathrooms (one larger and one smaller), the large bathroom has a shower, an outdoor shower, and a large bathtub. The indoor living area of the room has a kitchen (no appliances), a wet bar area, a dining area and large living room space. There is a mini fridge but it is filled with the hotel’s products.

Hotel Amenities: 88 – A large pool, a gym, a spa, activities (for a fee), and a very nice beach club (accessible to outside customers as well). For dining, there is the beach club that has a variety of things (we really enjoyed the ribs and ceviches), the pool bar has drinks and snacks (we enjoyed the satays), Commune is the all day restaurant where you have breakfast every day, Oliverra is their Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, and they also have things like a private chef in villa service, room service, etc. We ended up going to the Indonesian food and dance event and really enjoyed it! You also have access to a butler during your stay that can help with dinner reservations and also open the welcome coconuts in your villa! The hotel offers a shuttle service to and from the beach club, but you can also walk by taking the stairs (you just need to notify the staff).

Vibe: 88 – Popular with honeymooners and mischievous monkeys, the property was very peaceful overall.

Cleanliness/Maintenance: 89 – Very good overall, despite being an older property

Value / Extras & Perks: 90 – A small upgrade in view and a very good breakfast was included (as Hilton status perks). Rates are high, but good value for a points redemption.

OVERALL: 90