Kappa Senses Ubud is characterised by 76 contemporary-styled and refined suites and villas built using wood combined with natural stones and concrete to exude warmth and echo nature. Its layout takes cues from the traditional Balinese village concept, whereby the structures are proportionate and constructed in human scale, resulting in the entire property feeling intimate and communal.
The property’s landscape and architecture are invitingly soothing, in harmony with the environment, and intentionally reflecting that ethos. Minimalistic, clean, smart, pragmatic, functional, and sustainable, Kappa Senses Ubud embodies understated sophistication.
Besides accommodations, the property also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are beautifully embellished with depictions of the ancient Sanskrit epic of Ramayana, an influential text in Hinduism and Buddhism extolling the importance of leading righteous and purposeful life.
And that is exactly what makes Kappa Senses Ubud special: it is a sanctuary purposely created to become a force for good, bringing immense benefits not only to the guests but also to its milieu by involving the surrounding community in its day-to-day activities, especially when organising experiential activities called ‘Kappa Instants’ for its guests, which positively impacts the community members in terms of income, while the guests in turn obtain memorable and eye-opening experiences that far outweigh the costs.
During arrival and check-in, each guest is welcomed with not just one but two refreshingly chilled glasses of beverages of different flavours – one filled with roselle, while the other butterfly pea – that quench thirst instantly. This is also the time when you first encounter Kappa Senses Ubud’s members of staff, who are affable, attentive, efficient, and eager to please their guests. From the beginning, you will know that you are in good hands when staying at the property.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel: #KappaConscious, an ode to green living
During Gaya Travel team members’ stay, we learn that all building materials used on the property are sourced locally to lessen carbon footprint. The property noticeably preserves as many trees as possible, especially the one that is deemed sacred standing next to the shrine close to the Jungle River pool. All forms of construction in Kappa Senses Ubud are earth-conscious and done sensitively to best protect the environment, making it an ideal hideaway for those who are discerning and concerned about the environment, including ardent supporters of responsible tourism.
Speaking of swimming pools, Kappa Senses Ubud is blessed with two: one is an overflowing 24-metre rectangular kind called Retreat pool situated in front of Kelapa restaurant; and the other is a meandering Jungle River pool that mimics natural river flow, fringed by palm trees and large rocks with a small hut that serves beverages to the guests. Gaya Travel team loves to lounge by both pools, especially on the daybeds adjacent to the Retreat pool, which are excellent for daydreaming.
Though the property has only been opened since September 2022, its impressively verdant landscape has been cultivated way earlier; from the moment the very first guests turned up, the whole property has already become biophilic. Kappa Senses Ubud even has its own 2,000-metre squared permaculture garden that supplies the greens used for the resort’s food and beverage outlets. The garden is also home to a selection of domesticated animals like swine, rabbits, chicken, and doves that are reared sustainably, which are sure to delight guests, especially children, as well as to educate them about humanity’s strong dependence towards nature for sustenance and survival.
Apart from the remarkable permaculture garden, guests will be enthralled to find that Kappa Senses Ubud has a sensational swing that faces the expansive vistas of Ubud’s vegetation and paddy fields too, including floating library and boutique, to amuse guests without having to leave the resort’s grounds.
When guests step into their rooms, they will notice that their accommodations are aesthetically designed to maximise the seamless integration of the outdoors and indoors, creating a sense of calmness and space exhilaration, where fresh air from the surrounding paddy fields perpetually caresses the entire property.
Each accommodation unit comes with the expected modern conveniences, including flat-screen television sets. However, the highlight of each room is the outdoor area – either in the form of private balcony or private pool, depending on the kind room you book – that allows you to wallow in the gentle sound of tropical birds and Ubud’s soothing natural melody.
Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and body wash are all stored in refillable bottles, while the drinking water comes in glass bottles that are recyclable. On top of the usual make-up room service, the property provides turndown in the evenings, which includes setting up the mosquito nets over the beds so that guests will experience a restful and uninterrupted overnight slumber.
The ultimate choice of stay would be the sole two-bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa, which is the largest accommodation in the property, totalling 400 metres squared. It has a large private infinity swimming pool that juts out towards the lush vegetation and view of the paddy field, supported by extensive private lounging area for added privacy and exclusivity. The villa’s spacious bathroom features bathtub and double vanity units.
Ubud’s Best Epicurean Destination: Restaurants at Kappa Senses Ubud
Dubbed as The Epicurean Nests, the resort’s restaurants (Kepuh, Kelapa, and Kokokan) whip up delectable cuisines to augment Kappa Senses Ubud’s philosophy of embracing a sensorial journey when staying at the property.
Kepuh is the outlet sans walls where guests head to for buffet breakfast comprising continental or American choices while taking in the serene surrounding paddy fields.
(Photo by Hasif Hamsyari)
The zen-vibe Kelapa, which faces the Retreat pool, is open for lunch, serving all-day favourites, for instance the beautifully plated and smoky poached barramundi, as well as dinner when it prepares mouthwatering Mediterranean textures such as pizza and pasta.
Kokokan is a semi-gastronomic swanky restaurant – bedecked with plush chairs, wooden accents, crystal chandeliers, marble floor and lengthy bar – that whips up à la carte options or degustation menus of three, four, and six courses, with or without wine pairing. Since it opens daily from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Kokokan is ideal for enjoying sunset and dusk, including at night when you can catch a rare glimpse of fireflies if you were to sit outdoors. At the same time, the restaurant’s bar serves up unique concoctions by creative and experienced mixologists as sundowner, aperitif, or nightcap.
Ubud’s Newest Epicentre of Wellness: OmTara Spa by Clarins
Offering pure serenity and leisure pursuit for an ultimate sense of awakening, the highlight of the resort is OmTara Spa by Clarins. As such, the spa utilises the products by the world-renowned brand Clarins, hence a must-experience for all adult guests. This harmonious alliance between Kappa Senses Ubud and Clarins is driven by a long-term vision to further propel Bali into becoming a renowned healing destination and haven of peace.
Spa and wellness lovers are sure to find the spa extensive. Covering over 1,000 metres squared, the spa consists of seven treatment rooms, whereby six of them are kitted with bathtubs; beauty and hair salons; 24-hour gym; steam room; ultraviolet sauna; hammam; Vichy shower; and an outdoor dipping pool. Without doubt, this facility is designed with unrivalled and dedicated top-to-toe wellness in mind. At the same time, the spa’s therapists use fine natural ingredients to create bespoke treatments that meet each of the guests’ specific needs.
Must do: Guests should follow the yoga class held at the Yoga Shala, which provides guests the most vantage point to see the resort from above, as well as a great spot for viewing sunset. What also takes Gaya Travel team’s breath away is the iconic bamboo roof that tops the Yoga Shala, consequently turning the entire space extraordinary and quintessentially Balinese, other than Southeast Asian.
Quintessential Kappa Senses Ubud Experiences: Kappa Instants
Kappa Senses Ubud conscientiously engages with the local community and determined to benefit the surrounding community through immersive and experiential activities called Kappa Instants, which reflect the property’s philosophy relating to embarking on a meaningful journey and invigorating guests’ senses through the five Balinese Hinduism elements: space, air, earth, water, and fire.
Kappa Instants are designed as unique and meaningful experiences around the five elements of the universe, which underpin the Kappa Senses concept. These meaningful experiences allow guests to embrace the essence and immerse in Kappa Senses Ubud’s respectful surroundings during their stay.
The following are the five elements of which Kappa Instants is based upon:
- Akasha (space): Take in the physical beauty of the landscape by learning about Balinese temple offerings.
- Vayu (air): Immerse yourself in the practices of Surya and Chandra yoga, including physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines that help to placate and harmonise mind, body and emotion.
- Prithvi (earth): Plant your very own Caladium tree with wishes for the future.
- Jala (water): Kappa Senses Ubud resident healer guides you through the benefits of loloh, a traditional Balinese medicine derived from ancient knowledge.
- Agni (fire): This refers to the spices grown in the resort’s permaculture space, hence guests are invited to try their hands at devising traditional piquant bumbu and sambal (spicy condiments) made from the herbs and spices grown in Kappa Senses Ubud’s permaculture garden.
Children have their own choice of Kappa Instants, for instance stone painting, Balinese dancing, and discovery walks.
Must do: Aside from Kappa Instants, the resort also brings the surrounding village into the fold through the highly-recommended Subak Significance Experience for guests to understand how Balinese rice is cultivated in terraced plots using the traditional irrigation system. Another interesting experience is to witness how tuak (milky fermented sour tasting drink) is harvested from the indigenous palm tree by a local family in a traditional village 15 minutes’ drive away from the property.
Tip: When following the Subak Significance Experience, be sure to wear ultra-comfortable outdoor attire with matching footwear because you will be walking along the embankments or bunds bordering the paddy plots, which can get muddy especially after the rain. You also need to be extra careful because there are spillway or drainage holes along the bunds that you need to cross, so it is important to remain vigilant and carefully listen to the guide’s instructions on how to navigate the bunds safely.
For more info, visit https://linktr.ee/kappasensesubud.
