The mountainous area of Ubud is a mixture of rainforest, rivers, restaurants, shopping and cultural sites located 90 minutes from downtown Bali. This mix makes it a great spot for incentives, executive retreats and post-event tours for delegates who have been meeting in the hustle and bustle of the beachside destinations. It can, however, take up to two hours to reach as there is just one main road in and out, so it is not often recommended as a day trip.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Sayan (60 villas and suites) is built into the side of a mountain facing Ayung River, and was designed for high-impact arrivals. From the entrance, guests cross a short canopy bridge to reach a huge lotus pond that juts out from the mountain like a helipad. Welcome receptions for 80 people can be held here or simply take in the view and head downstairs to the lobby and restaurants. The main restaurant seats 60 people and is an open-sided venue looking down across the resort to the river. Host a memorable poolside evening on the multi-tiered deck overlooking the river for a similar-sized group.
Royal Pita Maha (pictured top) is a gorgeous 52-room resort also set into the riverside mountain. Three spectacular restaurants on three levels all overlook the Ayung River and immediately relax guests with their spacious green views. The ground floor restaurant serves Balinese cuisine and seats 90 people, the first and second floors have an international menu and seat 80 and 40 guests respectively. A new wing with approximately 40 villas will open at the end of 2012. The resort also offers a separate convention hall, which seats 200 delegates theatre style. This is supported by four small meeting rooms, an open-air stage and a courtyard seating 200 for banquets.
Westin Ubud will open in April 2012 with 107 villas and three small meeting rooms. Dual destination packages will be available with sister property Westin Nusa Dua.
What to do
A two-hour white-water rafting trip on the Ayung River is a popular choice for groups in Bali and is run by Sebok and Bali Adventure Tours. Rafts can pull into the Royal Pita Maha for lunch and use of the hotel’s pool and restaurants. Villas can be reserved for use as changing facilities. The town centre of Ubud is packed with boutiques and galleries selling clothing, accessories, art and souvenirs at every price point. Traffic flow is one way and parking is high-demand, so drop small groups at the fringe of the centre to begin exploring.
Arma Museum is a great introduction to Balinese art and culture, with large galleries, a library and an amphitheatre staging regular performances. Business events for 80 people can be held in the galleries, with delegates surrounded by traditional and contemporary local artworks. The adjacent resort has 30 villas and several meeting and dining options for groups and recently hosted the Global Healing Conference with 700 delegates. The Water Garden seats 240 for banquets.
Professional assistance
Pacific World is a well-established player with a flair for cultural programmes. Smailing Tours is a professional multi-office DMC and the new strategic partner for Ovation DMC in Bali. Both are experienced in organising top-notch programmes for groups, securing unique venues and know Ubud and its providers well.
Directory
Smailing Tours
Contact Saraswati Subadia
Tel +62 81 288 224
Email saraswati@smailingbali.com
Web www.smailingtour.co.id
Pacific World
Contact IB Lolec
Tel +62 361 282 474 ext. 101
Email lolec@pacificworld.com
Web www.pacificworld.com