Bali Bliss: Ubud Palace Junior Suite w/ Private Pool!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Bali Bliss: Ubud Palace Junior Suite w/ Private Pool! experience. I'm going to lay it all bare – the good, the "hmm, interesting," and the maybe-should-have-brought-my-own-pillow moments. Forget pristine, forget polished. We're going for RAW, you know?
First Impressions (and the Jet Lag Haze)
Getting to Bali is a journey, and by the time I rolled into the Ubud Palace Junior Suite, I was basically a sentient lump of exhaustion and airplane peanuts. But GUESS WHAT? The entrance? Breathtaking. Absolutely. I mean, the pictures don't lie. Lush greenery, the Balinese architecture… it was like stepping into a postcard. And then… the private pool. Oh my god. Seriously, the pool. After the hell of airports, this was a godsend. It's not just a splashy thing; it’s an essential part of the whole experience.
(Accessibility & That Initial Huddle)
Alright, let’s be real. I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did take a good, hard look for my review. They do have facilities for disabled guests, and there’s an elevator (THANK GOD, because I'm pretty sure that uphill trek to my suite would've finished me). Public areas seemed pretty navigable, at least to my bleary-eyed perception. But honestly? Check the actual accessibility details before you commit if you need them. Don't just trust me! This is just… my initial feeling.
(Cleanliness & Safety – Because 2024 Doesn't Screw Around)
Okay, safety first, especially post-pandemic, right? They're taking this seriously. "Professional-grade sanitizing services" are mentioned, but what got me? The hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. It’s like, "Welcome to Bali! Now, scrub!" And that's a good thing. They also mentioned individually wrapped food options and all sorts of things, so the safety and cleanliness seem on point. I noticed the staff wore masks (and, let's be honest, in that heat, I probably would too).
(The Room: My Sanctuary… and Where I Learned to Love Blackout Curtains)
The Junior Suite? Magnificent. The bed was HUGE and ridiculously comfortable. The air conditioning was a lifesaver. I'm talking immediately collapsing on the bed, and breathing a sigh of relief. Those blackout curtains? Game. Changer. They were my best friend. They also had all the usual suspects: a mini-fridge, a safe, a coffee maker (vital!), and a bathroom that, while not enormous, felt luxurious. Plus, bathtubs are a must!
(The Internet: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Buffering)
Free Wi-Fi! Yes! And thank the Wi-Fi gods, because I needed to keep in touch, and let my folks know I'm still alive. There's also LAN if you really need it for some reason, that's an option. I found the Wi-Fi decent (didn't exactly stream a movie masterpiece, but it wouldn't be the end of the world), so I'm happy to report it's reliable.
(Food, Glorious Food… and My Questionable Eating Habits)
Okay, so food is a HUGE part of the Bali experience. The hotel offered a bunch of options, including a la carte, buffet, and room service. Breakfast, which was included (and I definitely NEEDED it, because I was a mess) was a buffet. It had a ton of options, including Asian and Western food. I may have loaded up slightly on the pastries… don't judge me. The coffee? Delicious. And having breakfast in my room? Bliss.
The restaurants… were good. Don't get me wrong. But the best experience? Definitely the poolside bar. So many cocktails. So many sunsets. I think I may have spent one entire afternoon just… existing there. Which leads me to the…
(Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and My Existential Crisis Under a Frangipani Tree)
Okay, I’m gonna gush. The pool with a view? Stunning. I spent HOURS floating, reading, and just… staring at the sky. This is what I needed. I tried the spa, and I'm pretty sure I went into a coma during the massage. It was divine. There's a sauna and a steam room too, but I was too busy being pampered.
Plus, you know how people say Bali is spiritual? Well, the hotel grounds were. I found a quiet spot under a frangipani tree and just… sat. Actually felt calm. (Which is rare for me.)
(Things to Do (Aside from Lounging by the Pool, Which is Plenty Good))
Ubud is a hub of culture. The hotel has a concierge, and they can help you with booking tours and activities. I'm a terrible planner, so I just asked them to arrange a driver, and then just wandered around. There are shops and restaurants within easy reach. This place is located in a great spot to explore.
(Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference)
They offer a bunch of services to make your trip smoother. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. A currency exchange. Luggage storage. And a doorman, who always greeted me with a smile. All appreciated!
(The Annoyances (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?))
Okay, real talk. No place is perfect, and there are a few things to bear in mind. The location, while beautiful, can be a little off the beaten path. You will need transport to get around. And, if I'm being honest, some of the staff were slightly less attentive than others. But let's be real, it’s a minor quibble.
(Booking, Amenities, and Fine Print)
You'll find things like the breakfast takeaway service, which is great for those early mornings. And, they have a doctor/nurse on call. They have all the things that make you feel safe, so you really feel like you can enjoy your experience.
(The Verdict: Should You Book It? HELL YES!)
Look, I'm not usually one for gushing, but Bali Bliss: Ubud Palace Junior Suite w/ Private Pool? It delivered. The private pool experience is worth the price of admission ALONE. The rooms are sublime, the food is delicious, the spa is amazing, and the location is stunning.
MY PERSONAL OFFER/CLOSING
Here's the deal: Forget looking at a thousand hotel comparisons. Do this. You deserve this level of rest and recovery. Book the Ubud Palace Junior Suite w/ Private Pool right now. Treat yourself and do it properly. Your soul will thank you. And if you need more convincing, here's what I will happily share:
- An exclusive complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar (mention my name when you book!).
- A complimentary spa treatment (talk to the Front Desk).
- My personal guide on the best nearby warungs (local restaurants) that are amazing.
- A chance to text me and tell me how much you enjoyed it.
Don't wait. Dive in. This is what Bali is about.
Escape to Paradise: Walker River Lodge Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average pristine travel itinerary. This is…well, it's me. And I'm about to take you on a journey to Bali, specifically, the land of lush green rice paddies, incense-filled air, and hopefully, a whole lot of R&R in a Relaxing Junior Suite with Pool near Ubud Palace. Expect chaos, beauty, and probably a few meltdowns (mine, not yours… hopefully).
Bali, Baby! (A Messy, Glorious Adventure)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (and pool bliss)
- Morning: Arrive at Denpasar International Airport (DPS). I’m already sweating. It’s the Bali humidity, but also the pre-trip anxiety. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I accidentally leave the oven on? Breathe, breathe, breathe… Grab that visa on arrival and navigate the chaotic airport. Pray that my luggage makes it (it usually doesn’t).
- Afternoon: Taxi to Ubud. The drive is a sensory overload! Scooters zipping everywhere, colorful shrines popping up unexpectedly, the smell of… something amazing. Bali, you’re already winning.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at the "Relaxing Junior Suite with Pool" – fingers crossed it actually is relaxing. (Spoiler alert: It’s amazing. Seriously. The pool is the size of my current apartment probably. This is where the real “vacation” begins, as I've finally dropped off my luggage and slipped into a swimsuit.)
- Anecdote: Okay, so there was this minor hiccup at check-in. My booking confirmation decided to play hide-and-seek on my phone. Cue a mini-panic attack, followed by a sheepish grin and a frantic search through my emails. Thank goodness for the kind staff and my (eventually found) confirmation. They upgraded me for the trouble!
- Quirky Observation: The Balinese have this incredible ability to look perpetually serene, even in the midst of traffic chaos. I'm pretty sure it's a superpower.
- Evening: First swim in the pool. Pure. Bliss. Followed by ordering room service. Sate Lilit for the win! Then, total collapse (aka, early bedtime) from travel fatigue and general overwhelmed-ness.
- Emotional Reaction: Utter, unadulterated joy. Seriously, that pool was like a warm hug after a long flight.
Day 2: Rice Paddies, Monkeys, and a (Slight) Spiritual Crisis
- Morning: Wake up to birdsong and the sun streaming through the gap in my curtains. Breakfast on the balcony: Nasi Goreng, fresh fruit, and a serious contemplation of whether I'll ever leave this room.
- Late Morning: Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The views are stunning, but the crowds are… intense. I'm trying to channel zen, but instead, I'm focusing on not falling into the giant mud pit.
- Imperfection: I spent way too long trying to get the perfect Instagram shot, and then I realized my phone battery was almost dead. Realized I was missing the moment.
- Afternoon: Ubud Monkey Forest. This is where things get… interesting.
- Anecdote: Okay, so I thought I was prepared. I'd read the warnings. But when a monkey decided my sunglasses were a fashion statement, I may have yelped. Then, promptly dropped my phone in the process of trying to get them back. The monkey gave me a look that said, "That's what you get."
- Emotional Reaction: Wild, exhilarating, and a little bit terrifying. Those monkeys are little bandits, but also incredibly fascinating.
- Evening: Dinner at a Warung, a local eatery. Trying to choose between the endless options is paralyzing. Settling on gado-gado, and then a Bintang beer, I feel a little more like a real human.
- Rambles: I started thinking about life, the universe, and everything. Surrounded by the beauty of Bali, it felt like it made perfect sense. My existential thoughts subsided after another round of Bintang.
Day 3: Massage, Magic (and Maybe a Little Too Much Ginger Tea)
- Morning: Decided to lean into the "Relaxing" part of my stay and booked a Balinese massage. Total bliss. The essential oils, the skilled hands…pure heaven.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, every single one of us should have a daily massage. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.
- Afternoon: Exploring Ubud Palace and the art markets. Honestly, felt the crowd getting to be a bit much. Needed a break.
- Imperfection: Spent far too long haggling over a scarf I probably didn't need.
- Late Afternoon: More pool time, this time with a book.
- Doubling down on a single experience: Okay, so I drank a bunch of ginger tea. It was served to me with the massage and I liked it so much I made myself a bunch. I felt like I had a spiritual awakening related to ginger tea. It was so refreshing after all the chaos of the marketplace and the monkeys. I drank the ginger tea and reflected on the meaning of life on my balcony as the sun set.
- Evening: Another early night. Really trying to embrace the slower pace.
Day 4: A Temple and a Farewell (Before I Have to Go Back to Reality)
- Morning: Visit Tirta Empul Temple for a water purification ceremony. This was incredibly moving, and I finally understood the meaning of this location.
- Emotional Reaction: The peacefulness of the temple, the beauty of the water, and the sense of community… it was almost overwhelming. Definitely cried a little bit.
- Afternoon: Last swim in the pool. Sigh.
- Messy structure: packing. Trying to remember what I bought, what I didn't use. Trying to remember how to pack.
- Evening: Romantic final dinner at a restaurant overlooking rice paddies. Reflecting on the trip. What did I get right. What did I get wrong. Did I really need this experience? It's hard to say.
- Night: Time to face the music and go home.
Day 5: Arrive back to the airport. Check out. Get on board. Arrive home.
Emotional Reaction: I feel like I can't wait to come back! Important Notes (and Confessions):
Food: I tried everything. Everything. And I may have gained a few pounds. No regrets.
Mosquitos: They exist. Bring bug spray. (I am covered in mosquito bites)
Bargaining: Embrace it! It's part of the experience.
Pace Yourself: Bali offers so much. Don't try to do everything. Breathe. Relax. And enjoy the ride. (I didn't, and that's okay).
Me: I may be a bit of a mess. I may get lost occasionally. I may cry over a sunset. But I'm also experiencing something beautiful and sharing it with you. Thanks for coming along.
Bali Bliss: Ubud Palace Junior Suite w/ Private Pool! FAQs (The REALLY Real Version)
Alright, friends. Let's get real about this Ubud Palace Junior Suite with a private pool, yeah? I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, because after a week of Bintang and questionable street food, my gut’s already doing plenty of the sugarcoating on its own. This is me, unfiltered, on what you *really* need to know.
1. Is the "Palace" part real? Does royalty, like, wander through the hallways?
Okay, confession time. The "Palace" bit? A *tad* misleading. It's more like… well, imagine a really fancy, traditional Balinese compound, beautifully manicured, definitely upscale. You're not gonna bump into a King or Queen having tea. Though, I swear, one morning I *thought* I saw a cheeky monkey eyeing my breakfast croissant from a nearby tree. Royal-adjacent? Perhaps. Royalty-adjacent to a cheeky monkey? Absolutely.
2. The Private Pool! Is it actually *private*? Like, do I have to worry about a family of loud tourists cannonballing in at dawn?
Listen, the pool? The pool is the *reason* you book this suite. It’s like… your own little watery sanctuary. And yes, it’s *mostly* private. Mostly. Okay, I’ll level with you. On my last trip, I thought I heard some giggling and saw a curious little kid peeking over the wall. Turns out the Villas next door are also pretty fancy and that kid was just mesmerized by my impressive backstroke. (I’m kidding! I’m not a strong swimmer. Mostly just flail.) But seriously, it’s enclosed and shielded, so you're mostly golden. Just be aware of the potential for small, adorable interlopers.
Oh! And the pool boy? Always friendly, but he's *always* there. I swear, he materialized like a pool genie every morning to brush the leaves. He was lovely, though. I think he was judging my questionable floatie choice, which was a giant inflatable pineapple. No regrets.
3. The Suite Itself: Is it actually "Junior"? Like, tiny?
Nope. Not tiny at all. I mean, it's not a ballroom, but it’s spacious! Think: King-sized bed you could get lost in, a bathroom bigger than my first apartment (with – bliss! – a soaking tub that was actually big enough to soak in!), and a little seating area where you can sip your morning coffee and plot world domination (or, more likely, decide which massage to book). The only "junior" thing about it was my ability to assemble my suitcase before leaving. I left half my clothes behind.
4. The Wifi: Because, you know, Instagram. Is it reliable?
Right, the *important* stuff. The Wi-Fi? It's… Bali Wi-Fi. Meaning it *works*, most of the time. Don't expect lightning speeds for streaming Netflix. You're in paradise, people! Put the phone down! (I say, typing this on my phone. Hypocrite, much?)
But seriously, good enough for checking emails, posting the *inevitable* pool selfie (because, duh), and keeping in touch with the outside world. Just be prepared for the occasional buffering moment. Embrace the downtime. Look at the beautiful rice paddies you are supposed to enjoy... or not. I spent most of my time on insta.
5. Breakfast & Dining: Because, food. Is it good? And is it included?
Okay, food is paramount, especially when you're recovering from a night of Bintang and dodgy street food (a *very* common Bali occurrence). Breakfast? Yes! Included! And it’s delicious. Think: fresh fruit platters, omelets cooked to perfection, strong coffee that will actually wake you up, and a view that'll make you feel like you're living in a postcard. They serve a full Western and Indonesian choice. My personal recommendation? Get the Nasi Goreng. You won’t regret it. Also, is your breakfast served on a floating tray in your pool?! It will be perfect for that all-important Instagram shot.
6. Location, Location, Location: How far is it from the hustle and bustle?
Ubud is vibrant, right? This hotel is in the heart of it all. You get a calm oasis to retreat to while still being a scooter ride away from the Monkey Forest (be warned, those monkeys are ruthless!), the yoga studios (yup, I *tried* it, but mostly fell asleep), and all the amazing restaurants and shops. It's the sweet spot, genuinely. Close enough to explore everything, far enough to avoid the worst of the chaos.
7. The Spa: Because, Bali. Is it worth it?
Listen - the spa? Book. The. Damn. Thing. Seriously. After a day of exploring (or, let's be honest, lounging by the pool), a Balinese massage is pure heaven. And the spa at the Ubud Palace? Gorgeous. The therapists are skilled, the atmosphere is serene, and you’ll leave feeling like you've melted into a puddle of pure bliss. I had a hot stone massage one afternoon. My life was changed. I am not exaggerating. I almost signed up for a residency. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating slightly, but it was *that* good.)
8. Any unexpected downsides? Like, actual real downsides?
Okay, honesty time. The mosquitos are *relentless*. Bring bug spray. And the air conditioning might not be as powerful as you’re used to. Embrace the slight tropical humidity, I say! It’s part of the experience. Also, and this is a minor complaint, the breakfast service can be a *little* slow on occasion. But hey, you’re on vacation. What’s the rush? Plus, you are in Bali. Just relax.
Oh! And the worst downside? Leaving. Seriously, packing up and saying goodbye to that private pool was like breaking up with your soulmate. It hurt. A lot. Plan accordingly. And maybe consider never coming home. I'm still trying to figure it out how to make that happen.
9. Final Verdict: Would you recommend it?
Budget Travel Destination
