The ultimate glamping retreat in Bali…

If you are a follower of my blog then you’ll know that I love nothing more than a spot of glamping.  From a beach hut to a bus I’ve glamped in some pretty cool places, so when I was invited to stay at Sandat Glamping Resort I jumped at the chance to experience a night in a safari tent.  The tents at Sandat are hidden away among rice paddies and jungle on the outskirts of Ubud in Bali.  Having been staying in the beach town of Sanur I was looking forward to staying somewhere a bit more remote.  Leaving the bustling streets of Ubud behind it was like nothing I had experienced before.  I often mention that the journey is all part of the adventure and this journey was no exception.  We drove along a tiny winding track with nothing but rice paddies either side, lush and green the landscape was in complete contrast to the beach scene we’d become so familiar with. Arriving at Sandat we were greeted by friendly faces and escorted to our ‘room’ past the incredible looking restaurant and along a tiny path with jungle foliage either side.  Ylang Ylang was to be our own little piece of paradise for the night.  Just before the entrance we were shown the bell that staff ring before entering, a lovely idea for in-tent privacy.  When we turned the corner I gasped in excitement at the gorgeous plunge pool and equally gorgeous safari tent, fully decked out with everything you could ever need for a very unique glamping experience.  A huge and very comfy circular bed in the centre of the tent, tea and coffee-making facilities, water and mini bar.  There are no TVs in the tents, it is glamping after all.  WIFI is however available so you don’t feel completely cut off. The bathroom had the coolest sink, a fabulous shower with hot water and of course a toilet with what has to be the best view of nothing but jungle!! The interior of the tent was just perfect, cosy lighting, gorgeous mosquito nets draped over the bed and rustic furniture.  I should mention one of my favourite bits, there are no phones in the tents so to call for room service or anything else you may need each tent has its own instrument with unique sound so staff recognise which tent is calling.  I found this whole idea such a novelty and it works!  After scouring the fantastic drinks and cocktail menu I stepped outside the tent and made ‘the call’, ordering two Mimosas, such fun!  Ylang Ylang was just far enough to feel completely secluded but only a few steps from the restaurant and bar, the dreamy plunge pool was very private and surrounded by nothing but tropical forest; perfect for a late night skinny dip!  At night we lay in bed listening to the sounds of the jungle as it came alive with the hum of crickets and frogs, with just canvas between us and the outside it was a wonderful way to fall asleep.

Sandat is a small, intimate resort with only five tents and three Lumbung barns, traditional two storey thatched rice barns with a shared pool.  Italian owners, Emanuela and Federico have created luxurious interiors throughout the resort, oozing style and sophistication  The main restaurant and bar area is a huge bamboo structure with an elegant dining space and cosy corner with sofa and candles, the perfect place to enjoy an after dinner drink.  I loved the wall of mirrors adding to the gorgeous boutique feel of the stunning eco-friendly structure.

To top it all off the food at Sandat is to die for!  Dinner was exceptional, I chose a tuna dish and banana fritters for dessert paired with an Indonesian white wine.  It was all so good, I didn’t want it to end!  Choose to eat breakfast in the restaurant or have it delivered to your tent, we chose the latter option and weren’t disappointed, homemade granola, fruit and yogurt, traditional Indonesian pastries, freshly squeezed juice and warm bread all went down a treat.

Sandat Glamping is kitsch, cool and totally back to nature, topped off with attentive staff and amazing food, this is the place to head for a completely different experience in Bali.  It is also Bali’s only glamping resort and a must for anyone who is looking for a luxurious retreat among the rice fields of Ubud.

A huge thank you to Emanuela and Federico for having us at Sandat, my stay was complimentary in exchange for this review but as ever views and opinions are all my own.

Me sat by our plunge pool at Sandat Glamping Resort Ubud.

An interior shot of the bed in our tent at Sandat Glamping Resort, Ubud.

Rice fields by Sandat Glamping Resort, Ubud.