Review: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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Tucked away in the lush highlands of Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, isn’t just a resort—it’s a journey into serenity. Nestled alongside the sacred Ayung River and framed by emerald rice paddies, Mandapa offers an immersive escape where nature, culture, and luxury meet in perfect harmony. I spent 3 nights at the property and was taken aback how nearly perfect the entire experience was to the point that it has become one of my favourite properties in the Marriott portfolio. We indulged in many of the hotel’s offerings and stayed in two different accommodations, including a villa, all supplemented by Marriott Bonvoy ponts.

What is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve?

I’m sure everyone has heard of the Ritz Carlton brand, but what is a Reserve brand? It can be best described as an ultra-luxury brand within The Ritz-Carlton brand that offers intimate, immersive, highly personalized, and, most importantly, a deep connection to the destination. There are only a handful of these boutique properties around the worldwide in ultra-exclusive locations.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Booking

Ritz Carlton properties, let alone Reserve properties, are amongst the most expensive properties in Bali. The nightly rate starts at 24,000,000 IDR ($1450 USD) per night tax-in. In a place like Bali, where many five-star hotels cost just a few hundred per night, Mandapa raises the bar, being an ultra-luxury hotel. I wrote about ultra-luxury hotels in my review of the Four Seasons in Bangkok.

As an avid points collector, I naturally booked the hotel using my Marriott Bonvoy points. What was interesting to note at this property is that they (and still do) permit points + cash combinations for bookings directly into an upgraded room at a very reasonable price. I naturally took advantage of this and booked the Riverfront Villa and the Mandapa Suite at the following rates, spanning 5 nights.  The reason I chose to do this is because I know that Bonvoy status members (even ambassador status) do not get complimentary upgrades, nor can you apply suite night upgrades. Yes, I understand that I did not take advantage of the 5th night free offer with Bonvoy, however, this option is not available when making points and cash bookings.

The first 2 nights were spent at the upgraded Mandapa Suite for 132,000 + ~$200 USD/night.

The following 3 nights were in the Riverfront Pool Villa for 132,000 + $465 USD/night.

‘Every award redemption stay Mandapa includes the following:

• Daily breakfast for two at Sawah Terrace Restaurant or in-suite/villa
• Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi access
• Complimentary welcome amenity and daily in-room coffee and tea.
• Butler service (Patih) available 24/7 via WhatsApp.
• Unlimited use of the wellness facilities (steam room, sauna and vitality pool).
• Daily complimentary activities as per resort schedule

The hotel also offers some complimentary activities that we took advantage of: the photo session, mandala art, and subak farming.

• Sunrise yoga sessions
• Subak farming experience
• Rice pounding
• Jamu (herbal drink) making class
• Balinese cooking class
• Vibrational sound therapy and chakra balancing
• Complimentary photo session
• Mandala Art

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Arrival and Check-in

Getting to Mandapa from Depensar Airport (DPS) is no easy trek and can easily take 2 hours in the daytime due to heavy traffic. Fortunately, we arrived 2 nights prior and stayed at the wonderful Element Bali Ubud, and it was just a quick 10-minute jaunt to Mandapa from there.  The Mandapa entrance is hidden off the main road down a narrow road to the Mandapa security gate

Past the security gates, the road continues down a hill, and you enter the property through the traditional Balinese split gateway called a candid bantar.

We were immediately greeted by name and offered cold towels and refreshing juice while we were welcomed to the property.

We were then led to an open-air, elevated space that felt more like a tranquil Balinese template pavilion than a traditional hotel check-in area.  It set the tone for the stay:  peaceful, spiritual, and deeply rooted in local culture.

The far end of the pavilion offers panoramic views of the Ayung River Valley with rice paddies below.  It is breathtaking and feels surreal.

We were then greeted by our butler, who gave us a tour of the property in a buggy. Afterwards, we were driven to our room, where we completed the check-in formalities. That’s right; there is no check-in desk; the check-in/check-out process is all done in your room.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Resort Layout and Facilities

Mandapa provides a captivating retreat where nature, culture, and luxury unite seamlessly. Naturally, being a resort, the property has many features, some of them unique.

You can see from the picture above that the property seems to almost unite with nature, with the lush foliage and rice paddies. Walking through there, you forget that you are still at a resort but instead nestled within nature itself.

The Bale, a traditional open-air Balinese pavilion, sits amongst the ride paddies and is used for private dining, spa treatments and simply for guests to relax and soak in the views.

At the base of the valley flows the Ayung River—Bali’s longest—spanning 43 kilometers from the northern mountains to the southern coast. Its steady, soothing sound enhances the resort’s tranquil atmosphere. Many of the villas, restaurants, spa areas, and walking paths are thoughtfully positioned to embrace the river’s presence.

The hotel features a beautiful spa that I did not get a chance to try out but had heard many positive aspects of it:

Mandapa is not just a resort welcoming adults but also kids. There is a kids club with an assortment of daily activities.

There’s also a public infinity pool overlooking the Ayung River and the surrounding jungle, offering all guests a chance to unwind with breathtaking views.

I loved the refreshing sorbets and self-serve lemonade available throughout the day—they were a thoughtful touch. The pool area was quiet and relaxed, with plenty of comfortable loungers and daybeds available at no extra charge. Service was excellent, with drinks and meals delivered right to your spot. Complimentary coconut water, served straight from the coconut, was another highlight.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Mandapa Suite

As mentioned earlier, I booked the first two nights using a combination of points and cash—132,000 points plus around $200 USD per night—for a stay in the Mandapa Suite. Upon arrival, our personal butler welcomed us, provided a tour of the room, and guided us through the check-in process.

What sets the Mandapa Suite apart from the standard room is its spacious corner layout, offering sweeping 270-degree views of the property and a generous 1,560 square feet of living space. The suite seamlessly blends traditional Balinese design with modern luxury, overlooking lush rainforest and terraced rice paddies. It includes a separate living area, a serene bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower, and a private balcony ideal for taking in the natural surroundings. Thoughtful amenities such as a flat-screen TV, minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi complete the experience.

 

The living room beautifully combines traditional Balinese craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. Rich hardwood floors and dark teak furniture are paired with soft, neutral textiles and handwoven details. Intricate wood carvings, delicate batik motifs, and thoughtfully selected local artwork add to the space’s serene and culturally immersive ambiance.

The bathroom is spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring dual sinks and a large soaking tub that serves as the focal point. Oversized windows fill the space with soft natural light and offer peaceful views of the surrounding jungle or garden. Behind glass doors, you’ll find a fully automated Toto toilet and an expansive walk-in shower.

he bedroom is a serene sanctuary, seamlessly blending Balinese tradition with understated luxury. A canopied king bed sits at the center, dressed in crisp white linens and plush bedding for ultimate comfort. The space is adorned with rich wood paneling and woven textiles that add warmth and texture. To the right, there’s a spacious walk-in closet; to the left, a private balcony invites you to step out and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

I truly appreciated the thoughtful sprays and lotions provided in each room. Being in the jungle, mosquitos were noticeable in the evenings, but the resort’s DEET-free repellent worked like magic. It was incredibly effective and came in especially handy—along with the sunscreen they provided, which saved me after forgetting mine back in Canada.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Riverfront Pool Villa

The Riverfront Pool Villa at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a luxurious private sanctuary set along the banks of the Ayung River. Designed in traditional Balinese style with modern touches, the villa features a spacious bedroom, a separate living area or pavilion, and a generous bathroom with a soaking tub and indoor/outdoor showers. The highlight is the private infinity-edge pool and outdoor terrace, offering serene views of the river and lush jungle surroundings. With around 430 square meters (4,600 sq ft) of total space, the villa also includes 24-hour butler service, curated local design elements, and a tranquil, immersive connection to nature—perfect for those seeking privacy and indulgence in Ubud’s serene landscape.

The riverfront villas are all located on the right side of the central pathway used by pedestrians and buggies at the bottom of the Ayung River valley.

As you turn right off the pathway, you follow another one down towards a fountain, where one villa is located on the left and another on the right

The entrance to the villa feels like a hidden portal to a private Balinese sanctuary. A curved stone path winds through vibrant greenery—ginger flowers, ferns, and towering heliconia—leading to a carved wooden door framed by hand-hewn details and natural textures. Soft, glowing step lights invite you upward, creating a warm and intimate welcome. To the right, a tranquil water feature adds the gentle sound of flowing water, enhancing the serene, almost spiritual atmosphere. This entryway perfectly captures the essence of Mandapa: secluded, sacred, and utterly serene.

The private infinity-edge pool and outdoor terrace captivate the outdoor space. It’s nothing short of spectacular.

The infinity pool offers views of the Ayung River below, where it is common to see tourists rafting.

The is a spacious outdoor seating area overlooking the pool.

One of the highlights of the Riverfront Pool Villa is its private living pavilion, offering a peaceful space just steps from the bedroom. Framed by views of the Ayung River and jungle, this open-air lounge features vaulted ceilings, carved teak furnishings, and soft woven accents. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a book, enjoy in-villa dining, or simply relax to the soothing sounds of nature—all in the privacy of your own tranquil retreat.

The bedroom in the Riverfront Pool Villa is a serene retreat that mirrors the refined luxury and Balinese charm we experienced in the Mandapa Suite. What stands out here are the warm wooden walls, woven ceiling panels, and hand-painted mural art that bring a rich sense of place to the space. A built-in daybed nook beneath a large window offers a cozy spot to unwind, framed by lush greenery just outside. To the right, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to the private patio and pool, effortlessly blending indoor comfort with the natural beauty beyond. Topped with a glowing shell chandelier, the room is both tranquil and elegant—a private cocoon in the heart of Ubud’s jungle.

The bathroom is a spacious, spa-like sanctuary that seamlessly combines natural textures, thoughtful design, and calming jungle views. At its heart is a deep freestanding soaking tub, perfect for lingering mornings or tranquil evenings, framed by large windows that invite in soft light and lush greenery. The space includes dual stone vanities, a generous walk-in shower, and both indoor and outdoor shower options that offer a truly immersive bathing experience. A fully automated Toto toilet sits tucked behind sleek glass doors. And the true standout? The open-air shower—an invigorating moment of calm that connects you with the beauty of Ubud’s tropical landscape.

The Riverfront Pool Villa at Mandapa,is easily one of the best rooms I’ve ever stayed in within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. The villa offered a rare blend of privacy, space, and immersive luxury.  The private infinity pool, a serene standalone living pavilion, and a beautifully designed bedroom and spa-like bathroom, every detail feels intentional and elevated. From the traditional Balinese architecture to the seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the experience is profoundly peaceful and genuinely unforgettable.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Dining

ChatGPT said:

Whenever I’m in Asia, I always indulge in tropical fruits, and the selection here made me very happy, especially the dragonfruit coconut passion smoothie!

One of the highlights for breakfast was this delicious sashimi. Let me say that I was in heaven and heavily indulged in this!

We also had dinner at Sawah Terrace twice and always had the Indonesian fare, which was executed perfectly.  Prices for a hotel of this calibre were reasonable at around $15-$20/ main dish. In the images below, there is a Nasi Goreng, Satay beef, a jackfruit-infused cocktail, and a Bika Ambon (traditional Indonesian cake):

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Takeaway

Mandapa is not just one of the finest resorts in Bali—it’s one of the most unforgettable hotel experiences I’ve ever had in the entire Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. From the flawless service and jaw-dropping natural surroundings to the deeply rooted Balinese design and genuinely elevated accommodations, every moment felt intentional, peaceful, and personal. Whether it was the tranquil mornings by the river, the decadent breakfast at Sawah Terrace, or the sense of calm that came from every detail—it effortlessly delivered on the promise of what a Ritz-Carlton Reserve should be.

It’s rare for a property to strike such a perfect balance between authenticity and luxury, but Mandapa does it beautifully. If you’re looking for a resort that goes beyond beautiful rooms and impeccable service to offer something truly soulful, Mandapa is that place. It’s not just a stay—it’s an experience, and one I already can’t wait to return to!