Ubud, a place often referred to as Bali’s cultural center, thrums with an energy all its own. Yet just 10 minutes away, Chapung Sebali Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and secluded sanctuary amidst emerald rice terraces and lush rainforest. It was the perfect place to bring my parents for a restorative week after their long journey to Bali.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with the expected warmth of Balinese hospitality. Yet even amongst this famous friendliness, the staff at Chapung stood out. After providing our check-in information we were swept into a separate room and given a cold towel to refresh along with a healthy juice to enjoy as they prepared our room.
The beautiful seclusion of Chapung Sebali is precisely what allows guests here to truly unwind. Here, the frenetic pace of modern life melts away, replaced by the gentle symphony of nature. Stepping through the resort’s entrance is like entering a hidden paradise. Lush greenery envelopes you, the air alive with the melodic chirping of tropical birds and, at night, the rhythmic croaking of frogs and geckos.
Our private two-bedroom villa was a haven of tranquility. Its design, like all of the resort’s sumptuous suites and villas, was a beautiful fusion of traditional Indonesian architecture and contemporary Scandinavian flair. Earthy tones and natural materials created a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape, while the ample space of our shared, open-air living area maximized the breathtaking jungle scenery. Waking up to a warm cup of fragrant Balinese coffee while watching gentle morning light filter through the surrounding palm trees was pure bliss. Here, we spent a series of languid days playing games, swimming, reading under the shade of our poolside bale, or enjoying Chapung’s afternoon tea service in the privacy of our villa.
When we felt up for a bit of adventure, we’d simply head down to the resort’s much larger infinity pool. Seemingly suspended amidst the jungle canopy, the pool was large enough for some exercise, but the delicious bites, cocktails, and mocktails on offer at the Pool Bar quickly counter-acted our cardio.
Truly, Chapung Sebali’s crown jewel is its food. Having lived in Bali for nearly three years now, I’ve experienced a fair share of the island’s culinary offerings. Yet every dish I savored during our stay at Chapung blew me away. The resort provides several distinct dining experiences for guests to enjoy, and each menu is a testament to the resort’s commitment to fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.
Jungle Fish Restaurant overlooks the Wos River Valley and offers stunning views alongside a delectable fusion of Danish and Balinese flavors. The open-air setting allowed for a seamless connection with the surrounding environment, while the elegant interiors combined warm Balinese wood with sleek Danish design elements. The menu was varied and catered to every dietary concern with healthy and delicious options like the Hearty Buddha Bowl, Grilled Halloumi Salad and Beef Rawon, an Indonesian dish of beef short rib braised in “Kluwek” broth with bean sprouts, carrots, and a salted egg. The local fresh catch, a staple on the ever-changing menu, was another highlight. Locally sourced seafood was prepared to perfection, whether pan-seared, grilled, or steamed with fragrant Balinese herbs.
The resort’s expansive breakfast offerings enjoyed either in the open-air restaurant or the privacy of our villa, were a daily ritual we always looked forward to. From fresh tropical fruits and homemade pastries to savory Indonesian staples and a selection of international favorites like Shakshuka, Spinach Frittatas, or Coconut Crumpets, it catered to every taste bud.
For a more upscale setting, we enjoyed dining at The Upper Deck each evening. Its fine-dining menu and service featured a variety of elegantly plated dishes available a la carte or via a prix fixe menu and paired with a lovely selection of international wines.
Our stay coincided with Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu New Year, and Day of Silence. A unique and deeply spiritual experience, Nyepi is marked by observers remaining in complete silence and prayer for 24 hours, free of phones, wifi, and other modern conveniences. The entire island comes to a standstill – no vehicles on the road, no lights, no noise. It was an opportunity to truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings.
The night before Nyepi, the Upper Deck restaurant was alive with a traditional Balinese dance performance. The dancers, adorned in vibrant costumes and intricate headdresses, moved with a grace and energy that captivated the audience. As the performance progressed, they invited guests to join in. Though initially apprehensive, I found myself drawn to the infectious energy and ultimately participated.
As Nyepi dawned the next morning, we went downstairs to enjoy a complimentary morning meditation and yoga class, the perfect way to begin this day of contemplative quiet. Later, in the afternoon, the resort’s spa beckoned with its extensive menu of ayurvedic-inspired massages and treatments.
For our trip, relaxation was paramount, so we remained within the resort grounds during our entire stay, seduced by its excellent food and service. But for those wanting to see more of Bali, Chapung provides a free, regularly scheduled shuttle service for easy access to Ubud’s center, with its health cafes, yoga studios, and the famed Monkey Forest. Another shuttle takes guests to the vibrant green Tegallalang rice terraces where visitors can explore the artisan shops full of locally-made wares, or snap an Instagram shot on one of the many terrace-side swings.
Chapung Sebali is more than just a luxury resort, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. Whether indulging in their culinary artistry, pampering yourself with an indulgent massage, or simply basking in the serenity of your private villa or suite, Chapung Sebali promises an unforgettable stay
