Bisma Cottages – A Slice of Mountain Paradise

It’s no secret that Ubud is the emerald jewel in the crown of the Island of the Gods. Though merely an hour at most from Seminyak, it’s a world away from the madding crowd and mayhem of Bali’s more Southern tourist haunts. And what better way to enjoy a tree change than to spend a few days at an intimate boutique hotel in the heart of this culture rich community. If you are keen to experience a little more than just four boring walls of a high end hotel room, I recommend a stay at Bisma Cottages. With its delightful joglo style rooms, this quaint accommodation house is picture perfect! Pretty stone pathways wind past manicured gardens to private wooden cottages complete with verandahs on which to kick off your shoes, relax and absorb the atmosphere of the ‘real’ Bali, minus any incessant whine of motor bikes. Secluded and nestled between the buildings is a pristine pool area with sun beds and aqua bean bags so you can lie back, cool off and soak up some rays. Bisma Cottages is located along Jalan Bisma, a quiet and serene street, yet literally a ten minute walk to the centre of the action. Surrounded by boutique style accommodation, there are no obnoxious, concrete monstrosities here to block your views! It may be only small, but Jalan Bisma plays host to a treasure trove of tasty eateries, art galleries, working rice fields, top quality spas and even an organic market garden. Wide enough to accommodate only a minimal amount of local traffic, it’s quiet and safe for one to walk, talk and take in the sounds, sights and smells of the Ubud experience.

 There are six rooms in total at Bisma Cottages; four cosy, wooden Balinese style air conditioned cottages and two larger deluxe rooms at the rear of the property with open lounge areas to accommodate families or travellers who are keen for a little more room to relax. One of these spacious options is located on the upper level and features huge floor to ceiling windows to take full advantage of the beautiful rice paddy view. Each room is afforded its own en suite and you would do well to find a bath tub in Bali that boasts a better view than that of Bisma Cottages’ 2nd floor suite! Beds are blissfully cushy, complete with mattress toppers and mosquito nets. Rooms have fridges to keep your beverages frosty with hair dryer, iron and board all available on request. Deluxe rooms both have TV and DVD player with the latest releases available from reception. Any time you feel like a complimentary cuppa, just call Ketut and he’ll bring it to your door. Bisma Cottage hospitality makes you feel like family! A light breakfast is included and delivered to your room each morning, breakfast on the balcony is a lovely start to the day. Seriously spoilt for choice, travellers to Ubud have some of Bali’s best restaurants to select from and a recent trend has seen internationally renowned chefs the likes of Chris Salans, Will Meyrick and Will Goldfarb swapping Seminyak for Ubud to share their latest culinary adventures. With Hujan Locale, Locavore and Room for Dessert only minutes away from your hotel, the struggle is real people, and deciding where to dine does indeed become a dilemma! Priced to please, a stay at the intimate Bisma Cottages is easy on the pocket, yet despite its minimal tariff, this budget, boutique beauty offers everything you need to experience the essence of Ubud. So it’s no surprise that rooms fill quickly and advanced bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. With Bisma Cottages’ popularity on the rise, word is out and guests returning for repeat stays now tend towards booking online directly to secure their preferred room! To experience your own slice of mountain paradise, check out their website: bismacottagesubud.com or follow them on instagram @bismacottages for their latest accommodation deals and up to the minute events in the area. If there were to be any regrets regarding my blissful Bali escape to the mountains, it would only be that I did not plan to stay for longer. Three nights is really the minimum one needs to stay to be able to truly appreciate the beauty of Ubud and it surrounds. Still, there’s always next time……… BISMA COTTAGES Jalan Bisma No. 35, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Ph: +62 (361) 473 1607 Email : reservations@bismacottagesubud.com Website : www.bismacottagesubud.com