Prepare to let go of your carefully planned Bali itinerary, because once you’ve checked in at Ubud’s Bisma Eight it will be nearly impossible to get any outside activities done. It is as if this hotel is meticulously designed to completely mess up sightseeing plans and capture guests for the duration of their stay. We fell victim, too.
As soon as we stepped into the gorgeous industrial-chic lobby we knew we were in trouble: how are we every going to get our sightseeing done if the hotel looks this amazing?! Upon checking-in, our bags were quickly taken to our room and we were handed a canang sari (a Balinese offering) to make an offer to Ganesha at the small shrine in the lobby. A lovely nod to Balinese tradition in this very non-Balinese looking hotel.
Living the suite life
Bisma Eight consists of 38 spacious suites divided into three categories. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the Canopy Suites on the 2nd floor, a huge 54 square meter suite with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The roomy sleeping area can be screened off from the living area and bathroom by big wooden sliders, essentially creating three different living spaces.
The interior design seems to have come straight out of an issue of Monocle magazine, a perfect mix of Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian-syle furniture, and accessories that reflect traditional Balinese craftsmanship. We particularly loved the locally made ikat pillows and bed linens, providing a colorful touch against the concrete and wooden background.
The undisputed highlight of our room was the huge Japanese onsen-style tub in the bathroom. Made from Canadian cedarwood, this tub is a statement of pure indulgence. Because of its sheer size, it’ll take a while to fill up, but a soak of this caliber is definitely worth the wait. We’re not sure if it was some kind of magic or just a special characteristic of the wood, but even the next morning we were still able to enjoy a warm-ish soak in the same water.
Copper Kitchen & Bar
Breakfast was served at the stylish Copper Kitchen & Bar and did not disappoint. Expect the kind of dishes you’d order at a hip brunch bar in the city: chia coconut pudding, smashed avocado on sourdough toast, and waffles with fresh fruit – all done to perfection. We couldn’t resist the freshly squeezed fruit juices, either.
Copper is also the place to go for a quick lunch or a long dinner. The chefs serve up a mix of Asian-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist. There’s a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, most of them straight from the hotel’s vegetable garden down the road.
Zero reasons to leave
A jungle-view infinity pool is basically expected at any 5-star resort in Ubud, but Bisma Eight managed to make theirs stand out a bit above the rest: it’s heated! Along with the comfy daybeds, the frangipani flowers scattered around and the Pool Pavillion mixing up some killer cocktails, this spot is the perfect place to relax the day away.
As if the above wasn’t enough to keep us occupied, the hotel also provides a range of complimentary activities for its guests. Depending on the day of your stay, there are Hatha yoga sessions on the rooftop, Balinese cooking workshops, cocktails classes and more. We love it when hotels go the extra mile to overdeliver on guest expectations, and Bisma Eight managed to do just that.
Lock us up for life.
Tips
- The infinity pool is a hit. For the perfect shot (without some Instagram-model posing awkwardly on the ledge), you’ll have to come early.
- The toiletries provided in the suite’s bathroom smelled amazing. If you, just like us, want to order some for at home – you can do so at the reception (shipping takes a few weeks, though).
- Managed by the same group, FOLK Kitchen & Espresso is worth the 10-minute walk from the hotel for lunch or a coffee break.
Info
Jl. Bisma No.68
Ubud, Bali 80571
+62 361 4792888
http://www.bisma-eight.com
Rates start at US$ 228/night (including breakfast) – Check availability
This stay was hosted by Bisma Eight, but expressed opinions are 100% our own
