Perched on the cliffs of Uluwatu, where the sea and the horizon melt into each other, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is not just another luxury property. It is an immersion into culture, art, and the spiritual rhythms that shape the mystical island.
Woven into Bali’s landscape, the resort takes its name from the ancient ‘uma’ rice paddies, a nod to the Subak irrigation system that has tied Balinese life to water, land, and the divine for centuries. Here, WATG | Wimberly Interiors have not merely designed a resort; they have sculpted an experience.
The essence of Tri Hita Karana – harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual – guides every curve, every carefully chosen material, and every moment of stillness beneath the banyan-inspired eaves. The lobby unfolds beneath a roof that pays homage to the banyan tree, which is a symbol of shelter and spiritual protection. The ocean stretches beyond the open-air design, an unbroken line of blue that demands contemplation.
Above, a chandelier of metal rings and delicate glass petals echoes the Legong Keraton dance, its form capturing the elegant movement of a tradition passed through generations. Nearby, statues carved from Kepeng coins, once the currency of Bali, now relics of devotion, stand as silent storytellers. This is where time slows; where past and present meet in delicate balance.
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Private infinity-edge pools can be found at Umana Bali's villas
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Living area of the 1-bedroom villa
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Umana Bali's lobby at night
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Each of the 72 villas at Umana Bali is a dialogue between modernity and tradition. They rise from the limestone cliffs like extensions of the land itself, their design echoing the layered terraces of rice fields that shape Bali’s highlands. The use of natural materials – from wood to stone and rattan – grounds the interiors, while navy and neutral tones mirror the shifting moods of the resort’s natural surroundings.
Water is ever-present here, and is a motif of both ritual and repose. Private infinity-edge pools spill toward the horizon, hot tubs bubble beneath the open sky, and indoor-outdoor showers blur the line between architecture and landscape. In this retreat, sustainability is not an afterthought, but an integral rhythm: Banana leaf paper vanity kits, coconut shell boxes, and pandan-fibre slippers represent a reverence for the resources that sustain both guests and locals.
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While Umana Bali is designed to be the perfect sanctuary for momentary escapes, it also celebrates connection, particularly in its dining establishments. Commune, the all-day dining space, reflects this ethos in both name and spirit, serving up both local and Southeast Asian flavours in dishes that are meant to be shared. Nearby, the Pad Pool Bar, inspired by the Keben (traditional Balinese gift boxes) offers handcrafted cocktails with a horizon-wide view of the ocean. Over at picture-perfect Oliverra, Mediterranean flavours and breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean are placed front and centre, resulting in an unforgettable dinner experience.
By the pool, families can find joy in the dynamic Kids’ Club, a colourful space designed to inspire creativity. Meanwhile, the Lohma Spa unfolds in soft, fluid lines, offering sound healing, meditation, and holistic therapies like the signature Lohma massage treatment – a revitalising Indonesian massage using energising gemstones. Here, wellbeing is not just a service, but a deeply personal journey that’s shaped by centuries of Balinese healing wisdom.
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Celebrate intimate weddings and occasions at The Chapel
At the resort’s edge, a wedding chapel is perched like a bird poised for flight, its form inspired by the wings of white doves. What’s more, a number of expansive event spaces make it an ideal setting for intimate celebrations, while the resort’s top-notch hospitality ensures every moment feels deeply personal.
For those seeking more than just relaxation, the activities offered at Umana Bali are designed to celebrate discovery as well. Guests can embark on stargazing journeys with a resident astronomer, learn the delicate art of Layang Layang kite-making, or take part in a guided early morning walk, which is followed by a visit to a local market and culminates in a coffee and breakfast pitstop at a local’s home.
A personal favourite was the coffee tasting session, where the resort’s resident barista walks participants through a selection of locally sourced coffee beans. Each variety is brewed in a different method – from pourovers to espresso pulls – allowing you to understand why Indonesian coffee is one of the best in the world. As for those seeking deeper spiritual connections, you can join soul blessing ceremonies or consult with temple elders to experience the sacred traditions of the island.
Beyond the confines of Umana Bali, the recently-opened Uma Beach House beckons. With its Gelungan-inspired form – a tribute to the elaborate headdresses of Balinese dancers – it is both shelter and stage, a meeting of coastal vibrancy and culinary adventure. Here, guests can watch the sun sink into the sea and indulge in a menu that boasts bright Peruvian flavours, bringing with it a vibrant contrast to the quiet elegance of the cliffside retreat.
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