Umana Bali – A Luxurious Clifftop Resort Above Melasti Beach

Umana Bali – A Luxurious Clifftop Resort Above Melasti Beach

Set 70 metres up on the limestone cliffs of Ungasan, Umana Bali is the first LXR resort in Southeast Asia and one of the more thoughtful luxury stays on the Bukit. The name comes from uma, the Balinese word for the island’s old rice paddies, and that sense of place runs through the whole resort, from the architecture to the way the team looks after you.

There are 72 villas, and every one comes with its own private pool and a heated open-air hot tub. One-bedroom villas start at 403 sqm, two-bedrooms come in at 562 sqm, and the two three-bedroom Uma Ocean Estates stretch to 1,200 sqm. Views range from valley and tropical garden through to full panoramic ocean. Each villa also has its own curator, who sorts out dinners, day trips and that floating breakfast you’ve seen on Instagram, all over WhatsApp, so there’s no extra app to download.

It’s worth taking a slow walk around. The lobby chandelier is inspired by the fan movements of the Legong Kraton dance, the lobby statues are made from kepeng coins, and the glass wedding chapel on the cliff edge takes its shape from the Gelungan Agung, the golden headdress worn by Balinese brides. There are two working temples on the grounds too, including Bang-Bang Dedari, built on a site where nymphs are said to have once bathed.

When it comes to food and drink, you won’t need to leave. There’s Oliverra for Mediterranean dinners on the cliff, Commune for all-day dining, Pad Pool Bar by the main infinity pool, Mer Lounge for coffee and wine, and Uma Beach House down on Melasti Beach. Add Lohma Spa, a 24-hour gym and the Anjali Kids Club for under-12s, and it’s easy to see why families and couples both end up here.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family break or simply a few quiet days with an ocean view, Umana Bali makes a strong case for staying put. It’s the kind of place where the hardest decision of the day is which pool to sit by.

Type: Luxury resort, 72 private pool villas
Area: Ungasan, Uluwatu
Getting There: About 35 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport
Good For: Honeymoons, family holidays, weddings and slow, stay-put breaks