During our trip to Indonesia, we had the chance to stay at the most wonderful hotel (and I mean that) on earth: the Bisma Eight in Ubud, Bali.

First, I need to give some context here: we were coming back from a whole nighter trekking Kawah Ijen (you can read all about that amazing experience here) and 5 hours on a road that was so bumpy that it was impossible to catch up on some sleep. So, basically, we were worn out and had slept 2 hours in the past 2 days.

We got to Bisma Eight and I can actually remember myself saying “I can’t wait to get pampered”. I had NO CLUE how right I was.

For starters, the place is gorgeous: it’s raw yet cosy, urban yet in the middle of the jungle, laid back yet classy, zen yet full of energy… You got it, it’s the perfect mix. One word comes to mind when entering Bisma Eight: fresh.

The hotel also features a café, the Library Café, with great coffee and talented baristas, and where you can chill when it’s rainy outside. It’s also a library (you don’t say!) so you can always grab a book to complement your cup of jo and lose track of time.

Moving upstairs, there’s a bar-restaurant called Copper where you get to eat the most amazing food in Ubud. Their chef mixes authentic local food with a modern twist, and it works so well! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I strongly recommend, heck, I URGE you to go test that place. Finally, you get to the hotel’s infinity pool, which probably is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

About Bisma Eight’s location, it’s a bit outside of Ubud’s center, right at the limit with the jungle. We had opted for one of the Forest suites overlooking that beautiful greenery ocean, so when we would go to our terrace it really felt like we were sleeping in the jungle. Jungle noise included; and I mean that in a good way, the jungle has such a mystical sound.

Finally, I think the level of service that we witnessed should be highlighted here. Just an example: we wanted to see the Jatiluwih rice terraces, check out a coffee plantation and get a massage, all that in just one day. So the evening before, we went to the reception and asked for recommendations. They told us to come back after our dinner and that they’d have some info for us.

And, well, they sure did. An entirely personalized schedule with our name on it, printed out on beautiful paper, with the timings for each stops and even some suggestions for our lunch place. I mean, who needs Lonely Planet when you have that kind of front desk?

My only regret? The amazingly beautiful and comfy grey kimonos from the rooms were out of stock for purchase. I cried over that kimono for, well, I’m actually still crying.

The Library Café

Copper restaurant

Copper restaurant terrace

The Forest suite

The Forest suite terrace, overlooking the jungle, and me with my beloved kimono

The amazing infinity pool

Yup, still amazing

The Copper bar