Best Places to Stay in Ubud Bali for Mature Travellers
- Desmond Breau
- Oct 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Our Top 3 Picks for the best places to stay in Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart - a place of rice terraces, temples, galleries, world-class restaurants, and nightly performances. For decades, it has drawn travellers seeking something deeper than Bali’s beaches and nightlife.
But here’s what seasoned visitors know: the best places to stay in Ubud Bali aren’t in the crowded, traffic-jammed town centre. For almost two decades, discerning travellers — especially those over 40 — have chosen the central highlands of Payangan and Tegallalang, just 20-30 minutes north of town. This is where you’ll find the best stays in Ubud.
In these upland villages, authentic Balinese culture thrives: cascading rice terraces, secret spiritual springs, waterfalls, enchanting temples, quiet villages, and smiling locals at every turn. By staying here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds —Bali’s cultural heartland by day, and Ubud’s fine dining and performances by night.
With that in mind, here are our top 3 best places to stay in Ubud Bali for mature travellers - all of them in Payangan - counting down to our #1 choice for the best stay in Ubud.
#3 Hanging Gardens of Bali (Payangan, Ubud Highlands)
Perched on a jungle-clad hillside overlooking the Ayung River, Hanging Gardens is one of the most iconic luxury resorts in Bali. Its split-level infinity pool has been featured in countless magazines and Instagram feeds, and each villa comes with its own private plunge pool.
Why stay here: Dramatic setting, postcard-worthy pools, and full luxury services.
Verdict: A breathtaking retreat for those who want indulgence - but nightly rates reflect its fame. Rates range from €573-852 / USD $675-1,003 - booking.com
#2 Capella Ubud (Payangan, Ubud Highlands)
If Hanging Gardens is dramatic, Capella is immersive. Designed as a luxury tented camp, Capella blends five-star service with jungle adventure. Each “tent” is a private suite with its own pool, styled with colonial-era flair and hidden deep in the forest.
Why stay here: Perfect privacy, unique design, and every imaginable luxury.
Verdict: A once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but the price tag puts it out of reach for many travellers. Nightly rates range from €1,280-1,717 / USD $1,508-2,023 - booking.com
#1 Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence (Payangan, Ubud Highlands)
And now, the surprise winner. While both Hanging Gardens and Capella deliver unforgettable luxury, our choice for the best place to stay in Ubud Bali — especially for mature travellers — is Gilded Palms Bali.
Why? Because Gilded Palms offers many of the same qualities as the famous five-star resorts — stunning views, attentive service, elegant suites — but at a fraction of the cost.
Designed exclusively for adults 40+, Gilded Palms is not a party hub or youth hostel. It’s a gorgeous boutique villa with just four private suites, blending intimacy, luxury, and community.
What you get at Gilded Palms:
Pool overlooking serene rice terraces
Chef-prepared meals, barista and bar service
In-house massage, concierge, and driver
Gym and spa facilities
Complimentary daily shuttle service to and from Ubud
A calm, adults-only environment: no kids, no late-night parties, just peace and grown-up connection.
And the Rates!
One-month minimum stay: €780 / USD $914
Longer stays: as low as €520 / USD $609 per month
Verdict: Gilded Palms proves that the best stay in Ubud isn’t always the most expensive. With services rivalling five-star hotels, but at rates lower than a single night at the luxury resorts above, it’s our clear #1 pick for mature travellers. gildedpalmsbali.com
Final Thoughts So, what are the best places to stay in Ubud Bali?#3 Hanging Gardens Iconic pools and a dramatic jungle setting.
#2 Capella Ubud A Luxury tented jungle retreat.
#1 Gilded Palms Bali Boutique elegance for mature travellers at unbeatable value. At the end of the day, the top places to stay in Ubud aren’t just about price or stars – they’re the ones that make you feel at home in Bali’s cultural heart.
And for mature travellers, that crown belongs to GILDED PALMS BALI in Payangan. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What are the best places to stay in Ubud Bali for mature travellers?
A : The best stays in Ubud Bali include Hanging Gardens, Capella Ubud, and Gilded Palms Bali — a boutique villa designed for 40+ adults.
Q : Why is Gilded Palms Bali the best stay in Ubud for mature travellers?
A : Gilded Palms Bali offers boutique luxury, personal service, and suites for adults 40+ at rates far lower than luxury resorts in Ubud.
Q : Is central Ubud the best location to stay?
A : Central Ubud is convenient for restaurants and performances but crowded. The best area for peace and culture is north of Ubud in Payangan and Tegallalang.
Q : Are luxury Ubud resorts worth the price?
A : Resorts like Hanging Gardens and Capella offer world-class luxury, but mature travellers often find better value and comfort at Gilded Palms Bali
Q : What is the top place to stay in Ubud Bali for value?
A : Gilded Palms Bali in Payangan is the top choice — delivering luxury-level service and comfort at a fraction of the price of Ubud’s luxury hotels.
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