Bali may once have been known as a tropical oasis, but unfortunately for those who crave peace and quiet away from the masses, the island has since been discovered. Australians continue to flock to the island in groups, attracted to cheap airfares and short(ish) flights to the tropics, as well as the promise of non-stop nightlife. The result is that Seminyak, Kuta and even Canggu are growing at an impressively fast rate and are no longer the quiet beachside havens they once were. But for those who prefer to ditch the crowds and the noise of Indonesia and find their zen even among the scooter-filled streets of Bali, there’s still hope; it comes in the form of COMO Uma Ubud.

The COMO Resorts stretch from Miami to Bhutan and all follow a similar dedication to finding zen. It’s evident in both the resorts’ design (spacious and private) and their facilities (ample); each equipped to make a given stay as hassle-free as possible. COMO owns three resorts in Bali alone (most recently welcoming COMO Canggu into the family). But perhaps most famous from the growing collection of hotels is COMO Shambhala, a haven for those with ample pocket change to take a holistic-based break. COMO Uma Ubud is a great alternative to those who don’t feel holistically hardcore enough for a stay at Shambhala, as it shares many of its best offerings, massages thankfully included.

COMO Uma Ubud sits just a 30-minute walk from Ubud city centre on the edge of the Tjampuhan Valley. Not only does this provide more than half of the resort’s rooms with impressive views over the rich vegetation of the neighbouring valley, but means that COMO Uma Ubud is just out of earshot of the bustle of the bike-laden roads outside. Town itself (home to a souvenir haven of market bags and the all-important t-shirts for your dad) is just a downhill walk away (which is a great way to take a look at the collection of cafes, restaurants, stores and yoga studios that inhabit Ubud). Alternatively, if you are feeling particularly lazy (or sweaty depending on the time of year your visit) you can choose to enjoy the COMO Uma Ubud courtesy shuttle to and fro.

There are 46 rooms and suites within the resort, all nestled among paddy fields and hills with ample distance between (for that rather all-important alone time). While it may be set up structurally like a traditional Indonesian village, the rooms are anything but. Styled by Japanese interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, the intent was for each suite to feel like a rural hillside home, albeit one swamped in luxury amenities and furnishings. Light, white, and bright seems to be the design mantra followed when it comes to each villa, which come accompanied with French-style bathtubs, and private tropical gardens (and plunge pools) within which you can sit back and relax.

On arrival, guests are ushered into an open-plan lobby, decked in dark timber, and birds of paradise. From there you’ll be able to see the communal spaces for the resort which include a 25m pool (with ample sun loungers for all guests I promise), a lounge, a bar, and the pond-surrounded pavilion on which guests can tuck into breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The pool in particular is a stand-out, and though most rooms come equipped with their own, it seems a popular meeting place for all guests, which is no surprise given that it offers everything you could want for a chance to get better acquainted with a good novel (sun umbrellas, cushy lounger, and an opportunity to indulge in a poolside beverage). It being situated in the yoga-haven of Ubud as well as a sibling of COMO Shambhala, COMO Uma Ubud also offers a distinct focus on wellbeing. There’s a special health-focused breakfast menu for those interested. But don’t fear, there’s still pastry and coffee available for the rest of us. Facilities also include a range of resident wellness experts including a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic doctor, resident dietician, sauna, steam room, reflexology, and four treatment rooms. It’s worth noting that a massage is a near-essential for a stay at COMO Uma Ubud; it’s the cherry on top of a very zen-inducing cake. COMO Uma Ubud also offers guests a guided tour through the surrounding rice paddies (led by a local) and the chance to partake in a yoga class, held in a pavilion with jaw-dropping views of the palm-laden valley below.

This is not the Balinese resort designed for the rave fan, rather it’s a quiet oasis for those who prefer a good book to a late night. While similar to the famed COMO Shambhala in its wellness focus, COMO Uma Ubud is a resort designed for those who like more of a laxe approach to their wellbeing; the type of person who likes to indulge in a yoga class followed by a cocktail (or two). The result is luscious green haven of individual villas and open spaces, all just a hop, skip and a jump away from the chaos of neighbouring Ubud. Como Uma Ubud is a resort big on the relaxation front, a space bringing back the zen to Bali. Namaste friends.

COMO Uma Ubud sits at Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, Ubud. It’s a 1-1.5 hour drive away from Seminyak and the international airport (excluding that renowned Balinese traffic of course). You can learn more about the hotel (and book your trip) via comohotels.com/umaubud.