Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali

Umana saved our trip. The staff is phenomenal. The villas are incredible and thoughtful. The food at Oliverra is so good we couldn't even try the other restaurants. We sincerely regret not leaving the Conrad Bali sooner and heading to Umana but it truly felt like a blessing to us in the midst of quite the rollercoaster of experiences (mostly negative unfortunately) that we had at the Conrad Bali. So, we only got 2 glorious nights at Umana on our 16 night stay on the island but everything was nearly perfect. As close to perfect as any hotel we have ever stayed. Our villa had the faintest smell of stale cigarette smoke only in the bedroom but I didn't mention it to them so I cannot fault them for not addressing it for us. I am confident they would. And to be fully transparent, I was the only person that could smell it and I know that I am hypersensitive to that smell so part of me knew it just wasn't actually a big deal at all. Our only minor actual inconvenience was that we do not drink alcohol and they kept forgetting to grab the champagne OUT of our room. I wondered if they just didn't understand. Our perks granted us not only an upgraded room but also champagne upon arrival. We did not notify them we do not drink before arrival like we typically do since this was stay was more of a rescue than intentional. Brian kindly suggested immediately at check-in that they swap it out for fresh coconuts daily which was delightful. We asked multiple times for the champagne to be picked up but it wasn't and I finally had to put it outside the villa myself, and then like when you go to the bathroom at a restaurant and your food arrives, they were there to get it. I normally wouldn't have hesitated to just remove it myself and make it easier for the staff, but much like the furnishings everywhere at Umana, the champagne stand was so beautiful, ornate and heavy marble, that I was a little scared to move it myself for fear that I would break it. I will say that any reader should please know that we are not low maintenance guests and every other single request (and they were plentiful) that we made was addressed with speed, kindness, and simply outstanding service. I truly hesitate to even mention it. I am doing so because as part of the travel industry, we tend to find these types of "real" reviews more believable than those that are just over the top. The check-in was strategic and very VIP. The staff are like most Balinese, grateful, kind, and eager to please but unlike at some places, a little more real and human. Terrific English across the board, which makes it easier. We didn't make it to the Spa, other restaurants, breakfast (though complimentary with our perks), nor the beach club. The only extra I can think of is that we did a custom floating breakfast that I planned as a last minute surprise the first morning for Jenna, and the staff were so cute and happy to be involved; just so helpful and joyful that my surprise worked out the way it did! I felt like I had a team and that was just awesome. Excellent wifi that allowed me to work and do video calls. Gloriously smelling bathroom amenities, delicious teas and mini bar snacks in the kitchenette. I could go on and on about every single detail. Umami is worth every penny and more. Do not hesitate to go or have your agent book you there!!

The room was spacious and the private pool was perfect for relaxing. The breakfast was amazing, with both a buffet and freshly made dishes to order. Everything was delicious! We also loved the beach club. The view was beautiful, and it was easy to get there by buggy. We ended up going every day!

It was a last second decision to stay at Umana but it was for sure a correct one. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful and so are the villas. They are modern, extremely spacious and very comfortable. There is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, the pool is great and so is the jacuzzi. Food was pretty good in the hotel, we actually tried both Oliverra which had a delicious tasting menu and Uma Beach House which had some pretty good dishes too. Breakfast was also tasty and with enough variety as well. Spa was a very pleasant surprise, we actually had the best massage of our trip in Umana. In general all staff were great and especially the gentleman who we were constantly in touch with stood out.