Chilling Monkeys

Chilling Monkeys is a six-bedroom villa in the heart of Ubud that leans into the playful, artistic energy of its surroundings. The name is not just whimsy – elegant sculptures and paintings of jungle monkeys are woven throughout the interiors, a nod to the Sacred Monkey Forest just a short drive away. Beyond the theme, this is a genuinely impressive property: two swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor), a rooftop jacuzzi with wine cooler, six king-bedded suites with en-suite bathrooms, and staff on hand for daily housekeeping and concierge services. For a group of up to twelve guests, rates starting at $174 per night make this one of the strongest-value large villas in the Ubud market.

The design balances modern minimalism with tropical warmth. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area flood the space with natural light and frame the surrounding jungle canopy, while clean lines and a neutral palette keep the interiors feeling calm and uncluttered. Two separate living rooms give larger groups room to spread out – one opens directly onto the indoor pool, creating a seamless flow between lounging and swimming that works particularly well on rainy Ubud afternoons. The fully equipped kitchen is designed for proper cooking, not just reheating, and the villa can arrange a private chef for guests who would rather spend their evenings on the rooftop with a glass from the wine cooler than standing at a stove.

Each of the six bedrooms is fitted with a king bed, air conditioning, smart TV, and a safety box. Two of the en-suite bathrooms include indulgent freestanding bathtubs – a thoughtful touch that elevates the villa beyond the standard pool-and-bedroom formula. The outdoor pool and sun deck are the daytime centrepiece, shaded by tropical greenery and set up with loungers for slow mornings. But the rooftop terrace is where the villa truly distinguishes itself: generous seating, a heated jacuzzi, and a built-in wine cooler make it the natural gathering point for sundowners, with views stretching over the tree line as the light fades.

The location places you in Ubud’s southern reaches, close to the Sukawati art villages and within easy reach of Ubud’s headline attractions. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is roughly ten minutes by car, the Tegallalang rice terraces around twenty, and the galleries and cafes of central Ubud are a short scooter ride or drive away. Goa Gajah, the ninth-century elephant cave temple, is also nearby, as is the Tirta Empul water purification temple. For dining, the villa’s partner restaurant next door delivers excellent local food, and the concierge team can arrange everything from airport transfers and spa treatments to cooking classes and guided temple tours.

Chilling Monkeys delivers a rare combination in Ubud – a large, design-led villa with genuine personality, dual pools, a rooftop jacuzzi, and attentive staff, all at a price point that makes group travel to Bali’s cultural heartland genuinely accessible. For guests who want more than a poolside holiday, the proximity to temples, terraces, and galleries ensures every day offers something worth leaving the villa for.