Nick Villa 1 Ubud

Nick Villa 1 is the original villa in the Nick Villa collection, a compound of individually designed one-bedroom retreats set in Ubud’s Penestanan neighbourhood. Where the surrounding area is defined by rice terraces, artist studios, and a quieter pace than central Ubud, this villa draws on that calm with a walled courtyard layout that feels private from the moment you step through the gate. A private plunge pool, a semi-open living pavilion, and a bedroom that opens directly onto the water make it a compelling option for couples seeking a genuine villa experience in Bali’s cultural heartland from $130 per night.

The design blends polished cement walls with warm teak throughout. The bedroom sits on a raised cement platform beneath a teak-panelled ceiling, framed by a sculptural arched headboard and flanked by woven raffia pendant lights. Hand-carved Balinese timber doors with arched frames appear in every room, lending an artisan quality that feels handmade rather than mass-produced. Floor-to-ceiling French windows slide open so you can lie in bed and watch the light shift across the pool garden, where banana palms, heliconia, and a coconut palm filter the tropical sun.

The bathroom is the villa’s standout space. A freestanding sculpted cement soaking tub sits beside full-height windows overlooking the pool, while a rain shower is set against a rough-cut limestone feature wall beneath a skylight that floods the room with natural light. Dual vessel basins rest on a live-edge timber vanity with matte black fixtures, and eco-conscious touches such as biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and refillable amenities round out the details.

The semi-open living area connects pool terrace and kitchen in a single flowing space. A reclaimed teak daybed with white cushions faces a wall-mounted TV on rough-cut stone, while a round teak dining table seats two for the daily breakfast that is delivered each morning. The kitchenette behind is fitted with teak cabinetry, a gas hob, full-size refrigerator, and water cooler, giving you the option to self-cater between meals at Ubud’s restaurants and warungs.

Nick Villa 1 Ubud is the villa that started the collection, and it remains one of the most compelling ways to experience private pool living in Bali’s cultural heartland. The sculpted cement interiors, artisan teak details, and that remarkable bathroom create a retreat that punches well above its price point — a considered base for exploring Ubud’s temples, rice terraces, and restaurants without compromising on design.