Nick Villa 5 Ubud

Nick Villa 5 stands apart within the Nick Villa collection thanks to a design language that feels closer to the Greek islands than to traditional Bali. Where several of its neighbours lean on timber and thatch, Villa 5 is defined by hand-finished polished cement walls with a deliberate wabi-sabi texture, arched alcoves inset with trailing greenery, and brass fixtures that catch the Ubud light. The result is a one-bedroom retreat that photographs beautifully and lives even better — intimate enough for a couple, yet designed with the kind of spatial generosity that makes a week-long stay feel effortless.

The private pool sits at the centre of a walled garden planted with banana palms, heliconia, and a mature coconut palm that filters afternoon sun across the sandstone deck. Two woven rattan loungers face the water, and the covered terrace behind them doubles as an open-air living room — a curved rattan nest chair, teak coffee table, wall-mounted smart TV, and a bamboo-screened ceiling that lets breezes move through while shading you from the midday heat. A compact kitchenette is tucked into an arched recess beside the living area, fitted with teak cabinetry, a gas hob, full-size refrigerator, and water cooler, giving you the option to self-cater between trips to Ubud’s restaurants and warungs.

The bedroom is the villa’s centrepiece: a king bed raised on a sculpted concrete platform, framed by raffia pendant lights and those signature polished cement walls, with a warm teak-panelled ceiling overhead. An antique carved Javanese door leads through to a bathroom that rivals small boutique hotels — a freestanding stone soaking tub, a brass rain shower, and a series of arched niches filled with potted plants and artisan ceramics. Floor-to-ceiling French windows open directly onto the pool garden, so you can soak in the tub while watching the light change through the palms. Air conditioning keeps the bedroom cool, while the living spaces rely on natural ventilation and ceiling fans.

Ubud’s cultural attractions are all within reach: the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Royal Palace, and the morning art market are a short drive away, while the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Tirta Empul water temple make rewarding half-day excursions. The surrounding neighbourhood offers yoga studios, organic cafes, and gallery walks that reward those who explore on foot or by scooter. At $130 per night in the quieter months, Nick Villa 5 delivers a level of design and finish that typically costs significantly more in this part of Bali.

Nick Villa 5 offers a rare combination in Ubud: genuine design distinction at an accessible price. The polished cement interiors, stone soaking tub, and walled pool garden create a retreat that feels considered and complete — a compelling base for exploring Bali’s cultural heartland without compromising on aesthetics.