Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Ubud, Bali

Summing up Ubud’s utterly dreamy charm in a few words is futile. After all, it’s the lushest spot, and the cultural heartland of Bali, the Island of the Gods. The paradisiacal Ubud is a heady mixture of mesmerizing temples, verdant rice terraces, and lip-smacking local cuisine. Ubud, and Bali in general, is also a playground for the LGBTQ public. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, this pink, or rather a green oasis of Bali promises an excellent gay scene. But, Ubud’s gay scene is more subtle and inspired by the laidback nature and traditional culture that pervades this Balinese town. You will find the best gay hotel Ubud Bali has to offer. Some of them are blissed-out escapes for the complete restoration of the mind, body, and soul. And, of course, the romance in the air is boundless. If you’re looking for a laidback, tranquil gay retreat, then Ubud is the place for you.

Even though Ubud is not exactly a gay destination, you’ll find some lovely gay-friendly bars and restaurants to relax with your partner or friends. Besides that, there are a lot of things to do here. There’s the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace, and the Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), a stunning archaeological site and temple complex. What’s more, intrepid travelers will love the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a fascinating hike with views of the lush greenery. Plus, the place is bursting with ancient temples, museums, waterfalls, and more. Thus, it’s no wonder that Ubud is one of the Top 10 Things To Do in Indonesia. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Ubud, Bali. They may not be the 11 Best Hotels in Bali, but they surely offer equal service and quality!

Tanah Gajah

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Tanah Gajah is one of the most tasteful and arty gay hotels in not just Ubud, but Bali. The relaxed, artistic hideaway lies just outside the town of Ubud and is still within a 20-minute walk. Also, the hotel offers a free shuttle into town. So, that makes it easier to get in for shopping and entertainment and get back to the tranquility of the resort.

The resort is one huge Balinese art gallery blended with a glossy design magazine. As the name ‘Gajah’ (elephants) suggests, sculptures and images of these four-legged wonders are dotted across its verdant grounds. Right from the lobby to the grounds, the place is full of romantic nooks and open-air spaces to lounge. The service is especially superb, with stuff being whisked to you before you even ask for it. What’s more, the hotel offers a number of experiences, including a guided rice paddy walk and even a hot air balloon! The outdoor pool is one tempting place, and the spa has a number of relaxing massages on the offer. The in-house restaurant serves superb food with views of the emerald rice paddies. The highlight is the lavish breakfasts.

Cozy up with your partner in one of the 20 spacious villas or suites, all of which are peppered with Balinese art and curios. Decadent touches include plush beds, outdoor baths and rain showers, and generous minibars.

The Purist Villas & Spa

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Deep in the heart of the lush Ubud jungle lie The Purist Villas & Spa, one of the best gay hotels in Ubud, Bali. According to previous LGBTQ travelers, these digs are particularly gay friendly. Additionally, the stylish resort enjoys a peaceful location, fringed by tropical fronds, lush green paddies, and birdsong. What’s more, the town is a leisurely half-an-hour away.

This intimate boutique hotel features beautifully crafted modern Indonesian furniture and gorgeous primitive art. Balinese sculptures, carvings, and curios greet you at every turn, like lanterns from Java and artifacts from Timor. Cleverly repurposed furniture will impress you, like chicken coops fashioned into lampshades and distressed wood doubling as stands. The staff is unfailingly efficient and harm and is the reason for the laidback yet attentive atmosphere. There’s a single restaurant, but the food it serves is par excellence. What’s more, it even offers complimentary afternoon tea and snacks at the heavenly pools that overlook the lush valley. You could also walk down the Instagram-worthy pebbled walkways down to the spa or book a yoga session.

Each one of the spacious suites has a garden or balcony, as well as a beautiful blend of natural and modern furnishings. If you’re on a romantic vacation, choose the Pool Suite which has its own pool.

COMO Uma Ubud

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Style? Check. Tranquility? Check? Gay friendly? Check! There’s nothing not to like about the luxurious haven that is COMO Uma Ubud. The Instagrammable retreat brims with gorgeousness and chicness and is one cool launch pad for exploring the cultural haven that is Ubud. Above all, a 10-minute drive in any direction will bring you to Ubud town and the many attractions in the region.

Every space of the resort is airy, light, and breezy, and is peppered with tropical Balinese greenery. That, paired with the modern Asian design lends the place an immaculate, contemporary feel. Everything is linked by coconut palms, banyan trees, and frangipani-festooned terraced stone walkways. For the ultimate experience, walk to the edge of the valley to the decadent COMO Shambhala Spa. If you want to put a spin on your workout, then head to the open-air yoga pavilion instead of the gym. For a languid lounge, the outdoor pool in the serene garden setting is perfect. Begin and end the day at the in-house restaurant, which serves everything from Asian to continental fare. Finally, join one of the many activities scheduled here, which include everything from safaris to morning walks.

46 stylish rooms, suites, and villas all feature neutral hues, romantic net-draped beds, and towering thatched roofs. Moreover, you’ll also find outdoor areas with sun loungers, deep soaking baths, and yoga mats in all of them. If you want to splash, go for the ones that also have private pools.

Villa Awang Awang

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The term ‘Awang Awang’ translates to “floating between earth and heaven,” and there’s no better description for this idyllic Balinese getaway. The Villa Awang Awang is one of the best gay hotels in Ubud, Bali. This Ubud hotel is gay friendly Bali at its finest – it sits at the edge of a deep ravine. What’s more, it boasts eye-popping views of the greenery, making for the perfect backdrop for Instagram’s thirst traps.

So, what makes these digs so special? For one, you get your very own paradise villa in the heart of the Balinese jungle. Moreover, every villa boasts its own private infinity pool that overlooks the lush surroundings. You could wake up to birdsong or even see a monkey or two pop by to say hello! The fact that they have mod-cons makes staying here all the more romantic and comfortable.

Besides the luxurious stay, the villa has lots of amenities and facilities. To begin with, the spa offers soothing treatments that can even be arranged within the privacy of your villa. If you want to go exploring, the hotel even offers a free shuttle service to and from Ubud town. Breakfast is a grand affair, and it’s served right in the comfort of your villa. Moreover, you even have a chef who’ll prepare lunches and dinners especially for you. Apart from meditation, yoga, and cooking classes, the villa also has bicycles for rent so you can go exploring on your own.

Luxe Villas Ubud

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The gay friendly Luxe Villas Ubud offers serenity right in the very heart of Ubud. However, that doesn’t mean that the place isn’t special. The villas lie in a green eco-zone and can be gotten to only via scooter! So, your last jaunt to the hotel is a thrilling scooter ride! The hotel is surrounded by rice paddies as far as the eye can see, with the only noise coming from birds, monkeys, and the occasional scooter or rooster.

There’s nothing about the Luxe Villas that you won’t love. The small size of the hotel, plus its adults-only limit, lends it an exclusive air and makes it perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. Besides a slew of eco-friendly initiatives, the hotel boasts an incredible outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas. Although there’s no spa, in-room massages sound as heavenly as they actually are. Breakfast is a grand affair befitting a vacation – think pancakes with vanilla ice-cream and honey! After a poolside afternoon, head in for delicious afternoon tea, complete with little desserts and canapes. Enjoy an evening cocktail in the garden bar before heading out to enjoy Ubud’s nightlife, which is a 20-minute walk. 

With just five huge apartment-like villas, an intimate stay doesn’t get better than here. For sun decks, go for the Sky Loft rooms which have terraces and sweeping views of the rice paddies. For sexy luxury, we’d suggest the Emerald Villas with their own private pools and balconies. Nevertheless, all rooms feature gorgeous Balinese statues, huge windows, a slew of mod-cons, and great soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

The Samaya

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If understated, wallet-friendly luxury is what you’re looking for, then the Samaya Ubud is where you should be. One of the best luxury gay hotels in Ubud, Bali, the lush landscape takes centerstage at Samaya. The hillside location just outside Ubud proper overlooks the lush green forests, rice paddies, and the gushing waters of the Ayung River. In fact, the 19 villas are sprawled out over such a large stretch of land that you’ll need the resort’s buggies to move around!

Just like other Ubud resorts, there’s a litany of things to do at Samaya, right from nature walks to cooking classes. Two restaurants serve delectable international and local fare, with beautiful views of the landscape. What’s more, the staff will even arrange for a romantic candle-lit six-course dinner along the shores of the river. A hearty breakfast aside, the resort even offers afternoon tea. Work off those Balinese calories at the small fitness center or throw caution to the winds and head to the heavenly on-site spa. Even though every villa has its own private pool, the common pool is a lovely little one at the bottom of the garden. Finally, the hotel even offers free shuttle service into town.

All villas at Samaya Ubud are luxurious in the most understated manner. The lovely outdoor spaces with pools and private gardens are the perfect place to spend romantic moments. Large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, a bevy of mod-cons, and comfy outdoor seating areas complete the space.

Puri Garden Hostel

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Are you single and ready to mingle in Ubud? Then the Puri Garden Hostel is your oyster! One of the best social places to stay in Ubud, the hostel is the perfect place if you’re looking to meet new and interesting fellow travelers on your Bali sojourn. To begin with, the Puri Garden hostel has both female-only and mixed dorms as well as private rooms, depending on your budget. Every room, including the dorms, are done up in modern Balinese style and have a terrace or balcony – yes, even the dorms! It’s one of the best features yet we’ve ever seen in a hostel. Moreover, every bed comes with a power socket, a personal reading light, and a locker, as well as immaculate shared bathrooms.

Coming to the communal amenities, the outdoor pool is the buzzing heart of the hostel. The in-house cafe sits right next to it and serves delicious local and American fare, including a superb Continental/American/Indonesian breakfast. Moreover, it also has a happy hour with smoothies, cocktails, and beer! The hostel has a brilliant roster of free activities that will literally pull you out of bed every morning – sunrise yoga followed by free manicures, pedicures, and massages! What’s more, they even have puppy therapy, karaoke nights, barbeque evenings, quiz and game nights, and even movie nights. Finally, the staff is as warm as it gets and helps with everything from booking tours to airport transfers and more. The best part? One of the best gay friendly bars in Ubud, the Melting Pot Saloon, is right next door!

Bisma Eight

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What better a way to dive into Ubud’s culture and nightlife than staying at the petite yet sharply chic Bisma Eight? One of the most characterful gay hotels in Ubud, Bali, the all-suite hotel sits in the heart of the Ubud jungles. Even then, it’s a mere 10-minute walk from town, nearer than any other hideaway in Ubud! In fact, the gay friendly bar No Mas is a leisurely 15-minute stroll. What’s more, top Ubud sights like the Sacred Monkey Forest and Campuhan Ridge Walk are within walking distance.

A narrow entryway belies the sprawling nature of the retreat that opens onto a breezy lobby, complete with a Ganesh shrine (remover of obstacles). the path leads to an inner garden bursting with jamburan grasses, pandan palms, bamboo, and frangipani which leads to the other parts of the resort and the accommodations. Black-and-white photographs of Bali’s past reclaimed wood-carved doors, and delicate wicker and basket-work make appearances everywhere. The infinity pool is definitely the star attraction here; the lashings of sunlight, the rippling turquoise water, and lush forest panoramas are irresistible. Post a swim, you can unwind with in-room massages or work out in the gym. The open-air restaurant is a formidable dining destination in town, complete with a delicious breakfast.

Rooms, or rather suites radiate a home-away-from-home vibe, decked out with amenities befitting a five-star hotel. Complimentary minibars and soaking tubs in bathrooms leave little to the imagination when it comes to indulging in romance.

Villa Semana

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Are you in Ubud for your starry-eyed honeymoon? Then the adults-only, gay friendly Villa Semana promises you an exciting, romantic, and heavenly stay to mark an exciting chapter in your lives. Sitting on the banks of the Ayung River, the upscale property is stylish, serenely, and supremely Balinese to the last bit. The resort is centered around the staying experience in the villa, and won’t require to step outside for anything. Lounging areas lie right along the riverside, complete with rice terrace views, thatched-roof structures, palms, and lily ponds. There’s even a postcard-perfect gazebo that seems like it hangs over the flowing river!

The crown jewel at Villa Semana is the infinity-edge pool that seems to spill over into the river, complete with sun loungers and umbrellas. Besides complimentary poolside afternoon tea, the lovely Semana Spa with a soaking tub and gazebo treatment rooms also sit right there. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars by the riverside at the hotel restaurant or hop onto the hotel shuttle to head into town. If you both are all about activities, then the villa offers a laundry list of activities like yoga, cycling tours, cooking classes, and more.

Choose from four kinds of villas, all of which radiate Balinese flair and have their own private pools with lounge chairs. Nevertheless, all villas feature everything from kitchens to minibars to coffeemakers to flatscreen TVs, which means you have entertainment covered. 24-hour room service keeps you satiated on the food front. With this taken care of, lounge by the pool or enjoy a dip in the outdoor bathtub and indulge in boundless romance.

Ubud Tropical

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What’s an Ubud vacation without a bit of a glamping experience? Welcome to Ubud Tropical one of the most offbeat gay hotels you can find in Ubud, Bali. This place blends the best of hostel and camping to come up with a one-of-a-kind, wallet-friendly yet luxurious glamping experience. This staycation paradise sits right in the heart of the Ubud forest and yet offers a host of facilities. To begin with, there’s a gorgeous green-blue swimming pool sitting right by the lush foliage.

Since the place is all about the outdoors, there are lots of picnic areas, dining areas, and gardens where you can do everything from barbeque to dine to lounge. What’s more, there are some superb warungs (traditional roadside food stalls) around that serve superb food. There’s even a sun-kissed terrace where you can read, relax, or strike conversations with fellow travelers. Plus, the glamp organizes a host of tours like walking, cycling, and cooking kind. Rounding up the offerings is free Wi-fi, and that too in the middle of the forest!

The best part about Ubud Tropical Glamping is its comfortable staying accommodations. You can choose from dorms or private rooms, all of which are air-conditioned with immaculate bathrooms and hot water facilities. Moreover, the property even has a full, well-equipped kitchen where you can store leftovers and make your meals too.

Alila Ubud

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Do you want to cut off from the world? Then the Alila is the perfect gay hotel Ubud Bali offers to get away from the rest of the world. Don’t believe us? The resort sits literally on the edge of a lush valley of the Ayung River and can be accessed only via winding narrow roads between verdant rice fields. In fact, the only ‘disturbance’ will be the birds and monkeys frolicking in the trees around!

The place might have been styled after a traditional Balinese hillside village, but radiates a modern, hip vibe. This one’s for Instagram, complete with thatched roofs, panoramas of the lush valley, and even a sculpture garden. The fact that Bali has some of the world’s friendliest and warmest service becomes palpable when you encounter the staff here. They’re so efficient and friendly at the same time that’s quite disarming. The excellence extends to the resort’s amenities, beginning with the serene spa sitting in the garden. The main eatery serves, among other meals, a lip-smacking artisanal breakfast, while the poolside lounge is perfect for a sexy nightcap. Besides the 24-hour fitness center and library, the showstopper is the spectacular infinity pool that juts out over the valley!

While the standard rooms are heavenly enough, we’d recommend the upgraded ones or the villas that have valley views and come with deep soaking outdoor tubs and pools. Nevertheless, all rooms feature snazzy minibars, bespoke toiletries, and decks or balconies.

Get Some Culture in Ubud:

While Ubud doesn’t have any Pride or other LGBTQ events, it does have a posse of fascinating cultural festivals that take place throughout the year.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Ubud:

• No Más Bar – This retro-themed bar has an eclectic drinks menu and a rustic-chic feel.
• The Melting Pot Saloon – This sports bar has an excellent mix of folk and a terrific socializing atmosphere.
• The Round Bar – This quirky little LGBTQ-friendly hangout lies right in front of the gay friendly d’Omah villa hotel in Ubud, Bali.

Best Gay Saunas in Ubud:

Ubud doesn’t really have a gay sauna scene, but you’ll find lovely saunas in most of the resorts here.