Four Seasons vs Capella in Bali – Which is Better Between Capella Ubud and Four Seasons Sayan
So you’re traveling to Bali and meticulously planning out your perfect Bali itinerary, and choosing among all of the best hotels to stay in for every part of your trip. From the calming-and-zen Ubud jungle, to dreamy, beachy Uluwatu, to laid-back surftown Canggu, to secluded and majestic Nusa Penida. And whether you want waterfalls, beaches, jungles, monkeys, surfing, shopping, or just relaxing on a bean bag in the sand with a fresh coconut in hand, Bali is your paradise. But with SO many options and so many areas to explore, how do you choose where to stay?! Well, one thing I tell every single person coming to Bali that is for sure, is you cannot miss Ubud. It is Bali at its best.
I’ve lived in Bali off and on for years, and, as a luxury travel blogger, I consider the luxury hotels in Bali my expertise. For years, the Four Seasons Sayan was easily my favorite hotel in Bali, along with most other travel editors and experts (it even achieved Travel & Leisure’s coveted top hotel in the world ranking in 2018). But, when Capella Ubud popped on the Bali scene in 2018, with its unique concept completely unheard of before (more on that later), it definitely made its mark on Bali. These are easily the two best hotels in Bali. So, which is better between the two, and which one should you choose for your stay? Let’s get into it.
Four Seasons Sayan Ubud
Rising out of the jungle above the Ayung River, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is an exclusive sanctuary you will never want to leave. It’s hard to beat the Four Seasons’ sixty-room stunning setting. Each villa is adorned in dark teak and Indonesian stone and many of the villas have a private pool and outdoor living rooms. In the restaurant, you can dine on contemporary Indonesian cuisine on a picture-perfect terrace, or sip a passion fruit martini overlooking the valley at Jati Bar. Staying here is once-in-a-lifetime – perfect for a Bali honeymoon or vacation. Relaxing, rejuvenating, with traditional Balinese touches that will make you feel the Bali *magic* (like cultural events like Balinese dancers and musicians that visit the lobby).
Why you should choose Four Seasons Bali over the Capella Ubud: If you are looking for a sophisticated, beautiful base to explore downtown Ubud, and be closer to the action, Four Seasons is an amazing choice.
Who should choose Four Seasons Sayan over Capella Ubud: Those looking for a more western five-star experience, with all the Four Seasons comforts we all love. Those with children also might prefer Four Seasons.
Four Seasons Sayan in a few words: Sophisticated, classic, Ubud
Capella Ubud
Famous architect Bill Bensley designed this luxury camp in Ubud, which was recently ranked by Travel & Leisure in 2023 as the BEST in all of Indonesia, and with good reason. The Capella Ubud rooms aren’t just rooms, they’re luxury ‘tents’ set within dramatic jungle landscape and lush rainforest, perched amongst traditional rice paddy fields and the sacred Wos River, in an authentic Balinese artist village called Keliki. The concept of the hotel takes you back to 19th Century Southeast Asia, and feels like you’re stepping back into the 1800’s, and quite frankly, I’ve never experienced anything like it! Add in fine dining, great service, as well as the best spa, focusing on traditional Balinese healing and spiritual practices (you have to go see Bodhi for a chakra balancing!). There is definitely nothing like this hotel in the world and it is an amazing choice for any art lovers or anyone looking to really tuck away in a unique, very-Bali experience.
Why you should choose Capella over Four Seasons: If an exclusive, luxe jungle retreat is the vibe you’re going for, Capella is your spot. If you are looking for a unique, tucked-away retreat in the jungle, go with Capella.
Who should choose Capella over Four Seasons: art-lovers, culture enthusiasts, and sustainability afficionados.
Capella in a few words: Unique, thoughtfully-crafted, jungle, remote
Is Capella Ubud kid-friendly? They are definitely very baby friendly. Though I didn’t see any kids. and it’s a very quiet spot, so I would think of it less as a family spot. We did bring our baby to Capella and it was great, and we didn’t feel weird at all! But any older than a year old would be difficult given the terrain of Capella!
So what do you guys think? Which of these two hotels will you be booking? Comment below!
PS: You can score extra perks at either of these resorts by contacting my travel agent connect here and using the referral code JETSETCHRISTINA on your contact form – she doesn’t charge a fee (!!) and helps my readers get free breakfast, and resort credits, and even free massages! Contact her for exactly what she can get you guys depending on the resort you choose!
