Escape to Paradise: Kastara Resort Awaits in Ubud, Bali
Escape to Paradise: Kastara Resort Awaits in Ubud, Bali
Escape to Paradise? My Kastara Resort Adventure in Ubud (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Okay, deep breath. Let's unpack this Balinese dream – well, my Balinese dream, because as you'll soon learn, dreams and reality at Kastara Resort? They're not always best friends. This review isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about the experience. The good, the, the… uh… interesting. Prepare yourself.
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Metadata:
- Title: Kastara Resort Ubud Review: Paradise Found…or Nearly?
- Description: A brutally honest, hilarious, and detailed review of Kastara Resort in Ubud, Bali. From accessibility to spa treatments, food to Wi-Fi, get the real scoop before you book!
- Keywords: (See Above)
- Author: A Travel-Obsessed Human
- Category: Travel, Hotel Review
- Date: October 26, 2023
(Review Starts Here - Whew!)
Right, so, Kastara Resort. Ubud. The name alone conjures images of lush rice paddies, spiritual retreats, and the perfect Instagram backdrop. And, hey, Kastara does have the backdrop. The infinity pool? Spectacular. Seriously, I spent a solid hour just staring at the view, feeling like I was floating above the Balinese jungle. (Slightly less glamorous: I also spent a considerable portion of that time trying to get my ridiculously oversized sun hat to stay on my head in the Ubud wind. Fashionista problems, people.)
Getting There & Accessibility (The First Test)
Okay, let’s be real: Bali is not known for its accessibility. But Kastara, bless its perfectly sculpted Balinese heart, actually tries. They advertise themselves as having "facilities for disabled guests," which is… hopeful. Airport transfer arranged by the resort was smooth, but here’s a tip: be very specific about your needs when booking. I'll call it a learning experience, since I had to carry my own luggage, which was an absolute disaster.
Important Accessibility Notes:
- Elevators: They do have an elevator, which is a lifesaver. (Especially since they don't always have one in bali!)
- Rooms: I didn't personally need a truly wheelchair-accessible room (I'm mostly able-bodied), but from what I saw, things seemed… adequate. Wider doorways, grab bars in some bathrooms. Not perfect by Western standards, but definitely above average for the area. (I'd recommend contacting them directly for specifics and triple-checking).
- Paths: Navigating the resort itself was… challenging. The terrain is hilly. Cobblestone paths, steps, and uneven surfaces are the standard. So, if you have mobility issues, be prepared to navigate strategically (or have someone really strong with you!).
- Overall: Kastara is working on it. It's not a fully accessible resort, but they're making an effort, which I appreciate.
Rooms: My Cozy Jungle Hideaway (and a Few Quirks)
My room? It was charming. Air conditioning was a must (that Ubud heat is no joke!). Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms! YES!), complimentary tea and coffee, a refrigerator, and a balcony overlooking… well, something green and lush. Let's face it, the view from everywhere is pretty amazing.
The bed was comfortable (extra long, even!), and the blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in after a hard day of… well, relaxing. The bathroom was… functional. The water pressure fluctuated a bit, and the toiletries weren't the fanciest, but hey, you're in Bali, not the Ritz. (Although, they do have the Ritz in Bali. Maybe I'm getting ideas…) They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products, but honestly, it's hard to tell. I had a mild cold when I got there, and while my symptoms didn't get worse, I also didn't get any better, so draw your own conclusions.
The Quirks:
- My mini-bar? Not as mini as I liked. And the staff only restocked it when I begged them (this happened like 3 times).
- The desk was a little impractical for actual work. More for posing with a laptop, less for doing anything.
- They say they have soundproof rooms, but I could still hear the gecko chorus at night. It’s charming, but it does make it harder to sleep (especially if you're afraid of geckos like I am!)
The Internet: A Love-Hate Relationship
Let’s be honest, the internet is a deal-breaker for me. I worked some of the time I was there, and the Wi-Fi was… variable. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a good start, but the speed was… inconsistent. Some days it was blazing fast. Other days, I felt like I was back in the dial-up era. They do offer Internet access – LAN, but who uses that anymore? Overall? Acceptable, but don’t expect to stream Netflix in 4K.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Okay, here's where Kastara really shines, at least in my opinion. The food! The restaurants, the poolside bar… oh, the pool. The Restaurant is a buffet, but it also has an a la carte menu. I am a sucker for a good buffet (I'm that person), and this one didn't disappoint. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Absolutely. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs… the works.
- The Happy Hour: Do not miss it! Cocktails by the pool at sunset are basically the definition of paradise.
- I tried the Asian cuisine in the restaurant (it's very good). The salad in restaurant was… amazing.
- Also? They have Vegetarian restaurant. (Yay for me!)
- Room service [24-hour]? Yes, and yes.
The "Interesting" Bits:
- The coffee shop? Hit or miss. Some days the coffee was divine. Other days? Let's just say I’m not sure what beans they were using!
- Lunch at the pool: Fantastic, but be prepared to wait. Island time, people. Embrace it!
- They have Breakfast takeaway service, which is an incredible idea.
The Spa: Ahh, Bliss (with a Side of Confusion)
The spa is where everything became good again. The spa is one of the best things about Kastara. They have everything you'd expect: massage, body wrap, body scrub, sauna, steamroom, the works. I'm obsessed with Thai massages, and from the second I told this to the masseuse, I was sent to heaven. It was amazing. I could have stayed for hours.
But. There was one slightly awkward moment. I asked for a specific treatment, but the therapist seemed… confused. (Language barrier, perhaps?) But honestly, I didn’t care. I eventually got what I wanted, and the rest was pure bliss. (My only regret: I didn't get a second massage!)
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa)
Kastara offers plenty beyond the pool and the spa. They've got a fitness center (I didn't try it – again, fashionista problems!) and a pool with a view, and obviously, the swimming pool [outdoor]. The surrounding area of Ubud is full of things to do.
Here's What I Did (and Loved):
- Exploring Ubud: Don’t just stay at the resort! Hire a driver (they can arrange this) and explore Ubud. The rice paddies, the monkey forest… it’s all incredible.
- The Views: Spend some time just sitting and taking in the views.
- Happy Hour (Again!): Did I mention it?
Cleanliness & Safety (Post-Pandemic Reality)
They take safety seriously - to a degree. Kastara had a decent system in place. Hand sanitizer was readily available throughout the resort. The staff wore masks (sometimes). They offered room sanitization opt-out available, and rooms sanitized between stays. They have profession-grade sanitizing services, which is reassuring. They have first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call.
Here are also Things I Noticed:
- They don't have **Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Alright, here we go, my attempt to wrangle this Kastara Resort Ubud itinerary into something… well, real. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a messy, beautiful, and probably slightly deranged ride.
Kastara Resort Ubud: Operation "Find My Zen (and Maybe Eat Something Delicious)" - The Unofficial Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
- 14:00 - Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and the Great Taxi Scam of '24: Okay, let's be honest, Bali airport… beautiful architecture, soul-crushing taxi negotiations. I'm pretty sure I haggled down from a ridiculous number, but still, felt like I got fleeced. Lesson learned: pre-book your transport. Or, you know, just become fluent in Bahasa Indonesia overnight. That's a realistic goal, right?
- 16:00 - Check-in at Kastara Resort: The postcard photos do not lie. This place is stunning. Lush green everywhere, that infinity pool staring back at me like a dare. The room? Oh. My. God. Those mosquito nets are actually romantic, not just practical. But immediately, the internal monologue starts: "Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I remember to lock the back door? Wait, is that a bug? EEEEEEP!"
- 17:00 - Poolside Debrief (and Questionable Decisions): First, the pool. Oh sweet, glorious pool. I swear, I spent a solid hour just staring at the rice paddies, feeling myself slowly defrost from the travel stress. Ordered a Bintang (because, Bali) and a plate of spring rolls. Ate way too many. Regret sets in. Immediately follow up with what I'm now calling "The Great Swimsuit Regret," because my tan lines currently resemble a Picasso painting.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Resort's Restaurant, or, "When Food Becomes an Emotional Experience": The menu reads beautifully. I, however, struggle. This is where the internal monologue kicks into OVERDRIVE. Fish or chicken? Spicy or very spicy? What if I hate it? What if I love it so much I cry? I settle on the Nasi Goreng, because it's classic, comforting, and I can't handle anymore uncertainty. The Nasi Goreng arrives, and, well it's a spiritual experience. Seriously the best I've ever tasted. I eat it way too fast. Regret. No. Bliss!
- 21:00 - Attempted Early Bedtime… Failed: Jet lag is a relentless beast. I tried. I really did. But my brain is still wired to the timezone of, well, everywhere but Bali. End up scrolling through Instagram, regretting all my life choices, and vowing to be a different, more relaxed person tomorrow.
Day 2: Rice Paddies, Rainforests, and the Existential Dread of the Monkey Forest
- 08:00 - The Ritual of Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Kastara is a revelation. Fresh fruit, omelets, coffee that actually tastes like coffee… I could get used to this. Consume approximately seven mangoes. Maybe eight. No regrets.
- 09:30 - Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Majestic, Instagram-Worthy, and Slightly Overwhelming. Okay, those rice paddies? Even more stunning in person. It's like stepping into a postcard (except with a lot of other tourists). Wandered, took a million photos (because, you know, Instagram), and got thoroughly lost in the beauty. The only thing that could make this better? A good cup of coffee, which I'm pretty sure the Balinese have perfected as an art form.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a View: Found a little warung (local restaurant) overlooking the terraces. Ordered the crispy duck and a cold Bintang. Watched a farmer work in the fields below. Felt deeply, ridiculously content. So much so, I wanted to go live on that farm in the middle of nowhere there and then.
- 14:00 - Ubud Monkey Forest: Terrifying, Hilarious, and Slightly Traumatic. Okay, let me be clear: monkeys are cute. From a distance. Up close? They're tiny, opportunistic little ninjas. I'm fairly certain a monkey tried to steal my sunglasses. Made a hasty retreat. My companion had a banana stolen from her hand. The whole experience was a mixture of awe, fear, and uncontrollable giggles. Highly recommend. Also, be warned.
- 16:00 - Back to the Resort: Pool Therapy (Again): Needed to de-stress after the monkey forest. The pool is the answer. The only answer. Float, reflect on life choices, and reapply sunscreen. The day took a turn, when I was nearly bumped into a family of 6, only to realize they were discussing what they would do if they had an evil twin. I'm not sure if it's the sunshine, the Bintangs, or the existential dread of the Monkey Forest, but I have a feeling that tomorrow will be a wild ride.
- 19:00 - Dinner… "Finding the Hidden Gem": My friend found this little restaurant down the street, and said the food was 'out of this world', so we spent the next hour meandering through the muddy streets. She was right. The food was amazing, and the ambiance was exactly what I needed.
- 21:00 - Massages and Deep Sleep: After a long day of being terrorised by monkeys and the realization that my trip is already almost over, the perfect way to end the day was a massage. A traditional Balinese massage. I melted. And then, finally, sweet, glorious sleep.
Day 3: Culture, Culinary Delights, and the Reality of Leaving
- 08:00 - Breakfast, one last time. The saddest of breakfasts. As I took in the morning breeze, and the last meal I would have here I wanted to cry. This place has had a grip on me, and I don't want to leave.
- 10:00 - Visit to the Tirta Empul Temple: Water Purification and Deep Breath: The temple is stunning. The water purification ritual is amazing. I'm not sure if I experienced a spiritual awakening or just got really, really wet, but it was a powerful experience. Washing away the bad energy, or so I thought.
- 12:00 - Lunch at Warung Made: Got lost in the local warung again. The waitress has a smile that just made my day. The food was divine, the atmosphere perfect. This is exactly what I came for.
- 14:00 - Last swim: The infinity pool beckoned one last time.
- 16:00 - Free Day: I spent my last day getting ready for my next adventure.
- 19:00 - Goodbye dinner at Kastara: I went to the restaurant, ordered the same meal I had on my first day.
- 21:00 - Packing and Leaving: I can't believe that it's time to go. I don't want to leave, but the trip must go on.
Day 4: Departure and the Post-Bali Blues
- 08:00 - Last breakfast: The last of many mangoes, and I started to tear up.
- 10:00 - Departure: From Kastara to the airport.
- 12:00 - Depart from DPS
Final Thoughts:
Bali: You were a whirlwind. You were beautiful. You were slightly chaotic. You gave me sun, food, and more existential dread than I knew I possessed. And I miss your chaos already. I'll be back, (hopefully) with a suitcase full of positive vibes and enough sunscreen to last a lifetime.
Patty's Place: Mendrisio's BEST Apartments! (La Bettola)
Escape to Paradise: Kastara Resort Awaits - (Or Will It Actually?) FAQs
Okay, Kastara Resort...Paradise, huh? What's the REAL vibe?
Alright, let's be brutally honest (because honestly, I was skeptical). They *say* paradise. And, listen, Ubud *itself* has that whole magic thing going on. But Kastara? Think less pristine, untouched island and more...well, a carefully curated Instagram feed brought to life. Don't get me wrong, the pool situation is undeniably gorgeous. And those infinity edges? Seductive. Like a Siren’s song, beckoning you… right before the mosquitos descend. Expect to be *wowed*...and maybe a little bit mosquito-bitten. It's Bali, baby, embrace the imperfections (and the bug spray!).
Those villas look dreamy! Are they as luxurious as they seem in the photos?
Okay, confession time. I booked *the* villa. The one with the private plunge pool that practically screamed, "Look at me, I'm living my best life!" And… it mostly delivered. The outdoor shower was… an *experience*. Think warm water, lush foliage, and a healthy dose of "is that a gecko?" (Spoiler alert: yes, it was a gecko, and it was judging my singing in the shower). The bed? Heavenly. The air conditioning? A lifesaver. The only real issue? The sheer *size* can make you feel a little lost. I spent the first hour wandering around, yelling "Helloooo?" like I was in a Scooby Doo episode. Didn't find any ghosts, just a really comfy couch.
What's the food situation like at the resort? I'm a foodie, so this is crucial!
Alright, foodie friends, buckle up. The on-site restaurant, Kayu Manis, offers a decent selection of Balinese and international dishes. Think fresh juices, colourful fruit platters, and the mandatory Nasi Goreng (which, by the way, is a Balinese staple). It's good, don't get me wrong. But here's the thing: explore! Ubud is a *culinary* paradise. Do *NOT* limit yourself to hotel food. Seriously. Go. Find that little warung down a dusty lane. Taste the authentic. Your tastebuds will thank you. I made the mistake of sticking to the resort for the first two days, fearing the unknown... Big mistake! Huge! (Insert Julia Roberts impression here.) Embrace the street food. Your gut will adapt. Probably.
Is the service good? Are the staff friendly?
Ah, the Balinese charm. It’s a real thing, and it's wonderful. The staff at Kastara? Mostly lovely. Always a smile, always helpful. They call you by name (which is simultaneously impressive and a little unnerving – how do they remember that?). There were a couple of glitches, sure. One morning, my breakfast order was slightly... late. Like, I was starting to question if the sun was going to set before my pancakes arrived. But when they *did* arrive (finally!), it was with sincere apologies and even extra fruit. They genuinely wanted to make things right. And that, more than anything, defines the experience. It's a slightly imperfect paradise, but the people make it worth it.
How easy is it to get around outside of the resort? What are the transport options?
This is where things get a little… chaotic, in the best possible way. Kastara offers a shuttle service to Ubud town, which is handy. But if you want to explore, you have options. Taxis (bargain, bargain, bargain!), motorbikes (terrifying but liberating), or hiring a driver for the day (highly recommended, especially for visiting temples and rice paddies). Getting a Gojek (local ride-hailing app) is very easy, especially around Ubud town. The roads? Well, let's just say "pothole" is an understatement. Buckle up, hold on tight, and embrace the adventure! The motorbike experience? I tried. I failed. My driver was incredibly patient.
Are there any activities or things to do *at* the resort? Or is it all just chilling?
Chilling is the primary activity, let's be honest. But there's more! They have a spa, which is *essential*. Get a massage. Do it. You’ll thank me later. They also offer yoga classes and cooking courses if you're feeling active or educational. I tried the yoga... let's just say my downward-facing dog resembled more of a downward-facing... well, something else. But hey, the view from the yoga platform was stunning, so I'll give it a pass. The cooking course? I made a mean satay. (Okay, maybe not "mean." It was pretty good.) The pool? Oh, you'll be spending a lot of time there. Especially when the mosquitos are around... you'd choose the pool!
The Biggest Question : Would you go back?
Oof. That's a tough one. Kastara Resort is beautiful. Ubud is magical. I'm an emotional mess. I did actually cry when I left, but this could've been the lack of sleep and the two margaritas I had for lunch. Yes, I would. The imperfections, the mosquitos, the slightly delayed breakfast... it all adds up to *charm*. It's the Balinese spirit. The friendliness. The feeling of being *somewhere*. I've had worse holidays. I've had better hotels. But Kastara? It's a part of my heart now. So absolutely. Yes. I'd go back... as long as they keep that infinity pool stocked with Bintangs. Maybe I'll even try learning how to ride a motorbike. (Wish me luck, I'm probably going to need it!)
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