Villa Kirana is located on the spectacular Sayan Ridge, surrounded by jungle deep within the heart of Bali, and yet only ten minutes drive from the famous, cultural town of Ubud. The property is perched on the edge of the deep Ayung river gorge, with breathtaking views of emerald rice fields, coconut palms, and lush tropical vegetation against a mountainous backdrop. It is situated 500 metres south of the Four Seasons Ubud Hotel, and just over one hour’s drive from Bali’s international airport.

The remarkable town of Ubud is Bali’s centre for fine arts, dance and music. Ever since the German painter, Walter Spies, made his home here in the 1930s, the town has been a haven for both local and European artists, writers and bohemians. Ubud is now a magnet for art collectors, connoisseurs, celebrities, mystics, and people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism and alternative healing. Some have even adopted the area as their own home. Meanwhile, the surrounding villages are home to Bali’s most accomplished painters, dancers, musicians and carvers.

Ubud is the perfect area to use as a base when you are visiting Bali, especially if you are looking for culture, nature and inspiration. The town is surrounded by most of the features that draw people to this unique and beautiful island – magnificent terraced rice fields, traditional villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, and rivers. Its central location makes it very easy to get to the mountains, beaches, and all of the major attractions. Ubud is located 300 metres above sea level in the foothills of the central mountain range; this gives it a cool, pleasant climate and glorious night skies. Fresher than the southern coastal regions of Bali, there are fewer mosquitoes and flies in this area.

Ubud is a wonderful place for shopping. The shops and the market stalls sell handicrafts, gold, silver, jewellery, woodcarvings, fabrics, clothing, pottery, batik, paintings, metalwork, and antiques. There are many, well-presented, cultural performances staged in the town, in particular the Hindu epic, the Ramayana; also the Kecak dance, the fire dance, the monkey dance and the Legong dance. There are numerous museums and art galleries around the town, featuring traditional and modern work including paintings, ceramics, carvings, sculpture, batik, weaving and photography. The market, in the centre of the town is open every day selling handicrafts, garments, spices and foods. The countryside around Ubud is particularly beautiful, with an abundance of trails leading through the peaceful rice fields and offering memorable walks that will bring you close to nature.