Ubud is set to welcome a new chapter in luxury hospitality as Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud prepares to make its debut later this year, marking the arrival of Kimpton Hotels & Resorts in Indonesia. Set along Jalan Bisma and within walking distance of some of Ubud’s most recognisable cultural landmarks, the new hotel is designed as an extension of the destination’s creative energy, pairing considered design with Kimpton’s signature approach to intuitive, human-centred hospitality.
Rather than positioning itself simply as another luxury retreat, Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud is conceived as a place where guests and locals can come together. The hotel takes its cues from Ubud’s distinctive rhythm of retreat and gathering, reflected in the meaning behind its name. Suntaya, pronounced soon-tie-yah, draws from Sanskrit roots, with suniya referring to stillness and taya to vitality – a philosophy that informs the property’s balance between calm and energy.
Its setting reinforces that connection to place. Positioned alongside the Wos River, the hotel draws inspiration from the quiet strength of flowing water and the natural contours of the surrounding landscape. Architecture and interiors are designed to create a sense of movement and rhythm, while the property’s hillside and riverside positioning allows the experience to feel both intimate and connected to its surroundings.
The architectural concept, created by Denton Corker Marshall, offers a contemporary interpretation of Balinese ceremonial processions, drawing on the movement, rhythm and collective energy that underpin these cultural traditions. Layered across the hillside, the design balances monumental forms with more intimate spaces, with its façade and structural rhythm subtly echoing the procession of community and ceremony.
Accommodation will comprise 101 rooms and villas, spanning essential rooms, expansive pool suites and signature private pool villas. Complementing the stay are Kimpton’s familiar guest rituals, including the complimentary “Forgot It, We’ve Got It!” programme, which provides thoughtfully curated travel essentials, as well as Kimpton Kickstart, serving coffee, tea and pastries each day. Come evening, Kimpton Social offers a more convivial moment for guests to gather, meet and connect.
Food and drink will form another significant part of the experience, with five distinctive dining destinations planned across the property. Leading the culinary lineup is Imamura Ubud, an intimate omakase restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Hirofumi Imamura. The chef will also oversee Shaku by Imamura, a refined yet playful take on Japanese izakaya dining, bringing a further dimension to the hotel’s culinary offering.
Wellness, meanwhile, takes a contemporary approach while remaining rooted in the destination. Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud will feature a two-storey fitness studio alongside dedicated recovery facilities, introducing modern movement and contrast-therapy experiences. At Sakshi Spa, Balinese healing traditions provide the foundation for rituals designed to restore both body and perspective.
At the helm of the hotel is General Manager Austin Jones, whose experience spans nearly a dozen Kimpton properties. For Jones, bringing the brand to Ubud is an opportunity to create a hotel that feels open, soulful and connected – not only to Bali’s landscape, but also to the people who live and travel here.
Founded by Bill Kimpton in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton pioneered the concept of distinctive, design-forward boutique hotels and has since grown into a global luxury lifestyle brand. Its arrival in Indonesia through Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud adds another layer to Ubud’s evolving hospitality landscape, with a property that seeks to combine contemporary luxury with a strong sense of place, culture and connection.
With its riverside setting, design-led architecture, Japanese culinary concepts and distinctive wellness offering, Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud looks set to bring a fresh interpretation of luxury hospitality to one of Bali’s most culturally rich destinations.
For more information, visit ihg.com.
