Four Seasons Sayan, Ubud: Iconic Entrance, Riverfront Villas, and Soul-Deep Serenity

Mirko La Rosa
Mar 20
7 min read

Overview

After an unforgettable Valentine’s stay at Four Seasons Jimbaran, our journey through Bali took a completely unexpected and magical turn. Instead of a typical check-in, we boarded a raft and floated down the Ayung River, surrounded by emerald jungle and the soothing rhythm of flowing water. As we drifted along the riverbanks, the ambiance shifted—it was no longer about beachside sunsets and sea breezes. Here, in the heart of Ubud, everything was quieter, deeper, more spiritual. That was our first impression of Four Seasons Sayan.

Unlike any other resort in Bali, Four Seasons Sayan welcomes you through an architectural marvel: a suspended bridge in the shape of a rice capsule, hovering above the treetops and leading into the resort's open-air lotus pond lobby. It was like entering a sacred space suspended between the sky and the jungle. From that very first moment, we felt a shift—a calm, grounding energy that stayed with us throughout our stay.

This is a place that invites presence. The air smells of bamboo and rain, the only background noise is birdsong and the river, and the pace naturally slows. Whether you’re here for deep relaxation, reconnection with nature, or a more spiritual experience of Bali, Four Seasons Sayan doesn’t just host you—it holds space for you. For us, it became a sanctuary of reflection, healing, and pure indulgence.

SOMETHING ABOUT UBUD, BALI

Ubud is more than a destination—it’s a state of mind. Tucked in Bali’s central highlands, this iconic town is often called the island’s spiritual heart, and for good reason. Life here flows at a different pace, deeply rooted in ceremony, nature, and creative expression. The landscapes alone are a visual symphony: tiered rice terraces sculpted into the hillsides, dense forests draped in mist, and winding rivers that seem to sing their own songs.

Unlike the beach clubs and boutiques of Seminyak or the glamor of Nusa Dua, Ubud offers something quieter yet more profound. It’s where healers, artists, yogis, and seekers have gathered for generations. The energy is palpable—a blend of sacred rituals, ancient wisdom, and everyday beauty. Morning offerings on doorsteps, temple ceremonies accompanied by gamelan music, and the ever-present scent of incense make daily life here feel like a living prayer.

Four Seasons Sayan embodies this essence of Ubud with elegance and authenticity. Rather than imposing itself on the landscape, it dissolves into it. Villas are hidden among the foliage, paths follow the flow of the river, and each corner of the property offers a quiet space to pause and breathe. The resort is a microcosm of Ubud itself: mystical, lush, refined, and deeply soulful.

If you’re a traveler drawn to depth, this is where you go not just to stay—but to feel, to reconnect, and to return home changed.

What we liked most

Arrival by River Raft: One of the most original and cinematic travel moments we’ve ever had. Rafting from Four Seasons Jimbaran to Four Seasons Sayan isn’t just a transfer; it’s an experience in itself. As we drifted through canyons and jungle corridors, anticipation built with every bend. Arriving by river made us feel like explorers being led to a hidden sanctuary—a feeling we’ll never forget.
Dinner at Riverside Restaurant: This wasn’t just dinner—it was a culinary revelation. Riverside’s Mediterranean menu is bold and elegant, blending the coastal soul of Italy, Spain, and Greece with the natural inspiration of Bali. The riverside setting, with soft lighting and the gentle rush of water beside us, made every bite more memorable. It honestly ranks among the best meals we’ve had at any Four Seasons worldwide.
Sayan Valley Picnic: Picture this: a gentle trek through the forest, past rice fields and holy sites, arriving at a private clearing known only to Four Seasons guests. There, a chef sets up a live cooking station and prepares grilled satays, banana leaf rice, and garden-fresh salads. We sat under the trees, surrounded by nothing but nature, with the smell of spices in the air. This was Bali at its most raw and refined.
Sacred River Spa: The Earth Rising treatment is a journey in itself. Imagine a two-hour ritual that includes exfoliation, a gemstone wrap, sound therapy with gongs and crystal bowls, and massage using rare essential oils. It wasn’t just healing for the body—it was a deep energetic reset. I walked out floating, clearer, and completely recalibrated.
Nusantara Night: Held at Riverside, this evening brings the flavors of Indonesia to life in the most elevated way. It’s a celebration of the archipelago's diversity—you move from Bali to Java to Sulawesi in a single plate. The presentation, ambiance, and variety made it feel like an edible cultural exploration.
Riverfront Villa Setting: There’s something profoundly peaceful about waking up to the sound of a river. Every morning, we’d open our sliding doors to mist rising from the trees, birds fluttering nearby, and that unmistakable feeling of being far, far away from it all. Pure magic.
Iconic Rice-Capsule Entrance: This isn’t just architecture; it’s a symbolic passage. Walking across the suspended capsule bridge into the heart of the resort felt ceremonial. It marked the start of something sacred—our time of pause, reflection, and reconnection.

Villas

We stayed in the One-Bedroom Villa (Riverfront), and to say it was private would be an understatement. Set along the edge of the Ayung River, this villa is its own hidden world. The moment we stepped in, we felt embraced by nature and luxury in equal measure.

The interiors are an elegant blend of Balinese warmth and contemporary comfort. Polished teak wood, hand-carved accents, and subtle lighting create a soothing atmosphere. The large bed, dressed in crisp white linens, faced the river directly. We often left the curtains open just to wake up with the first light shimmering through the foliage.

The bathroom is a sanctuary in itself. A sunken bathtub with a view of the jungle, double vanities, and an outdoor rain shower surrounded by bamboo. There’s a tactile luxury here—from the plush towels to the stone textures—that makes everything feel intentional.

Outside, our private plunge pool and deck were completely secluded. We spent mornings here listening to the river, sipping coffee, and reading in the sun. It felt like we were suspended between the trees and the water, wrapped in a silence that only the jungle can offer. It was, without question, one of the most intimate villas we've ever stayed in.

Food and Drink

Dining at Four Seasons Sayan is a celebration of both world cuisine and local bounty. The highlight for us was Riverside Restaurant, where we had the Mediterranean dinner that still lingers in our memory. Each course was a thoughtful combination of texture and flavor, from zesty seafood starters to slow-cooked lamb infused with herbs. Every plate was a small journey.

The ambiance at Riverside is dreamy—you dine under a canopy of stars, with lanterns glowing gently and the river singing beside you. It felt romantic, grounding, and elevated all at once.

Our mornings began at Ayung Terrace, which offers a rotating selection of both international and Balinese breakfast dishes. Think tropical fruit platters, nasi goreng, croissants still warm from the oven, and ginger-lime shots to wake up your senses. What made it even more special was the view: endless green hills dipped in morning mist, birds swooping overhead, and the smell of coffee drifting through the air.

During our stay, we also enjoyed Nusantara Night, which transformed dinner into a cultural tasting menu. Each dish told a story—of regions, of rituals, of heritage. The staff introduced the meaning behind ingredients and techniques, creating a deeper appreciation of Indonesian cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for fine dining, local flavors, or casual bites, FS Sayan delivers with heart, detail, and soul.

Services and facilities

our Seasons Sayan is not just a place to stay—it’s a full-spectrum wellness retreat. Every service is designed to restore, rejuvenate, or reconnect you to nature and self.

Sacred River Spa: The spa is carved into the hillside, surrounded by bamboo groves and natural springs. Treatments go far beyond massage; they are rituals. The Earth Rising session combined crystal healing, sound baths, aromatherapy, and bodywork. It was deeply nurturing and spiritually uplifting.
Experiences & Excursions: The Sayan Valley Picnic was curated with so much love. We hiked with a chef through rice paddies, stopped at a holy water site for blessings, and arrived at a forest clearing where our lunch was cooked live on fire. It was immersive, sensual, and deeply Balinese.
Wellness Offerings: Daily yoga and meditation are available at the riverside pavilion. There’s a subtle encouragement here to slow down—whether it's with breathing, journaling, or simply watching the river flow.
Infinity Pool: Framed by tropical trees and designed to blend into the landscape, the main pool is peaceful and serene. No loud music, no crowds—just sunlight, jungle views, and attentive service.
Personalized Care: While we didn’t have a special surprise like at FS Jimbaran, the level of attentiveness here was exceptional. Every detail felt effortlessly orchestrated, from cold towels after walks to gentle check-ins at just the right moment.

Our experience

Our stay at Four Seasons Sayan was one of those rare travel experiences that doesn’t just wow you—it transforms you. Coming straight from the ocean breeze and vibrant atmosphere of FS Jimbaran, we were ready to go inward. And that’s exactly what happened.

Sayan offered us more than rest. It gave us space—to think, to reconnect with nature, to be fully present. Whether it was the sound of the river outside our villa, the sacred spa rituals, or the way the sun filtered through the jungle canopy each morning, everything contributed to a sense of peace we hadn’t felt in a long time.

For couples, honeymooners, or solo travelers seeking something deeper, this is the place. It’s where luxury feels soulful, and nature becomes your greatest companion.

We left FS Sayan lighter, quieter, and with the kind of memories that stay with you long after the plane ride home. And without a doubt—we will be back.

Click here to see our full experience