Four Seasons Resort Sayan, Bali
If you want to experience Bali without just staying in a generic beach hut, this place is legendary. Tucked away in the jungle near Ubud, the Four Seasons Resort Sayan completely flips the script on luxury design. It was dreamed up by London-based architect John Heah, who was remarkably only in his twenties when he designed it. Inspired by early James Bond films, he wanted to create the ultimate sense of mystery, hiding a ultra-futuristic structure right in the middle of a rugged tropical valley.
The arrival experience is a total trip. You walk across a long suspension bridge floating high above the treetops, which acts like a physical transition into a different world. The bridge leads you straight to a massive, gravity-defying rooftop lotus pond that looks exactly like a giant “rice bowl” in the sky. It isn’t until you take the stairs down beneath the water that the hidden, three-level resort finally reveals itself.
Even the 42 private villas carry this cool, upside-down theme. When you walk up to your villa, all you see is a rooftop lotus garden. You have to descend a hidden circular stone staircase to actually enter your room, which opens up to private plunge pools and sweeping views of the sacred Ayung River.
The resort has hosted serious star power, including Julia Roberts while filming Eat, Pray, Love, and the Obama family. If you ever visit, you can skip the standard airport car ride entirely—they offer a completely unique arrival option where you can check in via a river raft down the rapids.
Expert reviews
“Away from the coast, amid dense bamboo jungle and perched looking over the sacred Ayung River is this wonderful, peaceful retreat. All 42 thatched maxi-huts/villas come with a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s steamy abyss.”
“The public spaces are designed to feel intimate — restaurants that seat 30, a long, bi-level pool that follows the curve of the river, and two smaller spas rather than one large space. The resort’s grounds cover 18 verdant acres across hills that slope down to the Ayung River.”
“Rising out of rice fields above the Ayung River, the Four Seasons Sayan is a sophisticated tropical resort offering swish facilities, sterling service and experiences to remember, from biking through local villages to art tours and beautiful Balinese healing rituals.”
What guests liked
- Infinity pool
- Great views
- Beautiful hotel
- Comfortable beds
- Top location
- Excellent Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
7 September 2024
Amazing hotel, amazing staff, amazing nature. We had the best time.
The hotel is integrated to the nature in the best possible way. All of the staff were very helpful, and made us feel like living in a paradise.
The massage beds could be more comfortable :).
19 August 2024
Will be my go to resort in Ubud always! ♥️
The villa was very nice and spacious and the property is exceptional and out of this world!
26 June 2024
Best Bali hotel
Super design, very delicate service when attention is not intrusive but always here when you need, super relaxing and really meant for your personal comfort.
All is nice
23 April 2024
Paradise in Jungle
The view was exceptional.The food was the best in Bali.All the staff was friendly and welcoming us with a beautiful smile thank you for making our days happier.
Only thing that i can complain was the bed. It was making noise.
3 December 2023
Will definitely go back to stay next time in Ubud!
The hotel staff are very friendly, helpful, polite and gracious.
31 August 2023
Wonderfully resort with exceptional staff
Great service, facilities and exceptional stuff!
They even prepared small surprises for me because this trip was gift for my Bday:-)))
I liked everything
6 August 2023
When you find perfection, you just nod to the Gods and say thank you
The staff was the best we have ever seen in the many nice places we have been to. Service unparalleled, attention to detail was impressive. The spot idyllic.
1 August 2023
Amazing service and great location
Excellent staff and very peaceful location. Breakfast and dinner was excellent and concierge very helpful. The brunch on Sunday was amazing. Large room which was well appointed with great view of jungle and river
All good!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Kids' club
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Picnic area
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Pool and wellness
- - Pool with view
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

15 June 2025
Simply amazing! Service quite above expectations always friendly staff and always one step ahead