Masakali Retreat

As the bike-only path led to the property, I knew I'd found somewhere special. The staff greeted me with real courtesy and showed me Villa Chandra, a Javanese teak-wood villa overlooking the rice fields, with an infinity pool. Inside, the kitchen was fully functional, the bathroom was one of the most beautiful I've seen, and the bed was incredibly comfortable, with a mattress nearly as thick as my whole forearm. From my room and the outdoor area, I could watch the view stretch across the jungle and rice fields. Fireflies lit up the night, and sunrise and sunset brought beautiful colors to the stillness. The place, the service, the feeling, everything was among the best Bali has to offer, if not the best. A message was all it took to get whatever I needed. I felt healed here, and I've never felt the idea of letting go and trusting the universe to care for you so strongly. Highly recommended.

The staff at Masakali were kind and attentive around the clock, and even though I traveled to Bali alone, I never felt lonely. A sweet cat, Praya, would greet me some mornings. The jungle sounds became my lullaby at night. My villa looked out over peaceful rice terraces, a view I feel lucky to have enjoyed. Its design blended beautifully into the natural setting, balancing comfort with nature and Balinese tranquility. The place felt authentic, quiet, and free from the construction noise and crowds I saw elsewhere during my month in Bali. There's a lovely nearby street where you can walk through the terraces, and those walks became some of my best memories. Masakali felt like a sanctuary, a place to immerse yourself in nature, recharge, and reconnect. For a real sense of Bali's spirit as well as comfort, I wholeheartedly recommend Masakali Villa. I can't wait to return. Heartfelt suksma to the owner and staff at Masakali. ✨❤️

Masakali Retreat's setting is beautiful, with greenery, rice fields, forest, and a lovely view. The pool attached to our villa looked great in the photos, but the water was very cold and so heavily chlorinated that I could only stay in for a few minutes. The open design lets insects into the room and carries every outside sound, from people and music to animals and events. It felt more like sleeping in a tent than in a proper villa. That may suit someone prepared for it, but it wasn't quiet or private. The local Balinese staff were kind and did their best, but that couldn't make up for what we experienced with the owner. I can't recommend the stay, especially when other places around Ubud offer similar or better views, comfort, and hospitality. Our stay was ruined by poor management and what I felt was unacceptable behavior from owner Suzanne Dubose, rather than by the location or local staff. We weren't told ahead of time that a local fishing festival would take place during our visit. It began around 5-6 AM with loud music, shouting, and microphone announcements. The villas have open gaps between the walls and roof, so there is practically no sound insulation. At about 5 AM on Sunday, shouting and screaming woke me; it sounded like a fight right beside the villa. I later understood this was how the local fishermen organized the festival. The villas sit on several levels of terraces, so it was physically impossible to get close to the group. I tried asking them from a distance to quiet down, but they couldn't hear me. I went to reception to wake the night security, but he was asleep and unreachable. I then called and messaged the hotel management WhatsApp group to explain and ask for help, waited, and went back to the villa hoping the issue would be handled. On my way, I met Suzanne Dubose. Rather than hear me out or calm things down, she shouted aggressively at me to get my things and leave immediately, stressing that she owned the place. She accused me of yelling at local people, which wasn't true; they couldn't even hear me. Her tone felt vulgar, hostile, and completely unprofessional. I said her behavior was unacceptable, told her I didn't care who owned the hotel, and suggested she call the police if she thought there was a problem. I went back to try to sleep, but the music and announcements continued from 6 AM. Around 9 AM, local Balinese staff came to apologize sincerely. They were polite, respectful, and clearly embarrassed, but couldn't undo what had happened. We left a day early. As expected, the owner didn't apologize and we weren't refunded for the unused night. If you need to communicate with her for any reason, I think there's a very high chance it will negatively affect your holiday.

The setting and the people made this place feel special. Ira, the staff, and even the cat were lovely and always ready to help, from suggesting local restaurants and laundry places to keeping the house spotless. We loved the open-air feel: the sofa and dining table look out over the forest, with birds and squirrels around and frogs calling. Morning yoga there was wonderful, and the pool fits right in with the surroundings. The big bathrooms open to the outside too, so bathing among the Bali jungle greenery was a real treat. The houses are gorgeous, thoughtfully decorated in a Balinese style, built with wood from Java, and equipped with what you need. If you're staying in Bali and Ubud, we'd absolutely choose Masakali Houses again. We'd give it six stars if we could.