Stay here: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan review

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a true jungle sanctuary set amid the island’s verdant Ayung River Valley. With stunning views, world-class facilities and an overwhelmingly peaceful atmosphere, every moment here feels special. If you’re looking for an Ubud wellness resort, this luxurious escape surrounded by nature is the perfect place to find complete tranquillity.

What’s the deal? 

Just a 15-minute drive from central Ubud, Bali’s spiritual capital, this resort somehow achieves the kind of peace and quiet you might have forgotten was possible. Your first introduction to the property is a dramatic walk across a suspension bridge that overlooks the sacred valley and leads you to the roof of the main building, a rice bowl-inspired creation that perfectly embodies this resort’s bold character and sense of place.  

In true Alice in Wonderland fashion, you then wind your way down into a rainforest haven of towering trees, terraced rice fields and enchanting tropical gardens. Reflecting Bali's deep-rooted connection to water as a source of nourishment for the body and soul, flowing water is a recurring feature throughout the resort, with the breathtaking rooftop lotus pond standing out as the most captivating example.  

Why stay?

Choose either a duplex suite housed within the main building or a secluded private villa hidden among the tropical foliage. Carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, the accommodation offers an intimate connection to nature and a reassuring sense of privacy. Decorated with a harmonious mix of traditional and contemporary Balinese influences – including handcrafted teak furniture and artisanal woven fabrics – each space reflects the island's unique character, ensuring the entire experience feels distinctly Balinese rather than that of a generic luxury hotel. 

We stayed in a riverfront one-bedroom villa. Accessed from above, the villa is crowned by a tranquil lotus pond and features a private infinity pool that overlooks the lush river valley. Bali’s natural beauty is immersed in every moment you spend here, from waking to the soothing sounds of nature to unwinding by the pool while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The villa offers a profound sense of calm and connection with the natural world.    

Dining options range from authentic Indonesian cuisine made with seasonal local ingredients to Mediterranean dishes inspired by Greece and Italy. For something truly exceptional, reserve a table at Sokasi , where a multi-course dining experience reinterprets traditional Balinese feast dishes that are typically prepared only for grand celebrations. Before dinner, be sure to stop by the lobby to enjoy a captivating Balinese dance performance, a beautiful introduction to the island’s legendary cultural heritage. 

Ubud is renowned for its wellness scene, and Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Sayan is among one of its most exceptional offerings. Recently redesigned, the spa specialises in healing rituals that draw on Bali's rich spiritual tradition.  

Building on its reputation as one of Bali's leading wellness destinations, the resort has introduced a new generation of restorative experiences focused on holistic renewal. Among them is Pulih Batin, a semi-guided rejuvenation journey that combines breathwork, steam and ice-bath contrast therapy, as well as time on an infrared crystal-embedded zero-gravity lounger. Designed to promote deep muscular relaxation, improve circulation and restore balance, the experience leaves you feeling both energised and refreshed.

The resort offers an abundance of experiences for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind, from daily yoga sessions and culinary workshops to cycling excursions through Kintamani’s breathtaking landscapes.

Guests can further enrich their stay with a range of off-site experiences, including the Secret Bali Tour . Without revealing too much, this exclusive journey has been designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with the island, and ventures beyond Bali’s well-known attractions to uncover hidden temples, local communities and lesser-known cultural treasures. Offering authentic discovery and meaningful encounters with the culture of the island, it presents a quieter, more intimate side of Bali rarely experienced by travellers.

Cathay editors say…  

“Arrive by river raft for one of the most show-stopping hotel check-ins imaginable. After drifting along the Ayung River and stepping ashore beneath the dramatic jungle canopy, the journey to the resort feels more like the start of an adventure than a traditional arrival. 

Another unmissable experience is the Restu Bumi ritual, a unique spiritual healing journey rooted in Balinese tradition. Combining sacred cleansing rituals, fragrant local herbs, traditional instruments and a warming gemstone massage using Indonesian moss agate, the treatment is designed to foster a deeper connection with the island’s natural energy. It was one of the most memorable wellness experiences of my stay, leaving me feeling refreshed, grounded, and spiritually renewed.”