Relaxing things to do in Bali are more plentiful than most travellers realise, especially in Ubud, where the pace is slower, the air is cooler, and the scenery seems curated for restoration. From a mindful morning walk above the jungle to a rejuvenating spa treatment and a sophisticated evening among rice fields, Ubud offers a full day of unhurried pleasures for those who know where to look. This guide takes you through one perfectly composed day, ending at the finest cocktail bar the island has to offer.
Start Your Morning with Mindful Movements
Begin your day on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a gently undulating trail that winds above the confluence of two sacred rivers. Arrive before 8 am, when the morning mist still clings to the valley, and allow the sweeping views of terraced hillsides and coconut palms to set a slow, unhurried tone for the day ahead.
Indulge in Holistic Wellness at Akoya Spa
After your walk, Akoya Spa offers the ideal transition from movement to stillness. Drawing on traditional Balinese techniques and locally sourced botanical oils, the treatments here are private, unhurried, and genuinely restorative, the perfect complement to an active morning before an indulgent afternoon.
A Tropical Riverside Lunch at CasCades
Perched above the Valley of the Kings within Viceroy Bali, CasCades Restaurant offers one of Ubud’s most theatrical dining settings. A ten-meter alang-alang thatched roof frames jungle valley views, while the menu balances refined international cuisine with authentic Balinese flavours. Linger, order well, and let the afternoon begin.
Master the Art of the Pour at the Cocktail Masterclass at Pinstripe Bar
As the afternoon settles into golden hour, Pinstripe Bar, consistently voted the number one cocktail bar in Bali and listed among the Top 500 Bars of the World, offers an exclusive cocktail masterclass.
The masterclass begins with a guided tour of Pinstripe’s private greenhouse and garden, where guests discover the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that underpin each signature cocktail. You will learn the philosophies, techniques, and sensory principles that elevate a drink from pleasant to extraordinary. Each session concludes with expertly crafted cocktails and delectable Pinstripe canapés. The masterclass accommodates a maximum of six guests per session. Booking is essential via res@pinstripebar.com or WhatsApp +62 813 532 66678.
The Ultimate Relaxed Evening at a Sophisticated Retreat
Escaping the Crowd Into The Charm of a 1920s Speakeasy Atmosphere
Pinstripe Bar occupies a standalone colonial-style building nestled among Ubud’s rice fields, within the grounds of the award-winning Viceroy Bali resort. Step through the entrance, and the 1930s come alive around you. The interior is furnished with marble surfaces, dark timber, plush leather seating, and bronze accents, all cast in the warm glow of vintage lighting. Authentic period photographs line the dimly lit walls, and Art Deco details appear in every carefully considered corner.
Pinstripe Bar is one of the few fully air-conditioned venues in Ubud, making it a genuinely comfortable retreat from the tropical evening air. The plush seating and warm wood panelling also create superior acoustics, a detail that becomes particularly meaningful when the live music begins.
Masterful Mixology and Savouring Artisanal Cocktails at Pinstripe Bar
At the heart of Pinstripe Bar is The Clairvoyant, an illustrated cocktail anthology curated by their head mixologist that pays tribute to the vibrant culture of 1930s Bali and the artists who once called this island home. Each cocktail is a narrative in a glass, built from locally sourced tropical ingredients and crafted using techniques that draw on classical bartending tradition and modern innovation.
Cocktails change colour in the glass, arrive crowned with smoke-filled bubbles, and are presented with theatrical precision, turning every order into a small performance. The Mezcal with peacock feather garnish has become something of a signature spectacle, while the Solera Aged Negroni speaks to the mixology team’s deep understanding of balance and flavour. Beyond cocktails, Pinstripe offers gourmet bar food prepared in the adjoining Apéritif Restaurant kitchen, including the celebrated Venison Wellington, Lobster Tortellini, and Wagyu Burger.
Warm Interiors and Intimate Conversations Amidst the Wilderness
The 60-seat bar is generous in its proportions without ever feeling impersonal. Seating is arranged to encourage conversation, and the service is attentive in the way only a genuinely well-trained team can: present when needed, invisible when not.
The outdoor terrace extends the experience into the tropical evening, with views across the surrounding rice fields that deepen in atmosphere as night falls. Guests may also indulge in the in-house cigar humidor, which houses one of Asia’s finest collections of premium cigars, pairing beautifully with a well-aged whiskey or a slow glass of wine under the stars.
The Soulful Rhythm of Live Jazz Setting the Night’s Mood
Friday and Saturday evenings at Pinstripe Bar are transformed by live music. On Fridays, Yuri Mahatma and Astrid Sulaiman, the renowned co-founders of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival, perform alongside vocalist Verburnn, whose blend of jazz, neo-soul, and rhythm and blues creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric. On Saturday, saxophonist Arie Kurniawan performs alongside a live band playing classics from the 1970s through the 1990s.
The speakeasy architecture ensures that every note reaches the listener with warmth and clarity. The grand piano anchors the space, and the interplay between musicians and guests creates the kind of unhurried, soulful energy that is increasingly rare in modern hospitality. Arriving by 8 pm on these evenings is recommended to secure your preferred seat.
Elevate Your Relaxing Bali Experience
A day that begins above the jungle mist and ends with live jazz, artisanal cocktails, and the quiet glamour of a 1930s speakeasy is the kind of day that Ubud was made for. Reserve your table, book your masterclass, and allow the evening to unfold at its own unhurried pace. For those who understand that the finest relaxing things to do in Bali are not merely about doing less, but about doing the right things with more intention, Pinstripe Bar is your destination.
