After a slightly gruelling 17 hour flight from London to Dubai and them Dubai to Denpasar, Bali, I was not feeling my finest as I exited arrivals at Denpasar. However, my fatigue was quickly replaced with calm and relaxation as the GDAS driver responsible for my airport transfer to the resort escorted me to an air conditioned luxury car replete with cold water and delicious vegan cookies. Within a little over an hour we arrived at the resort, my fatigue long forgotten.

From the minute you enter GDAS a feeling of zen envelopes you. You are ‘purified’ as you check in with both floral blessings and coconut water spray and these blessings continue throughout your stay at this incredible resort.

Surrounded by rice paddies on the outskirts of the magical Ubud in Bali the resort exudes tranquility… Ubud, itself is renowned for its spirituality and healing as the name Ubud comes from the word ‘ubad’ meaning quite literally, medicine in ancient Balinese. So the resort is well placed for all things medicine and healing. Inside the resort there is a sense of both serenity and peace. The clever use of glass across the resort allows for a feeling of being flooded by light at all times, even when the rain falls (as it frequently did given my stay coincided with the rainy season).

The rooms offer both style and comfort with deluxe walk in showers and a freestanding bath filled with herbs and tropical flowers for that truly indulgent bathing experience. All rooms have outside space by virtue of a patio, which, in my case, faced the tranquil rice paddies. Traditional Balinese elements fill the rooms with a nod to the contemporary by virtue of the clever lighting and luxurious soft furnishings.

Senses are key here too, from the choice of music that resonates throughout the resort, to the aromas that emanate from the various incense burners dotted around GDAS. As a wellness centre, all these touches combine to create a holistic feel of being catered for, mind body and soul.

The vegan restaurant is truly a wonder (see review) and a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. I could wax lyrical about their delicious tofu scramble on their breakfast menu…but I digress and as the restaurant itself is so wondrous, I have written a full review on that alone. It should be noted that the resort’s dedication to veganism is not limited simply to the food, even the highly effective mosquito repellent provided in the rooms, is vegan.

The resort’s new spa is currently under construction but as a Wellness centre, they still offer a full spa experience with treatments that are truly exceptional. I was treated to an exquisite Cendaya massage in my room which incorporates bamboo within the treatment, I was offered by my Therapist a choice of either light, medium or firm pressure and opted for firm to elevate the muscle tightness that is ever present as a working mother. After a full hour spent with my massage Therapist, I felt as light as a feather following the treatment.

As a Wellness Centre, you would fully expect the resort to offer Wellness packages and in this regard, it does not disappoint. From New Moon Intention Setting Rituals to Wellbeing days and daily yoga practice, all spiritual and emotional well being needs are catered for here at Gdas. I attended one such event – a Wellbeing Day which comprised of; yoga, journaling, foraging in their beautiful gardens and making Boreh, a traditional Balinese body scrub. This scrub is made up of plants, herbs and spices which leave the skin silky smooth & smelling divine.

The guided mediation I attended was yet another relaxing and blissful experience here at Gdas and one I would highly recommend even to those who are not regular meditators.

A review on this resort would not be complete without discussing the incredible service offered by the staff here at Gdas. One is always referred to by name here, by all the staff who learn all the guests names to ensure a top tier level of hospitality. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff here and level of customer service afforded Gdas guests, is, quite simply, extraordinary.

The resort offers a complementary shuttle service to central Ubud which guests can book and be transported to. Central Ubud is well worth a visit, as it is regarded as as a cultural and art destination within Bali. Ubud Palace is an absolute must see whilst staying at GDAS.

I cannot recommend GDAS more highly and I will certainly return to experience the new spa when it opens in 2024.