Review: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

On a recent trip to Bali to celebrate our anniversary, we spent a few nights in Ubud and decided to splurge on a stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. This would be our first time at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, and when paired with an anniversary, I was particularly excited for this stay.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are luxurious, one-of-kind resorts found in remote locations around the world, chosen for their natural landscapes. The brand aims to provide a more intimate, luxurious, and cultural experience to their guests.

In particular, Mandapa has a focus on wellness. The resort endeavours to relax and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul, and not only did our stay surpass all my expectations, but it set a very high standard for future stays with this brand. 

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Booking

As one of Marriott’s top-tier brands, you can expect a stay at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to not come cheap. At Mandapa, nightly rates go from 15,000,000–27,000,000 IDR ($954–1,718 USD, $1,329–2,216 CAD) before taxes, ranking it among the most expensive properties in Bali. By comparison, a night at the nearby Element Bali Ubud may cost under 1,500,000 IDR ($95 USD, $140 CAD) per night.

If you were to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay, you can expect to pay between 94,000–132,000 points per night, which is what I did. I booked my three-night stay on Bonvoy points at a rate of 110,000–118,000 points per night, when the going cash rate was  $1,400 (CAD) per night plus taxes.

With our current valuation of Bonvoy points at 0.6 cents per point (USD) or 0.8 cents per point (CAD), I came out ahead by redeeming points. Keep in mind that redemption costs do fluctuate, so monitor for price drops diligently.

Alternatively, if you’re booking a cash rate at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, be sure to get in touch with a travel advisor with access to Marriott STARS, Marriott’s preferred partner program. Doing so will afford you exclusive perks, such as breakfast for two, a $100 (USD) experience credit that you may use at the spa, and more, all at the same cost as the best-available public rate.