Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Mandapa is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Ayung River in Ubud, about 35 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, among rainforest, rolling hills and rice paddies. There are just 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, and the hotel holds three Michelin Keys.

That small size shapes the weddings. The Temple Lawn, with a century-old temple behind you, and the Ayung Riverside both seat 100. The Rice Terrace Deck, set between the river and the infinity pool, takes 30, and a vow on the wooden deck of your own villa takes 10. This is a place for a close, private wedding rather than a big resort party.

Receptions run on the same scale. The Temple Lawn seats 100 for dinner, the Rice Terrace Deck 30 with a choice of à la carte, barbecue or buffet, and the semi-open Pool Bar and Library 30. Kubu, the zero-waste restaurant, sources its ingredients from within 100 km, and Ambar is a clifftop bar for sunset drinks.

Packages run from the Royal Wedding for up to 12 in a three-bedroom pool villa to the Riverside for up to 30 and the Garden Wedding on the Temple Lawn for up to 150. Ask how 150 fits a lawn that seats 100, and about the music curfew. Marriott Certified Wedding Planners guide you through.

The 60 suites and villas can house the core wedding group, and the Royal package includes airport transfers. The wedding page promises privacy but does not set out exclusive-use terms, so ask the team. Bigger groups can stay elsewhere in Ubud.

Between events, guests can book guided rice field walks, riverside rituals and temple blessings, plus the spa, yoga classes and a fitness centre. Ubud itself is known for art museums such as ARMA and Neka, and for the Monkey Forest, home to around 700 long-tailed macaques. The Tegallalang rice terraces, about 20 minutes' drive north of town, make a good morning outing.