MAAR Resort Bali: A Peaceful Cliffside Retreat for Slow Mornings, Big Skies & Bali at Its Softest
There are parts of Bali that feel like they’re trying to impress you cafés styled for Instagram, sunset spots packed by 4pm, scooters weaving through crowds because everyone wants the same photo. And then there are places that don’t try at all… yet somehow stay with you long after you leave.
MAAR Resort Sidemen is one of those places.
You don’t arrive here with a checklist. You arrive, breathe in the air, look out at the endless folds of rice terraces, and realise you’ve stepped into a rhythm that existed long before tourism came to Bali. It’s not dramatic or loud. It’s the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you slow, quiet, and strangely grounding.
If you’ve ever wondered what Bali felt like before the world arrived, Sidemen is that window. MAAR just frames it perfectly.
Where Is MAAR Resort? And What Makes Sidemen So Different?
MAAR Resort is located in Sidemen Valley, East Bali one of the island’s last truly serene regions.
Sidemen is known for:
endless rice terraces
views of Mount Agung
crystal-clear rivers
traditional Balinese village culture
slow travel and nature-based experiences
Distance-wise:
Ubud → MAAR Resort: around 1 hour 10 minutes
Sanur → MAAR Resort: around 55 - 65 minutes
Ngurah Rai Airport → MAAR Resort: approx. 1 hour 20 - 30 minutes
Canggu → MAAR Resort: roughly 1 hour 40 minutes (depends on traffic)
If you’ve only visited Bali’s busiest areas, Sidemen feels like stepping into a different timeline no honking, no queues, no commercial chaos. Just landscapes.
This is why MAAR Resort works so well here. The architecture is modern, but the soul of the stay feels deeply connected to the land around it.
The Resort: Calm, Contemporary & Designed to Slow You Down
MAAR Resort isn’t huge and thank goodness for that.
It’s a boutique escape, designed with a minimalist, earthy aesthetic that balances modern comfort with Bali’s natural textures.
Expect:
warm, wooden interiors
soft lighting
large windows that frame the valley
stone, bamboo and natural elements
wide-open views in almost every direction
Nothing feels cluttered; nothing feels loud.
It’s the kind of space that invites long pauses, slow mornings, and early nights.
Suites & Villas: Privacy, Views & That Soft Sidemen Morning Light
All rooms at MAAR Resort follow the same philosophy light, nature, and quietness.
You’ll find:
valley-facing suites with panoramic views
private pool villas (perfect for couples)
terrace suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
bathtub views overlooking rice fields
Every room has a slightly different charm, but all share the same atmosphere: calm mornings, breezy afternoons, and those cotton-candy sunsets Sidemen is famous for.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, the private pool villas are the ones people rave about the most.
This is also a great place for solo travellers who want to disconnect without feeling isolated.
What You Can Actually Do Here (Besides Blissfully Nothing)
Sidemen encourages slow travel. MAAR Resort complements that beautifully.
Here’s what your days can look like:
1. Sunrise from your balcony
Sidemen mornings always feel slightly magical a soft mist rolls through the valley, the sound of roosters in the distance, and Mount Agung waking up with the sun.
MAAR’s elevated location means you see all of it from your room.
2. Walks through real Balinese villages
Not curated for tourists, not staged just everyday life.
Kids cycling to school, farmers tending to their rice fields, women carrying offerings.
A true glimpse of Bali.
3. River tubing, trekking or waterfall visits
Sidemen has multiple rivers perfect for gentle tubing or refreshing dips.
Ask the resort for guided options.
4. A cooking class with local ingredients
Many resorts in Sidemen host traditional cooking sessions.
You learn real Balinese flavours, not the overly Westernised versions.
5. A day trip to Tirta Gangga or Pura Lempuyang
Both are within 30–45 minutes.
Perfect half-day plans.
6. Spa sessions overlooking the valley
MAAR’s spa menu includes Balinese massages, herbal treatments and grounding therapies ideal after long travel days.
Dining: Simple, Fresh, Local
MAAR Resort’s dining style is not over-the-top or overly fancy it’s honest, flavourful and grounded in local ingredients.
Expect:
Balinese classics
fresh rice from the surrounding valleys
tropical fruits
herbal drinks
beautiful breakfast spreads
Breakfast here is usually the highlight:
smoothie bowls, eggs your way, warm pastries, fruit, coffee all enjoyed with that sweeping Sidemen view.
The Pool: Quiet, Scenic & Perfect for Golden Hour
The resort pool sits in an open area with an uninterrupted view of the valley.
It’s not a loud party pool it’s a calm space with soft music, loungers, and the kind of breezy air you only get in East Bali.
Golden hour is unbeatable here.
How to Get to MAAR Resort (Easy & Clear Directions)
From Ubud
Take the Tampaksiring → Rendang route.
You’ll pass quiet villages and beautiful greenery.
From the Airport
The fastest route is:
Airport → Sanur → Gianyar → Sidemen.
Transport tips:
Grab/GoJek sometimes don’t operate deep inside Sidemen.
Best option: arrange a driver through the resort.
Scooter rentals are available, but Sidemen roads are winding.
Who MAAR Resort Is Perfect For
You’ll love this place if you want:
✔ a peaceful Bali experience
✔ a romantic or slow-travel stay
✔ views instead of crowds
✔ authentic cultural surroundings
✔ warm, personal hospitality
If you want nightlife, beaches or cafés every few metres this is not your area.
Sidemen is slow by design.
Best Time to Stay
Sidemen is beautiful year-round, but:
Dry season (April - October) offers the clearest skies.
Rainy season (Nov - March) brings misty mornings (beautiful for photos) and lush landscapes.
Neither is a wrong choice just different moods.
Final Thoughts A Different Kind of Bali, A Different Kind of Peace
There are places in Bali that impress you immediately.
MAAR Resort is the kind that stays with you quietly.
The kind of place you think about on the plane home.
The kind of place you recommend only to people who will appreciate its silence.
The kind of place you remember long after the trip ends.
If you want Bali without the bustle, landscapes without the noise, and a stay that feels intimate without feeling isolated MAAR Resort is a perfect choice.
And when you go, tell me whether your favourite moment was sunrise, golden hour, or that first deep breath you took when you arrived.
For more hidden Bali stays, underrated gems, slow-travel ideas and warm recommendations, check Londonyaar.com I’ll keep sharing places that genuinely make the world feel a little softer.