Stayed at a Waka property a couple years ago and hated it (see review through profile - Waka Ganga near Tenah Lot). So I smacked myself on the forehead when it dawned on me that this hotel was part of the same Waka group.

That said, they did a pretty good job. We went with a pool villa and had a nice stay.

Good:
-pool villa was big (at least for us, couple)
-great little plunge pool
-mini-pool gets sun too... we've stayed at places in Bali where your plunge pool is surrounded by privacy walls / courtyards for privacy which while nice, block a lot of the sun too. These mini-pools face the rice paddies so feel much more open and spacious and others we've rented.
-Teatime
-Nice main pool

Bad:
- Found the shuttle service a bit to ad-hoc. Missed the return pickup a few times (driver never showed), which is annoying, as getting a cab from central square in Ubud is frustrating and a rip-off.
- Getting a cab or car from hotel to restaurants was frustrating. I hate how everything is a negotiation when you're in Bali. Frustrating. I try to not let it get to me (but it still does).
- Food was ok, but got a bit old by day 3.
- Slow to bus dishes from around hotel.

Overall: I'm probably to picky, but I struggle to give this place a 4, more like a 3.5. Because the staff all seem so earnest I guess I'll bump it up a peg.

As a first time visitor to Bali, Waka was a fabulous place to start. This was a much anticipated holiday where i wanted to relax but also take in some culture. Waka allowed the time out. It is very tranquil. Wasn't sure how i'd go without a tv or radio in the room but i enjoyed the quiet. Nothing better than waking up, looking over the rice paddies or having dinner delivered to our room at night with the same view. Loved the frogs. Could hear them plopping into the water out the front of our room. The rooms at Waka are really beautiful as are the staff. Nothing is ever a problem. Even though there are clearly others at this property, you feel as though you have it all to yourself most of the time. It was rare that there was anyone in the pool or spa when we were there. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus into town. If you want to go into town by yourself, the local taxi drivers are lovely and it is very cheap. I am sure there is more i can share but i think this review is long enough already....Can't wait for my next stay at Waka. Ubud is a place where you can do lots of day trips so not only would i recommend Waka very highly, i would also recommend Ubud as a destination

The location is beautifully set between rice fields and jungle. The Ubud markets are nearby and the complimentary shuttle service makes it a breeze to get into the city. The facilities are beautiful, comfortable and thoughtful. Yet, perhaps the greatest gift of the Wake di Ume is the generosity and warm service of it's staff. They seem genuinely happy that you are there and the manager offered great ideas for activities. This resort goes out of its way to be exceptional and make you feel at home. I highly recommend the cooking class!

After a long search, we choose this small hotel outside Ubud for a 2-night stay and were very charmed with the whole atmosphere and treatment; we got a splendid suite-room on the top-floor (only 1 level up), with great views on the rice-fields from our large terrace. The accomodation was very good, great room and bathroom, top comfort. They have a good complimentary transfer-system downtown in both directions. Their afternoon-tea is heavenly with all kinds of good small pastries - too good! And the pool is of a good size too.
Breakfast can take a while, because they prepare and serve it for each table separately, but this is not so bad; the view from the breakfast-terrace is breathtaking. And the service is excellent, the staff is very friendly and helpfull.
It is too far to walk downtown, but If you prefer nature and silence, in a small boutique-hotel, just go for it!
We definitely should return to this 'garden of Eden'!