Cicada Resort Bali Ubud Review: Marriott Autograph Collection in Sebatu
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Cicada Resort Bali Ubud
If you're dreaming of a Bali getaway surrounded by lush greenery, rice fields, jungle views and plenty of opportunities to slow down, Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection is a property worth putting on your list.
Located in Sebatu, just outside of central Ubud, Cicada offers a peaceful retreat away from the busier streets of Ubud while still keeping many of Bali's most popular attractions within easy reach. And because it is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, Marriott Bonvoy members can also earn points during an eligible stay — which is always a nice bonus when you're already planning a luxury getaway!
But what really stood out to me about Cicada was that it didn't feel like a typical hotel stay. From the moment we arrived, there were thoughtful touches that made the experience feel distinctly Balinese.
A Traditional Balinese Welcome
One of the first things that stood out was how we were welcomed to the resort.
Rather than simply walking up to a front desk and checking in, guests are welcomed with a traditional Balinese blessing. It was such a beautiful way to begin our stay and immediately made the experience feel connected to the culture and traditions of Bali.
It's these little details that I think make a hotel memorable.
Cicada isn't simply a place to sleep while you're exploring Bali — the resort itself becomes part of the experience.
A Peaceful Location Near Ubud
One thing to know before booking Cicada is that it isn't located right in the middle of Ubud.
Instead, you'll find the resort in Sebatu, north of central Ubud. This gives it a much quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the lush landscape Bali is famous for.
And there's a major bonus to the location: Tirta Empul Temple is extremely close to the resort, while the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces are also nearby.
Some of the experiences I'd recommend adding to your Ubud itinerary include:
Tegallalang Rice Terraces – One of Bali's most recognizable landscapes and a must-see while staying in the Ubud area.
Tirta Empul Temple – A beautiful and culturally significant water temple located very close to the resort.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – One of Ubud's most famous attractions.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – A scenic walk through the hills and greenery surrounding Ubud.
Ubud Palace & Saraswati Temple – Great stops if you're spending time exploring central Ubud.
Mount Batur – For the adventurous traveller, sunrise trekking Mount Batur makes for an unforgettable day.
Balinese cooking classes – A fun way to experience the local culture through food.
The Amenities at Cicada Resort
Cicada has many of the amenities you'd expect from an upscale luxury resort, making it a place where you could easily spend a day relaxing rather than feeling like you need to be out exploring constantly.
The resort features:
Outdoor swimming pool
On-site spa
Large fitness centre
Two restaurants
Coffee and dining options
24-hour front desk and concierge
Complimentary Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members
Beautiful outdoor spaces and jungle surroundings
Yoga and wellness experiences
Cicada Resort Fitness Centre
If you're someone who likes to keep up with your workouts while travelling, Cicada has a surprisingly impressive gym.
It's large, well-equipped and much more substantial than the tiny hotel fitness rooms you sometimes find at resorts.
This was definitely a standout for me because having a proper fitness centre means you don't have to choose between enjoying all the incredible food in Bali and keeping up with your routine!
Spa at Cicada Resort Bali Ubud
Of course, this is Bali — so a spa is practically a requirement!
Cicada's on-site spa gives you the opportunity to add some relaxation to your stay without having to leave the resort.
You can enjoy treatments such as massages, facials and other spa experiences, making it an easy place to schedule some downtime after a busy day of exploring.
And if you're building a Bali itinerary that combines sightseeing with wellness, Cicada makes a great home base.
Dinner Comes With Entertainment
One of my favourite little surprises at Cicada was the live entertainment during dinner.
When we were there, we had a live saxophone performer playing during dinner, which added such a fun atmosphere to the evening.
It wasn't loud or overwhelming — it was simply a lovely touch that made dinner feel like more of an experience.
And the entertainment isn't limited to one type of performance. Guests have reported different evening performances including saxophone, violin, traditional Balinese dance and other cultural entertainment.
It's one of those things that makes you want to sit back, order another drink and enjoy the evening instead of rushing off somewhere else.
Sneak Peak Inside Cicada
Accessibility at Cicada Resort
This is something I always want to highlight when reviewing hotels because accessibility can make a huge difference when choosing accommodation.
Cicada Resort has elevators.
Marriott specifically lists elevators throughout the property, accessible routes from the main entrance and accessible parking. The property also lists several accessible-room features, although guests with specific accessibility requirements should contact the resort directly to confirm that the room and facilities meet their individual needs.
This is a particularly useful feature in Bali, where some smaller boutique properties can have lots of stairs, uneven paths or limited accessibility.
If mobility is an important consideration for your trip, I'd still recommend discussing your specific requirements with the hotel or your travel advisor before booking.
Marriott Bonvoy Points at Cicada Resort
One of the biggest advantages for Marriott loyalists is that Cicada Resort Bali Ubudis part of Marriott's Autograph Collection.
That means eligible stays can be connected to your Marriott Bonvoy account, allowing you to earn points and potentially work toward elite-night credits and status benefits.
For anyone who already collects Marriott Bonvoy points, this can make Cicada an especially appealing choice.
You're getting a beautiful, boutique-style Bali resort while still being able to participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Make the Memories Last: Photoshoot Packages
A Little Personal Moment
One of the most fun things we discovered at Cicada was that the resort offers photoshoot packages and, of course, we couldn't resist!
My husband and I actually got our wedding outfits back on and took more photos around the resort!
After all, if you're going to be surrounded by lush Balinese jungle, beautiful architecture and those incredible resort views, why not take advantage of it?
Cicada makes a beautiful backdrop for couples looking to capture a special moment, whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, engagement, destination wedding or simply want some professional photos from your trip.
And I think this is such a fun option for couples who don't necessarily want to organize a full destination photoshoot somewhere else. You can stay at the resort, get dressed up, have your photos taken and turn the experience into a special part of your Bali vacation.
The resort itself offers plenty of gorgeous settings for photos, from the lush surroundings and pool areas to the elegant interiors and romantic dining spaces. Marriott's own gallery highlights the infinity pool, jungle views, villas, romantic dining and other photogenic spaces throughout the property.
Where to Stay in Ubud: Is Cicada Right for You?
I think Cicada is particularly well suited to travellers who want:
A peaceful luxury resort away from central Ubud
Beautiful jungle and rice-field surroundings
A resort with plenty of amenities
An impressive gym
On-site spa and wellness options
Evening entertainment
A more culturally immersive hotel experience
Elevator access and accessible features
Marriott Bonvoy points and benefits
Easy access to Tegallalang and Tirta Empul
A relaxing base for exploring the Ubud area
I would be a little more cautious about recommending it to someone whose top priority is being walking distance from central Ubud's restaurants, shops and nightlife. Cicada's peaceful location is part of its charm, but you'll need transportation to explore central Ubud.
Staying Connected in Bali
Before travelling to Bali, one thing I would absolutely recommend arranging is your eSIM.
Having mobile data makes getting around so much easier — whether you're using Google Maps, ordering transportation, contacting your hotel, checking tour details or simply looking up the nearest restaurant.
For international travellers, an Airalo eSIM can be a convenient option because you can arrange your data plan before you leave home.
Get your Bali eSIM before you travel
This is another great place for a travel affiliate link because it's directly related to the experience you're describing rather than feeling like a random advertisement.
My Take on Cicada Resort Bali Ubud
Cicada was one of those properties where the little details really stood out.
The traditional Balinese blessing when we arrived, the peaceful jungle surroundings, the live saxophone during dinner, the spa, the fantastic gym and the overall feeling of being tucked away from the busier parts of Ubud all made it feel like more than just a hotel.
I also really appreciate that it combines that intimate, boutique-resort feeling with the familiarity of a Marriott Autograph Collection property.
For Marriott Bonvoy members, that's an especially nice combination.
If you're visiting Bali and want your Ubud stay to feel peaceful, luxurious and distinctly Balinese while still having plenty of opportunities to explore Cicada Resort Bali Ubud is definitely one I'd consider.
Planning a Trip to Bali?
Bali is one of those destinations where a little planning can make a huge difference. There is so much to see and do that it's easy to try to cram too much into one trip.
I'd recommend allowing enough time to enjoy your resort rather than treating it as simply a place to sleep between excursions.
And if you'd rather have someone help put the whole trip together, that's exactly what I do!
I can help with everything from hotels and flights to tours, transfers, activities and custom itineraries.
Plan your Bali vacation with me!
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