Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Welcomes the Festive Season with Culinary Journeys and a Spirit of Renewal

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, ushers in the 2025 festive season with “A Season of Renewal,” a month-long celebration inspired by the red dragonfly — a Balinese symbol of transformation and mystery. Running from 1 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, the program invites guests to experience a time of reflection and joy through gastronomy, wellness, and cultural connection set against Ubud’s lush river valley.

The celebration begins with Mandapa’s annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring a choir performance by the children of Taman Permata Hati – Bali Orphan Day Center. In keeping with the resort’s commitment to community and compassion, the event reflects the resort’s mission to uplift local lives and create meaningful impact through the festive season

Culinary Highlights Across the Reserve

Mandapa’s restaurants and bars present a collection of festive menus designed to showcase the island’s flavors and craftsmanship. At Kubu, the resort’s award-winning fine dining venue, guests can indulge in a nine-course zero-waste degustation menu created entirely with ingredients foraged within a 100-kilometer radius of the resort. The riverfront bamboo pods provide an intimate setting for dishes that celebrate Bali’s biodiversity through modern technique and presentation.

At Sawah Terrace, Indonesian culinary heritage takes center stage with a menu that blends authenticity and nostalgia. This season’s specials feature traditional roasts, lamb chops, and festive confections inspired by Christmas traditions, offering a taste of Indonesia’s rich regional diversity.

Evenings at Ambar Ubud Bar bring a celebration of mixology and storytelling, with panoramic views of the Ayung River valley and cocktails designed to mirror the season’s warmth. The new lineup includes playful creations such as Rudolph the Red Nose (pink pomelo gin), Elf Elixir (chili and tequila), and Winter Hearth (Hojicha whiskey and salted truffle foam).

A Collaboration with Modernhaus Jakarta

Adding to the festivities, Modernhaus Jakarta, ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, will host a special bar takeover on 25 December 2025. The team — led by co-founder Mirwansyah “Bule” and mixologist Aldy — will introduce their ingredient-focused philosophy centered on the four elements of plant anatomy: roots, fruits, leaves, and flowers. The collaboration will present guests with inventive cocktails that reflect both Modernhaus’s precision and Ambar’s connection to nature.

Wellness and Reflection in Nature

Beyond its dining experiences, Mandapa’s Disconnect to Reconnect program invites guests to engage in restorative rituals including morning breathwork, Vipassana yoga, Watsu therapies, fire blessings, and botanical explorations. The resort’s setting along the Ayung River enhances the experience of renewal, offering space for both introspection and celebration.

The festivities culminate in a New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a champagne countdown and a fireworks display over Ubud’s tranquil landscape — a symbolic close to one year and the beginning of another.

“Festive traditions and the magic of our destination are at the heart of this journey,” said Masanori Hosoya, General Manager of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “From discovering ancient temples to savoring the flavors of the land, every bite and sip embodies the mystique and spirit of Bali.”

For guests seeking an extended retreat, The Royal Family Vacations package starts at USD 5,500 net for a three-night stay in a Ubud Pool Villa, including exclusive nature-based activities. The package is available from 17 October 2025 to 31 August 2026.