Checking in to Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Bali
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape is a real showstopper, but quietly so. That’s if you can even find it, as it’s been so cleverly built into the jungle the site is barely visible until you walk through the long and winding entrance, through its meandering paths. Nadia Walford checked in to give us the full lowdown…
Set in the heart of Bali’s highlands about 40 minutes drive from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, Buahan challenges the usual understanding of a luxury eco resort, instead offering guests an immersion in nature that is both confronting and liberating thanks to its ‘no walls no doors’ concept which exposes guests to the resort’s wild and untamed surroundings.
Image credit: Banyan Tree
Opened in June 2022, it is the first property to open under a new brand for the Banyan Tree Group called, Escape, which promotes ‘a place to disconnect and reconnect in unfamiliar ways’. Buahan bought the 12-acre site nearly two decades ago, before it began developing the site. A second Escape hotel is due to open next year on the island of Balak in Indonesia.
Image credit: Banyan Tree
Hidden in the heart of Bali’s highlands, Buahan is a secluded paradise that offers unparalleled privacy and tranquillity, and as an adults-only resort, it’s a peaceful antidote to Ubud. Surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, the resort is also next to the Ayung River, and a 20m-high waterfall where two rivers meet. This setting not only offers stunning natural beauty but also opportunities for guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Bali through nearby villages and historical sites.
Image credit: Banyan Tree
The design ethos of Buahan focuses on open spaces, with a striking ‘no walls no doors’ concept running throughout the entire property. Traditional Balinese architecture is combined with contemporary luxury, but in line with the natural environment, promoting a sense of serenity and connection to nature. The villas, also known as Bales (meaning ‘space where the community gathers’ in Indonesian), feature private pools and panoramic views of the lush jungle, and have been designed with sustainable materials and local craftsmanship. The indoor-outdoor concept, memorably named ‘The Naked Experience’, allows for natural light and airflow, creating a tranquil and immersive experience.
A retreat that aims to not disrupt surrounding communities, the Banyan Tree Group worked with Balinese architect Gede Kresna’s firm Rumah Intaran to understand how to do sustainable and cultural preservation on the island and ensure a low-impact design. Sticking to its sustainable values, the resort hires almost all staff locally and buys as much as possible from area farmers and small businesses. This ethos of sustainability and social responsibility is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, reflecting a deep respect for the environment and local culture.
Image credit: Banyan Tree
The culinary experience at Buahan is both innovative and authentic, promising a 70% plant-based menu as part of its zero-waste concept. The hotel’s dining options emphasise locally sourced ingredients (all produce comes from within just a one-hour drive of the property), with a farm-to-table approach that highlights the flavours of Bali. The menu offers a fusion of traditional Balinese dishes and contemporary cuisine, ensuring a diverse and satisfying culinary journey, and guests are also welcome to forage for their own ingredients, trekking through dense greeneries to learn about the local flora, and farm harvesting traditions. Once the ingredients are secured, guests can participate in an open-flame cooking class to turn their produce into culinary creations. For pre- or post-dinner cocktails, The Botanist Bar prioritises local-grown natural ingredients and botanicals.
The Toja Spa epitomises relaxation and rejuvenation. Inspired by ancient Balinese healing traditions, the spa treatments are designed to soothe the mind, body, and soul. Guests can indulge in a variety of therapies, from massages and facials to holistic wellness experiences. The spa’s serene setting, overlooking the lush jungle landscape, enhances the overall sense of wellbeing, making it a sanctuary for those seeking holistic health and relaxation.
Image credit: Banyan Tree
Buahan operates with a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The hotel prioritises eco-friendly practices, including the use of sustainable materials in its construction, water conservation, and waste reduction initiatives, as well as an earth-friendly mist made in-house that keeps pesky insects at bay, without harming the surrounds.
As a resort completely steeped in nature, it’s impossible not to experience some form of deep reflection and self-growth here. The Soul Freedom Journey encourages just that, aiming to cleanse mind and body, dissolve negativity, and release what no longer serves you, thus freeing the spirit. Following a guided meditation and chanting, guests walk to the Tjamuhan waterfall within the resort grounds for a special flower release ritual. Though it should be noted, this, along with other activities, are not for the faint hearted, with steep steps, sometimes slippery paths, and dense nature throughout the resort. For the active-minded, jungle treks and cycling excursions through the idyllic landscape are also available to book.
The hotel’s thoughtful design, exceptional culinary offerings, serene location, rejuvenating spa, and sustainable ethos make it a standout destination for anyone travelling to Bali in search of a peaceful opportunity to connect with nature, and an overall enriching experience.
Main image credit: Banyan Tree
