Bambu Indah

The Bambu Indah, meaning beautiful bamboo, is an upper-mid-range resort that feels like a historic Indonesian village, overlooking beautiful rice paddies. Flat stone pathways meander through the large eco-friendly property, made with Javanese teak wood constructed over 100 years ago. Founded by John Hardy Jewelry owners, John and Cynthia, who live on the adjacent property, the resort was created to remain in harmony with the natural surroundings. They also founded the well-known Green School. The husband-and-wife team, who met in the 1980s, have a personal connection to the property, having raised their children on the land. Natural designs, sustainable facilities, and eco-friendly operations limit the resort’s environmental impact. The lobby is one-of-a-kind thatched dome within a bamboo structure. The grounds, however, are dimly lit to limit environmental light pollution, and guests are given flashlights to get around at night.

The Bambu Indah resort is on a quiet side street on the outskirts of downtown Ubud in the village of Baung. It’s a quick walk to the main road, where there are a few restaurants, shops, and markets. Tours to the Green School, founded by the resort’s owners, are 20 minutes by car. It’s a 20-minute drive to Ubud Market, Ubud Palace, and the Museum Puri Lukisan. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary takes 20 minutes to reach by car. Saraswati Temple and the Campuhan Ridge Walk are a 15-minute car trip away. The Tegenungan Waterfall is reachable in 24 minutes. Goa Gajah takes 20 minutes in the car. Driving to Ngurah Rai International Airport takes an hour and 10 minutes.

Eleven Javanese bridal homes -- constructed over 100 years ago and transported to the property -- are on-site. Rustic designs create a unique and romantic jungle experience, with canopy beds, bamboo designs, wooden floors, pops of colorful Indonesian textiles, antiques, thatched roofs, wraparound porches, private gardens, and ponds. Features include air-conditioning, writing desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi, and some have minibars. Bug spray and incense are also provided. Additional beds are available for a fee. Each bathroom is different, offering glass ceilings, copper fixtures, rainfall showerheads, indoor/outdoor garden showers, toilet hoses, and hairdryers. The Kuda House is the smallest. The Jawa Lama House was featured in the book “Living Bali.” The Elora and Orin House were part of the Hardy family residence. The Afrika House, the largest, has a copper bathtub that was featured in Travel + Leisure. The striking Pagoda has four floors with a winding staircase. 

The open-air restaurant, Dapoer, has an organic menu picked fresh from the resort’s bamboo greenhouse and a casual atmosphere, with bamboo beamed ceilings, jungle views, copper details, bright textiles, and brick ovens in an open kitchen. A small spa offers massages in a thatched treatment room, nail salon services, and a scenic deck, with a hammock and sofas. The black bamboo yoga house is a replica of a Minangkabau house in Sumatra, featuring pitched thatched rooftops. Private yoga classes are available. There are many other classes, activities, and tours provided through the resort. Balinese ceremonies, cooking lessons,  and sunset cocktails are offered. 

The natural lagoon pool -- which features a bamboo bridge and waterfall -- is made of density polyethylene, lava stones, and natural plant water filters. Red cushioned lounge chairs and blue umbrellas are on the lawn. There’s also a rope swing. A lovely tree house, with a bamboo ladder, is tucked in the forest landscape. Wi-Fi is free throughout.