Though summer is drawing to a close, dreams of restorative retreats and transformative travels are anything but waning. Our travels to Bali, Indonesia earlier this summer led us to a escape - Bambu Indah - that we promise will provide a much-needed indulgence for even the most wearied of travelers to daydream about.
Bambu Indah, which means "beautiful bamboo" in Balinese, is a destination that offers a unique curation of the most beautiful and luxurious elements that Southeast Asia has to offer. Restored by Canadian-born jewelry designers John and Cynthia Hardy, this boutique hotel is comprised of several antique Indonesian bridal homes, updated with the finest modern details and sustainable practices, and located within a spectacular natural environment in the town of Ubud, an hour's drive north of Bali's capital Denpasar. From traditional Balinese cuisine made with organic, homegrown ingredients to countless natural swimming pools and scenic bridges to expansive rice paddies perfect for fresh morning walks, this retreat combines the best of both worlds: luxury and sustainability, modernity and traditionalism, adventure and relaxation.
Fewer, Better Travel Tips:
- Book a private house early or off-season (February-May and October-December) for an unparalleled experience. Designed with dramatically sloping, petal-shaped roofs, filled with elaborate bamboo-woven furniture and home accents, yet updated with modern amenities such as air-conditioning and wireless Internet, each high-end "tree house on land" (courtesy of one member of the friendly hotel staff) is an individual mecca of peace.
- Visit Minang House, a retreat/events space in the resort, for early morning yoga and evening celebrations, and to admire the globally-lauded architecture. Built by local craftsmen from sustainable black bamboo (a quickly maturing timber that doesn't need to be replanted, unlike most other types of timber), the structure is designed such that each curve of the roof replicates the symmetry of a rising full moon. It also hosts a beautiful music space, featuring the famous Minnag Harp, which was installed by sound architect Rudiger Schodel.
- Keep in mind that all paths and walkaways in the resort are comprised of irregular, flat stones, so the destination is not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.
