Nestled in Ubud, Bali, Bambu Indah, A Hardy Artisanal Hotel is a hidden gem of a resort that leaves an unforgettable impression. With bamboo as its soul, the entire property is deeply tucked away among rainforests and river valley rice terraces, seamlessly blending architecture with nature. It offers an almost irreplaceable experience among all the hotels I've ever stayed in.
The resort features a few dozen rooms, and remarkably, almost every single one of them has a completely unique design. This time, we deliberately chose the iconic Round House. Built entirely of bamboo with an arched dome shaped like a giant bird's nest, staying here feels like transforming into a little bird resting in the rainforest, creating an incredible atmosphere. At the back of the room is a semi-open bathroom setup, where the shower, soaking tub, and toilet are all semi-open-air. Surrounded by lush greenery while bathing or using the restroom, with the rainforest canopy right above your head when you look up, this zero-distance connection with nature is both novel and unforgettable—an experience hard to come by in conventional hotels.
Built along a steep mountainside, the hotel cascades from the hilltop all the way down to the stream at the bottom of the valley. Our bamboo house was located in the higher hilltop area. The resort's pathways wind up and down, connecting rice terraces, the rainforest, and the stream. Along the way, you'll find uniquely styled bamboo bridges and distinctive scenic elevators, making wandering through the grounds feel like a mini jungle adventure.
Both the breakfast and dinner restaurants are situated right by the stream in the valley, housed in similarly grand bamboo structures. Dining right beside the running water with the soothing sound of the stream in the background and lush trees all around turns a meal into a truly ritualistic experience.
The resort's wellness facilities are equally rustic and immersive, featuring several terraced natural pools that follow the contours of the mountain, cascading into the rainforest. Preserving the pristine natural environment to the fullest, the pool water is refreshingly cool, fed by natural mountain springs. To be honest, as someone with a slight germophobic streak, I had my reservations and didn't go in for a swim; but for travelers yearning for an immersive connection with nature, this rustic-luxury experience is exceptionally precious. Right next to the pools sits an outdoor mud-built sauna. Steaming away in the middle of the dense jungle is brimming with rustic charm.
To be objective, this isn't an astronomical-priced luxury hotel, but its strength lies in its one-of-a-kind design philosophy and environmental experience. Back home, I have yet to encounter a resort that achieves such a deep symbiosis with nature.
Stay Tip: With its strong rustic-luxury vibe, semi-open spaces, and mountainside pools, the hotel is better suited for travelers who embrace raw natural environments and seek unique experiences. If you prefer highly standardized refinement and ultimate cleanliness and convenience, you might want to adjust your expectations beforehand.
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