Bambu Indah

Bambu Indah, a boutique hotel of regenerative architecture in Ubud

Bambu Indah is a boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Ubud, Bali, presented as a regenerative hospitality project. Its owners, John and Cynthia Hardy, describe the property as an "accidental hotel": it began in 2005 with the installation of eleven antique Javanese teak bridal homes, collected on their travels, next to their home outside Ubud, and initially offered to friends and family visiting the island. The complex sits atop a jungle ridge populated with tamarind, cinnamon, palm, and banyan trees cascading down to a river.

Houses and accommodations

The accommodation is organized into 24 uniquely designed houses, described as examples of regenerative architecture. Among the typologies are houses made of bamboo and reclaimed teak, a spiral-shaped structure of bamboo and copper, a teak bridal home brought from Java, and an open-air nest suspended in the branches of a tree. The list of accommodations includes Mahogany Tent 1 and 2, Dove, Swift, Starling, Kingfisher, Padi House, Kelapa House, Kuno House, Limasan House, Pawon House, Manggis House, Kuning House, Jambu House, Jawa Lama House, Elora and Orin House, Tree House, Sumba House, Copper House, Moon House, Guadua House, New Moon House, and Riverbend House. According to the hotel's description, the rooms have no walls and air conditioning is limited to the beds; French linen bedding and carefully selected artifacts and furnishings are used.

Surroundings, facilities, and experiences

The grounds include a spring-fed pool next to a river, hand-laid stone footpaths, a swinging bamboo bridge, a tunnel leading to a sunset bar overlooking ancient rice paddies, and vegetable plantings among which the houses are located. The concept aims to stimulate discovery and play, and all construction is presented under criteria of originality and ecological mindfulness. The experiences offered include stays, dining, wellness, day passes, events, and weddings.

Gastronomy and own farming

The hotel grows its own vegetables, mushrooms, and rice, and uses live-fire cooking to prepare dishes with Indonesian and other influences. The property's description indicates that drinks are sweetened with natural sweeteners instead of industrial sugars, and that industrial oils were replaced with coconut oil, as well as plastic straws with papaya. Guests can participate in harvesting the rice paddies. The grounds feature edible gardens, an underground mushroom farm, and ducks that fertilize the hotel's own rice paddies.

Regeneration and environmental practices

Bambu Indah presents itself as a project that goes beyond sustainability to restore and rebuild. Its practices include building with bamboo, cultivating permaculture gardens, and replanting ancient rice paddies. The company also organizes trash walks with guests, as noted in one of the press quotes included on its website.

Recognition and press coverage

The hotel's website compiles mentions from media outlets such as TIME (The World's Greatest Places 2024), Sydney Morning Herald, Harper's Bazaar, and Wallpaper. These highlight its commitment to authentic sustainability, the use of sustainable building practices, the adoption of local culture, the growing of its own produce, and the integration of the natural environment, with spaces for dining and relaxing next to the river, bathing in natural pools and waterfalls.

Additional offerings

The website announces a loyalty program called Bambu Indah Friends & Family, with 15% off your next visit and exclusive rewards, as well as the possibility of subscribing via WhatsApp or email. It also mentions events such as Balinese Night and Riverside Sunday Brunch, and the sale of day passes.

Location and contact

Phone: (+62) 361-977-922 · Email: reservations@bambuindah.com