Morning mists clear over the pool at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali.
The first Banyan Tree Escape resort by luxury hospitality group Banyan Tree is to open in Bali this September.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is a petite, eco-conscious property located in northern Ubud that will pioneer a ‘no walls, no doors’ concept, married with a sustainable design and build.
Just 16 ‘balés’, or villas, will be available at the property, set around an Open Kitchen and Living Room dining and lounge spaces.
According to Ho Ren Yung, vice president of Brand HQ at Banyan Tree, the group has owned the piece of land on which the hotel has been built for more than twenty years.
“The conceptualisation of Banyan Tree Escape started almost five years ago,” she said. “It’s a true labour of love and a bold experience proposition… At the heart of this brand is creating a way for people to be present, to unearth, to renew, and a way to truly ‘be here’. Fireflies in your room at night, and morning mists with the sunrise - it’s an unparalleled journey, communing with nature, alone and with others.”
Bali balé bedroom views worth waking up for.
The property embraces a zero-waste, farm-to-table concept in its dining space and the menu is 70% plant-based, with produce sourced within an hour’s drive. The Botanist Bar uses locally grown ingredients and botanicals infused into its drinks and the resort’s Toja Spa embraces an ‘open’ garden experience and wellbeing traditions from local Buahan village.
Many aspects of the interior design use recycling or local crafting, such as the repurposed Ulin ‘iron’ wood from boat jetties, along with hand-carved wooden headboards, hand-smithed copper bathtubs and natural dye soft furnishings.
The resort is set amongst rice paddies and jungle next to the Ayung river and waterfall, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and seven peaks. ‘Hideaway spots’ on and off the property provide quiet spaces for guests to relax and embrace the tranquility. There’s also a calendar of curated and self-led activities.
The local sociology, architecture and culture was researched over a four month period to guide the Banyan Tree team and ensure experiences immerse guests in the local area and complement the resort’s relationship with the local community.
Open garden treatment rooms at Toja Spa.
Gede Kresna, a local architect who specialises in Balinese design and environmentally friendly architecture, and his team carried out the studies and a summary of their findings will be available at the resort. Kresna worked closely with Banyan Tree’s head of architecture, Dharmali Kusumadi, who designed the balés and other resort facilities.
Banyan Tree recognises that the resort will be opening during the pandemic, but insists this brand extension symbolises Banyan Tree’s vision and commitment to creating immersive experiences.
Or, as the saying goes, the show must go on.
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