In the tropical dreamland that is Bali, you’ll find a beautiful resort village tucked into the jungle perched above what’s known as the sacred Pakerisan River—this otherworldly village is Hoshinoya Bali, located in Ubud. Here the river’s waters permeate all of life, from the constant gentle roar to the pristine irrigation canals that run through the whole resort. If you’re looking for an utterly peaceful, relaxing escape from the demands of normal daily life (one with both Japanese simplicity and a Balinese spiritual bent), this is the destination for you. So grab your love or your best traveling buds, pack your swimsuit and some calming essential oils and prepare to be soothed by the waters—and the epic jungle views—into some seriously deep serenity.
In this traditional Balinese-inspired property, a natural-but-deluxe aura and open-air living reign supreme. Wood framed villas with wrap-around sliding glass doors are topped with thatched roofs made from a local sacred grass called alang-alang, with every design consideration meant to accommodate and welcome the temperate climate. In keeping with the distinctively Japanese Hoshinoya family of resorts, Hoshinoya Bali remains Japanese in its spatial design while still celebrating the charming local Balinese craftsmanship. You’ll see evidence of these crafts through the use of traditional metal, wood, stone and batik techniques throughout. Guests navigate the elegant property over wooden boardwalks that line the canals, and elevated gazebos dot the skyline for the ultimate jungle sightseeing situation.
On top of the visually spectacular grounds, the villas here are one-of-a-kind. With a handful of options between the single or two-story villas or the more extensive maisonettes (perfect for extended stays and groups of four), each guesthouse is meticulously decorated with Balinese woodcarvings and local art. Just beyond each of the private balconies are the three canal-like swimming pools that have a semi-private section for each villa, separated by a water garden. Swim through the light flowers and foliage (sounds dreamy, right?) and you’ll be floating in the 230-foot pool that is open day and night to guests. In our opinion, nothing beats a little night swimming in the heart of the jungle.
Not the lounge-by-the-pool-all-day type? Not to worry—there are plenty of activities to entertain (though in a culture where it’s customary to bathe several times of day, why not take advantage of being a water bum?). Between the unparalleled in-house restaurant—offering nine-course Indonesian dinners, we might add—the superlative riverside spa treatments, morning and evening yoga classes, nearby pristine beaches (complete with snorkeling and diving), traditional dance tours, Balinese crafts workshops and more, you may be feeling more like there’s no rest for the weary. May we suggest you do a bit of both and find that perfect Balinese balance of actively soaking up the beauty, while also taking some precious time to just be.
Photography Courtesy of Hoshinoya Bali
