Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is a true labour of love and a bold experience proposition, pioneering a “no walls, no doors” concept that embraces nature’s wild space, an invitation to a different way of being where one can unearth, renew and commune with nature.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is set in an off-the-beaten-track, untouched part of northern Ubud. Developed thoughtfully over decades and developed through the pandemic, this brand extension symbolizes Banyan Tree brand’s vision to
creating immersive experiences combining
deep nature and sustainable design. Pioneering a “no walls, no doors” concept throughout the property and in each of its 16 bale (villas), the experience concept is an invitation into a different way of being,
aligned to the natural rhythms of the living world.
Honouring Indonesian architecture and craftsmanship, each villa has been built and decorated using lovingly-sourced materials, such as repurposed “
Ulin” ironwood salvaged from old boat jetties in the Kalimantan region, hand-carved wooden headboards from Buahan,
hand-smithed copper bathtubs from Central Java and
natural dye soft furnishings from Bali. Other natural, sustainable materials such as bamboo were used in the Toja garden spas and the multipurpose pavilion, giving an organic and natural form to these spaces.
The resort pathway experience is interspersed with 2000sqm of organic farm throughout. Beyond using ingredients from the Farm to the Open Kitchen, the concept is foraging Wild-to-Table. Over 6 zones, guests are able to learn about sustainable growing and experience foraging indigenous plants of Bali and Buahan. These include species endemic to the actual site, such as orange, cacao and coffee trees, fern, and buni fruit (Antidesma bunius). For example, the culinary team harvests the buni tree in Villa 18 seasonally to make jams and kombuchas in the daily menu.
The menu concept, 70% of which is plant based, is sourced locally within a one-hour drive from the property. This concept was developed through a collaboration with Agency X, a local F&B group that houses the acclaimed restaurant Locavore. The Botanist Bar is centered around the use of local-grown natural ingredients and botanicals infused into its beverages, where we infused liquors and create homemade sodas, kombuchas and garnishes.
Our overall approach was to honor the beautiful site, and surface the great beauty already there to
human awareness. A site survey of endemic flora and fauna was conducted, along with extensive field research on the sociological, architectural and cultural aspects within
1-hour radius of the property. This research informed both the operational and design aspects of the property, with a vision that it would authentically reflect the agricultural, religious, cultural and artisanal craft of its locale. Experiences were lovingly created using this research into a Discovery Calendar that celebrates on-site excursions as well as surrounding treks. Experience collaborations with local healers, farmer and craftspeople are at the heart of the property.
Buahan has been globally recognized:
– TIME, The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021
– The New York Times, 10 New Standout Hotels in Asia 2022
– Destination Deluxe, Eco Hotel of the Year 2022
Buahan is working towards the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
