Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape

Truly the best and most exquisite hotel I've stayed at in my life! My wife and I celebrated our honeymoon and my birthday here and had the time of our lives. The atmosphere and service were outstanding with heaps of activities available upon request. Special shout out to Riadi, our Escape Host, who made this an experience we will cherish for the the rest of our lives! Highly recommend

Banyan Tree is a great chain famous for its excellent service and guest comfort, but their Escape concept is truly one of a kind! Everything was SO amazing and exceptionally thought of that I find it difficult to pick the things I liked most. The villa we stayed at had a view to the rainforest and a great infinity pool. Villa's design was awe-inspiring, from "no-walls" concept to choice of wood and texture finishings. The ylang-ylang bath prepared right in the room was not only beautiful and relaxing but worth a lot of likes on Instagram))) Special thanks to Widi, our Host! And big cheers to the great and aspiring chef who arranged our Jungle Affair Dinner (Amarisa if I am not mistaken), it was a memorable experience and a perfect treat for a special occasion! The menu was delicious and exquisite but definitely made to please locavores, healthy food fans, weight watchers and certified nutritionists. It was too delicate and not sufficient for a 50 year old man with traditional food habits, who would like to have a full English breakfast and hearty dinner while on vacations. The staff suggested to "add protein" to our dinner on the first night but still it was not enough. That's not a problem at all, it's rather a tip for those who like meat and big portions and plan to visit. Just ask for more protein from the start!

A Soulful Escape at Buahan – A Banyan Tree Masterpiece Rooted in Nature and Meaning Three nights at Buahan weren’t just a holiday – they were a gentle awakening. A true escape in every sense of the word. Here, you don’t check in to a resort. You arrive into an ethos – one that’s lovingly woven through every moment, every conversation, every plate of food, every whisper of the forest. At the heart of it all lies Tri Hita Karana – the beautiful Balinese philosophy that teaches us that true harmony in life comes from a balance between three relationships: with people, with nature, and with the divine. This isn’t just a concept here – it’s the soul of Buahan. You feel it when you’re welcomed not with formality, but with warmth. When the gong sounds and you’re invited to pause and breathe. When your escape host like Budi knows just when to appear and when to give you space. When the team – every single one of them – treats you not like a guest, but like a fellow soul on a shared journey. You see Tri Hita Karana in how the property is designed: not imposed on nature, but flowing with it. Your bale opens to the jungle, unfiltered, yet cocooned in comfort. We were initially hesitant about insects and mosquitoes – but incredibly, we had no complaints. That’s the Buahan brilliance – they’ve thought of everything so subtly, you forget they had to think at all. And then – the food. At first glance, it’s minimalist. But then you understand: this is slow nourishment, not overindulgence. Each course is crafted with intention, using local ingredients in inspired ways. It’s not just culinary craft – it’s reverence. Even the Baligroni is a work of art, thanks to mixologist Ari’s thoughtful take on tradition. We didn’t touch our gadgets. Not once. Because Buahan gives you something far better – presence. The kind that seeps in through a walk with the activity team, or a quiet moment at the spa, or sporting a firefly at dinner where conversation becomes sacred again. What struck us most was how sustainability here isn’t a statement on a brochure – it’s the invisible thread in everything. From zero-waste practices to locally sourced materials, to the way the property breathes with the land – Buahan doesn’t fight nature, it honours it. We offered a few small ideas to Budi on how to make this heaven even more heavenly (ask him!) – but honestly, we left feeling like we had received far more than we gave. Thank you, Buahan, for not just hosting us, but for healing us. And thank you, Banyan Tree, for creating a sanctuary that proves luxury and meaning can coexist – rooted deeply in the wisdom of Tri Hita Karana. We hope this isn’t just a goodbye, but a promise to return. Again and again.

Banyan Tree is a great chain famous for its excellent service and guest comfort, but their Escape concept is truly one of a kind! Everything was SO amazing and exceptionally thought of that I find it difficult to pick the things I liked most. The villa we stayed at had a great view to the rainforest and a great infinity pool. Villa's design was awe-inspiring, from "no-walls" concept to choice of wood and texture finishings. The ylang-ylang bath prepared right in the room was not only beautiful and relaxing but worth a lot of likes on Instagram))) Special thanks to Widi, our Host! And big cheers to the great and aspiring chef who arranged our Jungle Affair Dinner (Amarisa if I am not mistaken), it was a memorable experience and a perfect treat for a special occasion!

The menu was delicious and exquisite but definitely made to please locavores, healthy food fans, weight watchers and certified nutritionists. It was too delicate and not sufficient for a 50 year old man with traditional food habits, who would like to have a full English breakfast and hearty dinner while on vacations. The staff suggested to "add protein" to our dinner on the first night but still it was not enough. We managed later, and that was not a problem at all, it's rather worth mentioning as a tip for those who like meat and big portions and plan to visit. Just ask for more protein from the start!

Buahan bliss package was the best massage I've ever had. Recommended for those who like relaxation massage.Especially the atmosphere including music, temperature, smell, nature sound was so healing. Thank Yanti for giving me an unforgettable healing massage experience.

Experience a stay unlike any other—this isn’t your typical hotel or resort in Ubud or anywhere in Bali. Nestled directly within a lush rainforest, you become one with the natural surroundings. Our traditional Balinese Bales are open-air, with no doors or walls, offering a truly holistic and immersive experience that seamlessly integrates you with nature. Discover the ultimate harmony and tranquillity you’ve been seeking. The staff at Banyan Tree, Buahan is truly exceptional - they anticipate every detail of your needs before you even express them, ensuring you feel completely comfortable and private. A special thanks to our talented Chef Suria, who personally crafted Michelin-star level dishes and shared his intimate knowledge of local food culture through a unique Ruja experience. His warmth and expertise made our visit unforgettable. Thank you for an extraordinary experience!

Nothing at all... If I push myself really hard, that’s the amount of light you get early in the mornings, which kind of inhibits your sleep if you're a bit sensitive to light like myself - nothing major though!

A very special place, for sure the best hotel we’ve been to in Bali! The views are incredible and the staff is great. A very special thanks to Arsana for preparing the best (local) cocktails and wines, just ask him for a good cocktail and he will surprise you. He knows everything about cocktails and wines. Also a shoutout to the breakfast team, legi, Oliv, Nanda and Dek Ani. The local Indonesian breakfast from their own botanical garden is amazing! I have to mention Riadi, his task that week was to tell the guests a special story during a cocktail workshop. Just ask him about the special story when you meet him and you’ll never forget it. Last but not least, Yoga /ogay is the perfect host and makes your stay unforgettable. Thank you and see you next time!

Our three-night stay at Bauhan was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to Arsana and Budi, who made our experience truly surreal. Budi’s captivating stories added a magical touch to our time there. The “no doors, no walls” concept is an absolute must-experience, and living in this five-star jungle retreat was simply breathtaking. The staff in the open kitchen and their exceptional care truly made us feel like the king and queen of the jungle, treating us with such warmth and attention that we felt like family. The service was very, very personal, making every moment feel tailored just for us. Budi went above and beyond, arranging everything with care. He prepared a breakfast box for our 3 a.m. tour, checked in on us throughout the day when we were out exploring, and even arranged dumbbells to be delivered to our villa since the resort didn’t have a gym. On our departure day, which coincided with the village’s Silent Day, no cars could enter due to blocked roads, and the route to the airport required an extra hour-and-a-half detour. Budi seamlessly coordinated two cars—one taking the hour-and-a-half detour to transport our luggage to the other side of the village, and another to escort us on a tour around the village and through the village to meet the car on the other side, enabling us to experience Silent Day firsthand and meet with the villagers. This thoughtful arrangement gave us extra time to enjoy a final dip in the pool and soak in the bath, gazing at the mystical jungle and mountain views. For the most part, everything was perfect. However, we wished the staff had taken the initiative to assist with our belongings upon returning from excursions. Additionally, while the food was delicious, with vegetables so fresh they burst with flavor, it was often too salty and spicy for our taste, and we would have appreciated if the staff remembered our preferences. We have high standards, and Bauhan mostly exceeded them. Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit the waterfall due to rain, but that’s something to look forward to next time. We’re incredibly grateful to the team for their exceptional care. A highlight was both Arsana’s infused arak and the cocktail session on our final night, where Arsana guided me in crafting a special cocktail for my wife to help her sleep and an arak sour for myself—a perfect way to end our stay. And the spa—you must try it! I won’t spoil the experience, but it’s unforgettable. If you visit Ubud, Bauhan is a must. The warmth and hospitality, as Arsana says, make colleagues and guests feel like family. We can’t recommend it enough! There is so much more than what I’ve mentioned—it’s an experience you must not miss.

From the moment you enter the resort you are cocooned in a sensory haven: the many shades of forest greenery, the sound of river and waterfall, the smell and feel of the distinctly fresh air at 2000 feet. Gazing out to the distant volcanic peaks is both breathtaking and soothing. You know you have arrived at someplace special. Buahan has everything you would expect at a luxury Balinese resort. The staff are unfailing warm and attentive. The accommodations are immaculate. The food is a fresh and delicious blend of Indonesian and Western. The spa services are sybaritic . The staff can arrange a wide array of activities on site and off site. But on our 9th trip to Bali we were pleased to find new delights. The chefs turn out meals that use hyperlocal ingredients in inventive combinations of vegetables, leaves, fruits, coconut, cacao( who knew how fabulous Balinese chocolate is),eggs, chicken, river prawns and more. The breakfast spread includes wonderful sourdough and dense multigrain breads as well as pastries and fruit in addition to the 3 course/6 option served breakfast which changes daily. You can forage in the gardens and nearby land with one of the chefs in preparation for a meal, and now you can join a local fisherman to catch river crayfish! You are assigned an Escape Host ( aka butler at other resorts ) although every staff member is happy to assist you . Our Host, DeGus, was a charming and articulate young man. We shared many stories of cultural differences and similarities between New York City and his village in Bali… You can imagine these were wide ranging conversations! DeGus was very patient with my attempts to learn and practice some Indonesian. But I was completely unprepared and bowled over when on our last day he presented me with an Indonesian/English dictionary that his mother, a tailor in the village, had adorned with a beautiful purple silk book cover and a small wooden nameplate with my name on the front. The 16 open air suites are identical in layout differing only in their positioning around the resort. It’s hard to describe the glory of waking up in the morning to look out to that open view. Even when it was rainy it was so soothing to look out onto the mist rising above the rainforest. My husband and I would often use that time to soak in the copper tub looking out at the scenery. The area is filled with many birds and at night occasional fireflies, all of which add to the beauty. The small pool is just long enough for a few strokes but is the perfect vantage point staring out at the view with a cup of tea or coffee or floating on your back looking at the moon and stars. Numerous other reviews have outlined all the specifics of Buahan. Suffice it to say you will not miss any of the creature comforts you expect in Bali and you will be transported to a dreamscape which may be unique. We have already made plans to return!

It was a unique and enchanting experience: we stayed at the 7 peaks villa. Waking up in beautiful Asian jumble is amazing. The team friendliness was unique. Spontaneous help is given. Food is exceptional. Many thanks to all the team. Thanks to Arda, Harry, Dipa, Olive and all the others that I can’t remember their first names. We recommend 100% !