How Banyan Tree’s New Resort In Bali Embraces Sustainable Design

Opening in September, Banyan Tree invites guests to connect with nature at its new Bali resort Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape

The draw of a tranquil oasis surrounded by the beauty of nature is consistently enticing, especially to city dwellers. Homegrown luxury hospitality group Banyan Tree aims to provide such an experience with their new brand extension, Banyan Tree Escape. The very first outpost will make its debut soon this September in Ubud, the heart of Bali.

Surrounded by exuberant foliage and situated near the Ayung River and waterfall, the new luxury resort Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, embraces the serene terrain with its immersive ‘no walls, no doors’ concept. The site features 16 exclusive villas, each shrouded by nature to provide privacy and a sense of peace.

Surrounded by the vibrant jungle, the villas in the Buahan luxury resort provide privacy and scenic views Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

Above Surrounded by the vibrant jungle, the villas in the Buahan luxury resort provide privacy and scenic views Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

Led by Banyan Tree's Head of Architecture, Dharmali Kusumadi, the villas are designed with a sustainable indoor-outdoor living concept. Kusumadi worked with Bali-based sustainable architect Gede Kresna to bring the environmentally-conscious ethos to life.

To preserve the surrounding natural environment, the team abstained from the use of heavy machinery during the construction phase. They took cues from local craftsmen and used traditional techniques to bound materials together to build the resort.

Above Located in Ubud, each villa boasts stunning views of the Bali landscape Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

Inside, each villa features a Balinese-style aesthetic that was inspired by traditional dwellings. True to the team’s commitment to sustainability and the local culture, the villas are largely built and decorated using locally-sourced Ulin wood that’s recycled from boat piers and fishing boat decks. Also known as ironwood, the sustainable material is durable and resistant against insects and wood borers.

Above Built from sustainable materials like bamboo, the common pavilion offers a sense of peace Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

Other natural materials such as farmed, fast-growing bamboo, were utilised for smaller structures. Each material was carefully chosen with thought; the sustainable bamboo, for example, was chosen for its strength and versatility to create organic shapes that reflect forms immersed in nature.

Above Each villa is decked out in warm furnishings and soft textiles Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

With an emphasis on being connected to both nature and the community, each resort eliminates components such as walls and doors.

Each villa also features a private pool and an open terrace where one can soak in the scenic views of the lush landscape and Bali's seven peaks. Measuring 165sqm (approximately 1,776sqft), each spacious villa is decorated warmly with rattan and wood furnishings.

Above The vanity mirrors feature a hand-carved border by a local Balinese carpenter Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

To incorporate a local touch, the headboards and borders of vanity mirrors in every room were carved intricately by a local Balinese carpenter from the island. Each hand-carved design is unique; none of the patterns repeat on the detailings of the furnishings in the 16 villas.

Further celebrating the country's traditional craft heritage, the design team brought in craftsmen from central Java to hand-craft the copper bathtubs in each room. White canopies draped throughout the rooms as well as soft textiles in rich, earthy tones imbue a sense of comfort to the space.

Photo 1 of 2 The copper bathtub, crafted by Javanese craftsmen, overlooks a tranquil view Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

Photo 2 of 2 The communal kitchen and bar offers stunning views of the property Image: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Holdings

A communal pavilion with an open kitchen and bar aims to create a sense of community among guests. These communal living and dining areas are similarly built with sustainable materials and designed with wood and rattan furnishings.

Seamlessly connecting to its surroundings in more ways than one, the luxury resort exudes a tranquil ambience that beckons one to escape to nature. The warm ambience and artisanal touches in each villa offers an ideal setting to switch off your gadgets and reconnect with nature.

Topics

interior design architecture banyan tree escape bali travel banyan tree villas

Tatler Asia

How Banyan Tree’s New Resort In Bali Embraces Sustainable Design