TRAVEL + LEISURE

UNCOVERING "NO WALLS, NO DOORS CONCEPT" IN BALI

Banyan Tree launches its First Banyan Tree Escape in Bali

08.06.2021
BY JEMMA UTOMO
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Pandemic doesn’t stop Banyan Tree from launching its First Banyan Tree Escape in Bali. It is set to open in an off-the-beaten-track, untouched part of northern Ubud in September 2021, this brand extension symbolizes the Banyan Tree brand's vision and commitment 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 balés (villas), Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is an invitation into a different way of being.

Zero-waste farm-to-table concept

At the resort's heart are the Open Kitchen and Living Room, both open dining and lounge spaces created to evoke a sense of community. You are invited to learn how the resort reinvents the basics of food and drink through its unique zero-waste farm-to-table concept, local sourcing philosophy, and heritage techniques. 

Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree

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 consultant group that houses the acclaimed restaurant Locavore, Nusantara Restaurant, and The Night Rooster Cocktail Bar, creatively enhancing a sense of place.

Connecting to nature 

Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree

Situated in a quiet enclave surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, the site's unique topography is next to the Ayung River and waterfall, including a sweeping view of the seven majestic peaks.  The resort has 16 balés, designed to blend spacious indoor-outdoor living areas with 180-degree panoramic views and sounds of nature through a bold taste of 'The Naked Experience' where only a thin veil separates guests from nature.

A discovery experience

Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree

A calendar of daily, weekly, and monthly events guides travelers towards a range of curated and self-led experiences around the three pillars connecting to nature, a discovery experience, and community integration. From the on and off-site daily 'Happenings' activities to collaborative events with visiting practitioners or local cultural festivities, the ethos of unique, rejuvenating, and spontaneous opportunities for discovery hold firm and are a core of the brand experience.

Embedded in the Community 

To ensure the surrounding environment and nature were preserved, research on the sociological, architectural and cultural aspects was conducted within a 1-hour radius of the property. This research helped guide the team on how experiences are created and ensure guests feel immersed in the unique local experiences and understand the resort's ,to the surrounding community. 

Gede Kresna, a recognized sustainable local architect who focuses on Balinese design and environmentally friendly architecture, together with his team, conducted the four-month research, a summary of which will be available at the resort. Gede worked closely with Banyan Tree Group's Head of Architecture, Dharmali Kusumadi, who designed the balés and other resort facilities, bringing life to the inspired vernacular architectural approach through unique design and construction methods.

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