Review: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape (Bali)

February 11, 2026

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a terrific holiday in Bali, Indonesia. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape (Bali)

Nestled in the untouched northern reaches of Ubud, Bali, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, offers a transformative retreat that blends luxury, sustainability, and deep immersion in nature. Officially opened on 13 June 2022, this adults-only resort is set approximately 40 minutes from central Ubud and around two hours from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, providing a secluded escape while remaining accessible. With only 16 private balés, the resort introduces a striking “no walls, no doors” concept throughout the property, allowing guests to experience a seamless connection with the surrounding jungle, rice terraces, and river valleys. From panoramic mountain views to hidden meditation corners, Buahan creates a sanctuary where every detail — from architecture to experiences — invites reflection, rejuvenation, and a profound connection to nature.

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury resorts in Bali and the best luxury jungle lodges in the world.

Have you ever stayed at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & Things I Like

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is located in northern Ubud, a quieter, less-traveled region of Bali known for its lush rice terraces, dense jungle, and flowing rivers. This area offers visitors a chance to step off the main tourist trail and enjoy a more tranquil, authentic experience. Ubud itself is a cultural and spiritual hub, with an array of art galleries, traditional craft workshops, and vibrant local markets. Temples and community ceremonies provide insight into Balinese heritage, while the surrounding countryside is perfect for scenic walks, cycling, or rice terrace hikes. Staying at Buahan allows travelers to balance cultural exploration with deep immersion in nature: after visiting Ubud’s bustling streets and artisan villages, guests can retreat to the resort’s hillside hideaway, where peace and quiet reign. The northern location also offers cooler temperatures and dramatic views of the seven peaks, making it a haven for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity in Bali.

Perched on a hillside within a secluded valley, Buahan has been designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding jungle, rice terraces, and river valleys. The design ethos centers on open-air living, with a bold “no walls, no doors” concept running throughout the resort. Traditional Balinese architecture is combined with contemporary luxury, creating spaces that feel serene, airy, and deeply connected to nature. Villas feature private pools, terraces, and panoramic jungle views, all constructed with sustainable materials, local craftsmanship, and hand-carved furnishings. WThis indoor-outdoor approach, called “The Naked Experience,” allows natural light and airflow to fill every space, fully immersing guests in the surrounding environment. The Banyan Tree Group collaborated with Balinese architect Gede Kresna’s firm Rumah Intaran to ensure the property respects local culture and minimizes environmental impact, maintaining a low-impact footprint while enhancing the natural beauty of the site.

At the heart of Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is the central pavilion, a striking two-level open-air hub that serves as the resort’s social and operational center. Guests check in here, and it also acts as the meeting point for most excursions and activities, making it the focal hub of the property. The upper level houses the Botanist Bar, offering cocktails infused with locally grown botanicals and herbs, with sweeping views of the valley and jungle. The lower level features the resort’s restaurant (called Open Kitchen) and the infinity pool. The latter is lined with loungers in vibrant red cushions, providing a striking space to relax or float while enjoying panoramic views of the Ayung River and surrounding peaks. The pavilion is central to the resort experience, offering a space for gathering, unwinding, and connecting with both the surroundings and fellow guests. Its open-air design allows for natural light, fresh air, and uninterrupted connection with the environment, while encouraging both relaxation and social interaction.

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape’s 16 villas offer an elevated sense of privacy and tranquillity, ideal for adults seeking uninterrupted rest and connection with nature. The villas, or balés — a term in Indonesian culture that refers to a space where the community gathers — are scattered across the property to maximize privacy, views, and a sense of discovery. Each villa is completely open to the surrounding jungle and valley, with only curtains providing privacy at night, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment. The balés feature open-air living areas, private pools, and terraces with sweeping views. Designed with sustainable materials, local craftsmanship, and thoughtful touches that honor Balinese heritage, each villa balances modern comfort with eco-conscious living. Located along winding paths through rice terraces and forested nooks, each balé feels like a personal sanctuary while remaining in harmony with the property’s ecological and cultural surroundings.

The culinary offerings at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape are both innovative and deeply rooted in local traditions. The Open Kitchen Restaurant, located on the lower level of the central pavilion, serves a changing plant-based menu each night, with the option to include beef, fish, or chicken with the main course. Breakfast is primarily an à la carte affair, complemented by a small buffet featuring fresh fruits, pastries, and local staples, providing a relaxed start to the day. Ingredients are sourced from farms and small producers within an hour of the resort, supporting local communities and ensuring freshness. Guests can also forage for herbs and vegetables and participate in open-flame cooking classes that highlight Balinese flavors and techniques. The Botanist Bar upstairs provides a complementary experience, offering cocktails infused with local botanicals, herbs, and fruits while overlooking the valley.

<pBuahan, a Banyan Tree Escape offers immersive experiences designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit. The Toja Spa consists of just two intimate open-air pavilions, ensuring personalized treatments while maintaining a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and holistic wellness therapies inspired by ancient Balinese healing traditions. In addition, the resort has a dedicated yoga pavilion, a peaceful open-air space for yoga, meditation, or guided wellness sessions surrounded by the jungle. For adventure and self-reflection, guests can take a 15-minute hike to the Tjamuhan waterfall along a steep and sometimes slippery path, a short trek that rewards with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Additional activities include jungle treks, cycling excursions, and guided nature walks, while hidden meditation spots and garden nooks provide quiet spaces to read, reflect, or simply absorb the serene atmosphere.

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape operates with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and local community engagement. Almost all staff are hired locally, and produce is sourced from nearby farms and small businesses. The resort incorporates sustainable materials, water conservation, and waste reduction practices, along with eco-friendly solutions such as natural mist to keep insects at bay. Every aspect of the property reflects a philosophy of low-impact luxury, ensuring that guests can enjoy nature without disrupting surrounding communities. This dedication to sustainability and social responsibility is evident throughout the resort, from design and operations to guest experiences and culinary practices.

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is managed by the Banyan Tree Group, a globally recognized luxury hospitality brand known for combining sustainable design, wellness, and immersive nature experiences. The Banyan Tree Escape sub-brand, to which Buahan belongs, focuses on smaller, adults-only resorts in remote locations, offering deeply personal and intimate stays. Each Escape property emphasizes connection with the natural environment, sustainability, and local culture, without compromising on comfort or luxury. Following the success of Buahan, the Escape sub-brand is set to expand, with a second property soon opening in Tanzania, reflecting the group’s commitment to delivering these immersive experiences in untouched and inspiring locations around the world. Buahan exemplifies the ethos of the brand: a harmonious blend of cultural respect, environmental care, wellness, and luxury that allows guests to reconnect with nature and themselves.

Cons & Things To Know

One aspect to consider at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is the number of steps and steep walkways throughout the property. Due to its dramatic hillside setting, moving between the balés, central pavilion, and waterfall trails involves quite a bit of walking up and down steps. There is an elevator connecting several villa levels, which certainly helps, but guests should still expect a fair amount of climbing during their stay. For some, this adds to the immersive jungle experience and sense of seclusion, but for others — especially those with mobility concerns — it may feel physically demanding at times.

While the culinary concept is creative and thoughtfully sourced, I personally was not fully convinced by the predominantly plant-based dinners. The menu changes nightly and includes the option of beef, fish, or chicken with the main course, yet I found some of the vegan dishes to be modest in portion size and not always as flavorful as I had hoped. Of course, taste is deeply personal, and many guests may appreciate the lighter, vegetable-forward approach. Breakfast, however, was a highlight: the à la carte offerings were fresh, beautifully presented, and genuinely delicious.

The “no walls, no doors” concept is bold and central to Buahan’s identity, but it may not suit everyone. Although curtains enclose the villa at night, the balés remain fully open to the surrounding jungle. You will hear insects, birds, and the sounds of nature constantly, and there is a real sense of exposure to the elements. For travelers who embrace this level of immersion (like myself), it can feel liberating and unique. However, if the idea of sleeping in an open-air villa in the jungle makes you uneasy, this may not be the right fit for your comfort level.

My Verdict

Layout: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 10/10
Food: 6/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Wow factor: 10/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good – 8.5/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Bali is generally during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the island experiences lower humidity, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as beachgoing, sightseeing, hiking, and water sports. June, July, and August offer the most reliable weather, although they are also the busiest and most expensive months due to high tourist demand.

The months of May, June, and September are often considered the most balanced time to visit. Weather conditions are still excellent, but crowds are lighter and prices tend to be more reasonable than during peak season. This period is particularly well suited for travelers who want to explore the island comfortably while avoiding the busiest times.

The wet season lasts from October to April and is characterized by higher humidity and short but intense tropical rain showers, most commonly in the afternoons or evenings. While January and February are typically the wettest months, travel during the wet season can still be enjoyable, especially for visitors focused on wellness retreats, cultural experiences, or a quieter atmosphere. During this time, the landscape is especially lush and accommodation rates are often lower.

How To Get There

Buahan, a Banyan Tree is located north of Ubud, and is reached by road from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic, and travels inland through central Bali. The most convenient way to reach the estate is by arranging a private airport transfer through the resort, which can be organized in advance and provides a seamless arrival experience. Alternatively, guests may travel by taxi or private car with a driver, which are widely available in Bali. If arriving from Ubud, the retreat is about a 30 minute drive from the town center.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from Buahan, a Banyan Tree. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant, click here.