Be it a hotel, beach club, restaurant or even a jungle retreat, here are the top five eco-friendly must-visit places in Bali. It’s time for us to have fun with a sustainable lifestyle and stay getting the very best in life! So no need to spend half an hour googling, these places will allow you to spend the day indoor and outdoor loving your self and the mother earth.
1. Katamama Hotel, Seminyak
Katamama is a boutique hotel located in Seminyak, Bali. The boutique hotel in Bali is a collaboration between an extensive team: PTT Family CEO and entrepreneur Ronald Akili, PTT Family creative team, Architect Andra Martin, and Singapore-based design practice Takenouchi Webb. The design holds centuries-old Indonesian traditions; each suite has been hand-finished with an eye and touch of consideration to prioritize sustainability. The boutique hotel is filled with custom-made mid-century modern furniture, hand-dyed fabrics, locally sourced amenities, outdoor lounge and contemporary artwork by Indonesian creative to create the homey vibes. Undoubtedly, Instagrammable spots are found everywhere such as around the pool where Tjok Agung’s hand-dyed custom-made textiles with traditional, sustainable colouring and stamping techniques are proudly displayed throughout Katamama.
After nestling in the room, you can do outdoor activities to get authentic experiences that can’t be found elsewhere including a tour of Desa Tenganan, which is an eco-conscious environment as the home of Bali Aga community (native people in Bali), spring cleansing at Sebatu, and Anjat Basketry, which allows guests to borrow a hand-woven beach-ready backpack made from naturally-dyed rattan bast fibres.
More info: Katamama
2. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud
True to its name, the luxury Mandapa resort aims to preserve mother nature while offering the hotel guests a sanctuary for inner exploration and tranquillity. Apart from its luxury villas and suites, Mandapa also offers tours through villages, rice paddies, and temples in its surroundings.
Multiple eco-friendly activities are offered: feeling the earth in your hands while planting rice, cycling in the reserve, creating a Balinese farmer hat called “Janur” made of coconut leaves and many more.
Speaking of tranquillity, you can also have its spa treatments which have the philosophy of Subtle Energies that focuses on natural skincare and wellness solution, and it’s all locally sourced products.
More info: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Bali
3. Bambu Indah Jungle Retreat and Eco-lifestyle Boutique Hotel, Ubud
Bambu Indah is a luxurious eco-lifestyle boutique hotel located in Ubud. It provides 17 different themed suites to choose, from classic, cozy, and cute, rustic glamping, romantic, luxe to the jungle, each of them is made of bamboo buildings and antique Javanese teak wood bridal homes. Don’t forget to dip in the private natural spring plunge pools.
After that relaxing day indoor, you need to go outside and get some jungle retreat to enjoy a day in a natural swimming pond over the volcanic rocks – get closer to nature! The rope swing is assembled for guests to take an ultimate plunge straight into nature’s pool. How cool is that?! Providing different dining areas located near the river banks, Mandapa serves authentic local favourites fresh from the farms to your table.
4. La Brisa, Echo Beach, Canggu
La Brisa is one of the trendiest, yet sustainable and eco-friendly beach restaurant on the island that radiates true Balinese character. Behind the venue’s wonderful design and décor, La Brisa was built using reclaimed wood from more than 500 fisherman boats. Tho, the resemblance of a rustic home of a Balinese fisherman first welcomed the guests. La Brisa is famous for its seafood menu.
Most of the ingredients used in the kitchen are locally sourced from the island, and its seafood is caught and delivered by Balinese fishermen daily.
More info: La Brisa, Bali
5. Green Village, Bali
Green Village is a tranquil and peaceful compound located near the sacred Ayung River and surrounded by Balinese forest which is a home to luxurious 12 instagram-worthy bamboo houses and villas. Originally visioned and developed by John Hardy, the founder of his namesake luxury jewellery brand with a touch of Asian inspired designs, Green Village has been recognized as one of Bali’s most remarkable communities in sustainable living and housing. Each luxury villa and house in Green Village is constructed almost entirely from bamboo, custom-designed by the Ibuku architectural team and built by hand. More than just that, these houses are designed to accommodate a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle with all the luxury Balinese nature has to offer.
Green Village offers bespoke experiences such as a half day walking tour which begins at the edge of the river banks where the bamboo houses are located, followed by dining by the swimming pool while indulging curiosity on how the compound operates sustainability. Lastly, visitors can extend the tour and visit John Hardy Jewel Factory and Bamboo House factory as well. The Kul Kul Farm which provides permaculture courses also offers an eco-experience about pleasures and benefits of home gardening, eco-living, regenerative farming and many more. Green Village Bali aims to provide spaces in which people can live in an authentic relationship with nature.
More info: Green Village