Hanging Gardens of Bali

Rooms

Clinging to the river gorge are 38 contemporary Balinese-style suites and villas, approached through narrow terraces framed by trailing plants and creepers. All have similar décor and layout but for the best views request a villa higher up the valley nearer to the lobby. The bathrooms, which double as dressing rooms, have sunken terrazzo baths big enough for 2 and drench showers that give you a proper soaking.

Traditional Balinese stone door-guardians, sun hats, walking sticks and ornate sculpted doors welcome you in. Each alang-alang thatched villa has a large bedroom with floor-to-ceiling wooden-shuttered windows. Heave back the screens to see your own fully heated infinity-edged plunge pool in the foreground and forest canopy in the background. You'll find orchids, charming local carvings and Paras stone pots.

The flooring’s wood (Merbau inside, Benkirai on the terrace), and glass doors run along one side of the bathroom and bedroom. Open these to step onto your private decked terrace with open-air shower, outdoor dining area for lazy breakfasts and teak loungers for super-secluded sunning. Cool off in your own plunge pool or retreat to your traditional, sumptuously-cushioned balé (pavilion) for a shaded siesta.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

All-day dining takes place at the smart Three Elements Restaurant.

Breakfast is taken either in your room or on the restaurant terrace. Dishes are on the dainty side: home-made yoghurt is served in little glasses topped with a sprig of mint, scrambled eggs are rich and creamy quenelles, fruit is arranged like a paint-by-numbers still life and miniature croissants are accompanied by petite pots of butter and jams.

The all-day dining menu features Asian and Western-influenced food, with an abundance of seafood (the coffee-crusted black pepper tuna sounds delightful!) and top-quality cuts of beef. There are also light options like tacos and wraps for lunch, as well as pasta dishes and a separate vegetarian menu - think tofu curries and spicy nasi goreng. Dessert for us was a trio of chocolate goodies, one warm, one icy and one at room temperature, served with tamarillo sauce and fresh mangosteen.

Ubud has a wealth of top-notch restaurants and cafes, but you will need to take a taxi (the drive takes about 25 minutes).

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Unwind at the Ytsara Spa with a traditional Balinese massage to the sounds of the Ayung River and gamelan music - then soak in a bougainvillea petal-filled bath
  
• Learn the perfect sun salute with Jane Robinson at specially arranged yoga classes. Jane was a pupil of the master Swami Ventesananda
  
• Take a botanical walk with a local specialist to learn about the tropical plants and their therapeutic uses
  
• Drive the 40 minutes to Kintamani through the back roads, travelling through the dazzling, fragrant orange groves
  
• Take the shuttle bus into Ubud to hunt out quality souvenirs amongst their markets.
  
• Browse in the many local art galleries before stopping off for an ice cream at Mumbuls or a patisserie at Café Luna
  
• Learn how to cook sate lillit, lawar and nasi goreng at one of the excellent local cookery schools
  
• Explore the many local temples (remember to dress respectfully - the hotel staff will advise)
  
• Brave the agonising hills on one of the 2 bikes the hotel has for hire to explore the villages of Buahan, Susut and Payangan
  
• If a day is cloudy, cuddle up in the cosy bar, swamped with cushions

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Art classes
• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Plantlife / flora
• Rafting
• Shopping / markets
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Yoga

Kids

Though children of all ages are welcome, it's not recommended for toddlers due to the plunge pools and precarious drops, and there is nothing specific to keep them occupied.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Older children are only accepted in the Family Villas. But those with smaller kids and babies can stay in Hidden Palace.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Hanging Gardens of Bali is situated in southern Bali, 15km north of Ubud and west of the River Ayung. It's approximately 1.5 hours from Denpasar by car.

By Air:
Denpasar Ngurah Rai (40km) is the nearest. Please click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.

From the Airport
The hotel offers a transfer from the airport, which we'd recommend taking - see Rates for details. Alternatively you can take a bemo from the airport to Ubud or hop on one of the hourly shuttle buses to Ubud. From there it's easy to hail a local taxi.

By Ferry:
There are frequent boats between Bali and the major islands in Indonesia, including Java, Lombok and Komodo. You can then catch a bemo (minibus) from the port to Ubud, where you can hail a local taxi.

By Car:
We don’t recommend renting a car unless you’re a very seasoned visitor to Bali as some of the on-the-spot fines for ‘traffic violations’ can be annoying. Narrow roads and overtaking procedures can also be unnerving.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Bali and getting around