What's the vibe at the Bambu Indah? What sets it apart?
Celebrating sustainability and nature in all its glory, Bambu Indah, a bamboo wonderland in Bali’s leafy center, lets the landscape do the showing off; nearly every room has breathtaking views over Sayan Ridge. Rounding out the experience are rickety walkways, dramatic soaring black bamboo, and the constant sound of the powerful Ayung River whooshing below.
Is there a story behind it? How did it come to be?
In 2005, jewelry makers John and Cynthia Hardy brought 11 antique Javanese bridal homes to Bali, lovingly restoring them and opening them as guest rooms to friends and family before opening them to all as this truly extraordinary eco-escape.
Wow, that sounds incredible. So tell us about those homes—what are they like? What can we expect from the rooms?
The suites make good on the hotel's name, which translates to "beautiful bamboo." Despite their fantastical hand-crafted look and feel, each antique teak house has big baths and air-conditioned muslin-draped beds. Aside from Wi-Fi, you won't find other hi-tech frippery so as not to upstage nature—in all its chirping, croaking, rustling glory.
Does the food on offer subscribe to the same ethos?
Non-hotel-guests are welcome in the rustic Bambu Indah Kitchen. Tables overlook a permaculture garden, which supplies the organic ingredients that serve as the base of the Indonesian menu.
How do the staff members treat you?
This feels like worlds away from flashy five-star resorts; service is endearing and low-key.
Who else are you likely to see staying here? Who will be your vacation neighbors?
Bohemian Europeans, Green School parents on a sabbatical from Los Angeles, eco-entrepreneurs, and sustainability-minded sybarites.
Speaking of neighbors—what's the surrounding area like? And what's the best way to experience it?
There’s no better way to get a crash course into the Hardys' vision than by taking a trash walk; spend your morning strolling along the river’s edge and spearing washed-up garbage while learning about their plan to make the world greener.
Any constructive feedback for the property? What would you change, if you could?
The natural swimming pool uses lava stones and vegetation to organically cleanse, filter, and oxygenate its water—cool in theory, but murky-looking in practice.
Okay, putting that aside—is the Bambu Indah worth the trip?
Absolutely—this is a truly unique hotel stay.
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