No doors, no walls. Our Immersive Escape at Banyan Tree Buahan, Bali

Mirko La Rosa
Jun 27
6 min read

Overview

Banyan Tree Escape, Buahan, isn’t your typical luxury resort—and that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable. Tucked deep into the dense highlands of northern Ubud, this adults-only sanctuary is a pioneering concept from Banyan Tree Group, aimed at redefining the essence of luxury through deep reconnection with nature. Here, luxury isn’t about opulence and gold taps; it’s about open air, birdsong, fireflies at night, and the liberation that comes from removing all boundaries between you and the natural world.

Each of the resort’s 16 "bales"—the Balinese term for open pavilions—follows a radical no-walls, no-doors design. Instead of window panes, you have panoramic jungle views. Instead of air conditioning, you get natural airflow and the sounds of the forest. Despite its extreme immersion, the resort doesn’t compromise on comfort: high-thread count linens, handcrafted bathtubs, organic bath amenities, and exceptional service redefine what barefoot luxury means. This is not a resort you visit to post on Instagram—though the content will be stunning—it’s a place you visit to breathe deeper, reflect more fully, and be present.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION

Buahan is located in Bali’s spiritual highlands, roughly 40 minutes north of Ubud but a world away in ambiance. This part of the island is still wonderfully undeveloped, with dense forests, river valleys, and sacred waterfalls dominating the landscape. Unlike coastal Bali, Buahan is not defined by beach clubs or tourist markets. It’s defined by rituals, by the scent of damp earth after the rain, and by villagers tending their fields in the early morning mist.

Buahan sits in a region traditionally overlooked by mass tourism, which gives it a sense of untouched sacredness. It's a place where ancient Balinese spirituality still flourishes, where the rhythms of nature guide the pace of life. Rice fields are irrigated using the traditional Subak system—a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage practice—and local temples hold ceremonies that stretch late into the night, attended only by locals.

This makes Buahan ideal for luxury travelers looking for more than curated moments. Here, you witness real life. The hills around the resort are home to countless trails, waterfalls like Tibumana and Kanto Lampo, and small villages that invite respectful exploration. It’s the perfect place to unplug, especially for those seeking spiritual or mental clarity. You don’t come to Buahan for a party. You come to Buahan for peace.

What we liked most

Soul Freedom Journey: This was the crown jewel of our stay—a guided purification ritual led by a local spiritual healer. The journey begins with meditation and chanting under a canopy of trees, followed by a symbolic cleansing in a hidden jungle waterfall. The final moment, a flower offering downriver, felt deeply transformative. It’s more than just an experience—it’s a spiritual reset. We left feeling lighter, more present, and genuinely connected.
Radical No Doors, No Walls Concept: Living without barriers felt surprisingly luxurious. The air, the light, and the forest sounds became part of our daily rhythm. Yet, despite the openness, we never felt exposed. The bales are cleverly positioned for privacy, and the design makes you feel like you’re part of the jungle, not just observing it. There’s something powerful about sleeping with the breeze on your skin and waking up with the sunrise.
Subtle but Excellent Insect Protection: One of our biggest concerns with an open-air villa was insects, but the staff were incredibly discreet and effective. Incense coils, netting, and natural repellents ensured we slept and relaxed undisturbed. The team clearly put a lot of care into making nature accessible—without the nuisances.
Infinity Pool with Forest Panorama: The main pool is suspended at treetop level, offering sweeping views of the rainforest. At sunrise, it’s bathed in golden light, and in the afternoon, the mist from the valley below rises like a dream. It’s one of the most photogenic pools in Bali—but more importantly, it’s serene and often uncrowded, perfect for mindful lounging.
Rice Life Trekking: Led by a local Discovery Host, this immersive trek takes you through working rice paddies, lush forest trails, and into remote villages. You learn about the ancient Subak irrigation system and witness daily life with respectful curiosity. We even passed a local ceremony en route—an unplanned but magical encounter.
Morning Yoga Amid the Trees: Sessions are held in an elevated open-air pavilion, surrounded by jungle. The gentle movements combined with birdsong and distant river sounds made it one of the most grounding yoga experiences we've had. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, the environment elevates your practice.
True Digital Detox & Mindfulness: With minimal Wi-Fi in the bales and no TVs, you naturally fall into slower rhythms. Journaling, long conversations, reading with a view, or simply watching the clouds drift by become your entertainment. It was one of the rare trips where we felt completely reset.

Villas - Bales

We stayed in one of Banyan Tree Buahan’s 16 Bales, which redefine the idea of a luxury villa. Designed in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem, each bale is entirely open—yes, there are no walls or doors at all. Instead, wooden pillars support a canopy roof, while soft linen drapes and mosquito nets provide comfort without disrupting the open concept.

The villa features a king-size bed, a deep soaking copper bathtub positioned to face the forest, and a generous living space that flows seamlessly into a terrace overlooking the jungle valley. The view itself is the central design element—and rightfully so. Sunsets were breathtaking, but mornings were even more magical as we awoke to mist gently rising from the trees below.

What impressed us most was the balance between openness and privacy. You are completely immersed in nature but never visible to others. The thoughtful layout of the resort ensures each bale feels like a private sanctuary. And despite the open-air format, it never felt too hot or too cold—the airflow is natural and soothing.

The villa’s amenities include handcrafted furnishings, a minibar stocked with local kombucha and treats, a curated selection of books, and organic toiletries. There’s no TV, no AC, and no distractions—just nature, in all its raw beauty, with you at the center.

Food and Drink

Dining at Banyan Tree Buahan is a culinary journey rooted in sustainability and locality.

The Open Kitchen concept allows you to observe the chefs at work, and most of the ingredients come directly from the resort’s on-site garden or surrounding farms. The menus are intentionally small, seasonal, and plant-forward, showcasing the richness of Bali’s produce.

Each meal we had felt personal. The breakfast ritual included turmeric shots, homemade granola, freshly baked sourdough, exotic fruit platters, and eggs done your way. Lunch was light but hearty, with dishes like jackfruit rendang, tempeh bowls, and wild herb salads. Dinner turned into a candlelit experience with tasting menus, smoked forest mushrooms, grilled river fish, and rich coconut-based desserts.

Special mention goes to the herbal infusions served throughout the day—cooling ginger-mint tea after trekking, warming tamarind blends in the evening. The in-house kombucha bar was a highlight, and cocktails infused with foraged herbs added a creative flair to the sunset hour.

Services and facilities

Soul Freedom Journey: A signature experience of the resort and one we consider unmissable. It goes beyond spa treatment—this is a ritual rooted in Balinese philosophy. From guided meditation to flower offerings, it helps release what no longer serves you.
Rice Life Trekking: A half-day immersion into Bali’s agricultural heart. Not only was it scenic and educational, but the human connection with locals was touching. It felt real, not staged.
Morning Yoga & Forest Meditation: Held daily and open to all guests, this is a cornerstone of the wellness philosophy at Buahan. Instructors offer both guided movements and silent meditation moments.
The Toja Spa: Set in a quiet corner of the property, the spa offers treatments using botanicals harvested on-site. From body scrubs to herbal compress massages, it’s designed to reflect the natural surroundings. We didn’t try it this time, but it’s on the list for our next visit.
Infinity Pool: One of Bali’s most beautiful. Built into the hillside, it offers uninterrupted jungle views and silence. It's also an excellent place to stargaze late at night.
Private Experiences: Guests can book unique options like riverside picnics, moonlight sound healing, or private cooking classes with the chef. Each is customized to your preference.
Discovery Hosts: Instead of traditional butlers, the resort employs Discovery Hosts—local experts who guide your experience with genuine care and deep cultural knowledge.

Our experience

Our stay at Banyan Tree Escape, Buahan, was nothing short of transformative. In a world where “luxury” is often defined by excess, Buahan offers a refreshing counterpoint—luxury that strips away, that reconnects, that quiets the noise. The absence of walls became symbolic for us—an invitation to drop defenses, digital distractions, and our usual fast-paced habits.

The location, the philosophy, the architecture, and the warmth of the people all came together to create something rare: a luxury experience that nourishes the soul. It’s the kind of place we would recommend to couples craving reconnection, creatives needing inspiration, or solo travelers on a healing journey.

Would we return? Absolutely. In fact, we left already dreaming about our next visit. Banyan Tree Buahan is not just a place to stay—it’s a place that stays with you.

Click here to see our full experience