My Favourite Eco Resorts in Bali

Today is a special occasion for me.

It is exactly two months since I first arrived on these shores; and began my Bali adventure. Although I have only been living here for a couple of months; it feels as if I have experienced a life time of growth over the last few weeks.

The changes within my spirit have been monumental; and my journey so far has been one of restoration and healing.

The next chapter in my story involves a short visit to Vietnam. I am flying there soon to experience the country for a few weeks. I’ve deliberately kept my schedule really flexi, so that I can move around at will; so will see how things pan out. I can’t wait to see what new blessings Vietnam will bring!

I haven’t written a travel related blog post in a while; and this is a topic that I have been wanting to cover.

If you’ve been following my blog; you’ll know that I came to Bali to experience peace, rest and self reflection. As this island resonates with my soul so much; I have been spoilt daily, by getting ample doses of all three of these things!

However; when my wairua is in need of extra nourishment; there’s nothing like a visit to an eco retreat to get myself into alignment. I have two favourite eco resorts in Bali. They are similar; in that they are both stunning, sustainable slices of paradise. Yet they couldn’t be more different.

One is set in the powdery white sands of a deserted island; and the other is nestled between lush jungle and rice fields.

Both provide the perfect blend of natural environment mixed with luxury; where you spend your days listening to bird song, night sounds and the gentle chatter of other guests. 

I’m going to do a quick review of each of my favourite eco retreats in this post. Please note that this is not a sponsored article. Everything I’m expressing in this post is simply the result of how much I genuinely LOVE staying at these two places!

The Jungle Resort | Bambi Indah

Bambu Indah (which means beautiful bamboo) is a sprawling wonderland located in Sayan, on the outskirts of Ubud and close to the Ayung River.

The resort was created by the Hardy Family, who also co-founded Green School. The rambling property is dotted with restored Javanese bridal homes and open bamboo tree houses; which make for a simply magical accommodation experience. 

Each home is distinctly different and filled with it’s own character. I most recently stayed in Udang House, which has glass panelled floors and is built over the top of a shrimp pond. You could literally watch the shrimp and fish swimming below, which was wonderful. 

No matter which house you chose to stay in; the all natural environment is simply delicious. The air is filled with the sounds of frogs, crickets, geckos and bubbling water fountains - a soothing natural symphony right on your doorstep! A bamboo elevator (yes! An actual BAMBOO elevator) leads you to the riverside grounds, which boast a series of natural swimming pools and ponds. The pool water is filtered from a well into a mini river of volcanic rock. 

There is so much to do at the resort. They hold a little local market every Sunday, with vegetable, jewellery and craft stalls on site. There are activities on offer, such as massages, yoga classes and buffalo washing by the river. If you don’t feel like lounging, you can play on the tarzan swings, hanging chairs or adult tree house. It’s pure bliss. 

Traditional Balinese rice, organic vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown in the gardens on the estate and used daily in the kitchen, and the meals are incredible. 

Bambu Indah Resort

www.bambuindah.com

The Island Resort | Gili Asahan

If sun, sea and birdsong fills up your happy-tank; Gili Asahan is the place for you. This unspoilt paradise is one of the ‘secret Gili islands’ located off the South West Lombok Coast, and is largely unheard of. It is one of the least populated of the secret islands, and is a tranquil hidden gem.

The resort is dotted with both luxury bungalows and simple outdoor Bale huts. I stayed in one of these for three nights, and it was a deeply relaxing experience to sleep safely outdoors in a luxury bed. 

Powder white sand, crystal waters and a large variety of fish and coral surround Gili Asahan. You can walk around the entire island at a slow pace in about 2 hours. It was an enjoyable walk, where I saw everything from local village children playing, to baby goats, to abandoned mosques. The local fisherman and farmers are extremely friendly, and the sunsets are just amazing. 

Electricity at the resort is provided by solar panels and generator, and most of the buildings and furniture are crafted from natural materials. Recycled wood, shells and roots make up most of the decor. The bamboo showers are charming. 

Most nights, the staff light a bonfire for guests to sit around under the stars.

Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Restaurant

www.giliasahan.com

If you are in need of some love from mother nature, both of these wonderful places will fill up your cup. I hope you get to enjoy them one day!