Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape

Would give infinite number of Stars for the Buahan Banyan Tree Escape Resort - it was a once in a lifetime experience. Imagine being immersed in nature in the Balinese jungle, nestled high above a waterfall with no walls or doors. The views from the bed, bathtub, lounge and private pool are so stunning that I am finding it hard to describe. At night the curtains get drawn, the fire pit on the deck gets lit and you feel safe, cosy and cocooned in your Bale listening to nature around you. It is escapism at its best! The team and I mean every single member of the team were exceptional and proud of providing outstanding service. They are all great storytellers and knowledgeable about their region and the fantastic food which head chef Surya and team served us. We want to give a shout out to our Escape host Budi who made our stay memorable beyond our expectations! Things to try when you are staying here : Hike to the waterfall (free $) - the resort provides sandals, walking sticks, mini rucksacks with towels, water, walkie talkies and first aid kit (be careful as the steps are uneven and can be wet) Yoga sessions (free $) on the deck with breathtaking views Cocktail making session (free $) in the bar with a top mixologist Visit the organic on-site farm (free) where the produce get picked twice a day and go straight to your dinner plate Have a massage ($$) I picked the Ayurvedic hot stone one (deeply relaxing) Take the Cooking Class ($$) it’s made our stay extra special!

Our experience at Buahan, Banyan Tree was truly exceptional. The service was top-notch, and every staff member we encountered was genuinely friendly and welcoming. Special thanks to Mr. Ardan and Ms. Caca, who went above and beyond to make us feel at home—they added a personal touch that made our stay even more memorable. From the serene surroundings to the attentive service, everything was perfect. If you're looking for a peaceful, luxurious escape with heartfelt hospitality, Buahan is the place to be.

Wow what an experience. Everything from the moment we arrived to the moment we left was 5 star. Nothing was to much trouble and everything we desired was done without a fuss. We upgrade to Balle 3 which was high up the resort with amazing scenic views across the valley and is worth it just for the views. Riadi - our host made our visit extra special with constant attention, little thoughtful gifts like a hot bath with flowers and essential oils waiting for us at the end of the day! Coconut water and handwritten notes. The food was world class, all locally sourced and fresh cooked to order, presented to a Michelin start standard. We are super fussy so believe me when I say the food is stunning. The waiting team and chef team under head chef Augus couldn’t do enough for us. Culminating in head chef preparing us a traditional Balinese feast on our final night from his hometown (wasn’t on the menu). Everything was sensational. (The not cooked pressed raw cacao brownie dessert with coconut cream on the side is to die for, I kid you not!) Augus junior did a superb job on the cooking class experience, including foraging and showing and letting us taste the local vegetation. - highly recommend. Yogi took us on wonderful cycling trip to the village and rice fields - complimentary for guests and worth the trip. Lastly the massage experience is IMHO the best we have ever had. 90 min of bliss with essential oils - a must have. Thank you all the team for an amazing experience and one we will certainly never forget. A very magical place, you will leave here replenished, relaxed and immersed in culture. A truly exceptional place, with exceptional people. Yours gratefully Bapak Eli & Ibu Anna

There are a few things to consider “against” the resort, but honestly, they weren’t a big deal for us and didn’t detract from our stay. First, the resort is 2.5 hours from the airport, and I’ll be honest—it’s probably the most distant luxury resort in Ubud. The drive itself was manageable, with decent traffic conditions, and traffic jam eased away especially after we passed the well-known spots like Four Seasons and Aman. But yes, it’s a long haul, and you’ll need to factor that into your plans. Second, the public areas are limited. The resort mostly revolves around the area around the pool. But of course you’d have to consider how they pulled off building all the structures, featuring an inclinator, rice fields and steps down to a waterfall. It’s an entire resort experience, and the space is used beautifully. Now, the “good things”—and there are so many. The most unique feature of Buahan Banyan Escape is that the resort has no doors or windows. At first, we did expect some inconveniences, but honestly, it was worth it. Sure, we got bugs visiting us (nothing aggressive, and the nightshades worked like a charm), but we also had birds and local wildlife dropping by. We weren’t woken up by birds earlier than we thought tolerable. The touch of nature was amazing. The view from our private pool was absolutely stunning—I could see the Seven Peaks, and it felt like we were in our own little world. The place looked ethereal in the rain. The concept of the resort is incredible. Most of the food was sourced from the surrounding area, and they even have a garden at Station 1 where their chefs grow the ingredients. The menu was creative, full of Balinese inspirations, and rotated every few days. Personally, my favorite was the duck eggs at breakfast, which were perfect. Dinner was equally amazing—the chocolate ganache had a balanced flavor with a foundation well-singed in wine. I also noted that the resort had a supply of excellent coffee beans, the origin of which I should have asked the staff about. The resort also offered activities like yoga, cycling, and Balinese offering sessions. Since it rained, our cycling session got canceled, but the manager, Riadi, was on it and arranged for us to attend a Balinese crypt session where we learned about the Balinese alphabet and culture. It was such a unique and enriching experience. The staff were fantastic—enthusiastic, engaging, and clearly proud of the resort. Hospitality was outstanding. It felt like there were more staff than guests, and our needs were always anticipated. Special thanks to Riadi for making our stay so special. The restaurant staff were also super nice. Amenities are thoroughly-provided, including welcome beverage, snacks, and fruits. Coffee is freshly grounded, accompanied by a hand-brewing kit, which I found very thoughtful.

Significantly exceed expectations. It is 6 stars of 5 experience. Unique and exceptional. These two words about everything: hospitality, location, food, coctail by the coctails master, nature, bungalows, service, spa Several days in the Jurassic period nature away of the city and bustle. Thank you. These memories will be forever with us. De Gus is the best!