HOSHINOYA Bali
Surrounded by jungles and terraced rice fields,
this sanctuary offers spiritual and material pleasures
inspired by the lesser-known cultures of Bali.
Private gazebos overlooking the jungle.
A pool that connects every part of the resort.
Bali is home to numerous ancient palaces and water temples that create an atmosphere of elegant majesty. The presence of the sacred river is vital to this property, waters flow into the Pakerisan River, nurturing the jungles of Ubud that grow along its banks. Wherever you are in HOSHINOYA Bali, you will feel the river all around you. The resort designs are rooted in Balinese Hinduism, a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the balance between the human and the natural. It is this balance that defines the wondrous delights of HOSHINOYA Bali - a resort village nestled in the Balinese jungle that flourishes atop a hill, which drops off to a sacred river flowing below.
There is a strong sense of tradition and culture in Bali—nowhere more than in Ubud, where HOSHINOYA Bali is located. Rie Azuma, from Azuma Architect & Associates was asked to design the resort to authentically incorporate the charms and cultures of Bali. This was to be the first overseas HOSHINOYA resort outside of Japan, so it needed to make a statement.
Initially, Azuma spent her time researching Balinese culture by visiting Hindu temples and traditional Balinese homes and villages, as well as by studying traditional craftsmanship at metal, stone, wood, and batik workshops throughout Indonesia. Inspired by the people she met and the discoveries she made, Azuma arrived at a design that was at once authentically Balinese, and also faithful to the HOSHINOYA aesthetic. The completed resort is one that meticulously balances Japanese spatial design with Balinese culture.
The villas are all located on the flat part of the premises, where they surround three long canal-like swimming pools. The pools are dotted with carefully arranged water gardens which used to create private sections of pool that are immediately adjacent to each villa, as well as a canal-like public area in the center of each pool. The gardens give the pools the appearance of naturally-occurring streams—a visual echo of the river valleys found in this part of Bali.
Public spaces, which are all located at the edge of the valley, are similarly woven into the natural landscape. Along the top of the valley, a boardwalk has been built along an ancient canal—a key feature of the traditional Balinese irrigation system known as a subak. Guests first set foot on this boardwalk upon exiting the reception building, which is located in an inconspicuous part of the resort; they are immediately transported to a Balinese jungle. A series of birdcage-like cafe gazebos hover above the boardwalk and look out onto the valley. Here, guests may relax in an environment that offers a full view of the surrounding majestic nature.
Although Ubud's nights are pitch black, there is a lighting scheme that would still allow guests the warm comfort provided by the bright, twinkling stars. Light sources are batik cloth, placed in containers crafted by Balinese artisans of iron, copper, wood, and stone. The light cast from these works creates deep, beautiful shadows, while the illumination is spread warmly throughout the space. Perhaps most stunning of all is the subtle lighting embedded at the top and bottom of each villa's wall carvings. This lighting scheme accentuates the fretwork of the carvings, in the process enhancing the depth and beauty of each piece.
At the Spa,xExperience an intensely relaxing & calming time provided by “HOSHINOYA Balinese Massage” in the spa nestled in a valley surrounded by deep green. Or learn how to make a Batik, visit Ubud or take guided a morning Ubud rice field walk.
At night, the mystical sounds of the gamelan ring through this spacious open-air restaurant, where guests enjoy their meals while gazing out at the nearby jungle. Bali is a treasure trove of ingredients and natural spices. In Indonesia, it is customary to order a large plate of food and share it with friends and family. Meals at HOSHINOYA Bali, are designed to offer the pleasures of traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine a little at a time.
