No walls, no doors: Inside Bali’s luxury ‘naked’ resort concept

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, offers a unique, eco-friendly ‘naked’ resort concept that removes all barriers between you and nature – including walls and doors.

A concept without walls or doors feels almost at odds with the idea of a luxury resort, raising questions about privacy, protection from the elements, and even security. But from the moment I arrive at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, any misgivings are quickly laid to rest. This deconstructed haven cascades down the Ayung River Valley, unfurling into secluded pockets of serenity within the dense Balinese jungle. Smiling staff are stationed at every touchpoint, ready to guide guests along tree-lined paths and the central inclinator that connects the resort’s four levels. There isn’t a single wall or door in sight, just an endless vista of sunshine and jungle in every direction.

The facts

Traveller: Laura Barry

Room: Rainforest Pool Bale

Address: Banjar Selat, Buahan Kaja, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali 80572, Indonesia

Date: October 2025

Best for: This romantic, adults-only resort is best for couples.

The Signature factor

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a five-star resort that embraces a unique ‘naked’ design concept that’s sustainable, opulent and exists harmoniously within its ecological context. The dining experience is just as nuanced, championing an 80 per cent plant-based menu constructed from 80% natural and local ingredients – much of which is grown on the property itself. Toja Spa adopts a similar approach, with all products used within the therapies grown and made locally.

The concept

Though the idea of a resort without walls or doors might raise an eyebrow, Buahan brings the concept to life with elegant precision. Set far away from the roads and buried deep in the valley, communal spaces such as the bar, restaurant and pool stand at the centre of the property, embraced by a thicket of greenery that shields the private bales from view, yet providing an incredible perspective over the jungle canopy. Each of the private bales takes in panoramic outlooks, has a private pool and showcases tactile interior design that feels uplifting and welcoming. But what makes Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, unique is the way in which it removes all obstacles between you and nature. Bathtubs overlook the trees, living areas enjoy the afternoon breeze, and guests enjoy priceless sunrise views from the comfort of their cloud-like beds.

First impressions

I’m greeted with warmth and smiles upon my arrival, thanks to my fantastic Escape Manager Adi, who escorts us to the Botanist Bar for an effortless check-in process that includes a welcome drink and sweet treat (all made from local ingredients, of course). Friendly and attentive, Adi answers all our questions before walking us through the resort and explaining our itinerary. Along the way, we meet Puspa Anggareni, the passionate and knowledgeable Resort Manager with an infectious smile who radiates positivity. Puspa tells me the resort’s structures have been built from 80 per cent recycled hard woods, salvaged from old boats. She points out the remnants of numbers and names from old hulls, frames and decks, all of which add character to this eco-friendly retreat. It’s a sensational first impression.

The room

It’s hard to describe the uplifting effect of Buahan’s bales. Each is set within a hidden nook of the valley, the floorplan spilling over the jungle canopy. The lounge area – replete with mini bar, sofa and coffee table – stands nearest the entrance, giving way to a canopied bed, a huge, bespoke bath tub (created just for Buahan), a dual vanity and dressing area, while the restroom and dual showers are hidden behind two curving interior partitions. A gentle afternoon breeze drifts through the space, mingling with the steady currents stirred by two enormous fans suspended from the sweeping ceilings. Gauzy floor-length cotton curtains are neatly gathered around the room and bed, all of which are drawn at night to deter any unwanted visitors (such as bugs) while ensuring guests can bask in the sounds of nature and wake with the first light of day.

Naturally, I throw myself upon the heavenly bed to soak in the unobstructed views of the rice terraces, jungle and blue sky. I am absolutely delighted to discover the bed head and canopy are fitted with an air-conditioning ‘wing’ that emanates a cool, clean breeze. At night, when the canopy is drawn around the bed, this creates a cool mini-climate perfectly conducive to sleep.

I wish I could take home…

As a frequent traveller, there’s a special place in my heart for hotels and resorts that invest in cloud-like beds – and Buahan is one of them. Large, fluffy and so dense you can sink into its depths, I wish I could take home the canopied bed from our bale.

Spa Life

Set a little way back from Buahan’s garden paths and wrapped in a green blanket of trees and native plants, Toja Spa is an open-air affair with views over the valley. We’re booked for the Island Massage, a tension-relieving deep tissue therapy of long, broad strokes. As the clock strikes 4pm, staff arrive at our bale to personally escort us to Toja Spa. Softly spoken and emitting an aura of calm, the spa staff create a tranquil and respectful environment for us to unwind in.

The session starts with a foot scrub made from cacao beans harvested from the property’s chocolate tree. We’re then guided through a selection of oils and scents and given the freedom to create a bespoke aromatic experience for the massage. A cool afternoon breeze moves through the spa, the sounds of jungle birds set against a meditative soundtrack of soothing notes. As the masseuse works her magic, I can feel the stress and anxiety melt out of my back and shoulders, leaving me with an enhanced sense of freedom and movement within my body. We conclude the hour-long experience by sipping tea while taking in the sunset.

On my plate

Multi-course set menus are available for breakfast and dinner at the onsite restaurant, Open Kitchen, both of which are 80 per cent plant-based and made from ingredients grown on Buahan’s farm or sourced locally. While some hotels, resorts and restaurants breeze over vegetarian dishes like an afterthought, Buahan’s chefs have crafted thoughtful, flavourful and textural dishes bursting with colour and creativity.

At 7pm, the dinner service kicks off with a round of ‘Snacks Creations’ such as fried oyster mushrooms and sweet potato fries with banana ketchup. Watermelon tartare is presented as the appetiser, a banana blossom dish with peanut oil vinaigrette is plated up for the entree, with barley porridge and crispy skin chicken rounding out the main. Dessert is a rich and delectable plate of kluwek chocolate ganache and banana gelato. Each course can be paired with a wine, but I opt for a ginger and pandan iced tea.

Breakfast is similarly inspired, beginning with heirloom tomato salad and a smashed pumpkin starter. I have the choice of a deconstructed cheese toastie made with coconut brioche and Bromo by Mazaraat Cheese, topped with a fried egg, or eggs any style as the main. It’s a toastie, for sure. Lontong Sayur braised rice cakes in a spiced coconut curry and ricotta hotcakes complete the morning indulgence. As if that wasn’t enough, a selection of pastries, cereals and fresh fruit are also offered to guests. I devour several remarkably sweet passionfruit.

An a la carte menu is also available, delivering generous portion sizes and western classics such as pasta and vegan burgers. Guests can attend the Botanist Bar for complimentary sundown cocktails at 6pm for happy hour, too.

Staying in

An infinity pool lined with sun lounges and umbrellas reaches out from the Open Kitchen restaurant into the jungle canopy, providing guests with a sun-drenched splash zone in which to cool off – should they wish to swap their private pool for poolside cocktails or coconuts. As I settle into my chair after a morning swim, staff bring me cooled cucumber slices for my eyes. Incredible.

Should you wish for something a little more intimate, consider indulging in a mid-afternoon bath. Buahan’s copper tubs are oversized bespoke creations set on the cusp of the bale floorplan. I relish the fresh air on my face and the rice terrace views while soaking my troubles away.

Stepping out

The village of Buahan is located a 45-minute drive from the centre of Ubud, around a three-hour drive from Denpasar airport. It’s a small, quiet and mostly residential parcel of land in the centre of Bali. Restaurants and tourist attractions are few and far between here, but Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape keeps guests engaged with their surroundings through a rotating program of curated experiences. We joined a walk to Buahan’s private waterfall, Tjampuhan, a dramatic cascade that flows into the river and is often used as a site for spiritual cleansing. The Bamboo Pavilion also hosts yoga sessions.

Choose from:

• Earthy Heritage Cooking: Re-create authentic Balinese recipes in a traditional kitchen
• Essence of Senses: Learn about native plants and their wellbeing applications
• Lavascape: Witness sunrise over Mount Batur and Mount Abang
• Rice Life Trekking: Explore rice fields with a guide
• Ride for Resilience: Cycle through Bali’s scenic highland locations
• Hike to the Peak: Climb Mount Batur’s summit
• Sound Healing & Chakra: Heal with singing bowls
• Insight Journey: Blessings and astrological sign readings by a priest in the local village temple
• Soul Freedom Journey: a spiritual cleansing ritual
• Moon Yoga: Practice moon salutations by the pool
• Traditional Elixir Jamu: Learn about the traditional Indonesian herban drink
• Art of Loloh: Learn about the traditional Balinese medicine
• Tri Hita Karana: Explore Bali’s traditional way of life
• Stay for Good: Follow a farmer on a foraging tour of the island
• Batur Brewscape: An adventure through Kintamani’s coffee highlands

Accolades

Since its debut, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali has garnered international acclaim. It was named Best Overseas Hotel at the 2024 Voyage Hotel & Resort Awards in China, recognised by Tripadvisor as the world’s top sustainable and luxury destination in 2024, and won the 2023 Skift IDEA Award for Industry Innovators: Hotels in its first year of operation. The resort was also featured in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2022 and included in Tatler Asia’s Best 100 in 2024, cementing its reputation as a luxury jungle retreat.

Green thumbs up?

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a leader in sustainable luxury, earning EarthCheck Certification 2024 and being recognised in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards as one of the Best of the Best Hotels in Sustainability. Each villa is crafted from locally sourced materials, including ‘Ulin’ wood salvaged from old boatyards, and the menu sna spa amenities are all crafted from 80 per cent local ingredients. Furthermore, through the Banyan Tree Group’s Stay For Good program, guests engage in authentic, immersive experiences with local communities. The resort also launched Lentera Bumi in 2023, the first resort-based conservatory dedicated to supporting and restoring local firefly populations.

Final verdict

My two-night stay at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, was the perfect way to end a week in Bali. It allowed me to disconnect from my devices and fully savour the scenery, the slower pace of life, and meals that felt both healthy and decadent. A session at Toja Spa, a hike to the waterfall, and sipping sangria while night fell over the jungle heightened my sense of calm and relaxation. Falling asleep early and waking to golden sunlight, taking in the jungle views from my bed, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And (in case you’re wondering) despite the resort’s no walls, no doors concept, I didn’t see a single mosquito. A bucket list-worthy stay indeed.