John and Cynthia Hardy are the couple that started Bambu Indah Bali, a family-led revolution using bamboo as their medium.

Eleven antique Javanese bridal homes make up Bambu Indah, a boutique hotel that lies on the Sayan Ridge above the Ayung River, just west of Ubud village. Each of these pretty teak wood homes is furnished with sustainable practices in mind and act as gateway to a way of life that extends far beyond hospitality.

Dapoer, the dramatic open kitchen and Minang House were designed by Elora Hardy, creative director of Ibuku, a design team of craftspeople that develop the potential of bamboo into other-worldly structures. Lie back in an antique daybed and be served at the touch of a button with Indonesian cuisine made from ingredients that are homegrown in the surrounding organic food gardens. The Garden team (a division of the Ibuku design team) is led by Elora’s brother Orin Hardy and focuses on creating ecological landscapes following the principles and ethics of permaculture.

Throughout Asia, bamboo symbolizes grace, strength, flexibility, endurance and longevity; it has the tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. However the magic lies in each new breath-taking build you are welcomed to discover during your stay at Bambu Indah.

Green School Bali was founded by John Hardy and developed by Ibuku. It weaves sustainable practices with a truly collaborative, imaginative approach to education and living. Local talent combines forces with contributors from all over the world to pioneer what truly is the greenest school on earth. Take the time to also see the private residences at Green Village, have a bamboo tour and check out Karya Tangan Indah, John Hardy’s jewellery factory.

I left Bambu Indah realising how impactful one family’s vision can be when it welcomes both local and global ingenuity for limitless growth. I have never been more inspired.

http://bambuindah.com/

Bambu Indah Bali
Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
+62 361 974 357

Photography by Philippe Courtial

Photography by Philippe Courtial

Photography by Philippe Courtial

Photography by Brian Hodges

Reemé is based in London. After a few years working as a freelance fashion stylist, she now produces content and events for landowners, agencies and brands. She enjoys destinations that blend hospitality with retail. Find Reemé on Instagram + Twitter.

(Feature image of Bambu Indah Bali by Brian Hodges.)

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