Retreat to the rainforest: we review Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens in Bali
Get back to nature.
When it comes to the very best hotels in Bali, there’s something for every kind of holiday. While many flock to beach-side villas, we recently opted for a secluded wellness retreat hidden away in the heart of the Payangan rainforest. See why a stay at Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens is the perfect way to restore, reconnect, and rejuvenate.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens review
The Nandini experience starts before you even arrive at the property. We’d been staying at Tanah Gajah in Ubud ahead of our check-in and were collected by our Nandini driver Dion who came with chilled water to beat the October heat and lovely cool, fragranced towels. His warm and friendly temperament set the scene for our stay, and as we embarked on the 50-minute drive to the resort, he explained that he, and many of the team who work at the hotel grew up near the property. “I used to play in the river when I was younger and now I enjoy showing foreign guests the special places around the hotel,” he remarked along our journey.
When we got to the property, we were welcomed with refreshing drinks and a selection of welcome canapes before being shown to our room. As the hotel is situated on a hillside, a funicular is on-hand to carry guests and luggage across the different levels of the property. Interestingly, during the build of the resort, the owners wanted to ensure that no trees were removed, so the entire construction took place by working around the natural topography. The result, unsurprisingly, is an experience that brings you incredibly close to the jungle.
The villas and suites
We wanted to experience a selection of the villas and suites on offer, so we spent the first night of our stay in the luxe Villa Suite Jungle View. Featuring a wrap-around balcony with exquisite views of the jungle and an king-sized bed for lounging, it’s the perfect spot for some much-needed relaxation. The interiors feature dark woods with crisp white linen and neutral furnishings that let the verdant jungle take centre stage.
My favourite part of the suite was the bathroom which features a standalone outdoor tub, and ideal spot for me to catch up on my book. The oversized bath sheets are a great indulgence after a long soak and guests can request flower petal arrangements on-arrival if looking to dazzle a significant other.
While the property does have a spa (more on that below) we requested a couples massage on the balcony of the suite in the afternoon, and this treatment was exquisite. The therapists allowed us to choose our preference of aromatherapy oil before treating us to 60 minutes of complete relaxation. Laying on the bed with the sounds of the jungle in the background was incredibly soothing and I found the hands and foot parts of the treatment extremely good.
For the second night of our stay, we moved to a Jungle View Villa, a slightly smaller accommodation but with equally lovely views. The design for the space is modelled on a traditional Balinese village and features a blend of dark woods and batik fabrics.
In the evening a huge storm came through the jungle and it was absolutely magical to sit out in the swing chair of the balcony and watch the lightning and rain pass by.
Dining
Wild Ginger restaurant serves an array of both local and international dishes. On the first night, we experienced dishes from the elevated Premium Menu which featured the likes of Beetroot Hummus with Cheese Crisp and Langoustine Seafood Curry. The meal was great and coupled with the views of the rainforest was a wonderful experience.
Breakfast starts with a unique mezze spread that changes every morning followed by a la carte dishes, including eggs and local Indonesian fare. We also tried a floating breakfast at the pool, and while the food was nice, the tray kept floating away from us making it difficult to eat.
Things to do
We opted to take part in a River Healing Ritual during our stay. Below the property, Ayung River is a sacred river where guests can join a local priest for a blessing. Traversing down the side of the hill requires sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, but I promise it’s worth it. The special feeling when you arrive by the water is definitely palpable, and after adorning the correct clothing, the local priest will offer wishes for your wellbeing during the ritual. This was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our entire Bali trip.
A generous swimming pool offers cabanas for relaxing, sun loungers, and a bar for drinks and snacks. We spent a lot of time here and I can highly recommend the enclosed cabanas as great places to luxuriate.
At the Spa at Nandini by Hanging Gardens, guests can indulge in a number of different treatments, including many which infuse local Balinese techniques. For a truly immersive experience, opt to have your massage on the platform by the river.
Read more about Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens or Book through Booking.com
But wait, there’s more…
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