As I step through the gates of Bambu Indah in Ubud, Bali, time seems to pause. The scent of lush greenery and exotic blossoms surrounds me, while a gentle breeze rustles the bamboo trees. This place feels different – like a dream woven from wood and leaves, a perfect harmony of nature and human creativity.
I immediately know that Bambu Indah is more than just a hotel. It’s a living manifesto for sustainability, shaped by the vision of an extraordinary man: John Hardy.
Meeting the Founder
John Hardy greets me in one of the open pavilions that form the heart of the hotel. With his sun-kissed skin, sparkling eyes, and warm, magnetic presence, he exudes the aura of someone deeply connected to his surroundings. His welcome feels genuine, almost like an old friend inviting me into his home.
He begins to share his story. In the 1970s, as a young man from Canada, he arrived in Bali. Originally a jewelry designer, he quickly fell in love with the island, its people, and, most importantly, bamboo. “Bamboo is the material of the future,” he says, his hands emphasizing his words. “It grows faster than any wood, is flexible, and incredibly strong.”
After a successful career in jewelry, he decided to channel his creativity into something greater: sustainable projects that could transform the world. He founded the renowned Green School Bali, a bamboo-built educational institution that combines learning with environmental awareness. Bambu Indah is his next major project – a place that proves luxury and sustainability can coexist.
A Walk Through a Bamboo Wonderland
Together with John, I explore the property. Every corner of Bambu Indah tells its own story. Some of the villas are restored Javanese bridal homes, crafted from ancient teakwood and lovingly transported to Bali. Other structures are made entirely from bamboo, with curved roofs that mimic waves and open walls that seamlessly invite nature inside.
“There’s no clear line between indoors and outdoors here,” John explains as we walk along narrow bamboo paths winding through lush jungle. “Here, humans and nature blend into one.”
We arrive at a natural pool fed by a volcanic spring. Smooth river stones form the floor, and the water glistens in a clear turquoise. “No chemicals, no chlorine,” John proudly states. “We want our guests to experience nature in its purest form.”
Stories That Inspire
At dinner under a starlit sky like I’ve never seen before, John continues to share his journey. He talks about the challenges of convincing people about bamboo’s potential and the collaboration with Balinese artisans who bring their traditional knowledge to the project.
“Many think sustainability means sacrifice,” he says, sipping from a young coconut. “But it’s actually about working with what nature gives us to create something beautiful and enduring.”
He explains that Bambu Indah is a place of community. The staff are locals who bring their culture and stories into every part of the hotel. “Without them, this place would just be buildings. They make it alive,” he adds.
A Night Like No Other
In my villa, a harmonious blend of traditional teakwood and modern bamboo architecture, I lie on my canopy bed, reflecting on the day. Through the open windows, I hear the sounds of the jungle – crickets chirping, a gecko calling in the distance, and the wind rustling through the trees.
The stars seem so close, I feel I could almost reach out and touch them. I feel at one with nature. John was right: Bambu Indah isn’t just a place; it’s an invitation to see the world through a different lens.
A Farewell Full of Inspiration
The next morning, I say goodbye to John Hardy. His parting words stay with me: “Sustainability begins with you. It’s not an option; it’s our future.”
As I leave Bambu Indah, I feel transformed. It’s not just the beauty of the place that has touched me, but also the passion and vision of a man who demonstrates that luxury and respect for nature are not opposites.
Bambu Indah is more than a hotel. It’s a message, a living example of how we should treat our world – with care, creativity, and awe. And perhaps that’s the true luxury: not just an extraordinary stay, but a new perspective that lingers in your heart long after you leave.
