Nirjhara honors nature and the heritage of its island home with an easygoing, contemporary flair.
An aerial view of Nirjhara at sunset.
Back in 1996, the Tran Tien family from France was holidaying in Bali when they were struck by the beauty of its rural landscape. That unforgettable experience planted the seed of an idea, and the family’s long-cherished dream to run a small, sustainably minded resort on the island’s southwest coast finally came to fruition in 2021 with the debut of Nirjhara, a boutique retreat of just 25 suites and villas. The name, which means “waterfall” in Sanskrit, alludes to the natural cascade flowing right beside the property. Set amid an idyllic patchwork of paddy fields and jungle in the regency of Tabanan, the property lies not too far from the lively heart of Canggu, but its secluded location promises peace and quiet to discerning vacationers. Here, the emphasis is on laid-back luxury, and Nirjhara’s thoughtful design reconnects guests to the rhythms of nature.
Accommodations include seven treehouse Canopy Suites built using upcycled hevea wood and clad with reclaimed teak and ironwood. Inside each suite and villa, guests will find woven furniture handcrafted by local artisans and contemporary artworks from up-and-coming Indonesian artists. Even more privacy awaits at The Residence, a two-story, two-bedroom villa with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward the lush jungle.
Inside the bedroom of a Canopy Suite at Nirjhara.
One of the resort’s playful Canopy Suites.
A spread of modern Indonesian dishes at Ambu.
Ambu, the casual-chic restaurant, delights guests with its modern interpretation of Balinese cuisine. As Nirjhara is committed to reducing food miles as much as possible, no less than 95 percent of ingredients are sourced from the resort’s vegetable garden, neighboring farms, and trusted local suppliers.
On the sustainability front, the Tran Tien family are keen to take things far beyond a ban on single-use plastics. Nirjhara stands out for its use of upcycled materials and energy-efficient design: insulation in each suite minimizes the use of air conditioning, and water is heated with solar panels and heat pumps. An on-site water purification facility provides guests with drinking water in recycled glass bottles.
Wellness-minded travelers can bliss out through a diverse range of spa offerings. These include Blessings, or treatments inspired by local traditions, as well as sound healing, reiki, massages, and body scrubs. Therapists deliver the wellness rituals in four treatment rooms; these are complemented by two Finnish saunas and a fully equipped gym. The Shala, a riverside bamboo pavilion designed by Bali-based eco-architecture firm Ibuku, is the ideal setting for complimentary yoga and meditation sessions.
The Shala, Nirjhara’s riverside pavilion built for yoga and meditation sessions.
On the pool deck of The Residence, a two-story villa with two bedrooms.
The infinity pool at Nirjhara.
Nirjhara’s pool overlooks the hidden waterfall that inspired the resort’s Sanskrit name.
And while guests are free to while away the hours by the infinity pool or broaden their culinary repertoire with a private cooking class, Nirjhara offers a range of immersive activities that showcase the charms of Tabanan, from bicycle tours and horse-riding excursions to cultural experiences, visits to the famed Tanah Lot Temple, and surf lessons at nearby Kedungu Beach. Guided explorations of lesser-known sights in the nearby hills are also highly recommended.
Last August saw the introduction of Vela, Nirjhara’s own six-cabin phinisi sailing yacht, for customized journeys beyond the shores of Bali. Whether you wish to explore Komodo National Park or the remoter corners of the Indonesian archipelago, every voyage aboard Vela presents an alluring blend of five-star luxury and true adventure.
For more information, visit nirjhara.com
A bird’s-eye view of Nirjhara at dawn.
This article was brought to you by Nirjhara.
