A newcomer among the rush rice paddies of Ubud, Equipoise Resort by iNi ViE Hospitality offers a bamboo-clad sanctuary where every element of the stay experience is anchored by a state of equilibrium.
Those familiar with Ubud would not be a stranger to the scene at Equipoise Resort. As far as the eye goes, there’s only an expanse of green, whether it’s the tiered rice fields that rhythmically sway as the cool winds blow or the natural landscapes made up of palm fronds and draping vines. This quietude sets the scene for the resort’s namesake philosophy, a state of perfect balance.
It begins upon the very first moment of arrival. Instead of a check-in desk, guests are greeted with a welcome ritual. A soft welcome, as the resort calls it, underscored by the tinkle of Rindik, the Balinese bamboo instrument. The air is perfumed by the woodsy, comforting scent of Equipoise’s signature Hammana aroma, a telltale sign that one has left the hustle and bustle of busy Ubud behind, instead entering a world where time seems to have stopped, and the only to-do list item to tick off is relax.
That wouldn’t be a difficult task to achieve here. There seems to be no distinction between the resort’s architecture and its surrounding terroir. Reading the Land is the philosophy behind the design, ensuring a space crafted with equal thought for luxury, sustainability, and reverence for the Balinese principle of Tri Hita Karana. The result is an enclave swathed in bamboo, woven patterns, and wicker accents lending their organic and rustic flair, while curved furniture softens the space and gives it a sophisticated lift.
All villas here are personal oases, complete with living areas that open to Ubud’s greenscapes with their own private pools attached. Rest is its own special experience here as the Sleep Concierge Ritual leads evenings into peaceful shuteye in the signature rounded Aireloom beds. Guests can choose from seven aromas (Breathe transports one to the coast with crisp sea-like scents, while Glow infuses the air with citrus fragrances, for example) to bolster a better environment. Seven types of pillows can also be chosen, each offering its own version of head and neck support as well as comfort. With this level of thoughtful curation rivalling that of experiences outside the villas, retiring to the bedroom becomes something to look forward to.
Still, much excitement awaits beyond the lodgings’ four walls. Led by Executive Chef Putu Armen, Terra Verte lures the hungry to its alfresco seats with rustic Southern European fare. Locally sourced ingredients are transformed into Italian-Mediterranean dishes, such as the Carbonara Revisitata, ’Nduja Pizza, and Chocolate & Pistachio. Sustainability also plays a big role here; the Tuna Cracker can attest to this, as its crispy base repurposes fresh, handmade pasta dough. The dining experience is completed with the beverage programme, Green Earth in a Glass, that extends the intentionality behind the food.
Unwinding arrives in more ways than one. Wellness enthusiasts would be more than delighted at Hammana Spa, where Balinese wariga traditions take centre stage for a truly personalised self-care regimen. Those eager to explore the surrounding natural domain can also visit the nearby Manuaba Waterfall for an intimate dining, trekking, yoga, or melukat experience. Meanwhile, the surrounding rice fields offer activities like Balinese cooking classes, traditional Nyuun Keben-style meals, or the Rice Field Reverie that invites guests to be part of the local farming life. The alternative is the Artisan Encounters programme, bringing local craftsmen to the resort for classes on wood carving and batik painting as well as workshops on pottery making and silversmithing.
Equipoise Resort
Jalan Raya Desa Kenderan, Ubud
Bali 80561, Indonesia
T: (+62) 8131703631
IG: @equipoiseresort
