Hanging Gardens of Bali

Hanging Gardens of Bali is a luxury resort in the village of Buahan in Payangan, set on a hillside above the Ayung River valley with rainforest on all sides. It is best known for its award-winning cascading infinity pool, which sits at the heart of the resort facing the jungle, with a twin-tiered pool near the bar. The resort has been running for two decades and now presents itself as a five-star property.

The resort's construction is part of its story. According to the hotel, it was built by around 4,000 workers in 15 months without machinery, and only one tree was removed in the process. The buildings are spread over eight hillside terraces linked by 88 steps, so be prepared for some climbing between the rooms, the pool and the spa.

Accommodation is in pool villas of several types: Signature villas focused on privacy and rainforest views, Panoramic villas set in terraced gardens looking over the Ayung valley, Riverside villas with the sound of the river, and Two-Bedroom Pool Villas with their own infinity pool and gazebo for families or friends travelling together. A separate property deeper in the jungle, The Hidden Palace, has five suites. Dining is centred on Three Elements Restaurant, which combines local ingredients with international techniques and Indonesian spices, and the semi-open Three Elements Bar and Lounge overlooking the pool, and down by the river the Spa Café serves guests using Spa by the River, the resort's riverside spa.

Other facilities include a riverside gym, a yoga shala with aerial yoga, and Balinese cooking classes, while morning rice-paddy walks and cycling trips explore the surrounding villages, and the resort arranges experiences such as a private romantic dinner at Dalem Segara Temple. Recent recognition includes a Travel and Leisure Luxury Award in 2026 and a Seven Star Award in 2025 for best luxury boutique hotel. Enquiries and bookings can be made through the website or via WhatsApp.

Hanging Gardens suits couples and honeymooners who want a secluded retreat with a spectacular view, and it works best for a stay of several nights rather than a quick stop. Payangan lies just north of Ubud, so the resort makes a good base for the countryside north of town, but factor in transport time for evenings in central Ubud.