Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana (formerly The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud) is tucked away in the rolling rice paddies of Bali’s culturally rich highlands. The former estate of Hendra Hadiprana, one of Indonesia’s most respected art collectors, is now a small, exclusive resort with twenty private villas, all of which are decorated with authentic Balinese works of art from his collection.
The five-hectare resort in Ubud is both elegant and rustic, providing the perfect setting for the resort’s own amphitheatre, where guests may watch one of Bali’s most dramatic performances, the Kecak dance. The Spa, nestled away at the edge of the seemingly endless paddy fields, is also a haven for peace and recuperation. Renowned for its elegance and charm, this exquisite property elevates the resort experience to new heights.
Location
This resort makes you forget you’re only ten minutes from Ubud because it has all the hallmarks of a secluded island resort. Surrounded by lush rice paddies and tree-lined horizons, the hotel exudes an air of openness and tranquillity. Tanah Gajah is very close to the ancient temple Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, which was built in the ninth century. Yeh Pulu, a set of rock-cut panels from the 14th century, is also conveniently located nearby.
For an arranged cost, guests can also arrange with the hotel prior to arrival, airport pick or transfers from another hotel.
Style & Interior
Tanah Gajah was once the summer home of Hendra Hadiprana, an acclaimed Indonesian architect and art collector. In the 1980s, Hadiprana designed a haven for his family consisting of a collection of private houses clustered around pools and vast fields, complete with ample room for socialising and artistic performances.
The structures on the site have a Balinese aesthetic, with gabled roofs, sturdy wood pillars, and the odd tidy stone wall, but their wide glass walls and windows also give them a contemporary air. Paintings from the owner’s collection of Balinese art, including some especially designed for the property, may be found in each of the 20 villas.
Rooms & Suites
The resort’s 12-acre grounds are filled with a broad selection of villas and suites, from the One Bedroom Club Suite to the Two-Bedroom Club Family Pool Villa and the spectacular Hadiprana Estate house. While the one-bedroom suites forgo personal gardens, they do feature spacious patios ideal for afternoon tea and views of the surrounding lotus ponds. Each suite features a living room, a semi-outdoor bathroom with a generous bath and a luxury rain shower, a stocked minibar, and a docking station.
Dining & Drinks
The Tempayan is the resort’s main restaurant, operating from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies. The restaurant serves a sumptuous four-course breakfast every morning, with plenty of fresh fruits, yoghurts, smoothies, bakery baskets, eggs, and pancakes and is open all day for Asian cuisine with a Western twist. The men of the next village perform the spectacular kecak dance every other Tuesday and Friday night, followed by a communal feast of traditional Balinese fare.
Tapas and cocktails may be enjoyed at the Panen Padi Lounge, which features both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the surrounding swan ponds and rice paddies. A unique cocktail and plates of expertly prepared tapas make this the perfect venue to ring in the evening. Or, you might try the chef’s organic garden and dine at a private table while being served a variety of dishes made from the garden’s produce.
At Tanah Gajah, every meal becomes a journey that delights the taste buds and showcases the culinary artistry of the region.
Spa & Yoga
At the hotel’s Wellness Sanctuary, tranquility and rejuvenation await. The resort features a world-class spa centre where guests can indulge in traditional Indonesian treatments, rejuvenating massages, and healing therapies. Daily yoga and meditation classes, led by experienced instructors, provide an opportunity for guests to find inner peace. Wellness workshops teach valuable self-care practices, while healthy and nutritious dining options in the hotel’s restaurant nourish the body. Serene spaces, including gardens and meditation pavilions, create an atmosphere of calm and introspection.
Service & Facilities
The staff at Tanah Gajah go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Guests can unwind in peace knowing that the hotel’s helpful staff are just a phone call away. Each visitor is provided with a butler service, free use of bicycles, and access to daily yoga and meditation sessions. Minibars are supplied daily at no extra cost, afternoon tea is served with hot and cold beverages and a variety of sweet and savoury treats, and cocktails are on the house between the hours of 6 and 7 every night.
Laundry and a transport into Ubud are also provided at no extra cost (before 6pm). While some suites feature private pools, all visitors can enjoy the use of the resort’s public swimming area, tennis court, and fitness centre. Views of the rice paddies, where Bali’s one and only hot air balloon takes its morning and evening rides, can be enjoyed from the fitness centre and spa.
Overall
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is poised to redefine the resort experience, whether guests seek artistic inspiration, eco-luxury indulgence, holistic wellness, culinary delights, or thrilling adventures, Tanah Gajah promises an unforgettable stay. Journey beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and experiences that make this resort truly exceptional. Escape to Tanah Gajah and discover a world where luxury meets imagination, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
