Glamping in Bali: Barefoot eco luxury living in Ubud and beyond

If you're looking to switch up on your next trip to Bali, why not consider going glamping? Losing yourself in lush green jungles, rice paddy terraces, and the sound of clear river waters can be a freeing experience - and certainly less stressful with modern amenities like running water at your fingertips. You can also be sure these six places that we've picked come with both amazing views and stellar service and hospitality.

CAPELLA UBUD

Situated in the middle of misty rainforest of Keliki Village in Tegallalang, Ubud, this exquisite tented camp built by architect Bill Bensley is a homage to the adventurous spirit of 1800s European settlers. Twenty-two one-bedroom camp tents and a two-bedroom lodge overlook the rice terraces against a boundless junglescape, and are complimented with daybeds and private salt-water pool. Upon arrival, guests are provided with a duffel bag containing camp essentials such as sunscreen, a rain poncho, and insect repellent.

Impressively, not a single tree was cut down in the process of building Capella Ubud. Each room - whether you go for a Rainforest Tent with outdoor deck and bathroom or Keliki Valley tents for that unobstructed valley view - feature Bensley's signature pattern clash and colour splash interiors with Colonial-themed decorations. Not a brand to neglect the dining situation, they have local dishes at Mads Lange and Robatayaki grill Api Jiwa under the watch of Australian chef Matt McCool. Just note that this luxury glamping site may not be suitable for family with children under six years old due to its terrain and the wildlife situation.

Capella Ubud is located at Jl. Raya Dalem, Br. Triwangsa, Tegallalang, Ubud.

BAMBU INDAH RESORT

Part of John and Cynthia Hardy's bamboo empire in Bali, the stunning Bambu Indah has seventeen rooms with roof structures and interior design taking inspiration from Sumbanese, Sumatran, and Javanese traditional dwellings. Each room has unique features; for example, the glass panelled floor in Udang House allows guests to watch the shrimps and fish swimming below while Riverbend House sports two private natural spring plunge pools and a copper tub. The Moon House, with a semi-dome 'bed tent', is the most suitable for romantic getaways.

Aside from using local bamboo to build Bambu Indah, the family has also adorned the hotel with exotic pieces they've collected on their travels around the world such as traditional Persian carpets and African furniture. Don't miss out on the Natural Swimming Pool, complete with a rope swing, organic farm-to-table local cuisine at the open-air River Warung, and traditional Balinese massages in their bamboo massage pods at the spa.

Bambu Indah Resort is located at Jl. Baung, Sayan, Ubud.

SANDAT GLAMPING

The pioneer of the Bali glamour-camping, Sandat Glamping was created in 2013 by two Italian travellers, Emanuela and Federico, which offers a five -star experience in Ubud's rice terraces in the form of five luxury tents named after Balinese traditional ornaments, and three lumbung-styled compounds named after Balinese traditional dances.

Each room at Sandat Glamping strikes a contemporary balance by pairing local wood-carvings and rattan weavings with milk-white curtains, against toned-down Venetian colour palate of brown and soothing shades of blue. Guests are always welcome in the elegant lounge & bar to wind down over ginger tea on comfy sofas or at the bar over cocktail hour with their signature Italian Spritz. They also offer sports and cultural activities such as cycling, cooking classes and rafting.

Sandat Glamping Tents is located at Jl. Subak Sala, Br. Sala, Ubud

MENJANGAN DYNASTY RESORT

Divers and beach bums, this one's for you. In northwest Bali, known for its dive sites, coral reefs and mangrove-wrapped coastal flats, lies the 16-hectare Menjangan Dynasty Resort and Pasir Putih dive centre, which borders West Bali National Park and overlooks the serene Banyuwedang Bay. Closeness to wildlife is a given as the uninhabited Menjangan Island is nearby; sometimes deer have been spotted swimming across the bay to the resort.

Despite the proximity, Menjangan Dynasty Resort offers a great deal of privacy, including the alfresco decks with each tent, and Cliff Tent Villas have private pools facing the sea. To complete the safari lodge experience, the 24 Beach Tents and four Cliff Tents Villas use South African robust double-skinned canvas, whose dual layers act like window and door. Activities available on site include year-round professionally-guided scuba diving and snorkelling excursions, as well as water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.

Menjangan Dynasty Resort is located at Pejarakan, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency.

SANG GIRI MOUNTAIN GLAMPING

Nestled in the mountains of Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sang Giri is surrounded by dense, evergreen forests. It's a location so remote that their latitude and longitude is offered as a address. With just eight African-style clamping tents, this simple yet exquisite hideaway allows guests to dive into Balinese nature. They offer experiences such as rainforest trekking (rubber boots available for rent), visits to the farms, cooking classes, and excursions to waterfall and rice terraces within Jatiluwih Village.

Sang Giri is equipped with an outdoor hot tub, dry and steam sauna, and a yoga studio. Serving Balinese and Western food using homegrown mountain vegetables and locally sourced produce - try their red rice tea! - the property's Pakis Restaurant has a little fireplace to get cosy around too. Pro-tip: they have special low season and high season packages.

Sang Giri Glamping is located at Sri Rambut Sedana, Jatiluwih Kangin, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali.

CAMAYA BALI

Situated about 20 minutes from Sidemen in Karangasem Regency, Camaya Bali is a cluster of four bamboo-built camp spots with the peak of Mount Agung visible in the distance. Bookable on Airbnb, the secludedness of the site warrants a strong disclaimer from manager Made on the plentiful insects and a lack of ATM machines and air-conditioning. All the houses are elegantly designed, and each one comes with king-sized beds, baths, semi-outdoor lounging areas, a outdoor gorgeous stone tub and the Insta-famous woven net hammocks for guests to feel like they're floating while overlooking endless paddy fields.

Suboya is the only two-story accommodation of the lot, but all are spacious enough to hold a fully-equipped kitchen and dining table (there's one small local restaurant open for lunch and dinner if you're not up to cooking). Exploring Selat is possible for as long as you have transportation, and you can place a request in advance for the staff to rent a motorbike for you. They can also arrange water rafting trips, visits to temples and waterfalls.

Camaya Bali is located at Selat, Karangasem Regency, Bali.

This article was first published in City Nomads.