The Kayon Jungle Resort

Balinese hospitality

A luxurious resort complex in Bali's pristine jungle.

Bali is the paradisiacal home of the Balinese people. We are in Southeast Asia, where we can travel without a visa. The religion of this ethnic group is Hinduism, and a part of its philosophy is pramana. It can be understood as a kind of certainty, the tool of knowledge, seeking the truth, and the desire to gain knowledge about the world. In Balinese Hindu belief, it is said that there are three ways to possess knowledge: to place others at the center, to learn from the experiences of the past, and from the newly read studies. We must live in the spirit of these principles every day. In terms of tourism and guest traffic, this also means that we must offer sincere hospitality to those who come to Bali, focusing on serving them and fulfilling their wishes.

For example, for those choosing the five-star Kayon Jungle Resort. Located near Bresala village and the jungle, this dazzling resort complex was designed for travelers who seek both a luxurious environment and a complete retreat into nature.

We were in awe and amazement at the site, where the beauty of the landscape was the first thing to strike us. It feels as though we are on top of the jungle: in front of us, the palm trees and the lush green canopy of vegetation, and when we glance slightly to the side, our eyes are drawn to the terraced rice fields, also bathed in green.

The resort praises the young Balinese architect, Nengah Sarjant, who designed the buildings on the mountainside in three levels, inspired by the famous rice terraces, and also created three large, terraced swimming pools, one beneath the other. The complex consists of 38 units, ranging from jungle rooms to villas with views of the valley and pools, all the way to the royal suite. This means there’s a variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from a 63-square-meter temporary home to ones that are even up to 100 square meters. The windows, doors, and terraces all overlook the greenery, and if we swim to the edge of the pool, it feels like we’re floating on top of the jungle, as if we could keep swimming above it. The air, with its high humidity of at least 80% and temperatures often exceeding 30°C, makes the refreshing water even more enjoyable.

From spring to autumn, the rain becomes less frequent, but even those who arrive during the rainier autumn period need not worry, as it doesn’t rain continuously all day. Inside the hotel, there are so many luxurious amenities that guests will never be bored. All that’s left to do is relax, rest, and enjoy life.

The adults-only hotel complex does not accommodate children under 15, ensuring that those seeking complete tranquility are truly welcomed by the silence of nature—more precisely, a gentle hum. This silence is filled with the pleasant chirping of birds or the occasional sound of geckos snapping their jaws.

The resort was primarily designed for honeymooners and adults seeking romance, relaxation, and healing. Those who visit can truly say that the unique atmosphere is genuinely soothing for both body and soul. The song of the birds, the wind, the water, the enchanting sounds of the jungle, the scent of the distinctive trees and flowers, the aroma of incense, and the captivating sight of the greenery all engage our senses at once, making us forget the hustle and bustle of the world.

Excellent restaurants, bars—some by the pools!—lounges, and a steam jacuzzi complete the hospitality experience. In the main building, you can even watch a movie in the cinema, and occasionally, a craft market comes right to the resort. Almost every corner of the resort is equipped with high-speed internet, keeping the outside world within reach, making it easy to stay connected with loved ones from afar.

The buffet breakfast offers fresh fruits ranging from coconut drinks and mangosteen to durian, pitaya, lychee, and rambutan, making the more common watermelon and orange seem unappealing. For lunch or dinner, it’s worth choosing fish: mahi-mahi, snapper, or gurami. These are tender, boneless white-flesh delicacies from the nearby sea. In the afternoon, we can enjoy tea and a sandwich, and in the early evening, we can sip cocktails at one of the bars.

We can relax with the pleasures of a fabulous Far Eastern massage or indulge in luxury treatments at the beauty salon. The famous Balinese massage involves a full-body treatment. Despite their slim frames, the Balinese girls are incredibly strong: they can move your body and release tight muscles, cracking your joints in such a way that you’ll definitely want to take another little rest afterward…

If we only want to venture out on foot, we can take a walk to the village of Bresala, which is surrounded by beautiful terraced rice fields and embraced by the lush jungle. In the village, we can choose from the handmade products offered by the locals. For a slightly larger excursion, we can leave the village to the north, where we can visit a chocolate factory, reach the small village of Taro, and explore the Guning Raung temple. We can also visit the island's elephant safari park. The resort operates a direct shuttle bus to the nearby town of Ubud, famous for its craftsmanship, and back to the hotel.

words by Salt&Kisses

WHAT OTHERS ARE READING NOW

AROUND THE WORLD