Panchoran Retreat
Nyuh Kuning, Bali, Indonesia
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| WATER WORLD: Panchoran's secluded River House (courtesy, Panchoran Retreat) |
IF THIS RETREAT DOESN'T TURN you into a tree hugger, you may be hopeless. Situated at the confluence of three rivers in south-central Bali, Panchoran (Balinese for "spring") is the eco-resort's eco-resort—25 acres of bamboo and coconut palm groves, waterfalls, spring-fed swimming pools, and organic gardens that supply phenomenal meals. Noted Irish interior designer Linda Garland began constructing the bamboo-and-recycled-wood compound 20 years ago, and in 2003 she decided to open her home to guests. From Swiss Jungian-psych profs to celebrated rockers like David Bowie, they all pilgrimage to Panchoran for the promise of Balinese bliss.
ROOM & BOARD: Unwind your mind in one of five plush, riverside guest villas—where butterflies and hummingbirds flit from the outdoor showers to the Javanese-antique-furnished rooms. The kitchen dishes everything from eel and veggies steamed in banana leaves to a caramelized stir-fry of ikan teri (dried anchovies) with red chiles.
OUT THE BACK DOOR: Tour miles of terraced rice paddies in the village of Ubud, hike Gunung Agung—Bali's sacred 10,308-foot volcano—or tube riffles on the nearby Wos River. Don't miss lectures at the property's Environmental Bamboo Foundation, where Garland preaches the gospel of sustainable bamboo construction.
DETAILS: Villas (single or double occupancy), $275–$715; 011-62-361-974-028, www.lindagarland.com
