I never thought I’d find a place that could quiet my mind the way Tanah Gajah did. It’s as though the minute I stepped onto the grounds, the noise of the world — the static, the clutter, the chaos — disappeared, leaving behind nothing but the hum of peace and the kind of magic you find when the universe lets you breathe for a minute. This isn’t a resort; it’s a sanctuary, a place that invites you to feel again, without the distractions we too often surround ourselves with.
It was a holiday with my 10-month-old, but I had in mind a trip where I get to relax and enjoy it, too. Tanah Gajah absolutely delivered – we stayed for a couple nights, and both my little one and I had a magical time. This review is an honest reflection of my experience. Note that any booking you make through us supports us at no extra cost to you:
Tanah Gajah hosted my family and I on this stay. All thoughts on the resort and experience are my own. Your trust always comes first!
The Arrival: A Warm Embrace
The journey to Tanah Gajah is almost like a prelude to the experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff greeted me like I was family. Not the fake, stiff family you dread at Thanksgiving, but the real kind—the kind that makes you feel like you belong even when you haven’t said a word. You’re handed a cold towel and a refreshing drink, and suddenly, you know you’re in for something special. The traditional Balinese hospitality wraps around you like a soft blanket, and it’s not just about making you comfortable; it’s about making you feel at home.
Our personal butler took us around the resort ground on a golf cart, while two other staff load our luggages at our gorgeous two-bedroom villa. We marveled at the beautiful paddy fields, elegant swans swimming on the lakes, and ready ourselves for a magical stay the next few nights.
The Art & Sculpture Collection: A Feast for the Eyes
The resort is home to one of the most stunning collections of traditional and contemporary Balinese artwork and sculpture, collected and loved by its owner, the late Hadiprana, one of Indonesia’s biggest art collectors. Walking through the property, I found myself being constantly drawn to the works that seemed to have a life of their own. Each painting, each statue, told a story, evoked emotion, and connected me to the rich history and spiritual energy of this place.
What stood out to me the most was the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic expressions. There were pieces that felt ancient, deeply rooted in the sacred traditions of Bali, alongside sculptures that felt completely contemporary yet still reverent to the culture they represented. It’s as if the resort is not just an escape, but a cultural immersion.
The Villas: A Slice of Heaven
Tanah Gajah is made up of 24 spacious, beautiful villas that are as much a part of the landscape as the lush, rolling rice fields that surround them. We stayed at a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and outdoor bathtub, and it could not have been more perfect.
Our villa was spacious, elegant, and effortlessly blending modern comforts with Balinese charm. It’s not just beautiful—it’s practical, too. The flat-leveled floors throughout make it incredibly accessible, whether you’re traveling with a baby in tow or an older family member who might need a bit more stability underfoot. I was genuinely impressed by how thoughtfully the space was designed to ensure that everyone could move around comfortably without having to worry about stairs or uneven flooring.
And then, there’s the private pool. I have a love-hate relationship with pools: sometimes I think they’re overrated, but then I find a pool like this one—a tranquil, shimmering slice of heaven tucked away in your own little corner of paradise—and I remember why they’re so special. It’s perfect for lounging, swimming a few lazy laps, or just floating in the quiet of your thoughts as the sun begins to dip. Right next to the pool is the outdoor bathtub, which quickly became my favorite spot, especially after the little one goes to bed at night.
As if the villa weren’t already indulging you enough, the complimentary mini-bar that’s replenished daily adds a delightful touch. I never had to think twice about grabbing a cold drink whenever the mood struck—whether it was a soda, a fresh juice, or something a little stronger. And let’s talk about that daybed, because it’s a game-changer. I don’t know how they made it so perfectly huge, but this daybed became my sanctuary during the day. Whether I was wrestling with my soon-to-be toddler, or indulging in an afternoon nap together, it was the ultimate place to relax. It felt like the entire villa was designed for one thing: slowing down and savoring every moment, whether you’re playing with the kids, unwinding after a long day, or just enjoying the luxurious simplicity of being still.
The Personal Butler Service: A Level of Attention You Didn’t Know You Needed
And Tanah Gajah, with its personal butler service, knows exactly how to make you feel like royalty without all the stuffy, over-the-top pomp and circumstance. I’m talking about a level of attention that’s subtle but so thoughtful that you almost forget someone’s quietly anticipating your every need.
Prior to our arrival, we were added to a WhatsApp group chat with our personal butler, who made sure all little details are taken care of before we even checked in. A baby cot with mosquito net, food preferences, arrival time – no details was too big or small.
Throughout our stay, we were able to communicate our requests via WhatsApp which made things that much more delightful. Meals were organized ahead of time, bread to feed the swans, a quick obsession of my daughter, was prepared for us whenever we wanted, and, oh, my personal favorite – laundry was picked up, washed and cleaned for us, everyday, for free. No scrubbing bikinis in the shower this holiday for me!
The Hot Air Balloon Experience: Soaring Above Paradise
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of Bali, I don’t immediately think of hot air balloons. But Tanah Gajah has a way of turning the unexpected into something magical. They offer the island’s first and only licensed hot air balloon experience and we just had to try it. Imagine drifting above the iconic emerald green rice terraces of Ubud at sunrise, the light casting a golden glow over everything below. You’re floating—really floating—above the world in a way that makes you feel weightless, as though gravity has suddenly decided to take a break.
The experience was serene, peaceful, and awe-inspiring. As we rose higher into the sky, the vast landscape of Bali unfolded beneath us like a living painting—lush jungles, rice fields, and the gentle rise and fall of the hills, all bathed in the soft light of the early morning.
The Kecak Dance: A Mystical Experience Under the Bali Sky
One of the standout moments of my stay at Tanah Gajah was the unforgettable Kecak dance performance. If you’ve never experienced it, let me try to paint a picture: it’s not just a performance—it’s a ritual, a celebration, and an immersion into the heart of Balinese culture all rolled into one. The Kecak is a traditional dance-drama, performed by a chorus of men who chant and sway in unison, creating a hypnotic rhythm that pulses through your very core.
The story unfolds in front of you, a retelling of the Ramayana (one of the great Hindu epics), where you watch as dancers depict the fierce battle between good and evil. But it’s not just about the choreography or the costumes (although both are stunning); it’s the energy of the performance that stays with you. The men’s chanting becomes almost trance-like, and as the dancers move through the fiery rituals and symbolic gestures, you’re transported to another world—one where time slows down, and all that matters is the story being told through movement, song, and fire.
You can easily find Kecak dance performances all over Bali, but for us, the show took place just steps away from our villa, which felt intimate and luxury. If you ever have the chance to see the Kecak performance at Tanah Gajah, do not miss it. It’s an experience that’s woven into the very fabric of Bali’s cultural tapestry.
The Balinese Royal Dinner: Dining Like Kings and Queens
We had the Balinese Royal Dinner at Tanah Gajah after the Kecak dance performance. at the Tempayan, the resort’s in-house restaurant.
The menu is a feast of Balinese flavors, carefully crafted to introduce you to the island’s rich culinary heritage. Each course is an exploration of traditional dishes, from fragrant rice and spicy sambals to succulent meats and delicate seafood.
What really makes the experience stand out, though, is the sense of ceremony and hospitality that comes with it. You’re treated like a guest of honor, with the utmost care and attention paid to every detail. The staff doesn’t just serve your food; they guide you through the flavors and history of each dish, ensuring you savor the experience in its entirety.
Saying Goodbye: Reluctantly
Leaving Tanah Gajah felt like waking up from a dream. The last few days had been a mix of deep relaxation and quiet, introspective moments. I hadn’t just escaped—I’d healed, recharged, and realigned. But, as with all good things, it had to end. There’s a bittersweetness to leaving a place like this, knowing it’s one of those rare spots on the planet that reminds you how beautiful life can be when you slow down and let it happen to you.
In the end, Tanah Gajah wasn’t just a luxury resort; it was a place that redefined what it means to be truly present. The kind of place you leave feeling a little more whole than when you arrived. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the greatest luxury of all.
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