As the island of the gods opens up to international travelers this month, an iconic resort in the tropical island’s spiritual hub of Ubud is ready to host guests as an officially appointed hotel. 

The boutique property, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, has been chosen by the Indonesian government as one of the hotels visitors can stay at as part of the “Warm Up Vacation” requirement, officially promoted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism. Although visitors may move around Bali freely after testing negative for COVID at the airport, they are still required to stay at the same hotel during their first three nights in the country. 

The Tanah Gajah Ubud team have crafted a short-stay package, “Welcome Back,” that allows guests to relax and unwind in comfort while meeting the local COVID requirements for a getaway to the island. 

This month Bali reinstated its visa on arrival services for 23 countries and revoked mandatory quarantine for vaccinated international travelers. However there are still some requirements, such as two PCR Tests (one on arrival at the airport and one at the end of the three-night stay) as well as 30 days of health insurance protection. Testing and insurance are included in the resort’s latest offering. 

Also included in the package: airport pick up; personal hand sanitiser, face mask and disinfectant in each villa; a personal butler service; WiFi; daily afternoon tea; a daily sunset cocktail; complimentary minibar including alcohol selections (replenished daily); daily laundry up to six pieces per villa; access to wellness facilities; a UV light treatment in the villa prior to check-in; and a daily nanotechnology spray treatment for the villa, to minimize potential infections. However it’s the property’s location and rich cultural heritage that are the real drawing card for visitors. 

Moored amid rice paddies in the uplands of Bali, and a destination unto itself, the 20-key property is spread out over a lush six hectares of land. With roots that go back to legendary designer and art collector, Hendra Hadiprana, the property has long attracted art and design lovers. It was originally built in the 1980s as a holiday home for Hadiprana and his family and was transformed into a resort in 2004. Though the Hadiprana family relinquished its occupancy of the site as a private family compound, the patriarch’s art collection remained, and numerous sculptures, antiques, and artwork from his travels can be found throughout the property to this day. 

The resort offers two dining destinations, The Tempayan and Panen Padi Lounge. The new Tempayan was unveiled in 2020 with a design inspired by wantilan, a Balinese style pavilion. The tapas outlet, Panen Padi Lounge, also debuted during the pandemic. Both locations command prime locations with views over rice paddies and the resort’s hot air balloon experience. 

The resort’s spa also takes in the property’s quintessential Balinese landscape, while the main pool is guarded over by Ganesh statues and partially flanked by ponds with resident swans. Private pool villas are available for guests who would like to enjoy a dip in privacy. 

Tanah Gajah Ubud has strict health protocols. All staff are fully vaccinated and the property was awarded a 100%score for its CHSE (cleanliness, health, safety and environment) certification from the Indonesian government. The entire property is sprayed down with disinfectant twice a week and housekeeping disinfects guest rooms on a daily basis. 

Package prices start at IDR 9,100,000 nett (Approximately USD 640) for single occupancy in a One Bedroom Club Suite (70 sqm) and range up to IDR 14,300,000 nett (Approximately USD 640) for double occupancy in a One Bedroom Club Pool Villa (280 sqm). 

After the three night stay guests have the option of staying on or continuing their journey with Hadiprana through a stay at Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana. Dua Dari consists of four residences in a jungle valley overlooking the Petanu River. The hotel was Hendra Hadiprana’s private residence after Tanah Gajah Ubud became a resort. Like its sister property, his extensive art collection can still be found throughout the site and the majority of the decor and furniture were once part of Tanah Gajah Ubud. 

The Welcome Back package is valid until June 30, 2022