Akohara Buahan Village Retreat in Payangan, Bali

Akohara Buahan Village Retreat occupies a steep, spacious hillside in Payangan, surrounded by rainforest and river valley. The property spans seven levels connected by an inclinator lift and 246 steps from Level 5 to the restaurant. Guests reach their villas via this cable-car-style lift, which offers views over the jungle canopy during descent.

The retreat has 28 villas, including Bayu Pool Villa, Teja Pool Villa, and Pertiwi Pool Villa, each with a private pool and outdoor bathroom. Villas are duplex or single-level, with smart controls for lighting and air conditioning, a Bluetooth speaker, and a complimentary minibar restocked daily. Some villas sit above the jungle canopy, while others are lower in the river valley, providing either sunrise views or immersion among the trees.

Jihwa Restaurant serves Indonesian, American, Italian, Mediterranean, and international cuisines, with a menu that includes continental, American, and local breakfast specialities. The hotel offers a pool bar, a coffee house on site, and themed dinner nights with live music or cultural dance performances. Room service, breakfast in the room, and special diet menus are available, along with a 7-course romantic dining experience by the pool.

Hara Spa is located on the lowest level of the resort, with open-sided treatment suites that look into the forest and are complemented by the sounds of the river. The spa offers Balinese TekSu massage, couples massage, body scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. Daily activities include yoga and meditation by the river, guided walking tours through local rice fields and villages, mountain bike rides, and cooking classes, such as a sambal-making session.

The main pool is an infinity pool heated to about 30 degrees Celsius, with a pool bar and sun loungers, and it is open year-round. Villa pools are not heated, but the main pool area includes an open-air bath and pool/beach towels. A fitness centre with a personal trainer is nestled near the river on level 7, with equipment that includes weights up to 10 kg, and the hotel also offers fitness classes and yoga classes.

Location: Secluded jungle hillside, 45 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport

Rooms: 28 villas with private pools and outdoor bathrooms

Access: Inclinator lift connecting 7 levels across the property

Dining: Jihwa Restaurant with international cuisine and romantic 7-course dinners

Wellness: Hara Spa with riverside treatment suites and Balinese TekSu massage

Activities: Daily guided walks, bike tours, yoga, and cooking classes

Adults-only: No children on the property, with soundproof rooms