8 Outstanding Eco Resorts in Bali for a Sustainable Retreat

Key Takeaways

• Explore Bali’s top eco resorts that blend sustainability with stunning architecture and local culture.

• Highlights include bamboo villas, hydro-powered lodges, and cliffside solar-powered luxury retreats.

• Learn what makes a resort truly eco-friendly, from permaculture farms to rainwater harvesting and waste treatment systems.

• Discover immersive activities like guided nature walks, cultural workshops, and eco-construction classes.

• Tips included for choosing, packing, and behaving mindfully at eco resorts to maximize your positive impact

More than 6.3 million tourists visited Bali last year, an eye-opening figure that underscores just how loved this island is. But popularity can be a double-edged sword when it comes to sustainability. Bali’s lush jungles, rice terraces, and pristine beaches deserve every ounce of protection we can muster! 

I’ve trekked through organic farms that double as eco-lodges and sipped coffee sourced mere meters from my bungalow. Let me tell you: eco-conscious travel isn’t just about reducing plastic waste. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that respects local culture and resources. So, let’s dive into eight remarkable eco resorts that blend comfort, innovation, and environmental stewardship like no other place else.

What Makes an Eco Resort?

Before booking, it pays to understand what sets an eco resort apart from a standard hotel. It’s not just about throwing a recycling bin in the lobby. True eco resorts implement renewable energy solutions, manage water and waste responsibly, preserve local culture, and often build strong ties with nearby communities. 

They also focus on using locally sourced, sustainable materials in their construction, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metals. At their best, these properties allow you to indulge in a little luxury while leaving an impressively light footprint on Bali’s delicate environment.

8 Top Eco Resorts in Bali

1. Bambu Indah, Ubud

Set on the banks of the Ayung River, Bambu Indah merges antique Javanese bridal houses with imaginative bamboo architecture to create a tranquil, eco-luxe sanctuary. Guests can sample fresh produce from on-site gardens and unwind in natural pools carved from boulders, all while marveling at the lush surroundings.

What truly sets it apart is the blend of rustic elegance and sustainable innovation: solar-powered lighting, organic toiletries, and a team dedicated to reducing waste in every corner of the resort. It’s an immersive way to experience the culture, cuisine, and tropical biodiversity of central Bali without leaving a heavy environmental footprint.

Architectural Marvel: Originally a collection of antique Javanese bridal homes, Bambu Indah has been transformed into an exquisite eco-conscious haven using bamboo and other sustainable materials.

Farm-to-Table Dining: They grow a portion of their ingredients on the property, so your plate is fresh from garden to table!

River Views: Overlooking the Ayung River, you can relax in natural pools hewn from boulders. No chlorine needed, just pure spring water.

2. Bali Eco Stay, Tabanan

Nestled in the verdant foothills of Mount Batukaru, Bali Eco Stay offers a slice of peaceful seclusion wrapped in sustainable principles. Bungalows are crafted from local materials like bamboo and reclaimed timber, with ingenious designs that harness natural light and ventilation.

The resort’s mini-hydropower system taps into a nearby stream for electricity, and their on-site permaculture farm supplies organic ingredients straight to your plate. A dip in the chemical-free spring-fed pool, with nothing but rice terraces and mountain vistas in sight, is a defining moment you won’t soon forget.

Jungle Hideaway: Nestled in the highlands of Mount Batukaru, this resort feels like a secret tucked away in lush green foliage.

Hydro-Powered Electricity: They harness nearby spring water for electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Permaculture Gardens: Guests can explore on-site gardens that supply organic produce for the kitchen. It’s a lesson in living off the land, minus the backbreaking labor.

3. Ulaman Eco Retreat, Tabanan

Ulaman’s bamboo-centric aesthetic sets the stage for a mindful, luxurious getaway in Bali’s interior. Their meticulously designed villas use eco-friendly construction and offer plenty of open-air spaces that encourage guests to connect with the surrounding rainforest.

Energy solutions include on-site water turbines, cutting down on fossil fuels while powering the resort’s amenities. The property also tackles wastewater with a natural filtration system, ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems. Picture daily yoga sessions against the backdrop of a babbling river, followed by spa treatments that use locally sourced herbs and oils.

Architectural Innovation: With bamboo-centric designs, Ulaman fuses modern aesthetics with traditional Balinese craftsmanship.

Waste Management: They operate a comprehensive system that treats and reuses wastewater, ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems.

Spa & Wellness: If you’re craving a reset, their spa offers treatments sourced from local herbs and oils, all while overlooking a tranquil river valley.

4. Six Senses Uluwatu

Perched on a dramatic limestone cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Six Senses Uluwatu is where upscale comfort meets unwavering sustainability. Renewable energy projects, a proactive recycling program, and carefully managed water usage are all key parts of its ethos.

Add to that a roster of activities highlighting Balinese culture, like cooking classes using produce from their organic garden, and you get a resort that’s serious about community engagement. Mornings might begin with a sunrise yoga session, while evenings end with watching a dazzling sunset melt into the horizon.

Luxury Meets Sustainability: Six Senses is known globally for eco-luxury, and its Uluwatu property continues that tradition in style.

Solar Energy & Recycling: They’ve invested heavily in renewable energy, plus an in-house recycling program for plastic, paper, and organic waste.

Local Workshops: Guests can participate in Balinese cultural activities, from cooking classes to traditional dance, supporting community engagement.

5. Bali Eco Lodge, Kintamani

High up in the Kintamani region, Bali Eco Lodge welcomes travelers to a world of cool mountain air, volcanic vistas, and sustainable living. Buildings are nestled into the sloping terrain to minimize the resort’s environmental footprint, and the team practices strict waste segregation to reduce landfill impact.

Locally sourced volcanic stones and reclaimed wood feature prominently in the design, tying the structure closely to the region’s natural aesthetic. With organic farms on-site, meals come directly from the soil to your plate, making every bite a fresh exploration of Bali’s local flavors.

Location, Location, Location: Perched near volcanic slopes in Kintamani, it’s a gateway to scenic hikes and cultural immersion.

Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting systems and water-saving appliances help keep usage in check.

Organic Farming: Their small-scale farms nurture fresh vegetables and herbs, cutting down on transport emissions and guaranteeing top-notch flavors.

6. Alila Villas Uluwatu

With jaw-dropping ocean views, Alila Villas Uluwatu is renowned for its architectural finesse and EarthCheck-certified sustainability measures. From solar panels to low-flow water fixtures, the resort’s design is a case study in eco-friendly planning done right.

Their support for local artisans also shines through in everything from the décor to curated cultural experiences. Imagine lounging by the iconic cliff-edge pool, cocktail in hand, knowing that your indulgence is balanced by thoughtful resource management behind the scenes.

Green Building Standards: Alila Villas was one of the first resorts in Bali to be designed according to EarthCheck protocols, focusing on eco-friendly architecture.

Community Support: The resort partners with local artisans for handicrafts and cultural performances, injecting money back into the community.

Dramatic Cliff Views: Besides the sustainability factor, the jaw-dropping coastal cliffs at sunset are worth every penny of your stay.

7. Capella Ubud

Tucked into dense rainforest near Ubud, Capella’s “camping” experience is anything but roughing it, though each tented suite is carefully placed to avoid cutting down old-growth trees. The resort naturally cools living spaces with cross-ventilation, avoiding energy-hungry air conditioning.

Local artisans contributed to design elements like hand-carved doors and intricate textiles, ensuring the property celebrates the cultural tapestry of Bali. On guided nature walks, you’ll learn about indigenous plants and animals that continue to thrive thanks to the resort’s low-impact development philosophy.

Tented Luxury: Each “tent” merges seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest, minimizing tree clearing and preserving wildlife corridors.

Natural Cooling: Instead of air conditioning, the tents rely on natural shade and airflow—surprisingly comfortable in Bali’s climate!

Guided Nature Tours: Capella leads walks through the neighboring rice terraces, highlighting sustainable farming techniques employed by local villagers.

8. Sharma Springs Bamboo, Green Village

A masterful showcase of bamboo’s potential, Sharma Springs stands like a living sculpture overlooking the Ayung River. Multiple levels are connected by spiral staircases and suspended walkways, so every corner brims with architectural wonder.

Beyond just design, the entire Green Village engages in holistic sustainability, composting, rainwater harvesting, and chemical-free landscaping are part of daily life. Here, you can join workshops in bamboo construction or permaculture, turning your holiday into a hands-on lesson in eco-conscious innovation.

All-Bamboo Design: Sharma Springs is an architectural statement built almost entirely from bamboo, showcasing the material’s strength and versatility.

River & Jungle Access: Located near the Ayung River, guests can easily venture into nearby forests or partake in white-water rafting.

Sustainable Learning: Green Village includes workshops on bamboo construction, organic gardening, and waste management, turning your vacation into an educational adventure.

5 Practical Tips for an Eco-Friendly Stay

Check Certification: Look for resorts with recognized eco-certifications like EarthCheck or Green Globe. These aren’t just fancy badges. They reflect genuine commitments.

Pack Lightly: Every extra kilogram on a plane means additional fuel consumption. Besides, Bali’s climate calls for breezy, lightweight clothes.

Go Local: Whether it’s buying handmade souvenirs or trying street-side warung (food stall) delicacies, supporting small businesses keeps the local economy thriving.

Mindful Energy Use: Even in a resort with solar panels, switching off lights and A/C when you step out can make a difference.

Respect Community Customs: Cultural sensitivity goes hand in hand with environmental respect. Dress modestly near temples and always ask before photographing people or sacred sites.

Conclusion

Eco resorts in Bali are leading a quiet revolution in how we travel, combining cultural reverence and environmental stewardship without sacrificing creature comforts. I’ve strolled through a bamboo walkway that felt more like a living sculpture than a building, savoring how effortlessly nature and human design can coexist. 

These resorts do more than offer a bed. They provide a vision for what tourism could look like, a game-changer for an island that welcomes millions of visitors each year. When you choose a property that invests in solar energy, sustainable farming, and community partnerships, you’re part of the solution, not the problem. 

That’s pretty powerful, right? And honestly, who doesn’t want to wake up to panoramic jungle views and a fresh cup of locally grown coffee, knowing you’re treading lightly on the land? Safe, sustainable travels!

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Bali in a way that’s both breathtaking and responsible, our Bali Travel E-Guide highlights eco stays, local eats, and cultural gems so you can tread lighter while traveling deeper.