If I had to put one thing, and one thing only, on a bucket list for Bali, Indonesia, it would *hands down* be to go glamping again. Yes, you heard me right, glamping in Bali! There is literally nothing finer in life than staying in one of Southeast Asia’s most luxurious tents. Let me tell you, for all those who have sworn off camping altogether: give glamping a go and I promise you’ll change your mind.
Like most travelers researching all the tips, tricks, places, views, eats, etc for “the island of the gods,” glamping in Bali wasn’t top of my list, or even at all for that matter, because I had no idea it even existed. As I searched for the less ordinary, more unique lodgings for our most recent trip to Bali, I stumbled upon Sandat Glamping Tents and Resort. Bingo.
Sandat Glamping Tents Accommodation Review
Nestled in the heart of Bali, a little ways outside Ubud, Sandat Glamping is surrounded by rice fields, vegetation, and nature. If you’re like me, an outdoors lover, having the night creatures sing me to sleep while I was nestled in my comfy bed, surrounded by elegance, was paradise in itself.
Sandat is the first of its kind in Bali, and opened in 2013. It is a hidden gem, catering to few (only 8 luxury structure available to book), yet loved by many. It’s a place I’m confident will see many return visitors — after such a unique adventure, how could you not?
The Experience
Although our driver had the hardest time getting to Sandat, we eventually found it: smack dab in the middle of numerous rice fields. It’s funny how such an established resort is so elusive…even to the locals! Our driver had to ask multiple farmers along the way about the direction of Sandat Glamping Tents. The resort does a phenomenal job with maintaining the local natural environment and building upon it, that at first look you might just miss it altogether and think it was another patch of jungle breaking up the rice fields.
As we drove down the narrow, dusty road towards jungle paradise, you could tell that even the driver was curious to see inside. We were greeted by a butler who took our luggage down to our tent while we checked in. The grounds were quiet, the only sounds were those coming from birds, bugs, and the soft balinese music playing in the main dining/sitting area. A place to relax? I think so.
Derik and I were both in awe over how everything was so immaculately designed and put together. The attention to detail on everything was completely flawless. The colors, the decor, the structures were not like your average balinese resort, but worked together to develop a style of its own that somehow that flowed perfectly with the surrounding native plants, trees, and tropical bushes.
I have never experienced a resort that was so “at one” with nature…it’s a gift given to all guests of Sandat as well as the grounds that it stood on! To that I applaud the visionaries behind the resort — if you’re looking for an eco-friendly place to stay, this would be it!
The Tent
We had the opportunity to stay in the Sarong tent (translated “water marine”), and loved every second of it! The amazing thing about each tent was that everything: furniture, blankets, light fixtures, and all accessories were color coordinated. The designer in me was literally screaming for joy. We were able to visit a few other tents, and they too were true to their designated color name.
The tent came with a full bedroom, seating area, coffee stand, dual closets, and full bathroom with stand-up shower. There were lighting fixtures and fans that could be used day or night, but while we were there (June), the weather was actually cool enough not to need the fans too much. We had a nice selection of coffee and teas available to drink, magazines and books to read (more could be found in the main dining area — bookshelves with all kinds of books, maps, magazines, and stories), and a beautiful private outdoor pool that looked right into the jungle itself.
No T.V.s or telephones were provided, as it should be in a place like Sandat.
The Food
I do not typically write about the food at a resort unless it’s fantastic. Derik still talks about the ribs he had the first night we were glamping, and boy, I remember them too! Fall off the bone, perfectly flavored…couldn’t ask for better! Each entree is served with bread and a chef’s special of the day. Everything we ate was cooked to perfection.
The breakfast in the morning was also another wonderful thing, and once again all the dishes, flowers, accessories, and tablecloths were color-coordinated, and changed every morning (what?!?!). We had a huge selection of things to eat for breakfast: fresh fruit, juices, yogurt, granola, eggs, breads, pastries, and a few other things we could request from the chef.
All in all…loved it.
Book this accommodation if…
…you want to do something a bit different for a change.
…privacy is important to you.
…you’d rather lounge at your own private pool than go to the beach.
…you’ve got a taste for sleeping in style.
Tenda Sarong room rate: starting at $260 USD per night.
