Lush green landscapes, sprawling forests and awe-inspiring sunrises are just a few of the things that come to mind when one pictures Ubud, the famous town of Bali. At luxury GHM hotel, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud, you can witness all this and more during its recently launched Balloons over Bali experience.
Nestled across five hectares of beautifully landscaped pristine gardens and vast rice fields, The Chedi Club Ubud is the perfect spot from which to explore the cultural heart of Bali. Featuring twenty private villas and suites designed in a traditional Balinese style of architecture and infused with a contemporary flair, the once-private estate provides a luxurious home-away-from-home for discerning travellers.
Explore the local villages by foot with your very own private butler, cycle through the endless fields or enjoy a class of yoga while being surrounded by nature.
For those looking to explore Ubud in a more unique way, The Chedi Club Ubud is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the skies with its newly launched Balloons over Bali adventure, available until November.
Anchored at 23 metres high, the exciting new ballooning opportunity is a one-of-a-kind on the Island of the Gods and the first such initiative launched by a resort.
“Bali’s got it all – beaches, temples, volcanoes, rice paddies, puppets, dancers, sacred forests – but no balloons,” said the general manager of The Chedi Club Ubud, Deasy Swandarini. “A balloon is exactly the way to see Ubud from on high.”
Hop into the cosy wicker basket as you take to the skies with each flight climbing 50 metres above the resort’s rice fields, floating at the end of a tether. Now, soak in the views of Mt. Agung in the near distance, the expansive rice fields below, the forests of Ubud and the 5-hectare estate of Hendra Hadiprana, now The Chedi Club.
As the sun rises, witness the beams of light appear from behind the shadows of the palm trees, slowly illuminating the skies and the ludicrously green terrain.
“You might capture the same images with a drone, but seeing it with your own eye is something else entirely,” said Swandarini.
Choose from one of three flights scheduled at dawn, late afternoon or early evening and just after moonrise, and set sail with a maximum of two adults and two children (under 12), as well as a certified pilot, though total guests weight cannot exceed 230kg.
Lasting between five and seven minutes, each morning and afternoon trip will include a scrumptious breakfast or afternoon tea for two (US$150), while the final flight of the day will conclude with a three-course dinner for two adults (US$200).
Enjoy the peace and serenity of the surroundings while devouring the exquisite flavours showcased by Executive Chef Dean Nor. Offering an array of traditional Balinese and Indonesian favourites alongside Western classics, each dish is made from ingredients that are hand-picked from the hotel’s very own organic garden or local markets to ensure the maximum freshness.
So if you are looking to plan something special for your upcoming holiday to Bali, look no further. Balloons over Bali can be one of the most adventurous activities and is perfect for couples and families alike. Share a romantic moment with your loved one or explore the world from above with your little ones as you witness the breathtaking views of Bali’s most famous landscapes at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud.
For more information, visit: www.ghmhotels.com/en/tanah-gajah/experiences/
Text: Hira Desai