Nadi Bali: A Secluded Eco-Luxury Resort for Conscious Travellers
The story:
I first heard about Nadi Resort through a fellow traveler I recently met - a girl who spoke with so much excitement about her stay there. She described the food, the permaculture gardens, and the deep sense of connection to nature she felt while visiting.
Her words stayed with me, and I knew I had to experience it for myself.
At the same time, I had been dreaming of returning to Jatiluwih rice terraces. Although I’d visited before, I always felt I wanted more time in the area - to stay overnight, to slow down, and to truly immerse myself in its beauty. That’s how I ended up at Nadi. We first discovered the resort through its café, where the menu brings together modern, Balinese, and Indian recipes. Dinner that night was so nourishing and peaceful - local ingredients, much of it sourced from their own permaculture garden or nearby farmers. The dessert was special and I knew I was getting it: a rich chocolate cake made with locally grown cacao. It was melting in the mouth.
For someone who loves cookings and it’s a bit critical when it comes to food and its quality, I was honestly fascinated.
The next morning, before heading back, we returned for brunch - getting my favourite avocado toast and a flavourful masala baguette. It felt like the kind of food and atmosphere that makes you want to linger, not rush.
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That is what Nadi represents: a place that functions not only as a resort but also as a destination on its own.
It is a retreat for travellers who wish to slow down, step away from the noise, and experience the nurturing side of Bali.
The resort:
At Nadi, guests are welcomed into four luxury tented rooms, each offering a serene retreat for adults and young guests aged 12 and above. The Nadi Farm Café, set within the permaculture farm and edible gardens, serves seasonal dishes crafted from naturally grown produce harvested on-site and from trusted neighbouring farms, creating a thoughtful menu. To complement the experience, the Spa offers rejuvenating massages, while the surrounding gardens invite quiet exploration and a deeper connection to nature.
Every detail at Nadi is designed to balance comfort with sustainability, offering a slower, more mindful way to travel.
Meet the founders:
When Aishah Fauzi and Punit Gajwani first came to Bali, they weren’t planning to build a resort. Aishah was a corporate lawyer whose career had taken her across Dubai and Hong Kong, while Punit had spent years as a sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants. Life was exciting, but they both felt something was missing.
Then came a one-week permaculture course in Bali. What started as a detour soon became a calling.
From that spark, Nadi Resort was born: Aishah focusing on sustainable practices, and Punit channeling his love for hospitality and local flavours. Together, they’ve created a place that reflects their own journey -slower, more nourishing, meaningful and deeply connected to nature.
Curious to know more?
Wanting to learn more about how Nadi functions both as an eco-conscious resort and as a philosophy of living, I reached out to its founders. I was curious to understand their core values, the ideas behind their hospitality, and the eco-practices that shape the guest experience. What makes Nadi unique, and why is staying here such a meaningful choice for travellers seeking balance?
To answer these questions, I spoke to one of the co-owners, Punit Gajwani and here is what he shared:
You and Aishah have such an unconventional journey into hospitality... What vision guided you in bringing it to life?
The vision for Nadi started with the land — not with a business plan. We came to Bali on a holiday and did a short permaculture retreat, and something just clicked. After years of living in cities where food was imported and disconnected from the grower, we fell in love with the idea of growing good, honest food ourselves.
The resort was created to share this little piece of heaven with others. We wanted to create a place where people could rest, eat well, and reconnect with nature. The café was our way of honouring the ingredients and the hands that grow them.
From the architecture to the open-air tents and locally sourced ingredients… How does this design translate into the guest experience?
Our design blurs the line between indoors and outdoors — you’re not stepping into a room, you’re stepping into the landscape. The tents breathe with the air, and the walls roll up so the birdsong and river become part of your experience. Even the meals reflect that closeness to nature, made with ingredients grown on-site or sourced from nearby farmers. Guests often say they feel more present, more in tune with their surroundings. You're immersed in nature, without ever compromising on comfort or quiet luxury — and that balance is what truly defines the experience.
What sets Nadi apart from other eco resorts in Bali? What is truly unique about your place?
What makes Nadi truly different is its rare sense of exclusivity — with only four tents, it feels like you have the whole valley to yourself. This scale allows for an experience that’s intimate, unhurried, and deeply personal. You’re not just surrounded by nature, you're part of a living ecosystem — from the permaculture gardens to the food forest and the hands that cultivate it all. We focus on quiet luxury rooted in the land, rather than imported excess.
And because we’re adults-only, there’s a natural calm that encourages connection — to yourself, to your partner, and to the slower rhythm of the highlands.
Why should someone choose this part of the island, and how many days do you recommend to fully experience it?
The highlands of Bali feel like a secret. Cooler air, fewer crowds, and an older rhythm still alive in the villages and forests. You come here not for the scene, but for the soul of Bali. To feel it properly — without rushing — I’d recommend at least three nights. It gives you time to slow your pace, soak in the landscape, and let the quiet do its work.
For someone staying only one night at Nadi, what are the must-do experiences?
Start the day with our slow breakfast - everything grown here or sourced nearby, served fresh in the calm of the morning. Then take a guided farm tour where our team shares the story of the land, how we grow food, and what makes our approach different. Enjoy a nourishing lunch, followed by a massage in our open-air spa tent overlooking the valley.
If you have time to explore beyond Nadi, we recommend visiting the nearby Jatiluwih rice terraces or the beautiful Leke Leke waterfall. Even in just one night, the stillness and connection guests feel often leaves a lasting impression.
Many travellers tend to overpack their Bali itineraries… How does Nadi encourage a slower pace?
When guests arrive, we invite them to do less. That might sound strange, but it’s powerful. There are no TVs, no schedules — just the sound of birds, books in your room, and food that comes when you're ready. We’ve seen guests cancel the rest of their plans after one day here. The stillness is contagious.
How would you describe your own perfect luxury escape?
For me, luxury is space — space to think, to feel, to just be. A place where the details are thoughtful, the food is honest, and the experience doesn’t try too hard. Nature, silence, a soft robe, and good tea. That’s enough.
What’s something guests often compliment after their stay? Do you notice a change in them?
Many guests say they feel lighter - not just relaxed, but somehow cleared out. Like something in them slowed down, softened. They often mention how the food made them feel nourished - wholesome, grounding, and full of intention. There’s a lot of care that goes into what we grow and serve, and guests seem to feel that. They also always speak about the team - how genuinely cared for they felt, without anything feeling overdone.
You can often see the shift in their energy by the time they leave - more ease, more stillness.
Looking ahead, are there new experiences or touches you’d like to introduce?
We’re building slowly, on purpose - each new idea must deepen our core promise: to regenerate. We're dreaming up more seasonal retreats, immersive stays, and experiences that connect guests even more intimately with food, soil, and spirit.
A spice masterclass, cooking sessions using ingredients from our own farm, and other sensory journeys are in the works. We’re also exploring the idea of an artist residency, a small yoga pavilion, and even a community seed library. There are many quiet secrets we’re still nurturing - but all rooted in creating deeper connection and meaning.
What I loved most about Nadi is how natural everything feels - the people, the atmosphere, the way things simply flow. The team feels like people you’ve known for years, not because they try hard to impress, but because their kindness is effortless. There’s a sense of peace here that stays with you, long after you leave.
