Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape Welcomes New Leadership and Reflects a New Chapter of Regenerative Hospitality

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, the brand’s first no-walls, no-doors destination nestled in the highlands of Bali, enters a new chapter with the appointment of Hengki Adnyana as Resort Manager, reflecting a renewed focus on thoughtful leadership, regenerative hospitality, and deeper guest experiences shaped by nature, culture, and sense of place.

Hengki brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, building on the resort’s strong foundation while gently guiding its next chapter with care and continuity. His journey began with formal training in India before returning to Indonesia, where he progressed from front office and guest service roles into senior operational leadership, including leading a luxury resort through its pre-opening phase and most recently serving as Acting General Manager.

“For me, hospitality is not something we deliver, but something we hold,” shares Hengki Adnyana. “At Buahan, we create space for people to slow down, reconnect, and experience something more meaningful in their own way. It is about honouring what already exists while allowing it to evolve naturally; through people, through place, and through time.”

Advancing a Regenerative Vision

At the heart of Buahan’s philosophy lies a commitment to regenerative hospitality—where each stay seeks to contribute positively to both environment and community. Guided by this philosophy, the resort continues to deepen its focus on ecological restoration, cultural continuity, and conscious resource management.

The Dukuh Asri Regenerative Centre remains a central part of this journey, serving as a space for community engagement, knowledge exchange, and hands-on learning. Guests are invited to participate in experiences ranging from Jungle Cooking and regenerative farming practices to village explorations such as the Sandikala Walk, each designed to foster deeper connections with Bali’s living traditions and landscapes.

Buahan’s sustainability efforts are guided by measurable impact across key areas, including:

• 100% ethically sourced free-range chicken eggs;
• 100% of residual waste diverted from landfill through circular practices and responsible waste management systems;
• 100% locally hired team members, supporting surrounding communities and local livelihoods;
• 100% fully organic pest control practices across the resort grounds;
• 80% of ingredients thoughtfully sourced within a 50-kilometre radius, supporting village farming communities and prioritising seasonal produces.

Working closely with local communities, Buahan continues to develop initiatives that empower women in Buahan Village, including traditional tempe-making for both the resort’s culinary offerings and broader livelihood opportunities within the community. Guests are also invited to take part in the process, discovering the craft behind this protein-rich fermented staple and its role in local daily life.

The resort’s regenerative initiatives also extend into farming and biodiversity conservation. Through Ngadas Regenerative Farming, organic waste is transformed into compost and shared with surrounding communities to encourage more sustainable agricultural practices. Since 2024, Buahan has also been recognised as the first luxury resort in Bali to initiate a firefly conservation programme in collaboration with Bring Back the Light, supporting the protection of one of nature’s most delicate ecosystem indicators.

In celebration of Earth Day this year, Buahan introduced handcrafted bird sanctuaries made from repurposed coconut shells and installed them throughout the property to support local biodiversity. Guests were invited to take part in the crafting process, transforming overlooked natural materials into safe resting spaces for native birdlife in reflection of the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana.

Mindful sourcing and creative repurposing remain integral to the resort’s operational philosophy. Local ingredients are thoughtfully reimagined—including salak fruit transformed into coffee—while used linens are given a second life as tote bags through guest-led tie-dye workshops designed to encourage more conscious engagement with waste reduction. These efforts are supported by a broader commitment to low-impact design, seasonal and plant-forward menus, and operational practices that prioritise long-term environmental balance over short-term gain.

A Moment of Reflection

As Buahan approaches its fourth anniversary this June, the resort enters a season of quiet reflection, honouring the journey it has taken, the community that continues to shape it, and the evolving spirit of the destination itself. Guided by the theme “Fo(u)rward, Inward”, the anniversary unfolds as a gentle exploration of the four elements of nature—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air— expressed through a series of immersive experiences.

Wellbeing experiences will take focus through the launch of the Raindrop Therapy at Toja Spa, alongside restorative rituals inspired by water, designed to encourage guests to regulate the nervous system through sensory immersion. At Open Kitchen and Botanist Bar, Fire & Flow Evenings will bring together flame-led culinary traditions such as Samsam Guling with botanical cocktails inspired by the elements.