BALI’S BEST KEPT SECRET: ESCAPE NOMADE

Have you ever fallen in love with idea of being an actress on the set of a glamorous movie, or a supermodel shooting at a tropical location? If your answer is yes then a trip just outside of Ubud to Escape Nomade in Bali is where you need to head! Escape Nomad is a little known secret in Bali that showcases six star luxury tents that are set among lush green rice terraces overlooking a beautiful river. 

Escape Nomade is the home to luxury luggage and tent designer, Anneke van Waesberghe. With a recent feature in Vogue, I was extremely excited to be invited to review the experience alongside We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky Van Dijk.

BALI’S BEST KEPT SECRET

Bali, the Island of the Gods, has become a popular destination for travellers all over the world with its surf beaches, cascading waterfalls, captivating rice terraces, picturesque temples and many instagrammable places, but with the rise of social sharing it is hard to find something unique, boutique and special to experience without a bus load of tourists waiting behind you.

But Escape Nomade is just that, a place that is still undiscovered and even when everyone finds out about  it(which they will!), it will still retain its exclusive feel as they only allow a limited number of pre-booked guests to visit for afternoon tea and massages.

THE EXPERIENCE AT ESCAPE NOMADE

Escape Nomade is made up of a series of six star luxury tents. Arrival at the property is through two large, carved Balinese doors where you are welcomed with a bamboo fan and hat before being led along a wooden boardwalk with lush grasses and palm trees lining either side of the path. The experience honestly feels like you have stepped onto the set in a scene from Out of Africa! 

The first tent you walk though is filled with beautiful vintage trunks and furniture on display. The property serves not only as a day escape but also as a show room if you want to purchase one of these luxury tents. Further on is a sitting or lounging tent joined by a dining tent with bathroom. In the former tent are swinging daybeds, directors chairs, a writing table, couches and books to enable guests to relax, enjoy the vista, sip a gin and tonic, or sample an organic or herbal tea. Binoculars are available for those who like to bird watch but more exciting is what lies at the foot of the property.

THE RIVER

Located down a series of natural and man made steps is the Agung River. Here on the riverbank is where you feel like a Queen in her palace. Sitting on director chairs, staff shelter you from the hot sun with large bamboo umbrellas whilst you sip from a selection of freshly made juices and have your feet massaged in bowls of flower petals and salt scrubs. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few of the white water rafters as they make their way down the river, cheering and smiling as they meander past Escape Nomade. 

RELAX

Relaxation is a big part of your Escape Nomade experience. If you like massages, then you’re in luck. A massage bale sits just above the river bank under a canopy of trees offering the tranquility of the outdoors whilst therapists knead, stroke and cup your body into heavenly bliss. Open air showers are available to wash off the oils before you regroup on the yoga deck to enjoy more drinking, eating and watching a local display of Balinese dance.

CULTURE

Bali has a rich Hindu culture that is evident through its numerous temples, carvings, paintings, drawings, dances, ceremonies, rituals, and traditions. Escape Nomade offers you an insight into Balinese life with local children performing a series of dances, captivating you with their dexterous hand and finger movements and trance-like eyes.

FOOD AND CELEBRATION

Escape Nomade delights in its food and making your day beautiful. The team hosts a range of experiences from high tea, long lunches, birthday parties to weddings or an intimate picnic for two.

I was fortunate to celebrate my 40th birthday at Escape Nomade where we enjoyed a traditional Balinese smorgasbord including the famous Balinese roast duck. If you enjoy Balinese spice and dishes such as satay, urap, goreng, sambals and lumpia then you won’t leave hungry or disappointed. If you don’t have the opportunity to stay for a long lunch or dinner, an array of delicacies can be arranged for picnicking or afternoon tea.

ELLE MACPHERSON

Escape Nomade has become the interest of supermodel Elle MacPherson. One of their tents has become a favourite instagram background for Elle. The good news is you don’t have to be a supermodel to have the same opportunity. Escape Nomade welcomes you to spend a day experiencing luxury, six star tents in the rice terraces of Ubud Bali. 

I would like to thank Escape Nomade for the opportunity to spend the day at their spectacular riverside property. Becky van Dijk and I were guests for the day to be able to review this unique experience just outside of Ubud in Bali. As always all opinions reflect our true experiences at the resort.