A luxury tented camp in the lush jungles of Bali, Capella Ubud blends European nostalgia with Balinese artistry, ensuring a deeply immersive experience that is both whimsical and luxurious.
Known for his imaginative, detail-oriented, and environmentally conscious designs, Bensley created Capella Ubud as a tribute to the early European settlers who arrived in Indonesia in the 19th century. He envisioned a setting where guests could step into the shoes of intrepid explorers from the 1800s. Inspired by European naturalists, the camp embraces a romanticized version of a bygone era, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with nature. The design pays homage to the golden age of exploration, integrating Balinese culture with European influences to craft a unique and layered aesthetic.
Each of the 23 extravagant tented villas is carefully placed among the dense foliage to ensure privacy and minimal environmental impact. Unlike traditional resorts that require large-scale land clearing, Bensley designed Capella Ubud around existing trees and natural formations, preserving the landscape. This low-impact approach reinforces the sense of being truly enveloped in nature.
Capella Ubud is illuminated with hurricane lamps, candles, and dim atmospheric bulbs, reinforcing the sense of stepping back in time.
The tents, more akin to lavish pavilions than conventional camping structures, feature rich wooden flooring, hand-carved furniture, and antique collectibles. Muted canvas exteriors blend seamlessly with the jungle, while interiors burst with intricate detailing, bespoke fabrics, and curated artifacts.
A hallmark of Bensley’s work is his ability to merge contrasting influences. At Capella Ubud, Balinese architecture coexists with European touches. Ornate Javanese carvings, Dutch colonial-style furniture, and traditional Indonesian textiles create an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Each tented villa is uniquely themed around different personas of 19th-century explorers, from naturalists to cartographers. This storytelling approach ensures no two accommodations are alike, offering guests a sense of adventure and discovery.
Interiors are richly decorated with vintage trunks, brass telescopes, hand-drawn maps, and period artifacts. Deep greens, burnt oranges, and gold tones complement the jungle’s natural hues, creating warmth and opulence. Heavy drapery, intricate wallpaper patterns, and exotic prints enhance the colonial-inspired aesthetic, making each space feel like a portal to another time.
The camp was built without cutting down any trees, a rare feat in resort development. Structures are raised on stilts to minimize impact on the land, allowing the jungle to thrive beneath.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the design. Instead of harsh modern lighting, the camp is illuminated with hurricane lamps, candles, and dim atmospheric bulbs, reinforcing the sense of stepping back in time. This subtle lighting also helps guests connect with their surroundings, allowing them to appreciate the jungle’s natural beauty without artificial distractions.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Bensley’s philosophy, and Capella Ubud exemplifies how luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist. The camp was built without cutting down any trees, a rare feat in resort development. Structures are raised on stilts to minimize impact on the land, allowing the jungle to thrive beneath and around them.
Locally sourced materials feature prominently, from handcrafted teak furniture to indigenous textiles. The use of reclaimed wood and upcycled elements further reduces the environmental footprint. Even the water system is designed sustainably, incorporating rainwater harvesting and natural filtration methods to minimize waste.
The landscape design enhances its jungle setting rather than imposing on it. Winding stone pathways meander through dense foliage, leading to hidden clearings and secluded terraces. Natural springs and ponds create a tranquil atmosphere. Bensley ensures that guests feel enveloped by nature at all times, whether lounging in their private pool or bathing in an outdoor copper tub.
Capella Ubud blends European nostalgia with Balinese artistry, ensuring a deeply immersive experience that is both whimsical and luxurious.
The resort’s wellness facilities include a tented spa and yoga deck, both seamlessly integrated into the jungle. Bensley also curated experiential activities that align with the resort’s narrative, from guided jungle treks to intimate storytelling sessions around a bonfire. These thoughtful details ensure that every moment at Capella Ubud extends its overarching design concept.
Capella Ubud exemplifies Bensley’s mastery of immersive storytelling through design. By weaving historical influences, Balinese culture, and sustainable practices into a cohesive whole, he has created a destination that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in its environment. Every detail, from antique furnishings to the careful placement of each tent, contributes to an experience that is visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Through Capella Ubud, Bensley has redefined luxury hospitality, demonstrating how design can transport guests to another era while remaining firmly connected to the present.
Project: Capella Ubud
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Design Studio: BENSLEY
Photo Credits: Photos Courtesy of Capella Ubud
Website: bensley.com
