Equipoise Resort Ubud earns Michelin Guide recognition and Eco Climate Badge Gold

The adults-only bamboo resort in Kenderan, near Ubud, has landed in the Michelin Guide 2026 Hotel Selection and received Gold verification under Bali’s Eco Climate Badge program in its first year. The recognition highlights a small luxury property built around sustainability, local craftsmanship and wellness-focused guest experiences.

Why it matters: - Equipoise Resort Ubud is getting early validation on two fronts: luxury hospitality and sustainability. - The Michelin Guide 2026 Hotel Selection can raise the resort’s visibility with high-end travelers. - The Eco Climate Badge Gold verification signals documented progress across environmental and community standards. - The resort is positioning itself as an adults-only retreat tied to Bali’s culture, wellness and low-impact travel.

What happened: - Equipoise Resort Ubud was named in the Michelin Guide 2026 Hotel Selection. - The resort also was verified Gold under the Eco Climate Badge, a sustainability program by Eco Tourism Bali endorsed by the Bali Tourism Board. - The recognition covers purchasing, waste, water and energy, pollution and climate, biodiversity, and community and culture. - Both honors came within the resort’s first year. - The adults-only resort opened in December 2025 with 19 bamboo villas in the Kenderan hills, about 15 to 20 minutes north of central Ubud.

The details: - The resort sits in Kenderan, a quieter area north of Ubud with rice fields and views toward Manuaba Waterfall. - The property was planned by Equipoise Design Studio with local craftsmen. - Bamboo, natural fibres and local stone shape the villas. - Curved forms follow the terraces, and a pathway called The Wanderway links the bamboo and stone pavilions. - Selected interiors, including Terra Verte, were created with Lumbung Architect led by Andri Saputra. - The design draws on the Balinese way of Snail and the principle of Tri Hita Karana, described as harmony between people, nature and the divine. - The resort works with local composting partners to turn food waste into compost. - Team members replace single-use plastics with reusable and biodegradable options. - The property reuses treated water for irrigation where possible. - The resort hires local talent and works with local artisans, farmers and suppliers. - Guests arrive in electric Denza vehicles on private airport transfers. - The kitchen sources chocolate from a local farmer and fresh fish from local fishermen each day. - The team uses ingredients fully to keep food waste low. - The resort has 19 villas across three types. - Nine One-Bedroom Villas with Ricefield View and nine One-Bedroom Villas with Garden View each offer 118 square metres for two adults. - Each of those villas includes a king bed, a private pool and a hammock. - One Presidential Two-Bedroom Pool Villa spans 232 square metres for up to four guests. - The Presidential Villa includes two king beds, a private living area, a minibar and a private pool overlooking rice fields and gardens. - Every villa includes smart-home controls, a projection screen with a JBL sound system and an Aireloom Baron mattress. - Guests can choose from eight pillow types. - Each stay starts with a welcome ritual, including a foot ritual with rose petals, peppermint foot mist and a frangipani-scented towel. - Staff set the lighting for sleep each evening and leave a sleep kit with an eye mask, earplugs and pillow mist. - Butler service and complimentary tea and coffee are included. - Private in-villa dining is available at any hour on request. - Terra Verte is the resort’s primary Italian-Mediterranean restaurant with panoramic rice field views. - Menu items include Gnocchi Verde, Melon & Prosciutto and Market Fish. - Riserva Steak House seats 16 guests and serves cuts including Foie Gras Parfait and Wagyu Picanha MB8/9 with Potato Gratin. - Riserva pairs the menu with seven salts and seven knives. - Aura Bar & Lounge serves cocktails, mocktails and light bites daily from 11:00 to 20:00. - Signature drinks include the Bedugul Caprese. - Hammana Spa begins treatments with a Wariga consultation to identify a guest’s Urip life-energy number. - The consultation guides a bespoke Elemental Alignment Blend based on fire, water, earth, air or ether. - Yoga, meditation and mindful movement are offered in open-air spaces. - The resort also offers private energy-balancing and spiritual sessions. - A local guide leads the Morning Paddies Walk daily from 7:00 to 8:00. - The walk ends with refreshments in a traditional Balinese house. - The seasonal Balinese Farmer’s Journey lets guests plant and harvest rice by hand. - That experience ends with a Biu Kukung blessing ceremony honoring Dewi Sri, the Goddess of Rice and Fertility. - Waterfall Immersion takes guests to Manuaba Waterfall, which is fed by seven sacred springs. - Artisan Encounters include batik, woodcarving, silverwork and pottery sessions. - The property also has a Technogym-equipped gym, complimentary parking and event space for 40 to 50 guests.

Between the lines: - The Michelin listing and sustainability badge together give Equipoise a rare dual signal: design-led luxury with measurable environmental practices. - The resort is using local sourcing, cultural rituals and low-waste operations as part of the guest experience, not as side features. - The focus on adults-only stays, wellness and immersion suggests Equipoise is aiming at travelers who want privacy and cultural depth rather than a conventional beach resort.

What’s next: - The resort is likely to lean on the Michelin and Eco Climate credentials in marketing to travelers seeking high-end, responsible stays in Bali. - Future demand may be shaped by the property’s mix of limited inventory, wellness programming and intimate dining spaces. - The announcement positions Equipoise for broader attention from luxury travel audiences as the 2026 season unfolds.