Two Hotels in Indonesia Make World's Best List, What Makes Them Special?
Source: Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape
Two hotels in Indonesia have been included in the list of Best Hotels in the World, placing them alongside iconic global destinations. This assessment was made by Conde Nast Traveller 2026.
When Conde Nast Traveller editors around the world compiled the list of the best hotels in the world, they weren't just looking for luxury, but also places that leave a lasting impression long after the suitcase is closed and the plane lands back home.
"These places resonate because of service that makes us feel like Hollywood stars, architecture that transports us to 1920s London or 18th-century Lake Como," quoted from the official Conde Nast Traveller website, Friday, December 19, 2025.
The list of the world's best hotels was compiled from the favorite places to stay and cruise ships of Conde Nast Traveller editors. So what actually makes these two hotels in Indonesia different?
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape - bali
Buahan Hotel is a nature-concept hotel located in the Buahan Kaja area, Payangan, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
Instead of building luxury on top of nature, Buahan makes it the core of the experience.
"This place has proven itself as an original, with crickets' chorus serving as your alarm, baths illuminated by fireflies, volcanic views from the bed," wrote Conde Nast Traveller.
The hotel is nestled within natural forest, surrounded by towering 30-meter coconut trees, mango trees, tamarind, papaya, cashew trees, large cocoa trees, and dangling vanilla vines.
Besides staying amidst the lush forest, guests can also swim in a pool with no walls and doors. Room rates start around IDR 15 million per night.
Cempedak Private Island - Riau Islands
While Buahan offers solitude amidst the forest, Cempedak Private Island provides solitude amidst the sea.
Cempedak Private Island is an island spanning 42 hectares with villas made of bamboo and topped with thatched roofs.
Visitors will feel the gentle breeze wafting into the villas. Additionally, they can see views of forested hills and stretches of sand.
These villas were designed by hotel entrepreneur Andrew Dixon, prioritizing sustainability principles.
"The all-bamboo villas have bohemian appeal, with curved architecture, four-poster beds, and teardrop-shaped swimming pools, while winding paths lead to the restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine with minimal waste," the publication wrote.
Besides staying, guests can also try water sports, and eco-friendly island tours. Room rates at Cempedak Private Island start from IDR 6.2 million per night.
Why is the World Paying Attention to Indonesia?
The uniqueness of these two hotels lies not just in their design or price, but in their philosophy. Both hotels place nature, sustainability, and personal experience at the center of luxury.
In the modern world of Travel, luxury no longer means glittering, but meaningful – and these two Indonesian hotels successfully represent that shift in the eyes of the world.
