Eco villas reflect a love of the land and local Bali culture

Sustainability is reflected in every detail at the Mana Earthly Paradise, located in Ubud, Bali. Water savings, powered by solar and natural building materials ensure a luxury stay without the environmental impact.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Bali, it was essential the eco villas reflect a love of the land and local culture. Earth bags were used as the primary construction material used to create each building. This is a traditional building technique that relies on long rolls of bags filled with soil, natural stones, wood, and bamboo. All materials were locally and sustainably sourced. In fact, not a single tree was cut down in its construction. Instead, builders used timber which is from reclaimed, upcycled or sustainable sources.

The property is made up of free-standing eco villas, with a choice of dorm-style, single, and family options, a kitchen and a permaculture garden provides a farm to table experience. A playground and eco market, selling locally produced and sustainable products, new initiatives currently under development.

The complex was designed with respect to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which focuses on harmony between people, the gods and the environment. To avoid taking water from the land, a severely limited resource, harvested rainwater is the single source of water for guests. Conservation is encouraged, and villas are equipped with water-saving showers and toilets. Any waste water produced in the villas and kitchen is fed into a wastewater system, where it is naturally filtered and used to grow plants and trees.

The site is powered exclusively by solar power, producing enough excess for connection to the outside world for charging devices and wi-fi access.

The guest experience in the hotel was also considered with sustainability in mind, with recyclable mattresses used in the villas. At the end of their life, the mattresses are disassembled and at least 90% of the components are recycled. Environmentally friendly toiletries are provided and efforts are made to minimize the use of single-use plastic in the villas and restaurant. Additionally, by composting and minimizing food waste, Mana Earthly Paradise is able to recycle 80% of the waste produced.

Planned, built, and managed in a collaboration between Earth Company, Hatiku Indonesia (art direction), TsaTsa House (construction), Soyoko (garden design), and Alam Santi (eco-consulting).

Related project: Bali is home to many beautiful eco retreats. You should also check out the Indah Hotel project in Ubud, Bali

Sustainability specs:
– Earth bag construction, made long rolls of bags filled with soil, natural stones, wood, and bamboo
– Eco villas are powered exclusively by solar
– Rainwater harvested, filtered and treated before being used for all its water supply
– Wastewater is recycled to irrigate the garden
– Water saving showers, toilets and taps are used throughout the property
– Reclaimed, upcycled or sustainably sourced timber was used. They state that not a single tree was cut down for construction
– Strategies are in place to minimise the use single-use plastic
– Food waste is minimised and composted
– 80% of rubbish is diverted from landfill through recycling
– A weekly program is run for the local children teaching them about sustainability
– Guest mattresses are 90% recyclable at the end of their life

In Bali, an average tourist uses 2,500 litres of water per day while the locals use only 180 litres. Tourists generate 3.7kg of waste per day while locals generate only 0.7kg. And 50% ends up in landfill. What can we do as conscious business? Ancient wisdom has been woven with sustainable eco-design to create a low-impact oasis.