Inside Capella Ubud’s Jungle World. From barefoot arrivals to immersive tented living, why this Bill Bensley masterpiece is changing luxury travel
In the latest episode of Where2FromHere, host Renae Leith-Manos sits down with Christian Jaquier, the quietly compelling General Manager of one of Bali’s most extraordinary stays—Capella Ubud.
What unfolds is not simply a conversation about a hotel, but a deep dive into a new philosophy of luxury—one that is less about excess, and far more about experience, emotion, and connection.
A Hotel Unlike Anything Else in Bali
Set deep within the rainforest just outside Ubud, Capella is not a resort in the traditional sense. Designed by the visionary Bill Bensley, it is a super high end tented camp that feels at once theatrical and deeply respectful of its environment.
No tree was cut down during construction. Instead, the entire property was designed around the existing jungle, with pathways, tents, and communal spaces woven carefully into the landscape. The result is something rare: a hotel that feels discovered rather than built.
Arrival itself signals a shift. Guests are invited to remove their shoes—a small but powerful gesture that immediately grounds the experience in something more sensory, more present, and more connected to place. And given the steep and sometimes rocky terraine, shoeless exploration is essential.
The New Language of Luxury
Speaking from decades of global experience, Jaquier offers a clear perspective: luxury today is no longer defined by marble lobbies or grand gestures. It is about how a place makes you feel—and how deeply it connects you to your surroundings.
At Capella Ubud, that philosophy plays out in every detail. From the personalised storytelling woven into each tent, to the intuitive, almost anticipatory service, the experience feels intimate rather than performative.
It is also deeply human. Jaquier speaks candidly about hiring for emotional intelligence over technical skill—a decision that shapes everything from guest interaction to long-term loyalty. In his view, the most powerful luxury asset is not design or location, but people.
A Culinary Experience That Rivals the World’s Best
Capella Ubud’s culinary offering is, quite simply, exceptional. Breakfast is frequently cited as one of the best in Bali—and rightly so. Served overlooking dense jungle, it is expansive without being excessive, with a focus on freshness, balance, and beautifully executed detail. Guests select from a huge men that includes everything from eggs to japanese chocies, chinese and more. And all are served in small sizes. It is very special.
The resort’s signature restaurant, delivers a refined degustation experience that draws on Indonesian flavours while maintaining a distinctly global sophistication. It is thoughtful, layered, and quietly confident—much like the property itself.
Dining here is not just about the food; it is about atmosphere, pacing, and a sense of occasion that never feels forced.
Wellness, Stillness and the Power of Space
Capella Ubud, Bali
At Spa Jiwa, wellness is approached with the same level of thoughtfulness. Set within the jungle, the spa focuses on holistic treatments that draw on local traditions and natural elements. It is less about trend-driven wellness and more about genuine restoration—quiet, immersive, and deeply personal.
Combined with the privacy of the tents—each with its own pool and expansive outdoor space—the property offers something increasingly rare: true stillness.
Beyond Bali: A Glimpse of What’s Next
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Jaquier’s perspective on the future of travel in Indonesia.
With over 17,000 islands, Bali is just the beginning. As travellers become more sophisticated—and more conscious—there is a growing appetite for destinations that feel less discovered, more authentic, and more connected to nature.
Capella Ubud sits at the forefront of this shift. It represents a move away from traditional luxury toward something more nuanced: experiential, design-led, and deeply rooted in place.
The Takeaway
This episode of Where2FromHere offers more than insight—it offers clarity. The future of luxury travel is not louder or bigger. It is quieter, more thoughtful, and infinitely more personal. And at Capella Ubud, that future is already here.
Capella Ubud, Bali
Click below to watch and/or listen to the conversation between Renae and Christian Jaquier at Capella Ubud Bali:
