At this luxury resort in Ubud, Bali, a mother-and-daughter duo are preserving the family patriarch’s legacy
Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Hendra Hadiprana, Tanah Gajah stands as a testament to his love for art and Indonesian culture. Now, his heirs, Sekaraya and Puri Hadiprana, are continuing his legacy through the family’s endeavours in hospitality and beyond.
Upon entering the serene grounds of Tanah Gajah, a five-star luxury resort in Ubud, Bali, guests are greeted with a feeling akin to coming home. The resort, set among the backdrop of swaying paddy fields, was initially built by the late Hendra Hadiprana, a celebrated Indonesian architect and renowned art collector, to be a private residence and holiday home.
Hendra’s granddaughter, Sekaraya Hadiprana, has fond memories of the resort from her childhood days. “Every time when we visited Tanah Gajah during our family holidays, my cousins and I would always play at the kids’ pool, which is situated behind the lobby. At the end of the day, we would have dinner beside the pool, where we now have our store and gallery. Many places in Tanah Gajah spark memories whenever I walk through the property,” said the 28-year-old.
Sekaraya’s mother, Puri Hadiprana, recalls several joyous occasions held at Tanah Gajah. “My father hosted Kecak Dance performances on our property, inviting neighbouring villagers to partake in the cultural festivities, encapsulating the spirit of togetherness and community that Tanah Gajah embodies,” the 58-year-old said.
Hendra Hadiprana designed the property as a family retreat in the 1980s and named the estate for a nearby cave temple, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). He then decided to open the property to the public and ceded its management to Singapore-based hospitality company GHM in 2004. For 15 years, the property operated under GHM as The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud, winning numerous awards and accolades.
Hendra died in December 2018 at the age of 89. His heirs decided to reassume management of the resort, relaunching it in 2020 as a tribute to their patriarch. The property was renamed as Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, established as the flagship of the family’s hospitality venture – Hadiprana Hospitality. “It was the right moment for us to realign the resort with the greater Hadiprana business as a whole,” explained Sekaraya.
A PATRIACH’S LEGACY
In the field of architecture, Hendra Hadiprana was known for seamlessly blending traditional Indonesian elements with modern and Western design principles. He was particularly acclaimed for his ability to create spaces that harmonise with their natural surroundings, while incorporating indigenous materials and cultural motifs.
After graduating from an architecture school in the Netherlands, he returned to Indonesia in 1957 to build his own firm. “While he was offered opportunities to work abroad, he chose to return to Indonesia, driven by an unshakeable belief in the nation's potential. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, he remained resolute, guided by his love for Indonesia and its rich cultural heritage,” shared Puri.
The late Hendra was known for his work on The Legian Bali and InterContinental Bali. Beyond hospitality, he designed high-end residential complex and apartments, private houses and villas, office buildings, restaurants and airport lounges.
The avid art collector also opened his own art gallery, Hadiprana Gallery, in the 1960s. Over the decades, the Hadiprana empire grew to encompass a diverse range of businesses in retail, education, design consulting, hospitality and art. These include the Hadiprana Art Centre, an art education school and House of Hadiprana, which sells Indonesian-inspired furniture, home accessories, jewellery and textiles. The common thread that runs through the various businesses is a love for art and Indonesian culture.
“Everything grew organically. My grandfather didn’t set out with a business plan but was motivated by his passions. His motto has always been living life through art. If you look at our businesses as a whole, we are basically allowing our clients to experience art through different ways,” explained Sekaraya.
Sekaraya, who studied interior design, joined the family business in 2019 and takes charge of its branding and retail operations. Puri takes care of the art gallery and arts centre, while her sister, Mira Hadiprana, leads the design consultancy. Together, Sekaraya and Puri also run the hospitality business.
Recalling her memories of her grandfather, “many people know him as a visionary, but to me, he has always been my grandpa," Sekaraya quipped. "He was my biggest art critic. If I had to do a painting as homework for school, I always felt confident knowing that I could get his feedback. He taught me valuable lessons that I still carry today, such as table manners, etiquette, how to dress, how to wear the Indonesian kain. He broadened my worldview and shaped me into who I am.”
“My father initiated everything with profound passion and love. Despite being acknowledged as a successful businessman by many, within our family circle, he is cherished as a loving father and a man of unwavering dedication. His high aesthetic sense, meticulous attention to detail, and profound passion for Indonesian art and culture shaped his vision,” added Puri.
“The significance of upholding my father's legacy lies in the profound impact he has made on Indonesia, particularly in Bali,” said Puri. “We believe that his efforts have yielded fruits that should be shared with a broader community. As a family, we see it as our responsibility to continue his work, ensuring that his vision continues to enrich lives beyond our own.”
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FROM TRANQUIL RETREATS TO CULTURAL JOURNEYS
Today, Tanah Gajah comprises just 20 villas and suites spread across a verdant five hectares of land. Many of its returning guests enjoy the seclusion and privacy that the property offers. “It was built in a way where even if we’re at 100 per cent occupancy, you will be able to find a place to have your own private moments,” said Sekaraya.
The property features the best of Balinese culture with a huge collection of art and artefacts from the renowned Hadiprana collection, ranging from one-of-a-kind local paintings to mythical sculptures. F&B options include The Tempayan, which serves local and Western cuisine.
The resort offers several unique activities for guests, including Bali’s first licensed hot air balloon ride over the paddy fields. Guests can immerse in Balinese culture by taking part in a purification ceremony, held within the sacred temple grounds of the resort. A local dance troupe performs the traditional kecak dance twice weekly on the property. Tanah Gajah regularly partners with local businesses to host the Sensory Soiree event series, which introduces guests to Bali’s diverse culinary and artisanal offerings.
The Hadiprana Hospitality portfolio also consists of Dua Dari, located 15 minutes away from Tanah Gajah. After Hendra opened Tanah Gajah as a resort, he built a separate private residence for the family. The property has two villas – a bungalow originally built for Hendra and his wife and another one for his children. Like Tanah Gajah, Dua Dari is now open to the public.
Sekaraya, Puri and the team are expanding the Hadiprana Hospitality portfolio. “We are planning to build a hotel in Sanur, which will be catered to a younger crowd and travellers transiting between different islands,” revealed Sekaraya. Additionally, Hendra Hadiprana’s Jakarta residence will open as an exclusive event space for intimate lunches, dinners and weddings.
The late architect hosted legendary dinner parties at his Jakarta home, called Rumah Prapanca, which features a treasure trove of unique Indonesian trinkets and antiquities. The high-profile guestlist ranged from friends to clients, ambassadors and politicians. “It would be like having an event in a museum or travelling back in time. We have a specific target market of people who appreciate culture and history, and who respect Indonesian crafts and textiles,” said Sekaraya of the venue.
Her grandfather’s dinners had a “very specific sequence that I still remember till today”, she added. Guests first enter into the foyer, where they sign a guest book. They then move on to a room filled with Indonesian decorations and ornaments, where cocktails are served.
“Once dinner is ready, my grandfather would sound the gong and we would walk through a small narrow passageway behind a whole wall of carvings which would lead to the formal dining room,” Sekaraya continued. Post-dinner drinks would be held at the terrace. “These days, we attend events in huge halls where we see everything at once. Here, we learn to pause and wait for the next layer of experience. That’s what makes it memorable because you really get to focus on the interior and architecture of one room before moving on to the next.”
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A LEGACY IN TRANSITION
As both mother and colleague to Sekaraya, Puri sees her role as a “bridge between the first and third generations of the Hadiprana family”. She strives to impart the values instilled by her father, emphasising that their endeavors go beyond personal gain.
She sees collaborating closely with her daughter as a privilege. “I admire her obedience, discipline, hard work, creativity and selflessness in prioritising others’ needs. Her dedication to hospitality exemplifies qualities essential for success in our industry.”
“My mum and I have very different personalities, but we complement each other,” Sekaraya acknowledged. “I’m a planner and I tend to be careful and cautious, but she pushes me out of my comfort zone. She really embodies my grandpa’s energy and personality.”
Carrying the Hadiprana family legacy is a responsibility the pair do not take lightly. “We are preserving the initial seed of love for Indonesia planted by Hendra Hadiprana,” said Puri.
“It’s a gift to have this legacy. We want to take care of it and nurture it to become the best version it can be,” said Sekaraya. What defines Hadiprana today is the people, the clients and the community they have built, she added. “I am proud of the things the team has achieved, and in creating their own legacies through their journey with Hadiprana as well. My grandpa always said that we’re blessed to bless. That has been a powerful engine that has kept us going through all the highs and lows."