Want to experience a different side of Bali? Check in to Samanvaya Resort at Sideman Valley in East Bali

As we know, the Island of the Gods has long been a top destination for travellers seeking sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and an endless array of resorts. But for those seeking to escape the bustling tourist hubs, the tranquil Sidemen Valley in East Bali, offers a peaceful respite.

Just a 90-minute car ride from Denpasar International Airport, this picturesque location offers sweeping views of lush rice paddy terraces and idyllic villages set against the iconic silhouette of Mount Agung.

It was this stunning scene that captivated New Zealander Tracey Rackliff when she first visited Sidemen Valley. “We got lost in a valley and we were just mesmerised by the natural beauty of the rivers, mountains and hills. You feel very insignificant compared to the grandeur of Mount Agung itself. It is a very organic, natural way of Balinese life at its best,” said Rackliff, a former detective.

Once a farming region, Sidemen Valley is gradually evolving into a cultural destination, with over 15 smaller villages spanning across the area. “It is popular because you get to see not just one temple, but many smaller temples scattered throughout the region," she said. “You get to see the surrounding nature, local temples, the ceremonies and the Balinese people going about everyday life.”

She and her husband  ̶  also a former detective  ̶  had travelled to Bali to seek out a different pace of life and spent six months considering a number of different businesses. Just before they were scheduled to return home, they saw that a resort in Sidemen Valley was up for sale and decided to check it out. They got lost on their way there on a motorbike but when they finally arrived at the resort three hours later, they knew they had stumbled upon something special.“We thought to ourselves, if we can make this happen, this is going to be our new way of life,” said Rackliff.

So, they spent a year renovating the existing space, infusing elements of modern luxury into the traditional Joglo-style pavilions to create Samanvaya Resort, a sprawling adults-only retreat with 17 bamboo houses strategically built amid lush green rice terraces.

They made a special effort to ensure authenticity in the construction of the resort so that it would blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. “The natural stone walls from Mount Agung and the marble flooring are natural materials that are long-lasting and can continually be used for many years to come,” she explained.

Additionally, they actively engaged local craftspeople, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. The aim is to give back to the community while showcasing the skills of the locals. She emphasised: “We wanted to do what we could to help not only (the main village of) Tabola but also the people from the smaller villages. What we want to do is not just support the community but the growth in the area. It is very important to retain the strong local heritage.”

Under the Rackliffs’ watch, Samanvaya has also grown into a hub of community empowerment. For instance, the resort’s in-house boutique Kolektif offers a curated selection of products created by local artists and craftsmen such as jewellery, hand woven textiles and homeware. “We sell these products to guests to support the small artisans,” said Rackliff.

Beyond commerce, the resort also supports and gives back to the community in many other ways. (Many, if not all, of Samanvaya’s employees all hail from the local and nearby villages.) The locals’ dedication to showcasing the best of their neighbourhood shines through in every guest interaction, whether through providing local recommendations, sharing stories about the region and Balinese culture or simply keeping an eye on even the smallest details to ensure guest comfort.

One employee, Diah Wahyuna, has been with Samanvaya for four years. “I was born in Sidemen Valley and all my family live here, so to work at Samanvaya is one of my dreams. It is amazing to walk in the rice fields and see the sun rise in the middle of the fields,” said the 23-year-old customer relations officer.

The resort’s team also conducts various community outreach programmes to provide food and healthcare to the underprivileged. Additionally, she and her colleagues spread awareness about plastic recycling in local schools and coordinate a monthly Plastic for Rice initiative at the resort.

“All the villagers will come to Samanvaya with their plastic rubbish to exchange for rice. For three kilogrammes of plastic, they can get one kilogramme of rice,” Diah explained.

Samanvaya resort also actively supports the elderly and children in the community through a Food Packet Sharing programme for old people who are unable to work anymore as well as school-going children and needy families.

The profound impact that Samanvaya has on the local community beyond the tourism industry is one that is immensely rewarding. Rackliff reflected: “The feeling that we get by being able to look after them and to do what we can to give back to the local community  ̶  that is exciting for us. Every day, I am surrounded by their kindness and being embraced by them has been life changing.”