In the emerald highlands of Payangan, where mist drifts through the jungle and centuries-old traditions remain woven into everyday life, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is inviting travellers to experience Bali beyond the familiar. From 22 to 24 July 2026, the luxury retreat unveils Wings & Roots of Payangan, an immersive three-day programme that celebrates the island’s living heritage through conservation, cuisine and meaningful cultural encounters.
Designed for curious travellers seeking a deeper connection with their destination, the experience draws inspiration from the landscapes and communities surrounding Payangan. Rather than simply observing local culture, guests are encouraged to engage with it – walking through the countryside to forage for indigenous herbs and seasonal produce, learning the stories behind traditional ingredients, and discovering how the natural environment continues to shape Balinese wellbeing and culinary traditions.
Guiding the journey is celebrated food writer and culinary advocate Chef Petty Elliott, whose work has long championed Indonesia’s rich gastronomic heritage. Joining her are Director of Spa, Wellness & Recreation Made Warnata, whose knowledge of Balinese wellness traditions provides valuable cultural context, and Chef Agus Antara of Kirana Restaurant, whose ingredient-driven cooking showcases the agricultural abundance of Payangan. Together, they curate an experience where food becomes a gateway to understanding place and tradition.
The culinary highlight arrives on the second evening with a harvest-inspired dinner at Kirana Restaurant. Crafted collaboratively by Chef Petty Elliott and Chef Agus Antara, the menu celebrates locally sourced ingredients gathered from the surrounding region, presenting dishes that honour Indonesia’s diverse culinary identity while reflecting the changing rhythms of the season. More than a fine dining experience, the dinner reveals the stories, traditions and communities behind every ingredient served.
Equally meaningful is the programme’s commitment to conservation. On the final day, guests participate in Bali Starling Release II, contributing to the preservation of one of the island’s most iconic endemic bird species. The initiative reflects Anantara Ubud’s broader philosophy of responsible luxury, where memorable travel experiences are paired with tangible efforts to protect the destination for generations to come.
The journey concludes with the Harvest to Table Masterclass, where Chef Petty Elliott shares her passion for Indonesian cuisine through an interactive cooking session exploring seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques and the cultural narratives that continue to shape the archipelago’s food heritage. The masterclass offers guests the opportunity not only to learn recipes but also to appreciate the deeper relationship between food, community and identity.
Known for documenting and championing Indonesia’s culinary traditions through acclaimed publications such as The Indonesian Table and The Indonesian Vegetarian Table, Chef Petty Elliott brings a wealth of expertise to the experience. Her advocacy for local ingredients and regional cooking aligns seamlessly with the philosophy behind Wings & Roots of Payangan, making the programme as intellectually enriching as it is gastronomically rewarding.
With Wings & Roots of Payangan, Anantara Ubud offers guests a rare opportunity to experience Bali through the interconnected stories of its landscapes, people and traditions – creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.
For more information, visit anantara.com/ubud-bali.