Bali: John Hardy Ubud Workshop & Showroom

Ubud, July 2015

John Hardy Ubud Workshop & Showroom

"Welcome to John Hardy Ubud." Utami greeted me with a broad smile on her face.

She then guided me to enter the compound which located in the middle of pristine nature. I was still dumbfounded at the sight of lush green paddy fields that I was enjoying on the way to this place. I'd really love to have a workplace like this or even better to live in such environment.

the open air design centre

When John Hardy, a former art student and a radical environmentalist from Canada  set foot in Bali in the 1970s, he was captivated and inspired by the natural beauty of the Indonesia isle and the native artisan culture created by its people. He started collaborating with a few descendants of goldsmiths of the royal courts of Bali, creating jewellery utilising ancient techniques. John Hardy fine jewellery was born, offering collectors statement pieces that are each a unique work of art.

A few years back, I was watching a lifestyle TV program that was showing the John Hardy Ubud Workshop & Showroom. Though I also lived in Bali, I had never heard about it before. I was curious so I browsed through their website and it was hard to not fell in love with the products. I made a promise to myself that I would save enough money to buy the jewellery once I get the chance to visit it.

The compound covers more than 4 acres where the open air design centre, an organic farm, traditional Balinese kitchen, boutique and more. Visitors are invited to explore how an international luxury brand is living in harmony with the environment and the local communities; the compound's low impact buildings, its organic rice paddies, its vegetable gardens and its multiple bamboo species are a celebration of the John Hardy's way of life.

I was also enjoying my time watching the artisans at work. From sketching the designs, hammering metal into a richly textured surface, soldering flattened granulated discs. weaving chains, link by link, and learn the secret behind the iconic John Hardy back grill.

drawing the beautiful design

polished to perfection

Kapal Bambu, John Hardy showroom

After learning about the inspiring of jewellery making, it was then time to shop at the Kapal Bambu showroom, accompanied by a cool glass of invigorating lemon grass iced tea! It's gotta be the most unique showroom I've ever been. A 90 foot tall a bamboo cathedral, built in the shape of a ship's hull from bamboo thatched with alang-alang, hence the name. I kid you not, I had a hard time to decide which one to purchase. There's many design that I really loved but of course I need to save more to afford them all. In the end I bought a gorgeous Naga collection ring and my sister got a Naga collection bracelet for herself. Happy us! :)

such a pretty interior

Bamboo collection

Bamboo collections highlights John Hardy's dedication to sustainably luxury. Often called nature's gift to humanity, bamboo inspires thus pure, effortless, and undeniably modern collection. The Head Designer and Creative Director, Guy Bedarida elevated the brand's sustainable philosophy by applying sustainable practises, like using 100% reclaimed silver and gold, as well as planting bamboo seedlings in Bali to offset the company's carbon emissions. To date, the brand has planted nearly one million bamboos around the island of Bali. The noble grass helping to sustain the lifestyle of the locals as well as protecting the environment in a variety of ways including aiding the soil's natural water retention.

Naga (dragon) collection 

having lunch with the talented artisans 

I was also invited to join the John Hardy team for an organic lunch served under the shade of a Banyan tree and prepared by the 5 star chef in a traditional, wood burning oven. The freshly picked organic salad from the garden was so tasty but my favourite was the finger licking good barbecued chicken wings. Oh yum! It was an intimate lunch where the artisans and guests were getting to know each other. Ended with a cup of coffee or tea accompanied by their homemade chocolate chip cookies. Now I was going home with a smile from ear to ear.

Cara Delevingne stars in John Hardy campaign 

Thank you, John Hardy for inviting me. It was a beautiful and inspiring experience indeed. Also tons of thanks to the lovely and beautiful host, Utami :)

John Hardy Ubud Workshop & Showroom
Br. Baturning no 1 Desa Mambal
Abiansemal Badung, Bali, Indonesia

For more information on visiting the compound and appointments, please contact:
Phone: +62 361 469888 ext.7211
Email: visit@johnhardy.com