Go behind the scenes, try your hand at chain-weaving and shop one of the world’s most famous, Bali-born jewellery brands.
If there’s one Bali jewellery brand that captures the heart, soul and time-honoured traditions of the island, it’s John Hardy. Famous worldwide for its exquisite, hand-crafted creations (even Cara Delevingne is one of its biggest fans!) John Hardy is an international sensation – a luxury design collective born right here in Bali, dedicated to honouring and preserving the island’s culture and artisanal traditions.
And only in Bali can you venture to where it all began: the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique in Ubud, AKA the birthplace of this revered luxury brand. It’s here where you can fully immerse in the culture and craftsmanship of Bali, where you can visit the exact place where every piece of jewellery is conceived, designed and produced by more than 600 artisans.
You can even meet the makers in the design workshop, see the master artisans busy at their craft, learn about Bali’s chain-weaving traditions, savour a traditional Balinese Long Table Lunch alongside the artisans and designers, and even view current and vintage collections, showcased in dazzling glass cabinets.
And while there are two John Hardy boutiques in Bali – one in Seminyak, and one in Ubud – it is the latter where John Hardy was first born, and where you can go behind the scenes to explore the workshop, design centre and stunning boutique. It’s within this sprawling 100-acre estate where you can watch as each artisan-inspired piece is lovingly made by hand, and where visitors from all over the world are welcomed into this cultural, artisanal hub…
Step inside the revamped John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique
Sitting on the outskirts of Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and traditional villages, the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique is a sight to be seen indeed – a majestic cathedral-like bamboo structure that resembles a sailing boat floating over the rice fields. As of this year, it’s been revamped with a breathtaking new look, complete with cocoon-effect lighting, terraced landscapes and sustainable, local materials. This architectural wonder has then been suspended above the rice paddies, allowing the natural irrigation system of the rice paddies to flow below, even making space for the rice to grow through the terraced floor.
Inside this towering, open-air spectacle, the John Hardy treasures await – a glittering horizon of sparkling jewels, gems, chains and bangles showcased in dazzling glass cabinets. The sounds of the subak trickle beneath your feet as you browse the latest collections – but that’s just the beginning of the John Hardy experience…
Before browsing the boutique and its exquisite creations, you can join the John Hardy’s Workshop Tour that takes you from inception, right through to creation. You’ll begin your journey at the hand-carved stone wall that intricately illustrates the John Hardy story, before meandering across a wooden jungle-hugged bridge, past archive collections, old photographs and tales about the very first John Hardy artisans. Then, you’ll get to go behind the scenes to join a masterclass with the designers, trying your hand at designing, wax-carving and chain-weaving – just three of the steps within John-Hardy’s meticulous eight-step process.
During this experience, you’ll get to meet the makers and learn the art of chain-weaving from the artisans themselves, getting a personalised tour of the design centre, workshop and boutique. And once you’ve delved deep into the inspiring traditions and artistry of Balinese culture (and the impressive skill of hand-crafting jewellery), you’ll be invited to join the revered Long Table Lunch under the shade of a Banyan tree, feasting on authentic recipes alongside John Hardy’s master artisans…
The John Hardy ethos
In true John Hardy style, the story doesn’t end there either. John Hardy’s inspiring ethos is an ongoing endeavour – a dedication to quality, tradition and craftsmanship. From the 1970s until today, the John Hardy collective is all about the preservation of Bali, from treading lightly on its landscapes, to respecting its people, and honouring its rich natural beauty, creativity, culture, and flavours. And it is through these immersive experiences and activities (at both the Ubud and Seminyak boutiques) that give its visitors a unique insight into the jewellery-making process, and the artisans behind the brand.
And the best bit? You can take a piece of this lovely legacy home with you, with your very own John Hardy creation – direct from the artisans who made it for you.
John Hardy Workshop & Kapal Bamboo Boutique at Mambal, Banjar Baturning Mambal, Abiansemal, p. +62 361 469888, e. [email protected]; Open daily 10am – 6pm.
