Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Opens New Bridge for Active Adventures and River-Top Dining

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has launched Bali’s first jungle biathlon and river-top dining via a new bridge that provides guests with exclusive access to the other side of the Ayung River.

Cocooned in the Ayung Valley near the artistic centre of Ubud, the 60-room sanctuary is renowned for its spa and wellness experiences, overlooking the river and undeveloped forest on the other side. The Resort’s newly-built Sayan Bridge means Four Seasons guests can now explore this previously off-limits wilderness.

“We call it our ‘bridge over sacred waters’ as it crosses Bali’s longest and most sacred river, the Ayung,” says Resort Manager Gianni Costa. “It unlocks completely new outdoor adventures for guests wanting to explore the beautiful nature on the other side of the river. They can embark on a ‘jungle biathlon’ led by our expert Balinese guides, or opt for a culinary experience with a picnic lunch or river-top romantic dinner.”

The three-hour biathlon starts with a cycling tour of a timeless rice farming village before continuing on foot into the jungle. Led by a Four Seasons guide, trekkers follow a secluded trail that is otherwise inaccessible and which leads them down to the river, where they cross the bridge back to the Resort.

Designed to blend in to the surrounding environment, the 32-metre-long (105 foot) suspension bridge hovers just six metres (20 feet) above the river, providing a soothing natural soundtrack and unrivalled views. By day it opens the way to outdoor excursions, by night it transforms into a private venue for a romantic dinner. Seated in the middle of the bridge directly above the river, couples can reconnect to the wonders of nature and each other while indulging in a four-course menu by Executive Sous Chef Jean-Philippe Guiard, who worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants before coming to Bali.

The new experiences follow the recent launch of the world’s first arrival by river raft at a luxury resort. The innovative rafting check-in is available when transferring from sister resort, the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s south-west coast. Instead of the usual 90-minute road transfer, guests combining a stay at both Resorts can instead be taken by private car (60 minutes drive) to the departure point for a two-hour rafting adventure. Their scenic journey floating down the Ayung leads directly to the banks of Four Seasons Sayan, where they are welcomed for a seamless check-in experience.

The Resort’s innovative experiences are designed to enable guests to make deeper connections with Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart. “Bali is a familiar destination, but there are many layers to it and secret sites for guests seeking authentic discovery. Our guides are passionate about taking visitors on off-the-beaten-track journeys that are tailored to individual needs, whether it’s for a family holiday, romantic escape or group outing. It’s about creating an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime,” says Gianni.