Hotel Critics Visit Bali Beans! A Family Coffee Farm with a Rich History

Following the Coffee Bean Journey in Bali: From Bean to Sip!

Everyone loves a good cup of coffee—the rich, smooth flavor of something brewed perfectly, so irresistible that you can’t help but hold the cup closer. But just like we all enjoy the final product, we rarely know where it comes from. Even more rarely do we see its origin. Generally, we know it comes from a farm—but “farm” can mean many things.

During my trip to Bali, I had the unique experience of watching and learning how some of the world’s finest coffees are made. Thanks to the generational knowledge passed down by the Sudana family at Bali Beans, I left the experience knowing far more about my cup of Joe than I ever imagined! I learned all about cultivation, processing, roasting, and perhaps most importantly: the history. I never knew coffee could be so intricate, but the story is beautiful, moving, and goes roughly like this:

To begin, Bali Beans, where I toured the plantation, emphasizes three core passions that influence everything done there: harmony with God, harmony with nature, and harmony with people—together forming the Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. These principles are at the heart of their coffee. It’s not just about supply and demand or a typical 9-to-5 job. It’s about creating something that benefits everyone involved, building a true and meaningful community.

Focusing on the importance of community, Bali Beans prioritizes not just the beans but the hands that nurture them. Work is done ethically, reflecting the spirit of a caring community that believes in and protects what it does. I was amazed by the dedication and passion I witnessed on the plantation, and by how closely-knit the community truly is. People know and care for each other, and this is clearly reflected in their work, delivered with bright, friendly smiles.

And that’s just the beginning!

Next, from the plantation itself, the coffee moves on to processing. There are generally three popular ways to process coffee beans: natural (dry), washed, and honey methods.

• Natural process: The fruit is left on the bean until the coffee is completely dry. It’s often considered the most eco-friendly method, letting nature take its course.

• Washed process: This is a bit more unique. It depends heavily on how much natural sugar the bean absorbs during its lifecycle. The flavor is entirely its own, and you can genuinely taste the effect of the washing process.

• Honey process: Named quite accurately—when I saw the beans, it looked like honey had been added, giving the beans a sticky sweetness. Unsurprisingly, the honey method produces some of the sweetest cups of coffee!

After processing comes roasting! Few plantations in the world have a roastery at the heart of everything, but that’s another hallmark of Bali Beans. Here, the wealth of knowledge from the Sudana family’s history truly amazed me. The family evolved from traditional individual roasting to becoming a large, inspiring enterprise. They have top-brand equipment for the beans they cherish.

According to the family, roasting is where you truly experience the quality of your coffee. Considering the Sudanas have generations of expertise in engineering the perfect bean, it’s no surprise they have perfected this craft! Roasting was an extraordinary experience I’ll never forget—watching the tiny green beans transform into full brown coffee beans ready for local cafes.

Because the Sudana family is so dedicated to their craft, during my Coffee Bean Journey, I witnessed both modern and traditional roasting techniques. I followed my cup of coffee from bean to sip, and I could genuinely feel the love the family pours into it.

For some, it may just be a cup of coffee. But for this family and their plantation, it’s far more than that. It’s a community. It’s pride in what they create and continually giving their best—not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s a truly unique experience, and I would recommend this destination to anyone visiting Bali who wants their world shaken by Bali Beans!

After all was said and done, I couldn’t leave without a keepsake! I took home some precious coffee to my favorite hotel in Bali: Alila Seminyak. The Alila Hotel is the best place I’ve stayed in Bali, and I visit the island every year! Here, you can wake up to sunlight kissing the soft Bali beach, swim in a heavenly pool, and even enjoy a bar perfectly staged for the view.

And that’s not even mentioning the rooms! The space is a luxurious wonderland, with king-size beds, incredible showers, and even a private balcony. I couldn’t have asked for anything better after a full day on the Bali plantation.

Overall, it was a day I’ll never forget! The Coffee Bean Journey, guided by the geniuses at Bali Beans, is one of the best experiences imaginable. The story is touching, heartwarming, and utterly thrilling—I’ve already marked my calendar for the next trip! Follow the bean to Bali and create memories you’ll always remember!